20 plus times cruises across many lines so this is a fair and accurate report of our cruise holiday. A very enjoyable cruise.
First the bad things... Some restaurants were closed and they didnt have the range of drinks behind the bars like normal but we never went hungry or thirsty. The entertainment team was virtually non existant though and the Jubilee celebrations were very poor. The shows, well they were ok, but we had seen them all before so P&O could do with mixing that up a little but that is personnel taste. The quizzes, we like quizzing, but please P&O bring back the instant trinket prizes rather than the card to fill in if you win... a plastic ship on a stick would be treasured. The ship itself is a bit tired looking, nothing too bad, but its beginning to look a little bit old fashioned compared to some of the newer ships these days.
The good things, the weather was fabulous, the ports of call were terrific, we really had a great time at them all... one ships trip into the mountains in land rovers which was too expensive but a great experience, one taxi hired for a trip to a few historical sites which was brilliant becasue we had them all to ourselves and ticked off another Roman Coloseum that we didnt even know existed, and the other two ports were a bus ride to town and self guiding around and a stroll around town after tendering off ship. That one was Korcula island and was our fave place of the whole cruise. Simply stunning.
As for the ship, Our balcony was huge and we could either be in the sun or move to the rear and be in the shade... best balcony we have ever had. Cabin otherwise was as expected. The Staff were undermanned but all were terrific.
Flights were good, no problem whatsoever at Manchester airport, despite all the drama reported on the news. Embarkation and dismebarkation went very well. We had a late flight home and so didnt leave the ship in Malta until after 5pm..so we had a whole final bonus day on holiday, spent the morning in Valetta and the afternoon swimming and sunbathing by the Oasis pool. Fabulous end to a wonderful holiday. Arrived home completely happy and satisfied.
P&O, well they certainly have thier issues, there are better cruise lines but as ever we enjoyed it and its ok, its not that expensive so is a good option for a cheap cruise with reasonable food quality and drinks not priced off the scale.
Lovely cruise with a large group of friends. Staff on board were all very friendly, helpful & professional. Food was ample & if good quality& ‘ variety.
A brilliant Cruise on a wonderful Ship.
Ship and crew were brilliant however the islands visited were a big disappointment with too much hassle from local taxi drivers etc who got quite stropy and threatening when you tried to go past them. I also found the local facilities like shopping and restaurants were very poor and disappointing
Fantastic cruise staff helpful as always Food and service excellent.
The excursions were value for money
I’ve been cruising with p@0 for quite a few years. but this was the first since the pandemic there was a lot o restrictions and I just didn’t feel the same but this hasn’t stop me booking with p@o sgain
A fantastic 28 night cruise around the Caribbean. The entertainment team really made the holiday a lot of fun with quizzes and fun and games around the pool throughout the day. The food in the Horizon buffet and the MDRs as very good - excellent choice and great quality. We also ate in Beach House and Sindhu but these were not as good as I was expecting. We enjoyed the Headliners Theatre shows and the other acts varied depending on the type of act and the quality of the artiste.
The ship is quite tired in places but that didn't really bother us and all the ships we saw while away were looking quite damaged after 2 years of limited maintenance and upkeep.
We enjoyed this cruise so much we changed our plans to be on Arvia over Xmas 2022 and will now be on Ventura for 35 nights instead.
First time on p and o and probably won’t be the last
I only had two negative comments. Firstly the cabin room size is fantastic…. We had a balcony….. however the bathroom was tiny!! We have been on many cruises (this was the 7th) and this was definitely the smallest bathroom I have seen.
Secondly the entertainment. This was extremely disappointing compared with other cruise lines. The acts were repetitive and not much choice. This would probably be the only reason for me not to book again
First time on P&O. Lovely itinerary. Superb embarkation, straight to the ship in Barbados without going into the airport. A little chaotic on disembarkation, coach broke down, plane had a fault and long delay while passengers were found accommodation overnight but staff worked really hard. The ship was tired in places but I know has since had a refurb. The staff on board were lovely, the food excellent although the buffet was very much the same. We paid the extra to go in the adult only area where you were treated royally with lunch, drinks and afternoon tea available everyday. Well worth the extra!
The Azura was the first ship I sailed on in 2018, since then have been truly spoilt by being on the Iona in December 2021.
I know the Azura has been refurbished in a few areas - but others it was quite noticeable like in the lifts and carpets in the rooms / cabins. Really does need a bit of a spruce up in those areas!
The dining was good, however there was a lack of options in the main dining room for pescetarians - and a number of days I had no option other than Salmon! Also on the formal nights I found that not having a jacket (I didn't take a suit but instead took smart trousers and a shirt and tie). So had to carry a members of staff jacket on my arm into the restaurant, place on a chair and give back afterwards. I found that a bit embarrassing to be honest!
Other than that the staff were all brilliant, and the cabin steward was wonderful.
The excursions were good, however one of them especially felt very rushed and we literally had only 50 minutes in one place (we were told about the nice walks you could do - but these were not achievable in the short time we were there).
Other than that, all in all - it was a good cruise and enjoyed it - especially as we make friends with one mum and daughter beforehand (I helped her with the paperwork side) - and we often met up for quizzes etc on board and did the same excursions.
An unforgettable cruise with the family!
First cruise for 4 years due to covid. Made a special trip to celebrate husbands 80th birthday on. March 9th. Family travelled with us and all agreed PO were excellent at cleaning and keeping us safe. Shows were perhaps not quite as good as previous cruises had been but keeping social distance was important .
Just waiting for more destinations from. SOUTHAMPTON TO COME UP . TOO OLD FOR FLY CRUISE NOW WE THINK.
A wonderful ship, brilliant Crew and superb destinations.
Ship was disappointing needs a complete refitting