TigerB

To be fair, I don't think P&O can even make their minds up! Casual on Arvia or Iona appears to be different to casual on Aurora, for example.

A small allen key is required to loosen the bracket. Of the set we always have with us, we didn't have one small enough. 🙄😉

To be fair, 18:45 is probably a good slot, and you won't necessarily want to change it. At that time you could be lucky enough to get a table near the window. Also, as the whole dining experience is quite leisurely, about two hours, you probably won't get your mains until about 19:45.

The 'dress code applies' sticker on those photos doesn't necessarily mean black tie. The 'black tie' locations are the MDRs, Chef's Table, Epicurean, and the Crow's Nest. The other locations, which have the 'dress code applies' sticker on, are smart casual. Everywhere else is casual. NB. On our most recent cruise (K308) they used the Olive Grove and, I believe, 6th Street Diner as overflow MDRs for at least one of the formal nights, if not both. Of course, the dress code at those times were 'black tie'.

Yes, Cadiz was nice. The 10% tax is also on food that hasn't been pre-paid. It also includes soft drinks; our lass was drinking lime and soda.

That's what we had, more or less; two tables closer together than normal, but with a sufficient gap between them for the waiters to pass through.

I can't say I noticed; I wouldn't be surprised as it was a bigger restaurant. It was on Britannia when there were eight of us.

On Britannia in September we were told it was due to Covid. On Arvia in January, on our first night we were told it was due to Covid; on the second night we were told they didn't have any propane. On this last trip on Arvia we were told there is a training need, and it will be back soon. And, as if to rub it in, near to our table on the second night there was a brand spanking new trolley, never used.🙄

The tables in there seat a maximum of two or three; so, you will have to make two bookings, one for three people and the other for two people. As david63 advises, go to the restaurant as soon as you board to make sure you are all sat together. It may be different on Arvia, but when we were on Britannia last September as a party of eight, we had two adjacent tables but they wouldn't push them together to make a table of eight. The reason cited was because it would be difficult for the waiters to serve us. Our tables were still close enough together to allow us to feel like one party.

The company to which majortom10 refers, at the Ocean Terminal, is likely to be Triangle. They get booked up early though.

No, all included. 🙂

This is Menu 1: Photos of Menu 2 are in this post: https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2931167-arvia-k308-all-aboard/page/6/#comment-65255328 I'm sure they'll be the same when you are on at the end of the month

Only the sample menu, which does necessarily reflect both menus. Yes, there are two menus for Epicurean. To do so go to the restaurant and do it in person. I would advise that you visit at least three days in advance of your booking to make sure you get a refund. When are you travelling, on which ship, and for how long?

It's a shame you had a generally poor experience, although, as has been alluded to by another poster, the baggage problem at the start was perhaps of your own making. Was this your first trip with P&O, or just on such a large ship? Having sailed on her at the beginning of January, we knew what to expect, so adapted our approach accordingly when it came to dining and some other aspects. Consequently, we had a generally positive experience. My thoughts after the cruise are here: https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2931167-arvia-k308-all-aboard/page/10/#comment-65318444 Generally, the crew looked less stressed than they did in January and, in time, I'm sure most, if not all the problems, will be ironed out. Reports from folk who have sailed on Iona would suggest that to be so. I spoke with Simba, the chap you refer to at Zenith, and he was saying how much they've moved on since the first cruise. As others have written, try not to let a poor experience on a large and new ship put you off sailing with P&O.

Ah yes, you've just reminded me about the transfer of dizzy. We did just that, changed an Epicurean booking to another date by attending the restaurant; we didn't pay any more than the already paid discounted rate.

What about biscuits, are you going to smuggle those onboard in your next port?😉

I do think you're pushing it, there. I think the none supply of biscuits is only worth £250 future OBC each, at most. Perhaps you need to contact your local rag when you get home. Don't forget to practice your sad compo faces.

Strictly speaking, you're supposed to declare it to security when you come back on board, and they are supposed to keep it safe until the end of your cruise. But that doesn't appear to happen in practice. So, fill your boots!😉

Answer: How many can you carry?

Thanks. I didn't think you could

The requirement for bags to dispose of soiled sanitary or incontinence products is not gender specific. As such, shouldn't the title of this thread address everyone, not just ladies?

I wasn't aware of that, so thanks for the heads up. Have you tried to access your Cruise Planner whilst onboard? I ask because that would be a simple way to cancel and ensure you got a refund. I've not tried; I've always assumed that you couldn't access it once you've boarded. Can you try and let us know?

Yes, Jean, you do. For us, the £50 deposit is the biggest selling point; not much to lose if we find a better deal nearer to the cruise.

You may feel it would be harsh of the staff not to let you board together, but there are allotted times for a reason. Anyway, they can let you all board together, at the later time; there's nothing harsh in that. In your post you are quoting potential problems that, correct me if I am wrong, you appear to want blame the staff for. That's unfair. One potential problem is your diabetic daughter-in-law in law not taking sufficient supplies to counteract a possible hypo or hyper. You have identified that potential problem, so now have plenty of time to remedy it. The children probably won't be running around the terminal; you will likely be directed to the queue snaking outside. Here's a simple solution to your problem, and would alleviate the additional stress that you appear to want to inflict upon yourselves and others: arrive at the same time, the later time.