Holcha

Yes I was logged in booked internet package okay then it froze so couldn’t continue. Tried several times.

Totally agree but I have just come off the phone with a wonderful young man at P&O, who was the complete opposite of MB’s experience. I booked a cruise for Aug 25 on Iona for us and our son, daughter in law and grandson in an adjoining cabins. He was a credit to P&O. Such a rarity these days. First time cruising with family so could be interesting!

We were also on this cruise and enjoyed it. We used Sindhu, Glass House and Beach House more than MDR. We found speakers good, enjoyed the entertainment, and most of the staff were excellent. We were a little disappointed with some of the excursions as not as well organised as previous ones, however for the most part the tour leaders were very knowledgeable. We were also disappointed not to have had a little more info from the Captain during the three rough weather days. We have booked Aurora again for next September.

Thank you Sarah for the beautifully written experience of your day (and of course your entire cruise). We have done this excursion with P&O twice, and I love it. Wish we were there now. Sitting here looking at the dull grey sky and rain, your posts are bringing a warm feeling and smile to an otherwise chilly depressing day. Looking forward to your posts for the rest of your trip. Best wishes, Sue

We like Saga for many reasons but as with everything in life it is not perfect. If it were then why have they not been able to fill their ships in the last twelve months. We receive post from them every few days offering 2023 cruises, but prices are quite high. So is their price structure working? These ships are small so I would have thought they would fill up quickly. Aurora balconies do not seem to have the same issue (well not on our Oct 2023 cruise). I did say to OH after our Iona cruise that we could have two cruises on P&O, and possibly other cruise companies, for one on Saga. He prefers Saga, but because I love being on a ship, P&O offer us the option of more than one cruise a year. So we try to do both now. We have to accept the fact they are not the same experience. To be honest there are some positives on P&O that we feel Saga could do better at, but I don’t want to start a war on here as we are all different and so are P&O and Saga.

We have had 10 cruises on P&O since 2013 and 2 on Saga in (2021&2022). Saga cruises were booked during lockdown as we hoped for a better experience than the last P&O cruise. Everything was excellent on the first Saga cruise with the exception of the wardrobe in standard balcony on Adventure, however I was prepared for second cruise but it is still frustrating leaving things in cases under the bed! Yes I do take too much. Our replacement P&O (from 2020) we had on Iona in October was not too bad, but the increased number of passengers did feel strange to us after Saga. I think you have to go with an open mind, but most things on Saga are superior. We have Aurora booked in October and Saga next April. It is difficult to weigh up the £ difference as two completely different experiences.

So pleased to hear your Aunt is home now. All good wishes for her operation and speedy recovery. Also good wishes to you and your family as this has been such a stressful time, do take care. Sorry to “drift” a little but I would like to thank you for all your posts during past 12 months re travel insurance. We have finally booked insurance for our October 8 cruise on Iona. Your comments really helped me decide where to go and the questions to ask. I appreciate very much your efforts in this regard.

Thank you Sarah for giving us so much information about Iona. We are booked on her in October but we were bit wary of her size, as we love Aurora, etc. However your reviews and information on the restaurants, etc have now allayed some fears and we are now very much looking forward to our cruise. This is our replacement for a T/A Caribbean from March 2020. Your reviews, along with those of Damien and Graham on Iona are very much appreciated as combined they provide a great amount of detail. Thank you and I hope you are feeling steadier soon.

Just to advise, the restrictions regarding mask wearing, social distancing in theatre etc have not been changed. Still no books in library. Details for contract tracing on tours have been recorded, however we have not heard of anyone being contacted with regard to COVID. We were concerned before we embarked but are very pleased with the cruise and did not feel the restrictions spoiled our holiday.