wblee

Like others we have found parking 4 cruises the best option. They are just opposite the port (usually in the short stay car park). They are always a little cheaper than the similar alternatives and they have never let us down. We have tried hotel parking etc but the hassle of getting to and from the parking place is a real pain in the harris. When I get off the ship I have about 200 miles to go and so really appreciate the quick transfer. Usually about £95 for 14 nights, probably more than parking on someone's drive but miles more convenient

Bill Lee

Hi

We have used them 5 times now and it has always been a good experience and we intend to use them next time,

Bill

We went to Venice last year and had a great time on the gondola. There were 2 basic options available (no haggling possible as all prices fixed it seems); half an hour 80 Euros, or 1 hour for 160 euros, we discussed the cost with some other tourists and so 4 of us went on the hours trip for 40 euros each. I appreciate that some people might be concerned about the quality of the water but all four of us thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Booking through P & O would have cost a lot more for a much shorter ride with more people, the only advantage to P & O that I could see was getting on the vaporetto slightly quicker.

St Marks square IS expensive so if you don't want to pay the price for the experience then go to the cafes on the side streets, the farther away the cheaper. We went into one of the cafes in the square for cake and coffee and knew beforehand that it was not going to be cheap, whilst we would probably go somewhere else next time it was a real treat and I would say go and enjoy it but if you are going to be upset about the prices go somewhere else. By the way I was speaking to a local who was telling us a little about the costs of living on Venice, it made living in London look cheap. The costs involved in running a cafe in St Marks Sq must be horrendous.

In april on Aurora it was £15 per person, there were items which would have attracted an extra cost, we didn't order any but the food was extremely tasty.

The Beachhouse was £5 and the lava rock steak is fabulous.

Have a good cruise.

Bill Lee

Thanks for all the feedback, much sppreciated

Bill Lee

A bit of advice please. We arrive in Lisbon on 6th Dec on Oceana and really fancy going to the aquarium. There is a trip from the boat which we would normally just take but it is for 4 hours (£39) and includes a tour of Lisbon so the time in the aquarium must be fairly short. In addition we have been to Lisbon a few times and would rather not repeat trips round the town area.

The only reference I can find says that the main area is about an hour away from the dock? I can't seem to find where the aquarium is in regard to the port area but it appears to be close to the Vasco de Gama bridge and I'm hoping someone can tell me if it is sensible to take a taxi or other form of transport to get there or just go on the trip. Walking involves sticks and moaning so nothing too adventurous is required!

Can anyone help please.

Bill Lee

As stated standard UK but make sure you take an multi point extension lead as there are only 1 or 2 sockets, one of which will be used for the kettle.

Bill

Hi

When we have bought a package it is in the form of a card with the appropriate number of symbols, every time one is bought a symbol is cancelled by the waiter so you can use it for as many people as you want.

Bill

Whenever we come back from a cruise we fill in the questionnaire and I always note the questions about how the cruises are booked and managed, P&O seem to be interested in why we don't book direct with them, obviously it is more profitable for them. They have no chance. Looking at the forums and the many complaints about the phones it is amazing to me that ANYONE books direct.

We always use, and will continue to use, a specialist cruise company and have never had to pay more than the P&O direct price, in addition we get quick replies, great service and additional loyalty benefits. It seems very much as though the bean counters are running (or is it ruining) customer service and employing less and poorer trained (cheaper) people. Not the fault of the poor people answering the phones but typical of big businesses in UK nowadays.

Bill

It will be very cold, especially North Cape where the wind comes straight from the Pole. Layers are best and a GOOD pair of gloves will be helpful. Don't worry though as long as you are properly dressed you will absolutely love it, the cape is an experience. The local shops sell a lot of natural fur clothing which they swear by and they should know but the only swearing I did was at the prices, it is an expensive place. BUT it is beautiful and we will definitely be going again. Make sure you take lots of photos.

Thanks for the responses, all are appreciated, it seems I'm concerned about nothing, I will have a go and thanks again

Bill

Hi all, some advice please. We are due to go on our 6th cruise on Oceana at the end of November and I am considering joining the art class (I am assuming there will be one as there has been on the previous 5). I used to enjoy art many years ago but I was always envious of those who could do complicated drawings accurately and with minimum use of a rubber!

I really don't want to look a dunce!

Has anyone with similar skill levels experience of doing these classes?

Lastly would it be better to take my own stuff with me or just buy them from the tutor?

Thanks.

we always buy a soft drinks and coffee card, I mostly drink the soft drinks and my wife drinks the coffee, on a 14 day cruise we normally find them used up on the 12th or 13th day. Be aware though that the soft drinks only supply Pepsi, Coke has to be bought separately. It doesn't bother us but some may not be happy.

No need to pre purchase as they are very easy to get on board, the waiters will probably ask if you want to buy one when you order.

Never used an ice cream card as it is easily available in the restaurants and if you do fancy one on a hot day they are very tasty and not expensive

Have a good holiday.

Bill Lee

Hi

The comments about layers are spot on but if you are going to the North Cape you need to know that it can be very cold with the wind coming straight off the pole. When we went it was bitterly cold and a bit foggy but even so it ws definitely worth the trip, it is really exhilarating. Make sure you have good headgear to protect your ears! The best clothing is what the Norwegians wear but they tend to be natural fur/skins and some don't like to buy them. However it is a bit of a moot point as the prices in Norway are extremely high so buy what you need locally if possible. You are going to love the views, I suggest that you make sure you are out in the open for the arrivals/departures your eyes won't be big enough! Make sure you have plenty of memory for your camera.

Bill

We have recently been on Aurora (Apr/May). It was the 5th P&O ship, Adonia, Azura, Oceana and Oriana were the others and honestly we thought it was the best ship so far. The previous comments are accurate and we agree with them. We never had any problem getting seats though the most popular entertainments do fill up quickly. It is now the first ship we consider for future cruises but we really have no concerns about booking on any of them.

Hope this help. Enjoy your cruise!

Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to the forum and having just booked our 6th cruise we are hardly seasoned campaigners like many of you contributing to this thread. All of our cruises have been with P&O and all have been thoroughly good value. Though we are obviously in the peninsular club I don't really understand all the emotion over the benefits/advantages. We get 8.5% off the end of cruise bill which is much appreciated. We don't wear the pins they supply which I understand can get you a free drink? (Neither does anyone else from my observation). Before booking we always check the major cruise companies but overall I am convinced that we get the best deal available using P&O. Last December we had 14 nights in the med for £549! Obviously this was entry level, interior cabin etc but fabulous value which nobody else could get anywhere near. Low tips, reasonable bar prices no service gratuities, as far as we can see it's almost a no brainer.

I realise that having no experience of Princess, RC, Fred Olsen etc leaves my comments open to challenge but my point is that given the excellent staff and our satisfaction with P&O combined with a nice discount it will take a major change to move us from P&O.

By the way we're not always cheapskates and our next trip is a select price balcony so we'll get on a little earlier than previously though I don't really care about it as the ship doesn't go till the last passenger is on board.

We have recently returned from an Aurora trip, the common area outside D cabins has a strong door and accesses directly into the Costa coffee area, on the other side of which was the Sindhu. We used the area a lot and whilst we didn't have a relevant cabin we used the corridor frequently and were never aware of any smells at all