The tap water is fine, I use it all the time. Just chill in your fridge. Better than the tinned stuff and perfectly safe. Some newer ships also have water fountains.
I have noticed an increased number of people knocking on my door. Opening gambit is always"just doing some work for your neighbours blah blah". Then comes the "special offer, blah blah" . I personally would never buy any service from a cold caller. Beware as there are a lot of scams around.
Obviously I prefer smaller, older ships as they are more friendly for solos. I also prefer adults only and a quieter, more laid back atmosphere, but then I am an old fogey! Hated Iona but she is more suitable for active, younger people and kids. Something for every taste and budget out there.
Trouble is, I always have a balcony and there are not so many on the older ships so very costly especially when travelling solo. Could not contemplate a single inside.
With package you tell them at check in what time you want your taxi to the ship. On debarkation you call the taxi number they give you and taxi will arrive to take you back to hotel. Very efficient usually, depending on how many ships are in.
Me too as my father retired to Majorca so know it well. Would love to see Minorca on itinerary but maybe the port there is too small? Ibiza is nice but not in Winter when everything closes down.
Not on price. Far more expensive, especially for solos, than P&O. Arcadia and Aurora are expensive but still better value than Fred and Ambassador ( whose ships are old too!)
My second home! Have done this over 50 times. Very good package, no stress and an extra night's holiday. Price varies depending on time of year and not available during boat show. Can recommend it.
Shame. No consistency among ships. Can understand not having late night syndicate on two mega ships as no suitable venue with so many pax, but not Britannia.
Back in 2011/2012 when I cruised regularly on Celebrity they did not have trays but did have table service for tea/coffee, etc. Never use the buffet now. Sit in MDR and get served.
Don't judge P&O by Arvia. Believe me, she and Iona offer different experiences from the other ships in the fleet. Some love Arvia style, and others, like me, prefer to stick with the smaller ships. Horses for courses.