Son of Anarchy

They used to do a pithivier at the loyalty lunch. Never tried it, though was told that it was very good.

Good to read that you got your refund sorted......eventually. Shouldn't need three visits to reception for something like that. Also good to read that Glasshouse serve a proper cheeseboard. Used to be my go to dessert (apart from raspberry or ginger sorbet) in the MDR in the days before the plated stuff. We've never done Glasshouse before, just keep talking about it. So might give it a go next month when we're on Ventura.

When we were on Arvia, one bright spark in the buffet left a packet of cigarettes and lighter to mark their territory.

I'm unpleasantly surprised that they are using plastic dishes for the jam and marmalade in the MDR. This year we have been on Azura, Arvia and Aurora. Jam and marmalade were also served in small dishes/ramekins, but at least they were china. On Ventura next month 😊

Rucksack. Man's answer to the handbag.

Sorry to hear that you trip to Seville didn't pan out. Pretty poor show that they departed early without everyone on board. Hopefully you refund will be paid as promptly as the coach departed. As for that pot of butter.....simply disgraceful.

Interesting all this chat about repetitive menus and the menus being generic across the fleet. When we were on Aurora in September we didn't get French onion soup once, and we were on for 30 days. I really enjoy P&O's French onion soup. I used to look at the menus posted outside the MDR every day, and just don't recall seeing that on the menu for the whole cruise. Raspberry sorbet however, several times, as well as ginger sorbet. Can't get enough of those two sorbets!

Interesting reading about Freeport, as we're there in January. Never been there before. A few years ago we were chatting with the head of hotel services on Azura. He mentioned that Azura was due for a refit, and (at that time) was scheduled to have it in Freeport. - Sounds better than Hamburg we said. - No, crew won't be happy about two weeks in Freeport he replied. Now I know why.

We try to wash as much as possible before coming home as well. Don't bother with ironing though, rather spend that time around the ship.

Last time we were in Arrecife we just had an early lunch and then spent the time in the marina. A couple of nice yottie shops and one of the bars has views of the boats.

We're on board afterwards. Although I'm a great Humbug, it will be nice to be onboard with all the Christmas decorations. At least its December.

Thanks for posting. Although I don't live in Grays, good to know that I can get € or $ from the Sainsburys there. A trip out on the bike, cheeky burger in McDs and pick up me holiday money!

Although I don't recall the prices, I thought that the duty free booze prices on Aurora in September were more than we paid for the same stuff on Arvia in April. On the September cruise we only bought two bottles and that was because on that cruise there was a short window where you could buy 1 litre each for onboard consumption.

I don't think P&O do either!

Just found this regarding scattering/lowering of ashes: It is possible to scatter ashes from our ships at sea but is dependent on certain factors and requires approval from the Captain in advance of the start of the cruise. In order for the scattering of ashes to take place, the ashes must be stored within a biodegradable container, with certificate or equivalent proof that this is a bio-degradable container also carried onboard, as the ashes will be lowered in to the water and not physically scattered. The Certificate of Cremation will also need to be brought on board. The Captain or a Senior Officer will accompany you to an outside area, typically a lower deck and if requested they will say a prayer. Please note, the ceremony is not formal or religious and there is no charge to arrange a scattering of ashes. Flowers for the occasion can be purchased from the on board florist or brought on board from ashore as long as they are completely biodegradable. Once the scattering has taken place, the Captain will normally provide you with location details from the entry in ship's log. Please speak to our Customer Contact Centre between 3 - 6 months prior to sailing (please visit our website for contact details). Once confirmed, you will receive details via email / post. Times and dates may be restricted due to weather conditions and are finalised once on board. Scattering of ashes approval is always subject to change. Please note that the scattering of ashes cannot be performed on cruises of 5 nights duration or less. The scattering needs to be performed on a sea day and must be at least 12 nautical miles away from land. Please note: For Iona's for G333 – G406, we can only accept one scattering per 7 days. The scattering of ashes must not be confirmed on the call, as Events will need to ensure there's availability. We are not permitted to scatter the ashes of pets. We will not be able to take requests for cruises G308 – G323 inclusive. Scattering of ashes cannot be performed on cruises of 5 nights or less. The scattering needs to be performed on a sea day and must be at least 12 nautical miles away from land, according to maritime law. The person wishing to scatter the ashes must be booked on the cruise. When we send confirmation to the guest, we will also advise that the ashes have to be carried as part of the hand luggage in a biodegradable container along with the Certificate of Cremation. It is not possible to arrange if a short cruise or if a busy itinerary due to environmental restrictions. Scatterings are not always possible in areas with protected bodies of water – example, the Fjords. As with other events, scatterings cannot be confirmed if over 6 months in advance of the sail date. In addition, requests should not be sent later than 3 months prior to sailing. The full article can be found at: Life on board - Can we scatter ashes at sea / can I carry ashes on board?| Frequently Asked Questions | P&O Cruises | Complete Cruise Solution It's a pity that this information doesn't appear to be readily accessible on P&O's main site.

Thank you Selbourne for another great update to your current cruise. Also, thanks for the info posted regarding scattering/dropping loved ones ashes at sea. It's something I've been mulling over to do with my Mum's ashes.

And if booking via certain TAs its possible to get a balcony cabin for £51.50 pppn. Still trying to convince The Ole Lady.

Same here, apart from chocolate milkshake (haven't had one for years though) and the occasioanal hot chocolate.

So jealous!!! Got straight onto accommodation after seeing that Weller was playing. Decided that we weren't prepared to pay the money that even AirbNB's were asking. That's Edinburgh in July for you. Have a great time. Plenty to do during the day. Take a bus to Leith to visit Britannia, not the P&O one!

Try the following link nearer the time: Cruise Ship Schedule - Southampton VTS - ABP Southampton

Have a great cruise Selbourne & co.

One of these rare incidents where all those training excercises and drills that are done, but you hope never happen, are put into practice. Just heard on GB News that one body recovered, two survivors so far. Another four missing. Thoughts with everyone involved.

My concern as well. The MDR's have been dumbed to an extent already. What I can see happening is that decent upsells may well be tried in the MDR. Fillet steak has been suggested. Maybe other things like lobster (didn't see that once on a recent 30 night cruise), beef Wellington, scallops etc. So far so good. Trial is a success, for 99% of customers, so is rolled out across the fleet. Great. Then after six months or so, the included MDR menu changes..... no more sirloin steak every day, no more game dishes etc. And, the upsell/upgrade option change... you guessed it... prawn cocktail and sirloin steak. No more fillet steak, no more beef Wellington or scallops. Inlcuded MDR meals are in danger of being dumbed down to burger and chips, chicken nuggets. And 99% of passengers will be happy with this, with the other 99% being happy to pay an upgrade for what was previously included. Followed by 99% of passengers taking their custom elsewhere. Rant over...taking a breath and going to sit in a dark room for while.

I think it was £2.95 per dish, or you could have 3 for £6.95. We tried them on Azura pre-pandemic. Well worth it. Only bottled beer in Sindhu (on Azura) so if you want a pint order elsewhere and take in with you. Easy on Aurora, Glass House is on the same deck.

Sindhu were doing the Tiffin box lunches on some sea days when we were on board in September. Didn't go though. By the time friends we were travelling with decided to give it a go, the remaining days were fully booked.