Things that we want P&O to INTRODUCE ...

[wowzz]

1 minute ago, peteukmcr said:

Well I give up. I really do give up. Freedom to me means I can dine at a time that I choose, not at a fixed time mandated by the cruise line. If I can make reservations to guarantee that time, as on land, I will. I can also guarantee we are not tardy, so charge me a deposit, because I won’t lose it. 
 

Why do I like reservations as on other lines. Because I can choose my time, my table size and don’t have to stand in line waiting for the next to be free like a cafeteria! 

As a matter of interest, how far in advance do you make a reservation? 

We like to go with the flow -drinks at lunch time = late dinner.  See a show  = early dinner.  Making a reservation just seems an anathema to us. We go on holiday to eat on the spur of the moment, not to have to make a reservation.

[Tom Baker]

Some new quiz questions, especially in the James Bond Quiz and the Battle of the Sexes Quiz. Some participants know the answers before the questions are asked. Absolutely pointless playing

[Harry Peterson]

6 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

15 minutes is way too long, you should be there on time or the table is forfeited.

I'd agree, but even that isn't the magic bullet - there's still going to be dead time because you have to get the table cleared of the previous diners in time, and it's inevitably going to empty for a while.

 

All table reservations involve dead time - it's unavoidable.  That's fine in a non-pressured environment, but pressure on tables in the MDR is such at peak times that it would inevitably increase the queue for non-bookers substantially.  That would lead to everyone booking ahead, even more wasted table time, and nobody would be able to just turn up when convenient.  Add to that the fact that unless you booked early, the only bookings you'd get would be for inconvenient times.

 

The only way this would work would be for P&O to increase the number of tables, with attendant costs and higher fares.  It simply doesn't work in practice unless you do this.

[terrierjohn]

3 hours ago, Harry Peterson said:

I'd agree, but even that isn't the magic bullet - there's still going to be dead time because you have to get the table cleared of the previous diners in time, and it's inevitably going to empty for a while.

 

All table reservations involve dead time - it's unavoidable.  That's fine in a non-pressured environment, but pressure on tables in the MDR is such at peak times that it would inevitably increase the queue for non-bookers substantially.  That would lead to everyone booking ahead, even more wasted table time, and nobody would be able to just turn up when convenient.  Add to that the fact that unless you booked early, the only bookings you'd get would be for inconvenient times.

 

The only way this would work would be for P&O to increase the number of tables, with attendant costs and higher fares.  It simply doesn't work in practice unless you do this.

I think this is the second time in a week that I totally agree with you Harry, these are worrying times.😉

[brian1]

On Princess,Ithink reservations are allocated on a 1st come basis.It is also limited,so if you phone too late the time slots are gone.The system is not as bad as people think.

[Britboys]

13 hours ago, davecttr said:

Carafes in the cabins and chilled water stations on passenger decks are an excellent idea. However some passengers need reminding that the carafe is not a flower vase!

😲 Really? It never ceases to amaze me how inconsiderate and/or stupid some people can be...

[Tikka234]

12 hours ago, davemorton said:

There is a small room on at least 2 of the ships which has air hockey, but its well hidden just near the casino/pub.

Anyone know which ships, I'm trying to get family to try P.O. They had a 3 night cruise on Independence of the seas their first. I have been trying to sell 

I to them. 

[crompton21]

42 minutes ago, Tikka234 said:

Anyone know which ships, I'm trying to get family to try P.O. They had a 3 night cruise on Independence of the seas their first. I have been trying to sell 

I to them. 

There is a room below/on the way to the theatre on Ventura (I can't quite remember the exact location) which looks something like a child friendly arcade (the games cost money to play I believe), it was there 6 weeks ago if that helps.  Looking at the deck plan I believe that it has to be what is marked as the peninsular room, although it doesn't look anything like the pictures I can find of that room now!  Alternatively they have opened up a space that wasn't used before.

 

Strange that it isn't mentioned anywhere....

Edited January 6, 2020 by crompton21

[Tikka234]

32 minutes ago, crompton21 said:

There is a room below/on the way to the theatre on Ventura (I can't quite remember the exact location) which looks something like a child friendly arcade (the games cost money to play I believe), it was there 6 weeks ago if that helps.  Looking at the deck plan I believe that it has to be what is marked as the peninsular room, although it doesn't look anything like the pictures I can find of that room now!  Alternatively they have opened up a space that wasn't used before.

 

Strange that it isn't mentioned anywhere....

Thanks  just seen a video showing this , looks a nice area , 

anyone know if any other ships have an area like this, thanks

[reece.twigg-white]

One thing that me and the husband discussed numerous times onboard Azura in December was we would love them to do something like an LGBTQ+ afternoon tea or similar.

 

We have never had a problem being Gay whilst on board (well, apart from an incident on this last cruise) but it would be nice to be able to easily meet up with some like minded people etc :)

[majortom10]

2 hours ago, brian1 said:

On Princess,Ithink reservations are allocated on a 1st come basis.It is also limited,so if you phone too late the time slots are gone.The system is not as bad as people think.

On our last Princess cruise on Crown Princess in August last year one night we went to the Anytime dining restaurant and was told no tables were available, even though there clearly was, and was told that those were for people who had reserved tables in Anytime in advance. We were taken by a member of staff from midships to the aft of the restaurant to the Club Dining restaurant which was half empty and given a table for 2. We got some very strange and dirty looks because it was between set dining times and everbody was well into being served and eating their evening meals.

[crompton21]

8 minutes ago, reece.twigg-white said:

One thing that me and the husband discussed numerous times onboard Azura in December was we would love them to do something like an LGBTQ+ afternoon tea or similar.

 

We have never had a problem being Gay whilst on board (well, apart from an incident on this last cruise) but it would be nice to be able to easily meet up with some like minded people etc 🙂

On our recent cruise on Ventura, we came across a get together in Metropolis on one of the first sea days.  Whilst not actually my thing, I sort of assumed that sort of arrangement was always in place.  Clearly not the case then!

[reece.twigg-white]

1 minute ago, crompton21 said:

On our recent cruise on Ventura, we came across a get together in Metropolis on one of the first sea days.  Whilst not actually my thing, I sort of assumed that sort of arrangement was always in place.  Clearly not the case then!

 

Ah interesting! It they do, they don't seem to advertise it haha

 

Tbh it isn't really my sort of thing, I think it would be a case of go, then say hello in passing, i'm not a massively social or party person lol

[manonabike]

18 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Good idea except when the lift arrives people will appear and push themselves in first.

but if the lift went straight for the 'priority' selected floor that would discourage others. I never said it was a foolproof scheme just yet, only an idea

 

[AndyMichelle]

35 minutes ago, reece.twigg-white said:

 

Ah interesting! It they do, they don't seem to advertise it haha

 

Tbh it isn't really my sort of thing, I think it would be a case of go, then say hello in passing, i'm not a massively social or party person lol

I have always liked the fact that gay passengers are not shoved in a corner, but integrated with the rest of us, so not sure separate meetings would be good from that point of view. 

Andy 

 

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, manonabike said:

but if the lift went straight for the 'priority' selected floor that would discourage others. I never said it was a foolproof scheme just yet, only an idea

 

Good idea only selfish people will always push in.

The only solution would be a lift warden next to each block of lifts who would make sure people in wheelchairs or people with a disability card were allowed first into the lift.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, AndyMichelle said:

I have always liked the fact that gay passengers are not shoved in a corner, but integrated with the rest of us, so not sure separate meetings would be good from that point of view. 

Andy 

 

Royal Caribbean have these group meetings on every cruise so singles or lesbian/gays can meet up.The daily newsletter or a sign at reception advises people of these get togethers.

[Britboys]

2 hours ago, AndyMichelle said:

I have always liked the fact that gay passengers are not shoved in a corner, but integrated with the rest of us, so not sure separate meetings would be good from that point of view. 

Andy 

 

I must say that I would like the opportunity of attending LGBT+ meetings on P&O.  Whilst I don't feel a desperate need for them, it would be nice.  In all my years of cruising, I have never had a problem on board a P&O ship (apart from one guy on Azura which may or may not have been related to Tony & I being a couple) but sadly there is still discrimination and bad attitude out there so it would be nice to have a meet up with others where you know you can relax right away.

It certainly wouldn't feel like being shoved in a corner to me Andy 😀 - and definitely wouldn't stop me socialising with all you straight people the rest of the time 😂😉

[reece.twigg-white]

2 minutes ago, Britboys said:

I must say that I would like the opportunity of attending LGBT+ meetings on P&O.  Whilst I don't feel a desperate need for them, it would be nice.  In all my years of cruising, I have never had a problem on board a P&O ship (apart from one guy on Azura which may or may not have been related to Tony & I being a couple) but sadly there is still discrimination and bad attitude out there so it would be nice to have a meet up with others where you know you can relax right away.

It certainly wouldn't feel like being shoved in a corner to me Andy 😀 - and definitely wouldn't stop me socialising with all you straight people the rest of the time 😂😉

 

Completely agree :) I would definitely never stop me socializing with anyone, just an initial meet up would be nice. Especially on things like a Caribbean cruise. It would be nice to be able to have the opportunity to people who have been to islands and have experiences of places that are good to go or should definitely be avoided (we have been in a few situations where as a gay couple on one of the islands we have not felt safe)

 

I definitely would not stop socializing with straight people, we use it as our opportunity to show a lot of straight men what "black tie" actually means ;-)

 

 

[Denarius]

19 hours ago, davecttr said:

As a solo cruiser returning to P&O I think that is an excellent idea.

And it's a win win situation. Solo travellers get to eat in Sindu etc without having to dine on their own, whilst P&O get select dining charges from people who would otherwise dined in the MDR. Can't understand why no one at P&O have ever thought of this.

[davemorton]

5 hours ago, Tikka234 said:

Anyone know which ships, I'm trying to get family to try P.O. They had a 3 night cruise on Independence of the seas their first. I have been trying to sell 

I to them. 

Definitely Ventura, and I think Azura (but that would need checking).  In the back of my head, I think  if Britannia may have the same too, but cant be too sure on that on.  Sure someone must be on her soon, that could tell you.

[DamianG]

22 hours ago, dunnster1965 said:

Green beans on the menu in the MDR... 😉

 

Our son has had these as a side dish quite a few times in the MDR. His grandparents have often chosen food from the kids menu as well so I don't think it would do any harm to ask even if they are not on the menu.

[Ilovemygarden]

20 minutes ago, Denarius said:

And it's a win win situation. Solo travellers get to eat in Sindu etc without having to dine on their own, whilst P&O get select dining charges from people who would otherwise dined in the MDR. Can't understand why no one at P&O have ever thought of this.

An excellent idea. I really wanted to go to the Limelight Club on Britannia but didn’t want to book a table for one!

[Britboys]

46 minutes ago, reece.twigg-white said:

 

Completely agree 🙂 I would definitely never stop me socializing with anyone, just an initial meet up would be nice. Especially on things like a Caribbean cruise. It would be nice to be able to have the opportunity to people who have been to islands and have experiences of places that are good to go or should definitely be avoided (we have been in a few situations where as a gay couple on one of the islands we have not felt safe)

 

I definitely would not stop socializing with straight people, we use it as our opportunity to show a lot of straight men what "black tie" actually means 😉

 

 

My personal moral compass makes me avoid the Caribbean.  Sadly, there are more islands with discriminatory legislation still in place than there are those that have come into the 21st century!  Regrettably, mostly those that used to be ruled by the UK....

[brian1]

6 hours ago, Britboys said:

😲 Really? It never ceases to amaze me how inconsiderate and/or stupid some people can be...

Better than leaving it under the bed,if you know what I mean,lol.