enjoysailing

The mention of staff leading you to tables on FO was referring to in the buffet - not main dining. This is from #77. "they even show you to your table in the buffet that’s laid out with cutlery and table clothes,,,then the person who showed you to your table gets you your tea or coffee,,,,little things that makes a difference." I agree that would be nice. Just nice to find a table sometimes 🫤

Gosh, communal facilities sounds more like a 1960's B&B than a luxury cruise!! What I miss is being able to sit comfortably, inside or on deck, and have drink waiters passing by regularly offering to take orders. Having to queue to get a drink is not what I want to go cruising for. Even 'Spoons' has an App to order straight to the table. In fact it puts me off having a beverage package as I don't want to feel I am missing out as I can't get served.

I agree things have changed over the years. I started cruising in 1996 and have sailed regularly since then on 6 different cruise lines. I have seen the whole cruising experience become less of an 'Experience'. I usually read or watch reviews before going on a new ship to try to assess what to expect. What I notice is that the 4 or 5 star reviews usually begin with - Really loved this, couldn't find fault, it was my first cruise, can't wait for my next ....... The 2 and 3 star reviews, or the more critical ones are written by more seasoned cruisers that have something to compare it to. I think that says it all. But P&O will be doing okay as they want lots of new, younger, cruisers and families and the lower prices are helping to fill their ships. I know there will be things that disappoint me, but it will cost me less too. I prefer the cruises of old, especially for the food choices which I really miss. But if I knew no different I would probably say it's fine. I totally agree that Vegetarian / vegan choices have reduced the menu down for the 95% that like to eat meat. That is totally disproportionate and it was much better to offer a separate menu and go back to the number of choices available on the regular menu. Times change...

It was never a problem a few years ago, there was always a server or two walking by offering to get drinks. It seems the norm to queue at bars now. Just wondering - is it easier to get served if not on a package, but charging to your account? 🤪🤔🤫

So sorry your partner is unwell and you had to miss the cruise. I hope they recover soon. I understand your frustration about being unable to cancel the pre-booked excursions - especially when you know P&O will probably not be out of pocket due to having the opportunity to re-sell them. It seems wrong that if you were onboard you would be able to cancel with 48 hours notice, less a small cancellation fee, but cannot do so from home. I hope you can get funds back through Travel Insurance.

That is so ridiculous to hold you up at boarding for manicure scissors. P&O's own guidance allows scissors or blades less of than 4" or 10.16 cm. in length. I am so glad you got them back - I would hate to lose my well travelled scissors from my manicure set.

Concerning the lime cordial query. There was a blog on this board recently that mentioned lime cordial several times, sadly I cannot remember the title of the thread. But the gist of it was that P&O were charging a ridiculous amount of money for a measure of lime in a glass of soda. It was so outrageous that they met with the manager who agreed they were being charged the wrong amount and produced a 'chitty' to take with them to show the bar staff what the charge should be any time they ordered lime and soda. Someone else may be able to guide you to the thread. So, it does prove that it is available on board P&O ships - but it may cost a lot. But I assume it will be included in your drinks package, but watch out anyone not on the package !!! 🤯

I also enjoy 0% lager and wish there was a better choice on board. I think P&O are missing an opportunity here. I will definitely contact them to suggest they get on board with what local pubs have begun to realise - that they are popular. It is still a way to make money, so why not offer a better choice. Was the answer to the original question that yes you can take unlimited amount on board ship on embarkation?

- Or for sunbeds!!!!

Not everyone wants an early boarding time. If travelling on the day, a time of 3 or 4 pm may suit many. They could choose a time that they know they can arrive at comfortably, freeing up some earlier slots that are given to people that cannot get there in time. It really does seem to work on Celebrity.

This comes up every few months. There are many cruise lines out there. Why not choose the one that suits you? Rather than travel on those that are not what you want and then suggest they should change to suit you!! It is lovely to have a cruise line that still offers formal nights, so hopefully P&O will retain them for those that enjoy them, and not be persuaded to reduce the standards.

I understand the dumbing down of the formality aspect to supposedly suit a younger demographic. I agree with a previous commenter that the name and description given to the Formal night by P&O as 'Black Tie' is where it comes unstuck as that does not fit the accompanied photo and description. I am confused by the mutton dressed as lamb comment, that well known saying is to do with age rather than 'poshness'.

Yes, that's definitely not Black Tie in the P&O photo. The tie surely is part of it?? I just searched for definitions of black tie dress code and the tie can be any colour but not white. It seems that is another dress code (tail coats and floor length ball gowns). Makes interesting reading.

I don't know where you get your stats from, but we are only 2 days into 2024 so the percentage of population using a smartphone as of end of 2023 would be more use. A quick search found this: Mobile phone user statistics show that as of 2023, 98% of all adults aged 16-24 in the UK have a smartphone. Among the older age groups, 86% of those aged 55-64 owned a smartphone device compared to 80% aged 65 and above. Who knows what is right, but I personally know 2 people in my small group of friends, aged in their 70's, that do not have a smartphone. I also can't see them deciding to get one. Freedom dining worked perfectly well when it was first introduced on previous cruise lines I have sailed on. It only started to go wrong when the ability to make reservations was introduced. This took away the spontaneity and it became the problem it seems to be now. You seem to have decided it is because the numbers involved are so much more on the newer ships. But surely the number of crew for serving, and the size of the kitchens to deal with the preparation and cooking should have increased too.

Stating people will know in advance what type of cruise they are joining is a bit of a joke. Remember it is the phone that is 'smart' not the operator!! So many seem to book a cruise and then go to social media to ask the basic questions they should have researched beforehand. Such as - dress code, can I wear shorts in MDR, can I smoke on my balcony, tipping?