Review of our first Cruise with P&O on Azura.

[davecttr]

I have to admit we are not 'early birds' so we may have just caught the busy times in the restaurant. We did find that people were quite late getting their breakfast and lunch. It didn't dawn on us to try Breakfast in the main Dining room. We have often done this on other ships. I am hearing good reports about Ventura so might try a Cruise on her in the future. Is she similar to Azura in design ?

Ooops, missed your post

 

The differences will be (after Venturas refit this spring)

 

Azura - sea screen - Ventura - covered pool

Ventura - slightly more accessible promenade deck forward (the clam shell)

 

Almost clones now that the excellent Ramblas spanish bar on Ventura will be replaced by that pseudy wine bar the glass house.

 

Both ships lack inside relaxing space IMO, P&O's smaller ships seem to have more space.

[Tizzy]

Hello Davecttr

Thanks for your reply !

We will definitely sail with P&O again at some point but we are currently looking at a Cruise & Stay holiday for next January as I have found an itinerary I particularly like, including our favourites Bonaire and Aruba. Decisions, Decisions !

[Tizzy]

Hello Nic104

I am sure you will look lovely whatever you decide to wear. There were a huge assortment of things being worn on our Cruise on Azura. Some people wore long very formal gowns and others looked very elegant in cocktail length dresses. Lots of people wore smart evening trousers with sparkly tops too. Looking back I let it stress me out too much but as lots of people have said to me. Relax and enjoy. Have a Great time on your cruise.

[humperdink]

We are going on Azura on the 21st March and like you it will be our first P&O cruise after two with American owned ships. So i found your review very interesting.

we are on this one as well. flying from gatwick at 1000 o clock. (our very first flight

[paviliondv7]

Thanks of the review Tizzy.

 

I used to worry about the dress code and whether I would be "acceptable" to the "fashion police", but on the past few cruises I have been less bothered. Don't get me wrong, I am one to follow the rules, but for formal nights, I now tend to wear a pair of smart black evening trousers (which can also double for smart casual nights) and a sparky top (I take a few tops to choose from) and black thin black cardigan / jacket. On my last 2 cruises, I also took a long dress and a pair of sparky sandals, but I felt more comfy in my trouser outfit and the sandals I could hardly walk in, so I gave them up and went for comfort!

 

I did see ladies in long dresses and much more glamorous than I was (and good on them!), but as I felt comfortable and looked smart / formal (IMHO!), and my DH said I looked nice, that was good enough for me!

 

On my last cruise on formal night, I saw everything from ball gowns to a track suit (yes on a lady!) and everything in between, so as long as you look smart and feel comfortable, I don't see anything wrong in that.

 

Hope you keep on cruising Tizzy and have a better dining experience next time.

 

could not agree more, I am on the Ventura in April, will dress smart casual and be comfortable, sod anyone who dislikes this, I dont give a stuff!

[Denarius]

Ooops, missed your post

 

The differences will be (after Venturas refit this spring)

 

Azura - sea screen - Ventura - covered pool

Ventura - slightly more accessible promenade deck forward (the clam shell)

 

Almost clones now that the excellent Ramblas spanish bar on Ventura will be replaced by that pseudy wine bar the glass house.

 

Both ships lack inside relaxing space IMO, P&O's smaller ships seem to have more space.

A retrograde step, I agree, and one so far behind the times. Wine bars were last century's thing, most are now cafe bars in which the main emphasis is on world and craft beers rather than wine. Celebrity recognise this by having specialist beer bars on their latest ships offering over 60 bottled beers from all over the world. If P&O were on the ball they could have done the same. Britons by and large do not "sip vintages", they drink beer!