Many years ago we were on a Thomson cruise , yes, that long ago . The ship had to undergo a balance test , which meant compulsory disembarkation of passengers and all crew apart from those needed for the tests . This was also 10 till 4.
Thomson, laid on free excursions, this was Barcelona, a lunch at a 5 star hotel . For those not wanting to do a trip , then a day pass at a hotel , pool etc. Our waiters were full of it about their time off at the beach etc.
We all had a great time . Appreciate, this was a much smaller passenger number, but P&O could have done something nicer for people surely.