Ozwoody

Definitely a tender port, but you will love it, make sure you go to Russel on the ferry. The ferry trip is worth it, but the place is also worth the trip.

It's not that ridged, there are times when we skip a meal for some reason, (Speciality Dinning, a bit of us time, port days we know we're going to be late back on, etc) we just let the others know if it's planned. On a long cruise we may miss about 10-15% of nights. But the other nights, it's like coming home to family, and discussing our days events. Others as you point out prefer doing it on the fly so to speak, and so you should, if that's what you prefer. But that's the benefit of having both, anytime and fixed, it means we can choose. Not be made to accept that one size fits all.

Yes people not turning up, has been a problem, we have been left as 2 at a table for 6 once very annoying, manage to ringing-in some tables for 2 around us that help. Also were assigned a table for two on a cruise, and discovered some friends on a table for 6 were a couple were not turning up, asked to transfer, but because the couple not turning up, said they wanted to keep it in case they decided to use it. they only turned up for one nights meal, never to be seen again. This should not be a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water, but setting up a system that if people don't turn up regular they are advised that their assignment has been cancelled, if someone else wishes to use it. Or at least something down that road at least.

We have never had a bad waiter, indeed we have some really excellent ones, entertainers in their own right.😁

We're with you windsor26, International Dinning is one of the things we enjoyed with cruising. We have made some great friends, which we still catch up with several time a year. We're hoping that it is a temporary thing with the starting of post covid cruising.🤞😬 If it is done away with permanently it will be very disappointing.🤬

Well there you go Matkai, a wealth of great advise, to digest. Welcome to the Cruise Critic World. To sum up the above, Decide on the type of cruise you would like. Don't over set expectations. Think about the length of cruise you would like to try. Consider what your budget is, you are willing to spend. What time of year you plan to go. When you do, If want more advice specific to your choices, don't hesitate to ask again. When you have selected a cruise, search for it's Roll Call. It will have people that will help you as well. Maybe even a Meet & Greet in your area, prior to the cruise, so you will have some friendly faces when you get on board. What ever happens, just relax and enjoy your experience. I wasn't keen on going on a boat prior to my first cruise in 2010, now you can't keep me off then. So beware their addictive.🤣 Regards

Well said Geoff, exactly as I feel about it😃

Yes your right there, the bad one's have been caught out these last couple of years, the good ones have shown their worth I believe.

Yes he's always been very proactive, that's why we like him.

I guess it's a bit hit and miss, and depends on the TA you have. We have been using the same TA for a number of years, and have found him excellent, He contacts us and tells us about price variations, or upgrades, and arranges adjustment as required. We have never had to chase him. He will also contact us if he sees a special that he feels we would like, to see if we're interested. But you should go with what your happy with or feel comfortable with. So far, a TA has been good us, but as I said above it seems it can be a bit hit and miss with a TA.

Thanks Geoff Down loaded them, very helpful. John

Sorry to be a pest, but😬 On P&O site these places are listed as Specialty Dining, Luke’s Bar & Grill, Luke's Burger Bar, Gradi Pronto, but do not indicate there "Charges Apply". Are they gratis or cost extra?🤨 On Princess they would be but?

Thanks We have 7 nights, and was planning one special night dinner.

Do you have any idea of the rough costs in Shell & Bones? Thanks John

Do you pre book for all the nights you wish to eat there all at once, or is it a continual thing each day?

Hi Geoff Do you have to book the Dragon Lady, Angelo's and Waterfront dinning rooms? I thought they were free dinning areas! Like Princess anytime dinning? regards John

Yes I'm curious to see how they compare to Princess. We have sailed with Cunard on the Queen Elizabeth, to us it was not much difference in quality than Princess, but a definite first & second class atmosphere, compared to a more laid back one on Princess. I agree too, that its good to try them when their home porting here, on shorter cruises. Regards

Which cruise are you doing?

A couple of differences to Princess I've noticed, is P&O don't allow you to bring bottle of wine each, no drinks except 6 cans of soft drink, not even water, evidently they make you empty water bottles before boarding. Also their soft drink packages are not flash, and expensive, I'm told.

Have you installed their app VeriFLY? They use it similar to Princess app, but only for registration. Me to a first time P&O cruiser, we are booked for 5th Nov from Bris.

There is a motel at Clayfield called "Airport Clayfield Motel" 772 Sandgate Rd It would be only a short drive to the cruise terminal, and is close to the Clayfield shopping strip for restaurants etc.

Attached is a .doc file of how I make a .pdf file of an e-mail, and also to take a screen shot of something. Hope it's of help. Regards To Make a pdf or screen shot of whats on the screen.docx Ps: your never a nuisance by asking for help.

Hi have sent e-mail to you.

just e-mail me on my e-mail below, I will then have your e-mail address, and I will send you the file.

November seems a long way off at the moment, ours is the 5th November.