Barely Live review Iona to the Fjords 10/6

[Deeliteful]

Day 6 Last day 😕 Sea Day

Another gloriously sunny day, started off with champagne breakfast on the balcony (part of our Bon Voyage package).

So reviewing the ship and the cruise, here’s my take on it.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The ship is beautiful, clean, modern very light and airy. Never felt crowded. 10/10

The weather! Fabulous sunshine every single day! We were very lucky. 10/10

People, very friendly, no rowdiness, pleasantly surprised by how smartly people dressed for dinner in the main. 9/10

Children, despite not being school holidays there were still kids on board but all seemed well behaved and were mainly between 1 and 8. Shouldn’t be allowed in the Infinity pool though IMO 8/10

Food. Mostly very good indeed, certainly in the speciality restaurants. 

MDR - not what it used to be that’s for sure. Some dishes 5* others 1* luck of the draw. We only ate twice in the MDR.      5/10

Horizon, never have been a fan of the buffet and this was no different, great salad choices, good curries, sweets hit and miss, ambience - none! Had two breakfasts and two lunches there. 3/10

Epicurean - a must but book before you cruise. Food, service and ambience top notch 10/10

Sindhu - as above but tandoori lamb cutlets would be 100% better if not deep fried! 8/10

Glass House - excellent. Had both lunch and dinner here and both times it was superb. Our server at dinner, Paul, was amazing, totally on the ball and always with a smile 10/10

Keel and Cow or is it Cow and Keel 😀 my meal at lunchtime was terrific but Lynda’s wasn’t though she didn’t have to pay for her almost meatless pie. Service ok but why do they say cooked to order when it clearly isn’t! Just no need to lie like that. 7/10

The Quays - went here for breakfast one day and stood at the counter and told we could not be served as they closed at 10 am. We were the only people in the queue and it was literally just 10 am and all food was right there in front of us! That’s not good customer service to me. I know they have opening times they need to stick to but that was a jobsworth IMO 2/10

Olive Grove, Beach House we didn’t go to either.

Overall I am not keen on the having to book on the app, It’s not the app as such as I use computers 14 hours a day but it’s such a faff. At the moment we can’t book anywhere for tonight so may end up in the MDR which is not really what we want so book as many things as you can before boarding.

Drinks - I had heard a few moans pre-cruise about waiting a long time for drinks but never had this issue, didn’t have to wait anywhere, always served quickly.

Entertainment 

I don’t usually bother with much of this but we did see the comedian in the Club House, Rory O’Hanlan, and thought he was very funny. The “busker” was also good and as said before Joe McEldery in the Limelight was amazing. Great voice and a good showman. 9/10

Pools

We didn’t use but there were quite a few children in the Infinity pool which I don’t think is on, just my opinion.

Ports 

I love the Fjords and as mentioned this was my 3rd Fjord cruise, all P&O and all fabulous. Stavanger, Olden and Hellesylt were great, Haugesund was ok but not amazing though definitely worth visiting the Rising Tide statues. 9/10

Staff

Without a doubt they work extremely hard to please you, service with a smile. 9/10

The casino manager was the only grumpy person I met, she definitely needs to learn how to smile.

Cabin

We had a great cabin with a lovely large balcony. 11712. Close to the lift, at the Aft, great location, quiet. Steward was good enough, not over the top but did his job well. Shower is great would definitely book the same cabin again if on Iona. 9/10

So overall a huge success, nothing to complain about other than booking for food.

If you are cruising on her soon, enjoy. We will be back.

[Dermotsgirl]

Thanks for all your reports and the lovely photos.

 

Glad that you had a good time 

[Interestedcruisefan]

45 minutes ago, Deeliteful said:

Day 6 Last day 😕 Sea Day

Another gloriously sunny day, started off with champagne breakfast on the balcony (part of our Bon Voyage package).

So reviewing the ship and the cruise, here’s my take on it.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The ship is beautiful, clean, modern very light and airy. Never felt crowded. 10/10

The weather! Fabulous sunshine every single day! We were very lucky. 10/10

People, very friendly, no rowdiness, pleasantly surprised by how smartly people dressed for dinner in the main. 9/10

Children, despite not being school holidays there were still kids on board but all seemed well behaved and were mainly between 1 and 8. Shouldn’t be allowed in the Infinity pool though IMO 8/10

Food. Mostly very good indeed, certainly in the speciality restaurants. 

MDR - not what it used to be that’s for sure. Some dishes 5* others 1* luck of the draw. We only ate twice in the MDR.      5/10

Horizon, never have been a fan of the buffet and this was no different, great salad choices, good curries, sweets hit and miss, ambience - none! Had two breakfasts and two lunches there. 3/10

Epicurean - a must but book before you cruise. Food, service and ambience top notch 10/10

Sindhu - as above but tandoori lamb cutlets would be 100% better if not deep fried! 8/10

Glass House - excellent. Had both lunch and dinner here and both times it was superb. Our server at dinner, Paul, was amazing, totally on the ball and always with a smile 10/10

Keel and Cow or is it Cow and Keel 😀 my meal at lunchtime was terrific but Lynda’s wasn’t though she didn’t have to pay for her almost meatless pie. Service ok but why do they say cooked to order when it clearly isn’t! Just no need to lie like that. 7/10

The Quays - went here for breakfast one day and stood at the counter and told we could not be served as they closed at 10 am. We were the only people in the queue and it was literally just 10 am and all food was right there in front of us! That’s not good customer service to me. I know they have opening times they need to stick to but that was a jobsworth IMO 2/10

Olive Grove, Beach House we didn’t go to either.

Overall I am not keen on the having to book on the app, It’s not the app as such as I use computers 14 hours a day but it’s such a faff. At the moment we can’t book anywhere for tonight so may end up in the MDR which is not really what we want so book as many things as you can before boarding.

Drinks - I had heard a few moans pre-cruise about waiting a long time for drinks but never had this issue, didn’t have to wait anywhere, always served quickly.

Entertainment 

I don’t usually bother with much of this but we did see the comedian in the Club House, Rory O’Hanlan, and thought he was very funny. The “busker” was also good and as said before Joe McEldery in the Limelight was amazing. Great voice and a good showman. 9/10

Pools

We didn’t use but there were quite a few children in the Infinity pool which I don’t think is on, just my opinion.

Ports 

I love the Fjords and as mentioned this was my 3rd Fjord cruise, all P&O and all fabulous. Stavanger, Olden and Hellesylt were great, Haugesund was ok but not amazing though definitely worth visiting the Rising Tide statues. 9/10

Staff

Without a doubt they work extremely hard to please you, service with a smile. 9/10

The casino manager was the only grumpy person I met, she definitely needs to learn how to smile.

Cabin

We had a great cabin with a lovely large balcony. 11712. Close to the lift, at the Aft, great location, quiet. Steward was good enough, not over the top but did his job well. Shower is great would definitely book the same cabin again if on Iona. 9/10

So overall a huge success, nothing to complain about other than booking for food.

If you are cruising on her soon, enjoy. We will be back.

Nice review

 

But if they didn't have bookings for food how could we all enjoy places like Epicurean and Sindhu in the first place though?

 

As clearly there's far too many people to do walk ups for these restaurants?

 

How else are people supposed to get tables in these restaurants?

 

Realistically?

[Deeliteful]

I’m not suggesting no bookings, I agree that would be impossible. But unless you book pre-cruise or very early on then difficult to get in. Probably didn’t word it very well!

[ParisHilton]

What is it about the infinity pool that makes you feel it should be child free?

[Fionboard]

14 minutes ago, ParisHilton said:

What is it about the infinity pool that makes you feel it should be child free?

All pools should be child free IMO. That's why we have adults only ships! 

[P&O SUE]

Great review Thankyou, you had fantastic weather.

[Deeliteful]

1 hour ago, ParisHilton said:

What is it about the infinity pool that makes you feel it should be child free?

Just that the pool is so small and they were splashing to get water over wall so not great for passengers below.

[Deeliteful]

Breakfast on the balcony this morning as part of the Bon Voyage package.

 

Managed to book Olive Grove for tonight by phoning 7070 - said fully booked on the app.

 

[Ardennais]

I have enjoyed reading your posts and glad that you’ve had a great cruise. 

[Selbourne]

6 hours ago, Deeliteful said:

Day 6 Last day 😕 Sea Day

Another gloriously sunny day, started off with champagne breakfast on the balcony (part of our Bon Voyage package).

So reviewing the ship and the cruise, here’s my take on it.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The ship is beautiful, clean, modern very light and airy. Never felt crowded. 10/10

The weather! Fabulous sunshine every single day! We were very lucky. 10/10

People, very friendly, no rowdiness, pleasantly surprised by how smartly people dressed for dinner in the main. 9/10

Children, despite not being school holidays there were still kids on board but all seemed well behaved and were mainly between 1 and 8. Shouldn’t be allowed in the Infinity pool though IMO 8/10

Food. Mostly very good indeed, certainly in the speciality restaurants. 

MDR - not what it used to be that’s for sure. Some dishes 5* others 1* luck of the draw. We only ate twice in the MDR.      5/10

Horizon, never have been a fan of the buffet and this was no different, great salad choices, good curries, sweets hit and miss, ambience - none! Had two breakfasts and two lunches there. 3/10

Epicurean - a must but book before you cruise. Food, service and ambience top notch 10/10

Sindhu - as above but tandoori lamb cutlets would be 100% better if not deep fried! 8/10

Glass House - excellent. Had both lunch and dinner here and both times it was superb. Our server at dinner, Paul, was amazing, totally on the ball and always with a smile 10/10

Keel and Cow or is it Cow and Keel 😀 my meal at lunchtime was terrific but Lynda’s wasn’t though she didn’t have to pay for her almost meatless pie. Service ok but why do they say cooked to order when it clearly isn’t! Just no need to lie like that. 7/10

The Quays - went here for breakfast one day and stood at the counter and told we could not be served as they closed at 10 am. We were the only people in the queue and it was literally just 10 am and all food was right there in front of us! That’s not good customer service to me. I know they have opening times they need to stick to but that was a jobsworth IMO 2/10

Olive Grove, Beach House we didn’t go to either.

Overall I am not keen on the having to book on the app, It’s not the app as such as I use computers 14 hours a day but it’s such a faff. At the moment we can’t book anywhere for tonight so may end up in the MDR which is not really what we want so book as many things as you can before boarding.

Drinks - I had heard a few moans pre-cruise about waiting a long time for drinks but never had this issue, didn’t have to wait anywhere, always served quickly.

Entertainment 

I don’t usually bother with much of this but we did see the comedian in the Club House, Rory O’Hanlan, and thought he was very funny. The “busker” was also good and as said before Joe McEldery in the Limelight was amazing. Great voice and a good showman. 9/10

Pools

We didn’t use but there were quite a few children in the Infinity pool which I don’t think is on, just my opinion.

Ports 

I love the Fjords and as mentioned this was my 3rd Fjord cruise, all P&O and all fabulous. Stavanger, Olden and Hellesylt were great, Haugesund was ok but not amazing though definitely worth visiting the Rising Tide statues. 9/10

Staff

Without a doubt they work extremely hard to please you, service with a smile. 9/10

The casino manager was the only grumpy person I met, she definitely needs to learn how to smile.

Cabin

We had a great cabin with a lovely large balcony. 11712. Close to the lift, at the Aft, great location, quiet. Steward was good enough, not over the top but did his job well. Shower is great would definitely book the same cabin again if on Iona. 9/10

So overall a huge success, nothing to complain about other than booking for food.

If you are cruising on her soon, enjoy. We will be back.

Many thanks for your excellent and balanced review. Wishing you a safe journey home. 

[Deeliteful]

Just to add, the other thing I really like about the ship is how well spaced out chairs and tables are, so never feels crowded.

 

Dinner in Olive Grove was very nice. Washed down with a bottle of Pellar Ice Wine as recommended on here some years ago! One of my favourites.

 

Night, night.

 

Pat

[doog442]

So lucky with the weather as we've all been back home. Great review thanks and agree about that particular pool, it appears to pop up many times on here. I have an aft cabin on Arvia next Jan, slightly right of centre but if the same happens I'll making representations big time and will probably upset some entitled parent in the process.   

Edited June 16, 2023 by doog442

[Gettingwarmer]

2 minutes ago, Deeliteful said:

Just to add, the other thing I really like about the ship is how well spaced out chairs and tables are, so never feels crowded.

 

Dinner in Olive Grove was very nice. Washed down with a bottle of Pellar Ice Wine as recommended on here some years ago! One of my favourites.

 

Night, night.

 

Pat

Great review. Thank you

[Deeliteful]

Very smooth disembarkation. Travelling back to North Yorkshire by coach - however our driver is a bit dozy! Kept us waiting for over an hour as two passengers missing - they weren’t. Maybe he should have counted the passengers on board first🙈😱

So 7 hours ish to get home instead of 6!

 

[TigerB]

On 6/11/2023 at 10:40 PM, Deeliteful said:

Day 2 will post tomorrow but pics from dinner at Epicurian and pre dinner drinks on our balcony.

 

Of the two, I think that is my favourite menu. I really like the halibut but, if you are the only one having it, it is hit and miss whether the chef allows it to go out as a single serving. If not, I can always fall back to the black cod, which is also very delicious.

[TigerB]

On 6/16/2023 at 6:56 PM, Deeliteful said:

Breakfast on the balcony this morning as part of the Bon Voyage package.

 

Managed to book Olive Grove for tonight by phoning 7070 - said fully booked on the app.

 

 

We also called the reservations line and managed to get a table in Olive Grove for Thursday, when it was also shown as full on the app.  Did you notice Pat that, after calling the reservations line, it didn't show up on your bookings on the app? When we checked-in at the desk at 20:05, the couple ahead of us were advised by the restaurant host that they had a theatre booking at half-past.  So, it is likely that their Olive Grove reservation also didn't show up on the app, otherwise a clash alert would have prevented the booking. 

[TigerB]

21 hours ago, Deeliteful said:

Just to add, the other thing I really like about the ship is how well spaced out chairs and tables are, so never feels crowded.

Generally, I would agree with you, more so for the speciality restaurants, but we really don't like being on a two-seater in the MDR when it is just a couple of inches from the next one.

 

In Epicurean, we were told by our waiter that the reason they no longer prepare dishes or flambé at the table, and why, after the restart of it, they do so in the middle of the restaurant, is because, post-covid, the tables are closer together.

[Selbourne]

30 minutes ago, TigerB said:

In Epicurean, we were told by our waiter that the reason they no longer prepare dishes or flambé at the table, and why, after the restart of it, they do so in the middle of the restaurant, is because, post-covid, the tables are closer together.

They seem to give a different reason to everyone who asks 😂. We were on QM2 recently (part of the same group) and the tables in Princess Grill were very close together, yet they managed the full table-side and flambé service without any issue. The only thing was that they had to check that they weren’t under a sprinkler as the flames went so high with all the booze that went in 🤪. I strongly suspect that it’s more likely a staffing issue - lack of, inexperience or both. Glad to hear that you still enjoyed it though. We are very much looking forward to Epicurean on Britannia, Iona and Ventura this year 👍

[Deeliteful]

And finally! 
How could I forget to mention our 5* Captain, Wesley Dunlop!

Brilliant and absolutely hilarious. Definitely looked forward to his updates and hearing his dulcet tones across the ship.

[TigerB]

11 minutes ago, Deeliteful said:

And finally! 
How could I forget to mention our 5* Captain, Wesley Dunlop!

Brilliant and absolutely hilarious. Definitely looked forward to his updates and hearing his dulcet tones across the ship.

 

You are forgetting his right-hand man, and thoroughly decent chap and all-round good egg, Deputy Captain Chris.😉

[Selbourne]

14 minutes ago, Deeliteful said:

And finally! 
How could I forget to mention our 5* Captain, Wesley Dunlop!

Brilliant and absolutely hilarious. Definitely looked forward to his updates and hearing his dulcet tones across the ship.

 

1 minute ago, TigerB said:

 

You are forgetting his right-hand man, and thoroughly decent chap and all-round good egg, Deputy Captain Chris.😉

Did you do the transit down towards Geiranger and the Seven Sisters waterfall and back after you left Hellesylt, or has that stopped already? If you didn’t do this, did the Captain or Deputy Captain offer any explanation as to why it had been stopped?

[TigerB]

1 minute ago, Selbourne said:

 

Did you do the transit down towards Geiranger and the Seven Sisters waterfall and back after you left Hellesylt, or has that stopped already? If you didn’t do this, did the Captain or Deputy Captain offer any explanation as to why it had been stopped?

 

No, we didn't and, as far as I can remember, no, they didn't.

 

When I was talking with the head honcho in Shore Experiences last Saturday though, I asked him. He said it was due to time constraints and not being the optimum time to view for the guests. I can only summise that the latter comment was perhaps something to do with arriving at the waterfall when the dinner service is supposed to be in full swing; therefore, being more of a hinderence to the company than a less than perfect sightseeing opportunity for the guests. I also suspect that it would also make for a later arrival in Haugesund, and so have a knock on effect for the taking on of fuel; again, more for the benefit of the company than the guests.

[TigerB]

2 hours ago, Selbourne said:

They seem to give a different reason to everyone who asks 😂. We were on QM2 recently (part of the same group) and the tables in Princess Grill were very close together, yet they managed the full table-side and flambé service without any issue. The only thing was that they had to check that they weren’t under a sprinkler as the flames went so high with all the booze that went in 🤪. I strongly suspect that it’s more likely a staffing issue - lack of, inexperience or both. Glad to hear that you still enjoyed it though. We are very much looking forward to Epicurean on Britannia, Iona and Ventura this year 👍

 

I cannot wait for the next one excuse, when we on one of the two big ships again.🙄

[Selbourne]

5 minutes ago, TigerB said:

 

I cannot wait for the next one excuse, when we on one of the two big ships again.🙄

I think I’ve heard four different excuses given so far to different people. Plenty of scope for more 😂