The room was excellent. it took us over a week to properly book a table for when we wanted to eat at night.There were two people at the point of booking,one the man was very good and tried to help when he could.The other a female was one of the most horrid people I have ever met on a cruise liner.Basically the ship was too big. To say I wont be going back is an understatement.
This cruise was the relocation cruise from Southampton to Barbados. It included only 5 port stops, so we had a lot of sea days, including 6 consecutive days. I like the sea days as you are forced to relax, especially if you don't buy the internet access package. The crew provide a good range of activities and entertainment to keep you busy. We did at least 3 quizzes a day, but plenty of other options were available. I'm not into the black tie nights, of which we had 4, but we simply ate at the buffet on those nights to avoid the need to dress up. The staff were excellent, especially considering that some were in training. We met some lovely people - and some we would prefer not to meet again! The ship is big enough to find like-minded passengers and avoid those with other interests. The food was average - there was a huge choice, especially in the buffet, but it was basically the same huge choice every day and a little more variety would be good.
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Chosen because of itinerary and more days on land than at sea. Had been on this ship more than 10 years ago. Ship recently refurbished so looks very smart. Balcony cabin more spacious than other P&O ships. Food generally good in main dining rooms though getting a table for 2 very difficult unless you are prepared for a long wait. Entertainment good, itinerary excellent (Santander is recommended, not often on itineraries). Ship had to have a deep clean so boarding was late but didn't detect high levels of sickness, just keep away from the buffet and Jacuzzis!
On the whole, good value and the only gripe was missing out on Guernsey with a day at sea instead. As there was warning that this would probably happen there was disgruntlement among the passengers that there appeared to be no effort made to find a substitute port of call.
Only our 2nd cruise (1st was the Caribbean on Arvia) but even though we were on a smaller and older ship we still had an amazing holiday. The destinations and tours we did were fantastic. Our only negative was we should have booked for 2 weeks instead of one!
Lots to love some not so good
Arrived at port had to wait to book in cabin with balconie very good no problem with luggage arrived on time was quite rocking in bed sailing for 2 days got to madera very nice but not a lot to do alot of old poeople on board which was fine food was nice staff very nice dont like the strict dress code though but others didnt seem to mind lovely weather in the canaries very pleasant cruise going to another cruise with pand o in november
Just as good as ever, Tenerife is great at Xmas and my Teide is stunning as is Madeira



