Billish

No, but Vamps has already booked the cruise. Just pure generosity from P&O!

I see that Carnival have announced that they will no longer be giving out cake as a birthday "gift". They will simply stick a candle in whatever dessert you choose for dinner in the MDR.

My point was reallly about passenger numbers. Can P&O get sufficient passengers on them, year round ?

Why 300, or is your DH expecting an increase in the share price ?

Yes, put it in the app. But, as the wait staff will sing Happy Birthday at least 10 times a night, I would give them a break. It is really naff.

I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but with unprecedented inflation rates, interest rates increasing, and a consequent squeeze on disposable income, I wonder if the bosses at P&O/Carnival now wish they had ordered two Royal class ships (or at least one) rather than both Iona and Arriva ? I appreciate that all business decisions are judgement calls, but to put all your eggs into the mega cruise ship basket, seems to be somewhat perverse. I struggle to see how P&O can generate profitable occupancy levels across the fleet over the next 24 months.

You did better than us. Our Ruby Wedding Anniversary, we ate in the Crown Grill, and just got the cake (which admittedly was quite tasty) However, I think you have more "status" than us, which might explain the bottle of cheap fizz. To be honest, we weren't bothered either way. On any cruise there will be hundreds of pax with birthdays, anniversaries etc. Some people seem to think that they should be upgraded, be given free soecuality meals etc. As it was our Ruby, we upgraded ourselves to a cc minisuite, and had a great time.

Nothing to do with the Medallion. You have a screen outside the door. Just press the "Do not disturb " button, or "Service my Cabin" button. You are over-thinking your holiday.

No. We just systematically walk through the public areas. Not difficult, especially as there are interactive screens throughout the ship, showing where you are.

Makes no difference at all.

The majority of cruisers either wear the Medallion on a lanyard (tacky in my opinion) or on a wrist band.

How much would you save by buying a wine package ? We normally buy the house "plonk" at around £18 a bottle.

Given that the Q&A is being done by the largest booker of P&O cruises in the country, I think we can assume that nothing of substance will be asked, or answered. The TA will certainly not want to ask any questions that imply that it is now better to book later rather than at launch.

Seems a strange juxtaposition. Food banks posts, followed by photos of expensive meals. Its going to be a long hard winter for many people. I guess those of us on here should be thankful that, in the main, we will still be able to live a comfortable existence.

You cannot guarantee that.

Shows are normally 20:00 and 22:00. However, most of the shows are just a single entertainer - you don't need to book a dining time. Wait until you are on board, see what is happening and then decide. And you can turn up and eat without a reservation. A holiday is about spontaneity- why book months in advance for dinner just because some bloke is singing yet another sing from "Cats" to a pre-recorded tape ?

Well said. Sarina made all the difference. P&O could do with some calm, measured professional leadership. Time for Paul to step down and Sarina to take over!

Absolutely- great service, great pizza.

Really ? I find that unbelievable. We would have left and gone to the buffet after 30 minutes.

Hawaiian Pizza ! Very popular in the UK.

We were in the CPS queue, so to a certain extent it depends where your car is, but no more than 50 yards or so.

Had to take the luggage ourselves a few weeks ago. Didn't notice any trolleys, but to be fair, I wasn't looking for them.

The UK figures are calculated using sampling methodologies, the actual number of tests being carried out is irrelevant.

Out of interest, what do you find to do in Gib ? Been three times, and next time we will stay on board, unless you have any recommendations.

Although that means nothing for future cruises. Weather, tides, other ships in port etc will determine which direction the ship faces when in port.