welshy74

From what saw online it looks a good ship. Wasn’t it refurbished in 2020? Anyway, this cruise is all about the itinerary and less the ship

Hello I have just booked a cruise on Pacific Explorer in March 2025 (Singapore to Perth) , and its the first time sailing P&O Australia (first time even visiting Australia). We are coming from Wales and regularly cruise with P&O UK, but I cannot seems to see if P&O Peninsula club is recognised on P&O Australia. Will I get the benefits and points?

Hello has anyone experience managing a group of people, particularly dining arrangements? We are a party of 21 people so far, sailing on Iona in July for my 50th birthday. I’ve sailed Iona previously but that was solo so this is VERY different. Has anyone done this? Any advice for dining together, show reservations etc. do bars allow to block off space so all the group can sit together (only required on night of my birthday )

I think it all depends on the line and where you cruise out off, right? No issues in Europe but we are steering clear of the US this year, and sadly won’t be returning for some time.

I’m only Pacific and got 1215.. not complaining though. My folks got 1245 and they are non tiered. Last time I sailed Britannia I was in a suite and had 1200 embarkation

My Embarkation time is 1215 so guessing I will be on by 1330 the latest.

Hello Please can you let me know what dining, other than the buffet, is available for lunch on embarkation day. We are not top tier or suite guests.

I am thinking of buying 100 shares but does anyone know if the benefits can apply to cruises already booked, or will it only apply for cruises I booked after the date I buy the shares?

First difference - the price!! I've done RC quite a bit but the prices started to increase above my budget. As the on board currency is USD, and pound is very weak (Thanks Brexit! ) the drinks prices are extremely high.. plus them being an American ship you also get the added 18% gratuity. P+O onboard currency is the pound and drinks are not overly expensive. You can also take 1lt on per person. So if you are a drinker, then P+O is certainly better value. Secondly the type of cruise. RCL is all singing all dancing where as P&O is a little more subdued and a bit more formal. They still have formal nights where black tie is expected. Iona is a beautiful ship and P&O has really grown on me. It does not have all the 'wow' of RCL Oasis class but more in line with Princess. Food - I have had bad food on RCL and P&O but personally I prefer P&O. I've sailed RCL, NCL, Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, MSC, Fred, Cunard and P&O and they all have their unique plus points, but P&O are good value for money. Celebrity and RCL are my favourites (if money was no object) and NCL/Cunard are at the bottom of my list. Thing is, we all have different views !

Having sailed Iona, I can confirm these are not for me.

Yeh I get that, but I just don’t get how deck 8 cabins can be sold as balcony. Its a shame as the select fare on Arvia is so out of my budget.

I have always done saver and never had a bad cabin, but that was before Arvia and Iona came along and the risk of getting a deck 8 promenade cabin really puts me off. If I pay for a balcony I expect a balcony, but P&O class those awful deck 8 cabins in the same grade. I want to sit and watch the sea, not masses of people walking past.

Iona is much bigger so more cabins to sell. I think its unlikely that Ventura will drop in price once it increases. The price structure works on occupancy levels so unless they get a lot of cancelation then the price is unlikely to drop.

absolutely spot on and so well put. 👏

The snorkelling fatality was indeed a Britannia passenger. the capsized vessel was apparently an overcrowded boat.