Selbourne Live from Iona!

[Selbourne]

We are currently on board Iona. I can’t promise anything like the level of blog that I did on our last cruise for two reasons. Firstly we are only on board for a week and secondly we are with a family group so will have less free time, but I will do my best!

 

By way of background, this is our first time on Iona. We have been on all the other P&O ships (other than Arvia), but most comparisons will be against Britannia which we were on for 2 weeks last month.  

 

DAY 1 - EMBARKATION 

 

We arrived at Ocean Terminal at 1150 for our 1200 embarkation slot. No delays or holding queues to join the CPS drop off zone and their check in operation was as efficient as usual. They also proactively offered to call a porter for us given that my wife is a wheelchair user, which was impressive and appreciated. 

 

Having arrived at the terminal building just after our designated time we were waved straight into the terminal. There was a small queue of early arrivers outside, but not as long as there had been for Britannia.

 

Unlike when we boarded Britannia, the assistance team were not at all attentive - they were sat around chatting - and when I interrupted them they seemed to suggest that we could board ourselves. This irritated me, as I had specifically booked assistance as I didn’t want the heavy hand luggage on my wife’s lap for long (her biggest problem is her legs). A pusher was provided but I didn’t feel inclined to tip this time, which I usually do. As a point of interest, when we got to the check in desk for the assistance boarders, I noticed that the party in front of us (lady in wheelchair plus two others) had a boarding time of 1.45pm. A bit cheeky of them to turn up that early. 

 

We boarded the ship through the atrium and whilst I am usually wowed by the first impression as you board a new ship, this was the complete opposite. I can now absolutely see why people liken it to an airport terminal. Not at all ship like and not at all glamorous IMHO. 

 

After checking in to our muster station (Keel & Cow) we went to the Pearl restaurant for the priority boarders lunch. I knew that this would be a buffet and I’m pleased to say that it was much better than the buffet lunches we had pre Covid, but I much prefer the waiter served lunch that we had when boarding Britannia.

 

One of the senior restaurant managers recognised us and later returned to our table offering to reserve us a table in the MDR each night, but I explained that we only intend to use the MDR for Celebration night. He asked what time we’d like to dine and said that we should go to the desk at that time and say that he had arranged a table for 6 for us. Let’s hope that works as it will alleviate a lot of hassle given that Celebration night was challenging on Britannia, taking us 90 minutes to get a table. 

 

After lunch we went to our cabin, which is a midships Deluxe Balcony cabin on the ‘hump’. Ours is accessible and we booked the two adjacent non accessible deluxe balcony cabins for our daughters. Our daughters are delighted with theirs and feel that they are far better than the balcony cabins they have had before. They are longer than the standard balcony cabins, so more roomy, and the bathrooms and shower cubicles are a little bigger as a result. Being on the curved section, the balconies are also noticeably larger. Our accessible cabin is also very good and is obviously bigger again to allow for wheelchair manoeuvring. Main positives are lots more wardrobe space than on Britannia and, of course, the much bigger balcony. A few minor gripes would be that the sofa is very upright, rock hard and uncomfortable and the TV is opposite the bed rather than the sofa (it’s the opposite way around in the non-accessible cabins) but we probably won’t use the TV much this cruise. The automated doors, whilst useful for wheelchair users, are also a pain in that the bathroom door slams shut (which is embarrassing at night and annoying for those in adjacent cabins) and the main cabin door wasn’t closing properly, but one of our daughters partners took the closing assembly apart and fixed it in 2 minutes 😂  We couldn’t work out how to alter the height of the basin so asked the steward who said that it couldn’t be adjusted and was fixed. I knew this wasn’t correct so had a further play around and eventually sussed it. I showed the steward how to do it later 😂 

 

Once we had unpacked (cases were already at the cabin when we arrived after lunch) we explored the whole ship. In the past when people have mentioned dislikes around the decor and ambiance of various ships I have been quite surprised, as we haven’t had a problem with any of them. Until now that is. I fully appreciate that one man’s meat is another man’s poison and these things are entirely subjective, but both of us have quite different tastes when it comes to decor, yet both of us feel the same about Iona. Not only does this not look or feel like any other P&O ship, if I was asked to sum up the interior as succinctly as possible I would say ‘conference hotel’. Those who have attended conferences in large modern hotels will know exactly what I mean! It’s all there, but it’s functional, bland and not luxurious. As an example Anderson’s, which on ships such as Aurora is like an upmarket club, looks like a modern hotel lobby. The only bar that we felt looked comparable to those on other P&O ships was the Crows Nest. Perhaps our opinion will improve as the cruise progresses. For balance, our daughters (mid to late twenties) think it looks great and the passenger profile is much younger than the other ships, so I don’t criticise P&O for this as it seems to be right for the new target market and, of course, a lot of older experienced cruisers will also like it - but on first impressions it’s not to our taste. 

 

We had pre dinner drinks in the Crows Nest. We managed to find a table which we could move some extra chairs to in order to accommodate the six of us, but it was like pulling teeth trying to get served. Too few drinks waiters and those that were working weren’t attentive. In the end I went up to the bar to order myself which immediately resulted in two waiters rushing to serve me! We left Southampton at around 6pm and had a lovely transit out along Southampton water. 

 

Dinner was booked in Epicurean for 6.45pm (I couldn’t book online for the time I wanted) but they kindly allowed me to change it to 7.30pm. In spite of it being very quiet, we were mid restaurant, rather than by a window, but apparently all the window tables are tables for 2. I have to say that the whole dining experience was superb and even surpassed Britannia last month. Every course was a hit with all 6 of us and service was excellent. The Crepes Suzette was flambéed in the restaurant (rather than pre- prepared in the kitchen on Britannia) and tasted 10 times better for it. Also, we had the little candy floss cones and hand made lemon chocolates for petit fours, rather than just the bog standard MDR chocolates that they served in Epicurean on Britannia. 

 

After dinner we went to the 10.30pm headliners show. The show scheduling is even more all over the place than on Britannia. It was advertised in Horizon and on the app as being a show called ‘Digital’ but was actually a completely different show (‘The Sky’s the limit’?). It was quite an elaborate production, but not to our taste (nor our daughters, interestingly), and a couple sat behind us literally chatted throughout the entire 45 minutes. Why do these thoughtless cretins bother to go to shows if they are unable to extend the common courtesy to the performers and other guests of just sitting quietly and watching the show?

 

DAY 2 - Sea Day

 

The sea had been calm all night but I didn’t sleep well. Unlike Britannia, no noise from cabin neighbours thankfully, but it was the pillows. They are both very ‘full’ and thick and one wasn’t enough but two was too much 😂 In the end I found that one with one of the sofa cushions under it was better! Goldilocks pillow syndrome 🤣 

 

The shower is super powerful compared to other ships, but I realised that the steward had only provided us with one bath towel. Being the gentleman that I am, after I had got dressed I went out into the corridor to nick a dry towel for my wife from a service trolley 😂 

 

Three of the four MDRs were open for breakfast and I joined the virtual queue for the smallest one (Aqua) and we were called within a few minutes. We had difficulty getting a lift - a problem we have experienced quite a few times now on this ship. Unlike the other ships there are no signs at the lifts saying that priority should be given to wheelchair users and those with disabilities. Thinking about it, there was no mention of this in any of the boarding day announcements either, which there usually is. Even without these requests, we usually find that 90% of fellow passengers don’t even need reminding, they are just naturally obliging, for which we are always grateful. Not on this ship. We are waiting for ages for a lift with enough space and when one does arrive people just pile in with no regard for others needs or even who has been waiting longest. It’s not an age thing either. We arrived at a lift area to find a lady in a scooter waiting, so we fully expected that she would go first and us the next time. Two elderly ladies strolled up 5 minutes after we had arrived and when the next available lift arrived they both just got straight in. In the end, we had to resort to going up in order to come back down. I sincerely hope that it improves, as I think that we are going to tire of this. 

 

Aqua restaurant was interesting. The food and service were both fine (other than the smoothies which, as on Britannia, have been watered down post Covid and are no longer as nice) but I’m afraid that the ambiance and decor in there falls firmly into our ‘conference hotel’ category, especially the chairs. 

 

Our daughters and partners went to the buffet (separately and at different times) and both reported that it was extremely difficult to find a table, and they had to walk around the entire area several times (yes, even the extremes), and had to pounce when they saw someone vacate their table. They usually like the buffets on cruise ships but aren’t impressed at all with this one. 

 

After breakfast we went to an art talk on Picasso and Dali in the cinema, which was an enjoyable interlude. Afterwards we did our first full circuit of the promenade deck, which is the one thing that so far is streets ahead of Britannia (not difficult as Britannia doesn’t have one 😂). The hot tubs are a nice touch but the very high glass screens do somewhat dilute the connection with the ocean that you get on ships with normal height promenade deck railings. Other than a few areas, leaning on a hand rail gazing out to sea is through glass on this ship. 

 

We  checked out the much discussed promenade deck conservatory mini suites. The issue for us would be less about the lack of privacy but more about the severely compromised outlook. The balcony glass is opaque (so no view out through it), then you are looking across the wide promenade deck and then finally through the high glass screens mentioned above. I reckon the outlook from these would be far worse than even a cabin with a metal fronted balcony, as at least you’d have a clear view from above the handrail in those and, of course, none of the privacy issues. 

 

When we walked past the Sunset Bar there were loads of unoccupied tables but all were covered in used cups, glasses etc. Bit of a theme emerging here. The ship feels short staffed to me. There are apparently 5,700 people on this cruise, which is 500 over the lower berth capacity but 500 below the total possible occupancy with all upper berths in use. The ship feels busy and this unfortunately adds to the lift problems. 

 

For lunch we had booked the Olive Grove. I’m pleased to say that the ambiance in there is far nicer than many other areas of the ship and more restaurant like. I can see why people rave about this and we would agree. Great choice and good food and the vast majority is free. This is a fantastic addition and a definite plus point for Iona. For balance, our daughters went an hour or so after us and weren’t as impressed. They said that service was terminally slow. 

 

We returned to the cabin afterward and, yet again, normal lift etiquette (or basic manners) are not adhered to by many of the passengers on this ship. It took ages to get a lift that we could get into and when one did arrive a middle aged couple who had only just turned up jumped straight in. This was the straw that broke the camels back I’m afraid and I pointed out to them that they had jumped ahead of us, so they vacated and let us in. We are only just over 24 hours in and I’m already dreading having to use lifts. I should imagine that it’s going to be a nightmare when people are getting on and off in ports and will be nigh on impossible on disembarkation morning. It’s also worth noting that we are having issues even though all lifts are working. If any go out of service (as they have a tendency of doing) it’s going to be even worse. I decided that I would register our problems at reception and ask why there are no signs at lifts (as there are on the other ships) or announcement on embarkation day during the captains address asking people to give priority to wheelchair users and those with disabilities. I also asked if they could perhaps put a reminder in Horizon. After a discussion behind the scenes the lady returned to tell me that on Iona there is no priority for wheelchair users or those with disabilities. Well I had already worked that out 😂. Wheelchair and scooter users note. I hope that Cunard haven’t made the same mistakes with their new ship Queen Anne. We shall see in May. 

 

At 7pm we went to the 710 Club for the Handwritten performance. We all enjoyed it. The main singer / pianist was excellent. The drummer sang a few tracks. We all agreed he should stick to drumming 😂 The lead guitarist sang a Coldplay track and he was much better. I tried a cherry Negroni that several had mentioned on here. Not for me 😂 

 

When the performance finished we were too early for our 8.15pm dinner slot so we went to Anderson’s for another drink. As mentioned, a naff ambiance in here but we were served much quicker than the Crows Nest. 

 

At 8.15pm we duly trotted off to Pearl restaurant and, as instructed, mentioned our friendly managers name. He duly appeared and showed us to a really nice oval table with two great waiters. A great meal and fab service was had by all. We have requested the same table for breakfast at 9.15am tomorrow. I got the impression that anyone could make a similar request, not just those of us who know senior staff. None of us fancied the singer Kelly Anne so everyone returned to their cabins, although I decided to try the Jess Lynne tribute singer in the Sky Dome. Awful acoustics as many have reported, but she was great. The girls will be envious when I tell them at breakfast. A quick walk on the top of the ship to see the night sky and then to bed. Tomorrow Stavanger. 

[molecrochip]

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your cruise.

 

The decor on Arvia, especially the atrium have additional wood touches instead of silver and it improves the appearance.

[Gettingwarmer]

Thanks for a great report. Agree with you about the hard sofas. We too were on the hump with the larger balconies but found the room narrower than other ships but as least the deluxe balconies are longer and give you “turn around” space. The atrium is noisy and like an airport lounge but you do get terrific views of the ocean. 
Your daughters should try the Quays for breakfast, lovely made to order omelettes. Have a good cruise. 

[Selbourne]

1 minute ago, Gettingwarmer said:

Thanks for a great report. Agree with you about the hard sofas. We too were on the hump with the larger balconies but found the room narrower than other ships but as least the deluxe balconies are longer and give you “turn around” space. The atrium is noisy and like an airport lounge but you do get terrific views of the ocean. 
Your daughters should try the Quays for breakfast, lovely made to order omelettes. Have a good cruise. 

Thanks. Just had breakfast in the MDR and everyone was delighted with it. Same table as last night and great waiters. I think they aim to try the Quays for lunch today when we get back from our stroll around Stavanger (at least we docked - seems like Iona often has problems here). 

[GSPG]

With 5,700 on board, you are likely to experience the best and ‘not so best’ behaviour of fellow guests at times, but at least the latter should hopefully be in the minority.

 

Having done Iona (Canaries), and Arvia (Med), I don’t think I would go on them again. You can experience most of the same things on a ship roughly half the size (Britannia), but have more overcrowding in certain areas and times on these bigger ships.

 

To me and of course it’s a business but these extra large capacity ships are just for the company to make money, with little extra benefits for the guest.

 

I saw a mention these largest ships are like being in a shopping mall, and I get that!

 

 

[Minnie29]

Can you please tell me what time the performances are in the 710 club each evening? Thank you

[TigerB]

What took you so long, lad?  After the football yesterday, I had to get on with those jobs our lass had on her list; no sitting on my backside allowed whilst waiting for your first post!🤭

 

Decor and ambience: 

I hadn't really thought about it before, but now that you mention it, I suppose the public areas do have that modern conference hotel feel to them. To us, they were just light and airy, albeit quite noisy in the atrium. Other than Britannia and Arvia, we haven't sailed on any other P&O ships, so not much else to compare to. 

By the way, to really get that airport feel, you need to go on Arvia, where the shop concessions are laid out in an open manner like the duty free area of an airport.

 

Dining: 

I'm really glad you enjoyed Olive Grove; for us, the experience in there was far superior to the one we had on Arvia. It is busier of an evening though, but I think you're all sorted with other venues.

I'm also glad you enjoyed Epicurean and that it was better than you had experienced on Britannia. I do hope the tasting menu lives up to expectations.

See! All that stress beforehand about getting a table for all of you in the MDR, and it resolves itself. Top marks to the restaurant manager for recognising you and offering to sort you out. As you say, you don't necessarily have to be the infamous Selbourne to be able to get a table.

I know what you mean about Aqua, although it felt much quieter than either of the main MDRs. We did prefer Opal, which you won't get to experience as it doesn't open for breakfast.

 

Lifts and priority:

I'll try and keep this short, as I could easily go on for ages!  What a response from the lady at Guest Services!😯 She may as well have said, "Hey, you've got an adapted cabin, there are automatic doors around the ship, we've made space for you in the theatre, we've provided lifts; what more do you want"?  Her response now makes me realise why there aren't cards on the tables in Horizon of the Quays, requesting priority be given to wheelchair users and disabled guests.  

Luckily, despite the apparent policy of P&O/Carnival on priority, or lack of, for some of the most vulnerable guests, at least there are some folk around that have the common sense and courtesy to try and make life a wee bit easier for such guests. @molecrochip, I would be interested to read your view on this, and if the 'policy' mentioned by the lady in Guest Services comes from the top.

After reading about your first lift experience, I did wonder how long it would be before you became vocal with other guests. You have more patience than me!  Having experienced it previously, I'm there straightaway: going to the lift doors and blocking access to those ' blind sprinters', and pointing out that there are disabled folk waiting.

 

Cabin:

I can't believe that a cabin steward who services accessible cabins doesn't know how the equipment works. Hopefully, the sink won't break down as ours did. 

Hopefully, you'll get used to the automatic doors, and remember to stand well away from the main one when leaving the cabin, especially if you are leaving your good lady inside in a state of undress!🤭  The balcony doors are so easy to use, aren't they? Until they break down!

I know what you mean about the pillows. When we first see our cabin steward, we always ask for two extra ones; our lass needs plenty of support. I am like you though, one is not enough, two are too much. As a compromise, when I'm ready to settle down, I use on pillow and put it on its side.

 

 

I hope you enjoy your day in Stavanger. I look forward to your next installment.

 

[TigerB]

30 minutes ago, Minnie29 said:

Can you please tell me what time the performances are in the 710 club each evening? Thank you

 

19:00 / 20:45 / 22:30 / 00:15

[ParisHilton]

I hope I'm not guilty, but I saw hardly any wheelchairs on board last week. Wouldn't have helped you I suppose if people keep jumping in front.  It's sad for society but perhaps we need a single lift reserved for wheelchairs \ scooters.  Shouldn't be a big wait.

 

I think lifts were busier on the first day and calmed down quite a bit as the week went on (or more that I plotted shorter routes that I could take the stairs for rather than trying to get to deck 18 from deck 4...)

 

I thought the atrium was ok, I mean it wasn't 'wow' but I'm not sure how it ever could be.  The scenery in Norway is always going to blow away anything they could put in there.  Can what is essentially a staircase ever wow?  It is noisy in there though pretty much most of the time. But not annoyingly so I'd say.

 

Enjoy Stavanger!

 

ps I'm getting two weeks for the price of one by reliving the experience from your posts.

Edited August 21, 2023 by ParisHilton

[Purdey16]

Lovely to read selbourne, I really enjoyed your Britannia blog but just enjoyed this as much . I do hope the lift situation improves for you and it sounds everything else is going fine for you and I hope you have a fantastic holiday with your family.

[david63]

40 minutes ago, ParisHilton said:

perhaps we need a single lift reserved for wheelchairs \ scooters

It would not be just a single lift but one at each place where there are lifts - and then there would be the problem as to who would police it because you can be as sure as God made little green apples that there would be some who would ignore it because their need to get up/down would be more important or urgent that somebody in a wheelchair.

[Selbourne]

2 hours ago, GSPG said:

With 5,700 on board, you are likely to experience the best and ‘not so best’ behaviour of fellow guests at times, but at least the latter should hopefully be in the minority.

 

Having done Iona (Canaries), and Arvia (Med), I don’t think I would go on them again. You can experience most of the same things on a ship roughly half the size (Britannia), but have more overcrowding in certain areas and times on these bigger ships.

 

To me and of course it’s a business but these extra large capacity ships are just for the company to make money, with little extra benefits for the guest.

 

I saw a mention these largest ships are like being in a shopping mall, and I get that!

 

 

Sadly, those who don’t adhere to cruise ship lift etiquette are in the firm majority on this cruise. No surprise with so many first time cruisers and it doesn’t help that there are none of the usual notices asking people to give wheelchair users and other disabled passengers priority. We could live without having priority, but we are clearly invisible given how many push in ahead of us, so we don’t even get a chance half the time!

[Selbourne]

2 hours ago, Minnie29 said:

Can you please tell me what time the performances are in the 710 club each evening? Thank you

Yes, still exactly as @TigerB has posted. 

[ParisHilton]

6 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

Sadly, those who don’t adhere to cruise ship lift etiquette are in the firm majority on this cruise. No surprise with so many first time cruisers and it doesn’t help that there are none of the usual notices asking people to give wheelchair users and other disabled passengers priority. We could live without having priority, but we are clearly invisible given how many push in ahead of us, so we don’t even get a chance half the time!

Sorry, that's not a cruise etiquette. That's just basic decency.

[Selbourne]

1 hour ago, ParisHilton said:

I thought the atrium was ok, I mean it wasn't 'wow' but I'm not sure how it ever could be.  The scenery in Norway is always going to blow away anything they could put in there.  Can what is essentially a staircase ever wow?  It is noisy in there though pretty much most of the time. But not annoyingly so I'd say.

It’s difficult to describe how much nicer the atriums are on the other ships and how they provide a wow factor. I’ll see if I can find some photos. We even like Britannia’s (which isn’t to everyone’s taste) but the one on here is just a huge white space, not helped by the acres of not particularly attractive white and grey marble flooring. I know it sounds silly and, in the scheme of things it’s really minor, but you only get one chance to make a first impression and this is the first cruise ship we have ever been on out of well over a dozen that we haven’t felt like we are entering somewhere special. 

[Megabear2]

6 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

It’s difficult to describe how much nicer the atriums are on the other ships and how they provide a wow factor. I’ll see if I can find some photos. We even like Britannia’s (which isn’t to everyone’s taste) but the one on here is just a huge white space, not helped by the acres of not particularly attractive white and grey marble flooring. I know it sounds silly and, in the scheme of things it’s really minor, but you only get one chance to make a first impression and this is the first cruise ship we have ever been on out of well over a dozen that we haven’t felt like we are entering somewhere special. 

Totally understand, I had the same problem with Arvia.

[Selbourne]

Not P&O, but here’s one of part of the atrium on Queen Mary 2

[Ardennais]

Great blog Selbourne. Hope the lift situation improves for you. 
 

We quite liked the light and spacious atrium with the sea views. 
 

Interesting that you also think that they’re understaffed. That was our firm impression too, with all the uncleared tables. 

[cruising.mark.uk]

Really enjoying this blog, Selbourne. Thank you.

 

I have to say that I love the atriums on Iona and Arvia. I agree that they are very conference hotel / airport terminal like and I can see how some would not be impressed, especially if they are enamoured of the more 'traditional' atrium.  But, I think they win on two counts: first, they are airy, open, modern and functional with very easy access to multiple venues direct from the atrium; and second, the huge expanse of glass and, with it, the proximity of the sea and the fantastic views, is unmatched on pretty much any other ship we've been on.  We find on many ships these days that it is very difficult to know / appreciate in much of the indoor space that you are actually at sea. That certainly isn't the case with the Arvia and Iona atriums. 

[CarlaMarie]

Even when I was much younger, I have always preferred the traditional style of a cruise ship. I remember going onboard Adonia and being blown away by all of the traditional wood, decor and the colours used throughout. Now in my mid 30s, that hasn't changed. The ultra modern, shopping mall/conference hotel look doesn't appeal to me at all. I don't find it warm and inviting. 

 

Hope you have a wonderful time and thankyou for sharing your cruise with us @Seabourne. I also hope the lift situation improves for you.

[terrierjohn]

1 hour ago, david63 said:

It would not be just a single lift but one at each place where there are lifts - and then there would be the problem as to who would police it because you can be as sure as God made little green apples that there would be some who would ignore it because their need to get up/down would be more important or urgent that somebody in a wheelchair.

As a wheelchair users carer, I would not be happy to see one lift in each block dedicated to wheelchairs or those with other mobility issues, there are just not enough of us to make it practical.

We have found that most people are willing to give us priority and only a few push ahead, and of course at very busy times everyone is delayed so why should we jump the queue.

[ParisHilton]

59 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

 

Interesting comment about the staffing levels.  I remember seeing the odd uncleared table by the pools but not really noticing it as an issue.

 

Tables in horizon and quays seemed to be cleared extremely quickly though.

Staff of course push costs up, and this definitely seems to be at the budget end.  Also, not quite sure where 1200+ staff fit on lifeboats. We counted 16 , and a speedboat type one.  I think there's 300 'seats' on each lifeboat, which just about covers passengers.

 

Did they manage to show the world cup final ok?  They seemed to have some weird issue where we could stream the semi to phones but they wouldn't put it on the screens in Brodie's. Despite it being listed in that days' horizon.

[Selbourne]

4 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

As a wheelchair users carer, I would not be happy to see one lift in each block dedicated to wheelchairs or those with other mobility issues, there are just not enough of us to make it practical.

We have found that most people are willing to give us priority and only a few push ahead, and of course at very busy times everyone is delayed so why should we jump the queue.

I would agree. We don’t need dedicated lifts nor do we expect priority (even though signs and announcements on the other ships request it). However, we are struggling on here at present, and it’s probably the biggest issue that may prevent us from using this ship again, as many other aspects (such as food) have been excellent so far.
 

Decor is subjective and trivial in the scheme of things (but we do prefer traditional and classy over modern and functional) but if we can’t get around without a degree of stress then it takes the shine off. I’m sure that being in peak school holidays adds to the problem, but if this issue doesn’t improve I’m not sure we’d risk it again. 

[Megabear2]

My problem with the large atrium on Arvia was the noise, particularly as I have a hearing imbalance. It reminded me of a mainline railway station.  I felt sorry for the excellent Spanish troupe performing in one corner and also the busker lady as they appeared lost and were a waste of clearly talented individuals.

 

How are you finding the noise levels compared to Britannia last month?

[Selbourne]

1 minute ago, ParisHilton said:

Interesting comment about the staffing levels.  I remember seeing the odd uncleared table by the pools but not really noticing it as an issue.

 

Tables in horizon and quays seemed to be cleared extremely quickly though.

Staff of course push costs up, and this definitely seems to be at the budget end.  Also, not quite sure where 1200+ staff fit on lifeboats. We counted 16 , and a speedboat type one.  I think there's 300 'seats' on each lifeboat, which just about covers passengers.

 

Did they manage to show the world cup final ok?  They seemed to have some weird issue where we could stream the semi to phones but they wouldn't put it on the screens in Brodie's. Despite it being listed in that days' horizon.

There are inflatable life rafts in tubes of on the other ships. Suspect they have them on here as well but not noticed them. 
 

The ladies World Cup final was on in Brodies, the theatre and somewhere else. All full houses. I turned it on in our cabin a few minutes before full time and could see that England were playing defensively as if they were a goal ahead whereas Spain were playing as if they were 3 goals down. Reminded me too much of how our men’s team play, so I turned it off as I could see that the result was sadly inevitable. Great shame though.