21 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Yes. We were booked within seconds of itineraries being release.

Our TA was able to book QV May 2025, but there was a limited number of staterooms available in the  area we would like to book.

Thou we are Platinum not sure the system picked it up (5%discount for CWC)

We will wait till later in the year and enquire then

17 hours ago, SarahHben said:

We are onboard, unpacked & fed 😊 

Our arrival time was 3:30 but we arrived an hour early. It took a while to queue & sort the car with CPS, we dropped off the cases then waited in the early arrivals queue briefly before checking in & security. We embarked around 3:40, went to our muster station then straight to our cabin. Our cabin steward was waiting for us, she’s lovely, very friendly & helpful. 
 

Our cases arrived quickly so we unpacked before sail away, waved to my family on Iona as we passed them.

 

We hadn’t had lunch and were starving so we headed down to eat at 6pm. There was a small queue outside saffron but no queue at all outside Cinnamon so we went there.
 

Our waiter was a bit surly to begin with but cheered up as the meal went on. He didn’t offer us the drinks menu, we had to ask and the drinks turned up after we’d eaten out starters. Food was good though, smoked trout for starter, lamb (with green beans of course) followed by passion fruit pavlova. 
 

We then had a wander around before seeing the Privateers in the theatre, they sang folk music & sea shanties and were very good. We’ll go to see them again later in the week.

 

There doesn’t seem to be any drinking water to buy unlike when we were on Iona, and the tap water isn’t cold enough to drink so we’ll go in search of the buffet soon and find some, I’m sure hubby will get some snacks too.

 

The sea is definitely a bit bumpy but nothing bad so far.

 

The cabin is very nice, better than I expected and being c deck the balcony is huge.

 

Oh and we bumped into someone we know, small world! 

 

We are on our cruise in a few weeks, wondering what the ship air con temperature is like. Sometimes it is too cold and need a jumper on. Have a great time.

On 12/18/2020 at 11:01 AM, terrierjohn said:

If you read the P&O protocols it says that all their ships have had HEPA filters installed in their air con systems.

The one upgrade to the air con that works is UV In air conditioning systems, UV light destroys harmful microorganisms, including Mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and viruses like SARS-CoV-19. You can incorporate these lights into your home air conditioning system. UV lights are typically installed near your primary AC coil or in your ductwork. Microorganisms that pass within the UV bulb’s line of sight will be destroyed.

2 minutes ago, Officeboy said:

Here are two images of new the  planned terminal

A fifth cruise terminal at the Port of Southampton is going to open for the 2021 cruise season, it has been revealed.

On 8/5/2020 at 11:12 AM, Britboys said:

And let's hope that they come up with a more inspiring design than the ugly tin shed (imho) that bears the grand and historic name Ocean Terminal...

Here are two images of new the  planned terminal

Does anyone know if Azura has been to Spain for her refit that was due March/April, seeing that there are no cruises to year end there is plenty of time I suppose

She is in to Southampton 2nd Sept then next in 30th September 

On 5/20/2020 at 8:07 AM, Son of Anarchy said:

 

It's possible that some aspects of the refit may be mandatory, in which case those aspects would have be dealt with within appropriate timescales.  Bit like a car MOT.  She was originally booked into a Spanish dockyard which may now be operating at some level.  It may well be that they can get her booked in and sorted before PandO resume ops.

It looks like Azura is away from Southampton from 23rd June till 12th July & 12th July till 26th July

First planned Cruise is 9th August if that goes ahead

On 5/24/2020 at 11:20 AM, Bin man said:

All 6 ships in weymouth harbour will iona join her for a group photo 

Shame that Iona Is still in Bremerhaven on final fit (shipyard Closed) before sea trials

On 2/17/2020 at 10:58 PM, LittleFish1976 said:

I love the fact that Cunard ships actually still look and feel like ships and not floating chain hotels. I worry that the style of the new ship is going to be the non-traditional look which is ubiquitous and quite unattractive, in my opinion. For now, that traditional style is what makes me a happy Cunard customer; the woody look of the decor and traditional fittings; the fixed dinner times; the dress code/formality; the food being more British in style and not American-style (not like another line which will remain nameless where all the desserts were inedible to me).

After doing most of our cruising with Cunard, sailed with P&O to canaries last autumn out of Southampton

You can add to the above list clientele, it was not a good experience Still have to cruise the Baltic from the bucket list  and Cunard are moving away from the recognized ports, so may have to use P&O again.

We have always had a good cruise with Cunard and hopefully again in the future.  

On 12/12/2019 at 9:48 PM, Bin man said:

On my app I use for tracking says just that 16th 18.00 due in Southampton so don't know how accurate that will be but time will tell 

According to Southampton Ventura due to dock at 21.00 on the 16th she is now sailing up the channel at 14 knots 

I was looking at QM2  webcam at the rough seas and went to get it current position which she has  rounded  Cornwall  sailing towards Cork set at  29 deg  (04-11-19 .at 11.30am)

i believe she is sailing from Hamburg - Southampton - New York  

Anyone an explanation.

PS. at 12.45 she has changed position to 301deg must have been trying to miss  Bay of Biscay where there was violent storm 11

11 hours ago, Officeboy said:

We sailed out of Southampton in a force 10 and sailed down towards Madeira as a even bigger storm was south of Ireland.

We carried on at 22 knots with waves hitting the library windows on deck 8, the bow on occasion dipping below the waves 

yes there was pitching but being an ocean liner she was fine 

There are some windows on deck two forward with games tables you get a splendid view there of the power of the waves

Further to this post, I omitted that we were sailing to New York on QM2  November 2009 We headed straight down the coast rather than across to the States because of the autumn Atlantic  storms 

We sailed out of Southampton in a force 10 and sailed down towards Madeira as a even bigger storm was south of Ireland.

We carried on at 22 knots with waves hitting the library windows on deck 8, the bow on occasion dipping below the waves 

yes there was pitching but being an ocean liner she was fine 

There are some windows on deck two forward with games tables you get a splendid view there of the power of the waves

On 10/9/2019 at 7:06 PM, Midland Red said:

Anyone know how P&O dealt with compensation, etc?

I understand there was:

1 day’s cost per person credited back

£50 per person credited to obc

Hamper delivered to home address

Did these apply to all passengers, or only those marooned overnight onshore?

P&O have a very poor record of compensation you only have to look at the treatment of people who booked Adonia and like me Oriana P&O didn't follow their contract  which states that if a cruise is cancelled one can rebook at the same cost or better than the one you paid. they sold the ship, cancelled the cruises, and offered £75 if you  rebooked at 'today's' prices a £500 increase or your money back in my case

On 10/7/2019 at 3:46 PM, Ellegant said:

Don't know where these stories come from..?? We disembarked the britainnia this morning.. there was no listing or water leaking from swimming pools into restaurants and definitely not in the horizon buffet! we were in there until 9.30 this morning no problems at all.. The Britannia was also running 30 minutes early.. One thing that did occurr though.. We were woken about 3 nights ago at 2am in the morning with an announcement in our cabin from the captain to report a fire in the engine room! That's real news!!

The captain then when possible stated that it was steam that triggered an automatic sensor, we arrived early to get everything ready for a quick turnaround 11.00am to France for the refit

The Atrium being the main rework hence the stripped out area ( post elsewhere giving details)    

we had a coach to get and were driving away by 8.30am

On the plus side we are on Azura after her refit 17.05.2020 so it's swings and roundabouts for us !!

Britannia’s Refit

For her next chapter, P&O Cruises are maximising your favourite areas on Britannia. The atrium will be given a new lease of life to create a lively social hub at the heart of the ship. There will be a new colour scheme and a fresh design direction, relaxed entertainment and a lively scene with music and informal performances under the starburst chandelier.

Deck 7 on Britannia

The Java café on deck 7 will now serve alcoholic drinks. 

The photo gallery will also be getting some TLC, including the welcome addition of a Dixons electronics hub featuring the latest imaging, computing and audio tech from Amazon, Apple, Beats, Bose, Canon, Fitbit, GoPro, Microsoft and Sony, among others.

Deck 5 on Britannia

P&O Cruises are introducing a permanent new art gallery next to Blue Bar on deck 5 by the atrium.

The Market Café also on deck 5 has already benefited from new furniture and décor, and a brand-new menu including decadent ice-cream creations, made in exclusive collaboration with Hampshire dairy Jude’s.

Shopping on Britannia

Britannia will feature a host of new premium brands and a more interactive environment, including try-before-you-buy tasting tables and consultation areas in our beauty and make-up zones. Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Edinburgh Gin, Michael Kors accessories and exclusive fine jewellers, Clifton, will be joining the line-up.

Oasis Spa and Salon

Two ‘express spa’ pods will boast a range of treatments. In one pod, you’ll enjoy high-tech massages; in the other, a zero-gravity lounger will offer express skin treatments as well as LVL lash treatments. There will be two innovative new experiences in the thermal and hydro-pool suite. Brace yourself for the therapeutic benefits of the Arctic cold room and let everyday stresses ease away in the aroma steam room.

We are on this cruise, last port is Lisbon I guess the we will restricted access to parts of the ship from leaving the Canaries Isles as the crew prepare her fit refit

We have experienced this once before as there as there a lot of items that have to be removed for safe keeping etc

I dont know if P&O still hire out formal dinner suits, Cunard used to

P&O do not do themed formal nights all black & white ( or other formal attire ie white jacket, ladies have more of a free hand )

On 8/17/2019 at 12:22 PM, yorkshirephil said:

Since we retired we have had some good deals as we can go at late notice. As already said the offers are fewer and farther between than they used to be. You do get the occasional cruise at £40-£50 per night, but they tend to be on the cheaper lines such as CMV, Costa, MSC or Pullmanar. We went last year for 33 nights to the Caribbean and paid £1500, 2 of our table companions got the cruise the week after for £1350 (2 weeks before the cruise) the cruise was not full but the price never went below £1350 to tempt anyone to fill the last few cabins. So maybe the cruise line sets a minimum to discourage people to hang on for a lower price? You also have to remember you will only usually get what's left as the best cabins and preferred dinner seating will have been booked.

Looking at a well known USA travel site there are discounts up to 85% and not necessarily near sailing time, sadly UK cruisers cannot take advantage of some of the well known lines offers   

Sad to see the devastating forest fire on the Island, we are due to visit in just over a month, I have not heard of any cruise ships diverting so hope the we can still visit in the near future 

found this link but no wiser

https://carnivaluk.metafaq.com/resources/carnivaluk/life-on-board/Britannia_dresscode.pdf

If it was a masquerade formal or Ascot   one can take appropriate attire for instance   

have a look at https://www.intercruises.com/cruiseconnect/index.php/home

0344 338 8690

they should be able to advise