Started off in Malta for a cruise around Greece. Joing the ship was so easy, we were met at the airport, our bags were available immediatley and we were then taken on a small coach to the port. Once on board, as it was so early our cabins weren't ready but we could use all the facilities. The food was great most nights in the restaurant and breakfast and lunch were good in the buffet. The entertainment was brilliant and we spent most nights going from bar to bar. Drinks are good prices and plenty of staff to serve. The ship is a bit tired in places but for the price paid I'm not going to grumble.
Overall it was a great experience and we visited all new locations to me, I would not recommend the Dubrovnik part as it was a ripoff cost 10euros for a coffee best port was Monte Carlo excellent excursion, very laid back feel and friendly atmosphere.
Although some things have changed in our post Covid world, overall less than I had anticipated and certainly nothing which adversely impacted on our cruise. The staff were fabulous, friendly and helpful and so hard working. The food in the main dining room was of a high standard every evening and the buffet was plentiful. Of the ports we visited all were good (apart from Gibraltar which I really don’t like, but that is just me) and Taranto, which while Ok was a bit limited.
There were some gaps apparent due to lack of staff, but certainly nothing which made our holiday less enjoyable. If you are still hesitant about cruising, don’t be..go for it and have fun.
My first ever cruise lived up to my expectations .
A lovely cruise taking in some amazing places. We had a truly wonderful holiday!
As my score ratings imply, we were very pleased with everything on board and the airport check-in was good. The food was great, the staff were great, entertainment was great. Departed from Malta to Athens, Kusadasi - Turkey, Rhodes, Crete and back to Malta with a day at sea either side of Malta. Loved the itinerary and easy to do your own thing in all ports.
The only down side for us was 3 x over 60s in a bunk bed cabin - really not suitable for us (and not a lot of room where beds were) and barely suitable for 2 adults and 2 kids, but the latter could get by at a lower cost.
Entertainment was absolutely shocking ,P and O really need to get there act (no pun intended) together !
This was one of those cruises we all have booked over covid that we’re moved and moved and moved again.
We were looking forward to it and it was our first cruise with our little boy (15 months old)
We enjoyed our 9 days, met some great people and had amazing family time
However
The the Azura is looking tired and in need of a revamp, the public areas are in need of some tlc and it’s lost it’s magic…
The entertainment was average, not fantastic not terrible
The staff were trying at all times, but there just weren’t enough of them
The food wasn’t bad and the itinerary as a repositioning cruise was good
We boarded to then be told there would be no night nursery, we were not told before hand, and the week before us and week after we’re to have night nursery.
Other passengers were not thrilled with having a toddler on board and we got many a dirty look, but with no night nursery we had no choice but to talk our little one with us to dinner and to the entertainment in the evening.
There are no extras any longer, and based on what we paid, this isn’t the end of the world, but I’d just added to the loss of magic for us…
Would we sail on Azura again? No
Would we sail p&o again? Their newer ships
Did we have a good holiday? Absolutely
Sailed out of Malta up the Adriatic coast to Dubrovnik back to Malta then sailed to Tenerife.The cruise was really good sea was calm for whole time on board weather good no rain on any day.The ship was only two thirds full so plenty of places to relax and sit.Food and entertainment really good,staff well mannered and efficient . Only bit of a downside is ship could do with a bit of a refurbish otherwise nice holiday
Overall we had a very enjoyable experience. We couldn’t fault the organisation, embarking and disembarking was smooth, well organised and hassle free. The ship is a little tired and the decor somewhat dull, but it is well maintained and comfortable. The majority of the staff were delightful and helpful. However, the entertainment team were not as visible as normal and director of entertainment was notable by his absence. There is definitely still some impact from Covid on the service and number of staff around the ship. However, having not had a holiday for over two years, I enjoyed this cruise enormously. If you are unsure about travelling, don’t be, it was fine.
Food was exceptional. No need to book chargeable restaurants, as main restaurants were outstanding. Difficult to get a sunbed by the pool during school holidays, unless shore day. Rooms lovely, but, as the ship missed its scheduled refurb, due to COVID it could do with one, now.
It was the worse cruise I have been on . The food was not what you expect from cruising, I found some of the waiters in the restaurants very rude . I also felt the cleaning of some of the public areas was very lacking especially around the pool area.
I have no problems with the cleaning staff of the cabins they were very good also the staff working in the bars.
I have one positive not I was pleased with the flight out to the Caribbean once we checked in our luggage we didn’t see it again until we were in our cabin , also transfers from airport to our ship was excellent.
The main entertainment, deck 7, had a vile smell of sewerage the whole first week, filling one cabaret room with it, we never saw an officer anywhere. We made a complaint at reception and received no response from anyone. My other gripe was the drinks package which we unfortunately bought, you are allowd 15 drinks a day on their terms, a spirit was a single measure only, on one occaison at the bar i ordered 2 gins in one go as i was entitled to up to 15, but no, I was told I could only have 1 and sit and wait 15 minutes before ordering another, was even told off once for not waiting long enough !!!! Costa coffee, you were allowed a standard Latte but not a large one, so petty. On a plus note, I thought the food in the main dining room was lovely, hot and tasty, the theatre shows were generally good too. So in general avoid the drinks package with P & O, yet other companies are such as NCL or MARELLA have excellent packages, take a leaf out of their book P & 0 !
Enjoyed my cruise. The ship is looking slightly old fashioned but the food in the evenings was of a really good standard. the breakfast and lunch in the buffet let it down.
friendly staff, good priced drinks.
bathrooms need updating with plastic tops and shower curtians
entertainment varied from very good to bad
the cost of the cruise was very good though and I would sail again with P&O