babs135

Should have been on board the Queen Elizabeth but instead we're at home dreaming of what might have been. Transferred to the Canary Islands over Xmas and the New Year. Thoughts now turn to next year and I'm wondering if we should stick with Cunard or look at another cruise line. Would value your opinion.

Might get a response if you post this in the River Cruises forum.

Might have and I could have missed it!!!

As promised here is what I hope is an objective review of our recent cruise on the Iona to Norway. As this was our first cruise post pandemic we were not sure what to expect. This is not our first P&O cruise, having sailed on the Oriana back in 2014, and which, although we had enjoyed it, didn't exactly make us fall in love with P&O. However, the desire for a break combined with a holiday that did not include the hassle of airports, a good sounding itinerary(!) and an equally good sounding price led us to the Iona. We don't mind big ships, our last cruise being on the Symphony of the Seas, so we didn't mind getting lost up to and including the last day!! We just laughed and started over again. Our cabin was on deck 10, inside midship. Small but adequate and thank goodness for a shower door and not the dreaded shower curtain. Our steward introduced herself and was never seen again but the cabin was always clean. We did miss the nightly turndown and chocolate, but it wasn't a deal breaker. The crew worked hard and were always friendly but apart from embark and debark days we never saw an officer anywhere. While I do understand why, it would have been nice for at least one of them to make an appearance. The midday announcement was short and to the point but I never did catch the captain's name. On all other ships we've been on there is usually a board with photos and names of the officers, but unless I missed it I didn't see one so we've left the ship not knowing any names. Communication could have been better, for example we were informed that we would be sailing down a fjord to see the 7 sisters and that was it. There are an awful lot of waterfalls in Norway but we worked out which were the 7 sisters (some are faint so you do have to count to make sure), however we were approached by a passenger who didn't have a clue where to look and had missed them! For first time cruisers an extra announcement as the waterfalls drew near would have been very helpful. Food is very subjective so I'll just say that whilst we most definitely did not go hungry the choice was boring and monotonous. We have never had our evening meal other than in the MDR on any ship as DH is of the mindset that he's paid for it and, therefore, why pay for a speciality restaurant. However 2 nights we ate at The Quays (included in the price) and enjoyed the fish & chips and the American burgers. Again, we actually don't mind the buffet and apart from a couple of mornings were quite happy to go to the Horizon. The coffee left a lot to the imagination though and if we were to sail P&O again I think we would take Nescafe sachets with us. And why was there only water, along with tea and coffee available throughout the day? All other ships have had some sort of fruit juice as well. (not talking about breakfast when there was juice). Entertainment is another subjective matter. The shows we went to I thoroughly enjoyed but DH hated. And while I understand that being port intensive meant there was no chance of any talks about the ports, why wasn't there anything on the television in the cabin? A few minutes of trying to sell excursions isn't enough. And whilst I'm talking about the television, why was there no channel where the cruise director/crew members/officers talked about what was happening around the ship? Is this normal for this type of cruise? I'm curious about this. As we knew prior to boarding Gerainger was no longer an option, docking instead in Hellesylt which was lovely. We also enjoyed Stavanger and Olden but were disappointed with Haugesund. As a bonus the weather for the week was absolutely glorious, meaning I didn't need to have packed umpteen sweaters or a cagoule!!!! Having read through this review again, it sounds more negative than positive BUT this is just the opinion of one person and her hubby. We DID enjoy ourselves and have some lovely memories. But would we sail with P&O again? Whilst you should never say never again I don't think we will rush back. If you have any questions or feel that I've been unfair please ask for clarification, etc.

I seem to remember doing this city train trip which was very good. It's a good few years since we visited but I think they also did a combined ticket with a visit to the aquarium. The city train - Sightseeing in Ålesund! (bytoget.no)

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I walk with a stick and it took me about 10 minutes from the ship to the waterfall. Walking up the very steep road on the right of the waterfall was a different matter!! I had to stop several times to catch my breath so it took about 15 minutes. Was it worth it ? Absolutely, the views on both sides of the road are very impressive. Go back the other way which is not as steep and you can also stop for a while at the little church. We were very lucky to have fabulous weather and, in fact, the whole week the sun shone. Hopefully you be as lucky.

Lots of chatter about this small hamlet of less than 300 residents. Personally I found it lovely even if the walk alongside the waterfall was very steep!! Photo taken from the ship.

Do spaces ever become available when on board ? Hubby has dragged his feet for so long that there's no availability at all. Should have just booked it days ago 🤣

Rightly or wrongly Carnival has a reputation for their ships to be 'fun ships' and, again rightly or wrongly, on this basis we have avoided booking with them. However, they are showing some fantastic prices for the Pride out of Dover and I'm wondering whether I may be cutting my nose off to spite my face. Anyone sailed with them and what was it like?

Best before or after a cruise? Things I need to take into consideration when choosing?