P&O 'Artemis'

[cidsid]

Would be interested in anyone with past experiance of this ship and Its general level of Dining, Entertainment & comfort etc.

 

Many thanks!

[feebee_71]

Would be interested in anyone with past experiance of this ship and Its general level of Dining, Entertainment & comfort etc.

 

Many thanks!

 

Cidsid,

 

I was on Artemis for the weekend 10-12 May 2008.

 

Here is my review of the weekend and also at the end a link to the photo's I took while I was away.

 

Be warned this is very long - when you consider I was only onboard for 2 nights!!

 

You might want a drink before you sit down to read it....................

 

Review of Artemis Weekend 10-12/05/2008

 

 

This weekender was booked back in October last year as I was looking for nights onboard to build up my Portunus points before my ‘big’ cruise on Oriana in November. Also I was looking to experience Artemis before my cruise on her in March next year when I am meeting her in Jamaica for a tour of the Caribbean and then sailing back to Southampton over 16 nights.

 

Friday 9th May

 

After a journey that took me close to 2 ½ hours because of repeated 50MPH speed limits with average speed cameras on both the M3 and M27, as well as hitting rush hour traffic as I got into Southampton I was soon checked into my hotel (see separate report about hotel) and then went down to TGI Friday’s for dinner – had a wait of an hour so went back to the hotel to wait and then arrived at about 8pm. I was seated at a table for 2 towards the back of the restaurant with good views of the bar area to watch the staff creating cocktails. The meal was pleasant enough but not the best I have ever had.

 

After returning to my hotel I only had one complaint – some of the guests had no concept of other guests wanting to sleep, especially at 3am when they got in from the town centre, though this is no different to many other hotels in or near busy city centres.

 

I finally fell into bed about 11:30pm.

 

Saturday 10th May

 

I had arranged to meet Misprint and her friend at the De Vere for morning coffee before boarding the ship. Because of this I checked out of the hotel around about 9:45am and made my way along to the De Vere with plenty of time to meet the ladies. We whiled away a pleasant hour or so sitting out by the pond before heading down to Dock Gate 10 in time for embarkation.

 

We arrived at the Mayflower terminal and were directed to the self park car park for the Artemis cruise – this was the one to the left of the terminal – and then we wheeled our luggage over to the terminal where we were met by a porter who added green tickets to our luggage to identify that it was to go on Artemis at berth 105 and not onto Oriana which was waiting at berth 106.

 

When we entered the main hall we were directed to a check in desk straight away and had completed all the necessary formalities within about 5 minutes (I was checked in by the same lady who I dealt with when embarking on the Ventura 4 weeks ago.) We had to wait about 15 minutes in the departure lounge before being called onto the ship (we were holding boarding pass B cards so were onboard quite so quickly.

 

Lunch was being served in the Conservatory for us non-gold Portunus passengers. There was a very good chicken curry with rice and plenty of other options available. We had time for a meal in there and then at about 2pm we were informed by the tannoy that our cabins were ready for occupation. I was in an NC grade cabin at the aft of B deck (deck 6) and the only problem I had with the cabin was that they had the beds configured for twin occupancy rather than as a double. Thankfully the steward was able to change the bed although, he didn’t zip the duvets together, so I kept sticking my foot out of the gap between the two.

 

Sailaway was scheduled for 5pm and before that I went off to the Spa to book some treatments for Sunday including getting my hair put up and having my make up done for me. I can’t believe how low the prices are for Artemis – formal hair up style and make up session – lasting over 1 hour – was the grand total of £34.

 

After going to the Spa I also went along to the restaurant to get a look at my table for the evening meals – despite being told I was on a table for 8 I was actually sat on a table with a married couple and 3 ladies travelling together who had left husbands at home so they could have a girlie weekend. The table we had been allocated (number 3) was to the right of the entrance and by the first window – it was a very good place to sit and people watch.

 

The average age on the Weekender cruise was a lot younger than I was led to believe from the majority of posts I had read about Artemis, there were a few people in wheelchairs and I don’t think I saw an electric scooter anywhere onboard!!

 

After dinner on Saturday night I went up to Tiffany’s and spoke to a couple of ladies I had before dinner while looking at some of the art on display. The offerings for entertainment on Saturday night were Swinging 60’s presented by the Stadium Theatre Company in the International lounge, in The Festival theatre the film Lions for Lambs was being shown and in the Starlights show lounge there was a 60’s & 70’s Party Night hosted by the Ents team, Academy Duo (band) and DJ Steve. From 9pm to midnight there was dancing to The Sunshine Band in Horizons followed by a disco with DJ Steve until 6am. I have to admit to being tired so I called it a night and went off to bed.

 

Sunday 11th May

 

I was awake early and went out on deck to watch the world pass by as Artemis sailed into Zeebrugge ready for the day ashore. The weather was already lovely with clear skies and warm temperatures even allowing for the breeze caused by travelling. It was warm enough at 6am to be out on deck just in a t-shirt and shorts.

 

I was booked into the Spa and Salon for a pedicure at 8am and so I made my way there before going to breakfast and had a lovely pedicure care of Buddy, she has worked on the ships for 5 years and was very enthusiastic about Artemis and also Oriana and she was pleased to hear I would be on Oriana later in the year. After the pedicure I was waiting for my nails to be sufficiently dry to put my shoes on when I was ‘persuaded’ to book in for a back, neck and shoulder massage before my other appointments in the evening.

 

From the Salon I went down to Coral Restaurant for some breakfast before going ashore to buy chocolates for those people who had given me a list. I was in Blankenberg by 10am and had got all she shopping done and was back on the ship by 11:30am. I had a quick drink and then got ready to go off on the afternoon tour to Bruges (Bruges at your own pace). I joined Pauline and Chris on the coach and we were escorted to Bruges by a very informative guide called Jon who was retired and was also a Brugian. He gave us some chocolates to try on the way into town as well as telling us tales about the history of Bruges and of Belgium as a nation. The journey to Bruges only took about 25 minutes and then we had a pleasant 15 minute walk from the coach to the drop off point in Walplein – about another 10 minutes walk from the central market square.

 

Pauline, Chris and I decided to go for a canal boat ride first and it was a good decision as there were quite long queues at all the boat stations. The first one we passed was closed until 4pm for private charters (probably P&O passengers on organised tours with boat rides included) so we walked along to the next boat station which was just round the corner from the Church of Our Lady and opposite the flea market. We had to wait about 25 minutes to get to the front of the queue but it wasn’t unpleasant as, after paying and going down the steps we were under the shade of a roof and also had some breeze off the water. Once onboard the boat we had a very pleasant ½ hour trip up and down the canals with commentary by the boat’s pilot. The cost of the boat ride was 6.5 euros per person and the boats hold about 30 people.

 

After the boat ride we walked up to the main Market Square where we sat and had a Belgian waffle with fresh fruit and also some ice cream. We also had a drink and watched the world go by. We had planned on getting a carriage ride back to the meeting point. However, the queue for the carriage rides was snaked about ½ across the middle of the square and, as it was very hot (about 28c) we decided that we would be better off walking back in the shade of the buildings. The walk took us about 20 minutes but we did keep stopping to look in shop windows. Once back at the meeting point (outside the brewery) we sat in a small café and had another drink while waiting for the guide to return.

 

The walk back to the coach was at a far brisker pace than the stroll into town and took less than 10 minutes. Once back at the coach we were soon off on our way back to the ship accompanied by more commentary by Jon about the political situation in Belgium over time. We were one of the last groups back to the ship and arrived about 5:15pm. Shortly after our arrival there was an announcement for about 10 passengers to get in touch with reception and then we were off. Captain Box made an announcement about the planned route he would be taking us on the at night and apologised that he would be too busy ‘driving’ (his description) to attend the gala receptions in Starlights that evening but would leave us passengers in the capable hands of some of his more senior officers.

 

I went to the individual quiz in Tiffany’s (the only quiz all weekend) and did moderately well although I didn’t win. After the quiz I made my way back to the cabin to sort myself out before going up to the Spa for my various treatments. I did feel a little silly wandering around the top deck in my evening gown during that limbo time when 1st sitting passengers are already in dinner and 2nd sitting passengers were mostly still sunbathing out on deck. The massage was wonderful and really relaxed me – I could have fallen asleep!! Then I had the transformation completed by the staff doing my hair and make up (a wonderful stylist called Sharon). At the end of it all I was surprised by how different I looked. I then made my way to the photographers to get my picture taken. I timed it very well as I only had to wait for one couple to have their photo taken before it was my turn, by the time she had finished taking my pictures the queue was about 20 people long and it was fast approaching the time for being called into dinner.

 

At dinner the 3 ladies on a girls weekend away from family and husbands were not at dinner so it was just myself and the married couple (Chris and Sam) we had a long chat over the meal and soon it was well after 10pm and we were finishing our coffee and heading off in separate directions.

 

I went to meet Pauline and Chris in Horizons as planned and we listened to the interesting renditions to some very popular songs that were created by the Karaoke singers. After the Karaoke the DJ took over and the night was given away to dancing and general merriment. Eventually it was approaching 2am and I still had to pack the case and put it out for collection so I left with the others and we made our way to our respective cabins and packing to get off in the morning.

 

Monday 12th May

 

Our last morning onboard Artemis and I was up early once again – well before 6am. I had to go to reception to get something sorted out with my onboard account before breakfast and so was up and about early. It took some time to get the reception staff to understand that they could reverse the charges to my credit card as I had asked them to take the account payment in cash and not on the card and as a result I was not able to get into the restaurant for first sitting breakfast so I went up to the Conservatory and had a buffet breakfast which was very nice and, again I was in there with perfect timing and was able to get a table and also avoided the queues that soon built up.

 

We docked at about 8am and formalities were complete by 8:30am. Those passengers who had not put luggage out the night before were able to disembark from 8:45am and the rest of us were disembarked by coloured cards from 9am onwards. I was off the ship shortly after 9:15 and was able to locate my suitcase very easily – good idea of mine to buy a bright pink one with flowers on it – and also perhaps because there were not so many cases in the luggage hall to find it amongst. I collected my case and was out of the car park by 9:25am an was back home by 10:45am.

 

It was hard to believe the weekend was over but it really was and so it was now back to reality.

 

 

Conclusion and Comments

 

Artemis – a lovely ship and it is hard to notice that she is quite an old lady – I think they must have done a good job with the refurbishment and all the facilities I saw were up to a high standard – even the bathrooms.

 

I loved the new cabins and would consider one if I could afford it. Otherwise I was pleased with my NC grade cabin and would certainly be happy to travel in it again – the cabin is classed as obstructed view but when looking out of the window there was very little obstructing the view.

 

There is some vibration and movement of the ship – I first noticed it when we were passing Oriana and then turning in the basin and travelling down Southampton water. It was not unpleasant and in fact at times I found it quite soothing – especially when awake in the early hours of the morning.

 

The facilities onboard the ship are lovely and it was nice to be able to get from one end of the ship to the other in a few minutes and without getting out of breath or getting lost on the way!! Also it didn’t seem crowded at any point during the cruise except perhaps when waiting to go into dinner on Saturday night and trying to negotiate the sales tables laid out around the water feature on deck 2 of the Atrium.

 

One thing that disappointed was the menu for the Gala evening on Sunday – I have got used to the dishes being of a higher standard for this meal with dishes such as lobster thermidor and beef Wellington being offered. On the previous cruises I have done this meal has also had a fish course and a sorbet course making it a 7 course gala meal. On this weekender the menu remained at 5 courses (including the coffee and petite fours) and the main dishes were not overly exciting – roast beef (that had been hung for a little too long and was as strong as the venison pot roast also on offer), a bouillabaisse of different fish including haddock, salmon and prawn, the venison previously mentioned and a vegetarian dish. The roast beef was served without any roast potatoes and a porcini mash and the venison was served with celeriac mash served in a pastry bowl.

 

The Crew - In most cases I couldn’t fault the staff except in two specific incidents. The waiter in the restaurant was extremely rude to other people on my table at dinner on the first night and also again on the second night he appeared to be in a rush all the time and wanting us to go at his pace not our own. Unfortunately the way he spoke and behaved around us meant he talked himself out of tips from the table.

 

The second incident was with the lady from the purser’s office on the final morning who insisted that she could not reverse the charges on my credit card even though I had asked for them to be put to a cash account that I would settle on the last morning. In the end I had to threaten that I would stay where I was until she did it – even if that meant still standing there when Artemis left for her next cruise in the afternoon!! Eventually the matter was dealt with.

 

The Cruise – Having been to Belgium twice already in the last 9 months but not having visited Bruges I decided to do the ½ day afternoon tour of the town under my own steam. It was the perfect use of an afternoon and I am sure to do it again in the future.

 

The weather certainly helped to make the weekend very pleasant and I think it also had a good effect on many of the passengers – I heard very little moaning about the cruise except from one couple who had not got their pre-ordered champagne and flowers on arrival and they hadn’t reached their cabin until 9pm – the husband said he was going to write to P&O today to demand an explanation and also to demand compensation from P&O (he even said he wanted more than simply the cost of the package!)

 

I am definitely going to go on Artemis again and am glad to have a cruise to look forward on her next spring. I hope she enjoys many more years of service with P&O so I can enjoy more sailings on her.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71/ArtemisWeekend

 

Feebee_71 :)

[cidsid]

Hi `feebee 71'

 

Many thanks for your informative and very helpful report !

 

This ship does sound to be very nice and as it is of the smaller size , Is certainly of interest. Will definately give it a try soon.

[middy]

Thanks for the review feebee 71.:D

We are sailing on Artemis in November :) We also have an obstructed view, will be interesting to see how obstructed ours is.

[smithcvs]

Thanks Feebee for such a detailed review, much appreciated. We are due on the Artemis in January through the Panama. Can't wait.

[Tony & Trevor]

Fee bee 71

 

Thank you for a very informative review.

We are taking our family next week on the Artemis for a 2 week cruise.

 

Kind regards

 

Tony

[feebee_71]

Hi Guys,

 

Glad you all liked the report, when I wrote it I couldn't believe how long it was - especially as I was only on for a weekend!!

 

I booked it so I could get an idea of Artemis before going on a longer cruise on her next March (the Caribbean to Southampton repositioning cruise). I am in an obstructed cabin again though this time I expect it to be more obstructed that this time as there is a lifeboat/tender immediately in front of my window and I am located right in the middle of it.

 

I have been told that I should still get either the bottom half of the window unobsructed or the top half depending on the positioning of the lifeboat (looking at the deck plans in the brochure I think the bottom of the window will be unobscured!)

 

I hope you all have wonderful cruises on what I now think is my favourite ship in the P&O fleet.

 

Feebee_71 :)

[soletread]

Great review nice to hear positive feed back about Artemis as she has got a bit of a slatting

 

My Wife and I are trying the 4 night Mini cruise on Arty over the August bank holiday weekend in 2009

 

I'm keen to try her as she is the only other child free option out of southampton, We love the Arcadia too but its good to have alternative options

[gillianrose]

I am definitely going to go on Artemis again and am glad to have a cruise to look forward on her next spring. I hope she enjoys many more years of service with P&O so I can enjoy more sailings on her.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71/ArtemisWeekend

 

 

Thank you very much for the picture album of the former ROYAL PRINCESS.

 

I recognize some of the chairs, but they must surely by replacements after all these years. (We cruised during the inaugural year on the RP).

 

The aft decks were indeed a nice place to rest.

 

The Horizon Lounge appears to have been redone most unattractively (to an American, anyway).

 

Thanks again. I really do appreciate seeing the ole gal again.

[Cruise Anorak]

A while ago I read on the internet that the Artemis used to be a car ferry before it became a cruise ship.I can't find where I read this,can anyone give me any more info on this.Thanks

[tom_uk]

A while ago I read on the internet that the Artemis used to be a car ferry before it became a cruise ship.I can't find where I read this,can anyone give me any more info on this.Thanks

 

Definitely not true! There are some older, smaller cruiseships around that had a previous life as something else (e.g. Fred Olsen's Black Prince, which was a passenger/car/goods ship) but Artemis definitely isn't one of them.

 

She was launched in 1984 as Royal Princess and may have been Princess Cruises' first new build. She was certainly innovative, with nothing but outside cabins. By today's standard her layout is a bit 'forced' - there are a lot of cabins with obstructed view - but in 1984 it was revolutionary and exciting.

 

Of course her P&O name is very measured. Artemis was the name of a Greek goddess associated with hunting; the equivalent Roman goddess was Diana; and in 1984 Royal Princess was launched by: HRH Princess Diana.....

[Cruise Anorak]

Thanks Tom uk for info.Pictures in the brochure didn't look as if it was a car ferry,but thought I had better check as parents asking about the Artemis.