Chexie

Thanks for the heads up re the FB page. I've joined that and have to say that it's put a smile on my face and sounds MUCH more positive than the reviews so far on Cruise Critic.

Thank you for taking the time to post such a comprehensive update of your experience to date on the Aria this time around PacificBear. I'll look forward to further updates :) Much appreciated.

Pretty sure he just said February to me as that's when we are due to leave. I felt like he was trying to tell me what I wanted to hear- yeah, yeah, everything will be fixed by the time you are due to go on the Aria....who knows? If I said I'm due to sail on her in Jan he prob would have said the same thing. :rolleyes: I will be looking closely at any new reviews between now and then.

Thank you for the replies. We aren't whingers and are generally appreciative of having a holiday so attitude isn't going to be a problem. The reviews are mostly horrid so far, absolutely scathing, although I did jump onto YouTube as jig suggested and the reviews weren't horrible and did sound like teething problems that need some sorting. I have called P&O this morning to voice my concerns and was told that they are aware of the reviews and are working hard to rectify everything. I was told that by Feb all should be running smoothly, however, I was given the option to speak to my travel agent and change cruise ships if I wish. I will wait for now to read some later reviews and will keep my fingers crossed that they are much more positive (looking forward to PacificBear's review).

Hi all, I have paid for my husband, myself and my elderly mother to go on the Pacific Aria in February. Paid for this before she started sailing with P&O and now that I'm reading the first reviews from both the Eden and Aria I'm worried that I've made a bad choice. This will be hubby's first cruise and I'd hate for it to be a disappointment for him. All the reviews of lifts breaking down, limited comfortable seating and sub-par food is a worry. My mother will not cope if she needs to walk up and down stairs. We are going on the cruise as they are generally ideal holidays for elderly with easy access to various levels via lifts. I know, I know, first world problems, but this is the first world and I haven't dished out my hard-earned money for anything less than the usual P&O cruise experience (at the very least) and chose the Aria because she was supposed to have had a total overhaul and left looking like new. P&O are describing these ships as their "new, luxe ships" but the reviews are telling a very different and worrying story. I'd be keen to know from more recent cruisers whether P&O have done anything to address the issues as yet or if they still remain. I'm just wondering if I should try to get my money back and go on a different ship or if it's safe to get excited? Also noted that most people who have posted harsh criticism have not posted photos so other than the glossy promo photos where everything looks spick and span and absolutely gorgeous I have seen a few photos of buckets catching leaks in eating spaces on here but not of much else. Anyone have photos to share of their cruise on the Aria? This was my Christmas present to my darling Mum and I don't want it to be a dud.