FangedRose

I don't particularly like Azura or Ventura, but love Britannia. I also like Aurora and Arcadia. It's not the size that matters.

Well, that's another reason not to report any symptoms to the medical centre. Mind you, you don't get compensation from P&O if you catch flu or a cold, or anything else and stay in your cabin for a few days. And, I've felt far worse with a "normal" cold than I did with covid. (Yes I know it's not the same for everyone, so no comments about long covid etc).

You have to anyway. You got to the muster station when you board, get your boarding pass scanned, then go to your cabin, your cruise card will be in your pigeon hole, and the safety film will be showing on the TV.

Wonder if was the same one that was on for first half of 5th July cruise? Your description fits.

If you mean the one who was standing in for Martyn Sharples for the first week of 5th July cruise I agree. He was probably fed up at having to do cover. However, Martyn Sharples was the complete opposite, patrolling the decks, talking to passengers, etc. Very amusing and personable.

Name of ship would help. Not gonna log onto P&O website to find out. Also, nobody knows for sure in advance, can change at short notice.

They haven't, those are rules of Canada/USA

Someone has just posted in another place that they have received a reply to their complaints about the 5th July Arcadia cruise.Refuses to go into anymore details of the complaint or the reply because they are too long. There follows a string of people worrying about upcoming cruises and begging for more details which are not forthcoming from the op. I've tried to allay their fears by pointing out that the majority of problems were specific to that cruise and were no longer an issue. Why do people do that? JUST DON'T.

I have cruised at least once a year (often two or three times, apart from lockdown) for 20 years, and have never had any tummy trouble (other than self inflicted). Soap and water is much more efficient than any sanitisers, but often use both.

Nearly right. Not England Gate, but English Gate. Another local story about Carlisle and Scotland is the Town Hall clock tower only has clock faces on three sides. The one missing is the one facing north 'because we don't want to give the Scots the time of day'. Don't care whether it's true or not it's a good story. And Bonnie Prince Charlie spent the night in Marks & Spencer on his way south during his campaign to 'reclaim' the monarchy. Or, at least, the house he stayed in is in roughly the same spot that M&S occupies now,

Nah. That's pins and needles.

They don't have the Costa coffee card anymore. I'm pretty sure they didn't do it on my last pre-covid cruise (Sept '19).

Depends on what offers are in place. Reduced deposit and obc is pretty standard. In the past I've had both coach (or car parking) and a fair amount of obc. But it varies. It will get transferred to your preferred travel agent (if any) so you don't lose any benefits they may give you.

Me neither. Just overheard a conversation about it from someone who had tried to donate a book.

Yes to all. They were fully open on 5th July cruise. They wouldn't take donated books from passengers though. That might have changed.

Even in the current climate £2 is not expensive.

You can book excursions through the app when on board. No queueing.

On Arcadia the quarantine cabins were/are behind the lifts so no inside cabins. I was confined to my balcony cabin (not moved to quarantine cabins) but the inside cabins opposite me were still being used.

As has been mentioned above, if the sea is particularly nasty they may postpone formal nights, happened to me once or twice.

Unlikely, quarantine cabins are all balcony cabins.

Stock up on duty free for Christmas presents. Treat yourself to select dining. Upgrade your drinks to branded gin (or whatever) instead of 'house'. Get Internet package. Buy handbags, scarves or jewellery for Christmas presents (or yourself). Spending a lot of OBC can be hard work, you just have to try hard and concentrate, you can do it! 😅

Agree, medical reason for cancellation (especially if accident happened on board) means no cancellation fee.

Pre booking excursions is cheaper than on board. You still get any peninsular discount. As you say, they may be sold out. If there are certain ones you want to do I wouldn't risk it.

Oh dear! Most experienced P&O cruisers tick the 'no upgrade' box. Whilst technically the upgrade may be in a slightly higher grade than what you originally booked it might be in a worse position, such as under the buffet (noise early morning from setting up for breakfast), right at the front of the ship (more movement etc) and so on. You won't be upgraded from an inside to a deluxe balcony. Any upgrade you do get will probably be from one inside to another inside on a different deck. And, having ticked the 'upgrade' box you cannot refuse the upgrade if it is given to you.

Past customers cost P&O money. Peninsular discount, free cocktail party, Peninsular lunches etc etc. Plus as long term cruisers they are less likely to pay for shore excursions (been there, done it, got the t-shirt), rarely frequent the shops or the spa, or bother with photographs. They know the tips and tricks to get extra OBC. New cruisers do not get discounts, parties and dinners. Much more likely to buy shore excursions, souvenirs from the shops and photographs, indulge in special venue dining etc. So it is in P&O interests to encourage new cruisers rather than try to keep experienced cruisers.