Britain's biggest cruise operator is becoming 'Butlins on Sea', Which? survey finds (today's Telegraph)

[Bazrat]

1 hour ago, Clodia said:

They told me that they are keen to appeal to solos who find P and O too downmarket these days. 

I bet your TA doesn’t say that to those who want to book a P&O cruise with them,but saying that we don’t mind slumming it on P&O and if we want a zero bill we use marella.

[Britboys]

I guess it depends what sort of cabin you book as a solo.  If you book a balcony on Aurora as a solo traveller, then Silversea, whilst still being significantly more, might not feel quite so steep.  If like me you normally book an inside, then Silversea is likely to be astronomical - albeit still quite good value for what you get.

[Daftlad]

I'm reading a Jack Reacher novel at the moment and in it the anti-hero utters the phrase "sometimes the only way to see how hot the stove is, is to touch it"

So in that vein, myself and my good wife are embarking on a Marella cruise in late spring to see what awaits us with that cruise line. I've not fallen out of love with P&O, quite the reverse,  my recent cruise on Aurora rekindled my warm feelings for the brand, plus we've got two booked for next year.

I'm hoping that  going with a different operator will give me a more balanced view of things.

[Cahpek]

16 hours ago, wowzz said:

I guess I know the answer. I suppose my question is, do you consider a cruise with Silversea to be twice as good as a cruise on Aurora?   In my younger days,  when still earning, I would have opted for the more luxurious option. Now, with a limited budget, and limited remaining years, I look for ways to spend as much time away, in reasonable comfort, at reasonable cost, and therefore tend to still stick with the better mass market lines.

 

 

Actually, you do not have to move from P&O and go so far up and pay so-oooh much extra and cruise with Silversea. You could just upgrade yourself just "part-of-the-way" and go for cruise lines like Viking Ocean.

Viking Ocean cruises fares are generally quite a bit lower priced than Silversea fares , and in our view, much better value. Others may disagree . You may find quite a big difference between their (Viking) cruises and with that P&O from improved catering and more luxurious rooms.  All Viking cruises (especially those booked from the UK) include gratuities, drinks, excursions, spa rooms/indoor swimming pool, specialty restaurants, all free room service menu,  free internet (and they also have free computers to use)  and all cabins have varandahs/balconies! All Viking Ocean cruises are for adults-only (over 18 yo). After the first cruise, on further future cruises with them, you would usually qualify for  discounts .

 

In spite of its "luxurious" feel, on Viking ships, they do not have a formal night. Passengers are just encouraged to dress "Country Casual". 

 

This cruise line (Viking) has been voted the best cruise line by various magazine/media for quite a few years now. It is not difficult to see why. They seem to have the best balance between quality and price.

 

The other thing to look out for , whatever cruise line you wish to go with, is to look out for special offers. Sometimes, you could be saving  huge amounts. Never just pay for the initial published price - shop around!!!

 

One thing that we find quite hard to beat on P&O is their entertainment and on-board activities. Those so-called "luxury" class cruises, somehow, their entertainment never seem to be as good as the "mass-market" cruise lines. Of course, that is a subjective observation.

 

 

Edited February 2, 2020 by Cahpek

[Bazrat]

10 hours ago, Daftlad said:

I'm reading a Jack Reacher novel at the moment and in it the anti-hero utters the phrase "sometimes the only way to see how hot the stove is, is to touch it"

So in that vein, myself and my good wife are embarking on a Marella cruise in late spring to see what awaits us with that cruise line. I've not fallen out of love with P&O, quite the reverse,  my recent cruise on Aurora rekindled my warm feelings for the brand, plus we've got two booked for next year.

I'm hoping that  going with a different operator will give me a more balanced view of things.

We did a Marella cruise around part of the med we enjoyed the experience but our thoughts of what’s enjoyable is different to most on here,p&o for us gives us a product that’s comfortable hence we have two more booked with them,currently we’re looking at a cmv cruise just to try them.

 

[lincslady]

Having an inquisitive look at the P and O board (have not cruised with them)  I note that one or two people say they want to cruise only from the UK, and are prepared to go a bit pricier than P and O.  Silversea do very few cruises ex UK, but how about Saga?  All ex Dover or Southampton, all year round.  Yes, the initial cost looks high, but does include insurance, door to door transfers, drinks and the specialist restaurants.  Note - smoking hardly allowed, not on balconies and only somewhere on an outside deck.  Admittedly, the passengers are generally in the 65  and over category, but quite challenging excursions are on offer as well as those with little walking (the only extra cost), and tips are included.  You can dine at a table for two or more, and have the same one reserved each evening for dinner if you wish, in the main dining room.

 

We have cruised Silversea, Seabourn and Regent (favourite by far Seabourn), but the new Saga ships are not so far behind.

[Bazrat]

2 hours ago, lincslady said:

Having an inquisitive look at the P and O board (have not cruised with them)  I note that one or two people say they want to cruise only from the UK, and are prepared to go a bit pricier than P and O.  Silversea do very few cruises ex UK, but how about Saga?  All ex Dover or Southampton, all year round.  Yes, the initial cost looks high, but does include insurance, door to door transfers, drinks and the specialist restaurants.  Note - smoking hardly allowed, not on balconies and only somewhere on an outside deck.  Admittedly, the passengers are generally in the 65  and over category, but quite challenging excursions are on offer as well as those with little walking (the only extra cost), and tips are included.  You can dine at a table for two or more, and have the same one reserved each evening for dinner if you wish, in the main dining room.

 

We have cruised Silversea, Seabourn and Regent (favourite by far Seabourn), but the new Saga ships are not so far behind.

We looked at Saga I’m a bit too young yet only 61 beloved is younger still, we like to drive down stay overnight the day before and wander around Southampton,travel insurance already sorted just leaves the specialist restaurants were steak kind of people picked the habit up in the states so there is not a lot they offer to us but each there own.

[Britboys]

7 minutes ago, Bazrat said:

We looked at Saga I’m a bit too young yet only 61 beloved is younger still, we like to drive down stay overnight the day before and wander around Southampton,travel insurance already sorted just leaves the specialist restaurants were steak kind of people picked the habit up in the states so there is not a lot they offer to us but each there own.

I was only 53 when I sailed on Saga Ruby and whilst the demographic was somewhat older, I found the other pax to be well-travelled and very interesting with many being very mobile!  I think their new ships will also attract a slightly younger demographic too, due to their design and size.

[Bazrat]

2 hours ago, Britboys said:

I was only 53 when I sailed on Saga Ruby and whilst the demographic was somewhat older, I found the other pax to be well-travelled and very interesting with many being very mobile!  I think their new ships will also attract a slightly younger demographic too, due to their design and size.

To be honest I prefer to have more good cruises than special cruises,we did the special holidays with the kids in Orlando breakfast with the rodents (Micky &  Mini mouse)pictures of the kids will last us a lifetime,so when I retire we might consider them.

[Denarius]

4 hours ago, Britboys said:

I was only 53 when I sailed on Saga Ruby and whilst the demographic was somewhat older, I found the other pax to be well-travelled and very interesting with many being very mobile!  I think their new ships will also attract a slightly younger demographic too, due to their design and size.

I have yet to sail on Saga's ocean going ships, but have sailed with them on Croatian coastal voyages as well as taking land tours. Without exception the age range was far lower than on my last cruise on Oriana!

[jeanlyon]

OK, so I've just looked at a Mediterranean Saga cruise out of Southampton for 22 nights in October.  Well, OK, so insurance and drinks are included, but the price for the cheapeast cabin is £5928 whereas we paid £2700 on P&O for 19 nights to Greece etc.  I think I'll stick where I am.

Edited February 2, 2020 by jeanlyon

[Clodia]

On 2/1/2020 at 5:48 PM, Britboys said:

I guess it depends what sort of cabin you book as a solo.  If you book a balcony on Aurora as a solo traveller, then Silversea, whilst still being significantly more, might not feel quite so steep.  If like me you normally book an inside, then Silversea is likely to be astronomical - albeit still quite good value for what you get.

You're right; I won't cruise without a balcony, so the differential isn't as steep as you would think.

[Adawn47]

Me too. Arcadia 19 nights,  outside cabin, Mediterranean in November. £1349 pp.

[jeanlyon]

November or October?  We are 19 nights from 18 October?

[Adawn47]

November 6th.

[jeanlyon]

OK, that's when we get back.  Really looking forward to being back in Greece.

[Adawn47]

We're looking forward to seeing Mallorca and Ibiza. We started cruising  10 years ago when my husband wouldn't fly again after a panic attack on the way back from Borneo. We're now discovering Europe and try to find cruises where we can see at least one new place each time. What we have discovered though is that we love being at sea.

[BillieJeanKaraokeKing]

I'm back from the two week Canaries on Oceana today - first time on P&O, and to be honest don't see too much difference in the grand scheme of things onboard from sailing with Royal Caribbean (ship size apart). Other than more th'oldies and walkers of course lol. And formal nights were adhered to much better (even by me!). 

Edited February 2, 2020 by BillieJeanKaraokeKing

[AndyMichelle]

11 hours ago, BillieJeanKaraokeKing said:

I'm back from the two week Canaries on Oceana today - first time on P&O, and to be honest don't see too much difference in the grand scheme of things onboard from sailing with Royal Caribbean (ship size apart). Other than more th'oldies and walkers of course lol. And formal nights were adhered to much better (even by me!). 

Welcome back and thank you for the feedback. 

I'm glad you didn't feel like you were slumming it too much... 

Andy 

[BillieJeanKaraokeKing]

Maybe the survey included feedback the likes of "Flannel Woman", who quite a lot of us came across on the cruise, with her ranting on at the horror of P&O refusing her a face cloth for the first time in 43 cruises. Words failed us 😂

[Adawn47]

I find people's different perspectives interesting. Our first cruise was on Arcadia December 2010, recommended by our TA. When we got off the ship I nearly cried. So yes it's true, it's addictive. We immediately booked Oceana, October 2011. 24 night western  Mediterranean. In February 2011 we thought we'd try RCI. Big big mistake. Two couples put ashore for brawling and group of women arrested for stealing. The food in the MDR was awful so we ate in the buffet. The formal nights were partly adhered to, but to see a man in pyjamas, slippers and a towel round his neck wandering around the Royal Promenade was surprising to say the least. In 24 years of visiting the far east we have never been searched at customs so to complete this unforgettable cruise we were chosen to have all our luggage searched. Needless to say we stay with P&O. Everyone likes different things from their cruises and there are enough ships to suit. Each to their own. We're all individual. 

 

[Eglesbrech]

9 minutes ago, BillieJeanKaraokeKing said:

Maybe the survey included feedback the likes of "Flannel Woman", who quite a lot of us came across on the cruise, with her ranting on at the horror of P&O refusing her a face cloth for the first time in 43 cruises. Words failed us 😂

Ranting on about anything is wrong and frankly boring for others having to listen to it but a small comment on a survey about something that is not available which has always been available 43 times before is I would say legitimate.

 

Small things can be important to some people but their absence is not enough to be “horrified” by and still no excuse rant on to others about it.

[AndyMichelle]

4 hours ago, BillieJeanKaraokeKing said:

Maybe the survey included feedback the likes of "Flannel Woman", who quite a lot of us came across on the cruise, with her ranting on at the horror of P&O refusing her a face cloth for the first time in 43 cruises. Words failed us 😂

I thought they were still available on request? 

We have been able to get them from the cabin steward without fuss since they stopped putting them in the cabins.. 

Andy 

[Adawn47]

Halfway through our Aurora cruise two face cloths suddenly made an appearance without us even asking for them.

[BillieJeanKaraokeKing]

Yes, I'd imagine they were available on request Andy, as a few days later we saw a large bag in the corridor amongst the cleaning stuff which was full of them. Maybe the staff were enjoying her rant, or possibly they'd had them all shipped in 'specially fer't lass 🙂

Edited February 3, 2020 by BillieJeanKaraokeKing