Having cruised with P and O since 1971 I was really looking forward to my Arcadia cruise next month--a chance to meet old friends and enjoy all the P and O extras that Loyalty people have. Today I received an email inviting me to " check in on line" this involves personal details, next of kin, passport details and downloading photos!!!!!! sorry my partner is 84 years old im 74 so do not have the necessary skills!!!! we will do it at Southampton where P and O have cancelled our Loyalty reception so embarkation is easier!!!! Who are they trying to kid??? the reception glass of fizz plus canapes was a wonderful chance to meet old friends and perhaps get a group together for the syndicate quiz--or have they cancelled syndicate quizzes as well???? ive just read a review of no after-noon teas and no Captains lunch--how about welcome on board cocktail party, always a fun hour in the swimming pool area!!! We have booked the Christmas cruise on Aurora as well---how awful to say I am not really looking forward to either.. Yes P and O have given us extra on board spend but thats because we have paid so much more for our Balcony cabin than the current advertised price. It does not pay to book early. It seems that Iona and Arvia have very cheap prices--cant P and O see that is us, loyalty people who should continue to book on their 2 adult only ships but who will think twice and favour Fred Olsen or Saga if Loyalty benefits are discontinued and there are no benefits worth having.
