Poppy6879

Hi all! I have booked a cruise on MSC Virtuosa for later this year. First time sailing on one of MSC's ships. But stupidly, I watched a YouTube video from 'Ritzy Travel Guide' titled 'MSC Virtuosa: this ship is getting TERRIBLE reviews? WHY? We investigate'. The video seemed to find fault in most things on the ship - especially the queues and the towels on sunlounges at the start of each day. And to finish it all, an extremely disorganised disembarkation on the final day, where supposedly 6000 people were in a queue to leave the ship! I was just wondering, what are other peoples views of this ship? Is it really as bad as 'Ritzy' makes out? Have I made a terrible mistake?? I have only ever sailed with P&O in the past, so wanted to experience a different line!

Have just returned from my second cruise on P&O, Arcadia. I would like some advice from some of the more experienced travellers regarding disembarkation. We received the itinerary of what to do prior to disembarkation, and followed it to the letter! Cases outside the cabin door by 10pm, out of cabin by 8am. And then, assembled in the Palladium theatre just before 9am. Was shocked to see, barely a dozen people in the theatre. A member of staff then arrived about 9.10am, to say we could all now leave. Left the ship and was very shocked upon entering the baggage collection to see hardly any suitcases left! So my question, is do any seasoned travellers, follow the ships itinerary regarding departure? Or do you just carry your own suitcases off the ship? I imagine the process in different on the larger ships???

Apologies if this is the wrong forum.... Me and my partner are departing on Arcadia in December this year. I assumed that we would be departing from the Ocean terminal, but recently found out we are departing from the Mayflower terminal. I was hoping to drop off our cases and then park at the West Quay shopping centre and walk to the terminal, but have realised Mayflower is slightly further away than Ocean. Has anyone walked from the West Quay centre to Mayflower? Or is a taxi the best option? We are both relatively fit, with no mobility issues!!

Hi Jazzytelly, it is on Arcadia. I didn't realise these were more expensive than the rest of the fleet!!!! I will bear that in mind in future!

Selbourne, where do you find these deals? Do you have to book super early, or is it because you are a regular traveller you get better deals? I went to my local travel agent and there price was identical to what P & O are offering on there website!!!

All of the above!!!

I am thinking of booking a short 4 night break in December on P and O Arcadia. Current price is £339. I think we should book the cruise now, but my partner wants to wait, saying we will get a better deal nearer the time. Anybody have any thoughts on this? The cruise is to Amsterdam.

Thanks everyone for all your help!! You have all been most helpful with some great links! I admit, maybe terrified was a bit over the top of an expression to use, but I genuinely thought I would be expected to carry around a wad of notes and tip every waiter / waitress, housekeeper etc etc... And was concerned about how much to tip! I get the 10 /15% on top of a meal out, but would not know was an acceptable amount! On a positive note, I definitely have the bug - have booked 7 nights next May with MSC Ventura and 14 nights next November with P & O Iona - Only wish I could slip in another cruise before!!!!

Hi all!! Just arrived back from my first ever cruise and can understand why cruises are so popular! Only regret is that I didn't go on a cruise earlier! I have a couple of questions for the more experienced cruisers... - As I live in Lancashire, I found that Southampton was quite a drive both ways, and involved me having extra annual leave to compensate for the travelling. I know Liverpool has a cruise port, but wondered what cruise lines sail from Liverpool and where do they travel to? - My first (and only) cruise was with P&O. I mainly chose this line as tips were included. The thought of tipping crew members terrifies me! When tips aren't included, are you expected to carry cash around with you, or does it get added onto the final bill? Many thanks in advance!!

Hi all!! About to depart on my first ever cruise in 4 days time!! Getting some clothes ready, and can't find my decent pair of shoes - I normally wear steel toe cap boots (at work), and black trainers on evenings and weekends. The last time I wore shoes was to a relatives funeral. Am I going to be frowned upon for wearing black trainers? Are trainers classed as smart casual? I'm wondering if to go shoe shopping in Southampton prior to departure!!

Thanks for all the info! I have had a look around and Stay Sure are nearly half the price of Holiday Extras. I wished I shopped around more when I first booked!! But like they say, every days a school day!!

Hi Everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster! I'm going on my first P & O cruise in May this year. When I booked the cruise about 6 months ago, I also paid for travel insurance through 'Holiday Extras'. I have now booked a cruise for May 2024, and am wondering if I should book travel insurance now or is it too early? And can anyone recommend a good travel insurance company, instead of the one P & O recommend? Thanks in advance!!!!