I should like to dedicate this op to all those who have not been on a cruise before or been on a P&O cruise on the Oriana. If you read this from start to finish you too could want to be spoilt for life. I hadn't cruised with P&O before this trip and it has definitely changed my understanding as to what is real value for money on a holiday. My biggest problem is in trying to be brief - I could write a book on this voyage but I will spare you that!

So we decided on P&O and although we would have chosen to go on the 'new' Oriana for obvious reasons, we also chose it because of its itinerary - but I'll come on to that later.

THE ACCOMMODATION
Now before your imagination starts to conjure up visions of 4 people being couped up in a small box room, let me tell you what you actually get with a standard 'basic' twin cabin:
two lower beds with two upper pullman berths, bathroom with shower, wash basin and WC, wardrobes and drawer space, two seater corner sofa, chair and table, vanity table/ writing desk, TV and radio, safe, hairdryer, refrigerator and telephone. It's functional, spotlessly clean, comfortable and fully air-conditioned. We used it to sleep, wash and dress and spent as little time in it as possible simply because there was far too much to do around the rest of this magnificent ship.

The Oriana is a 69,000 tons floating village with 794 crew looking after its 1822 passengers - that's 1 crew member for each 2.3 passengers and explains why P&O are able to pamper its guests. In a nutshell, Oriana oozes opulence, elegance and unadulterated class. The fittings and decor throughout are exquisite.

We were treated like royalty - all the Staff had impeccable manners and charm and were incredibly smart. Our Cabin Steward, Lawrence, must have been telepathic - he always 'just appeared' whenever you thought you needed him and nothing was too much for him.

THE FOOD
It's reassuring to know that with P&O if there is nothing on the menu that takes your fancy (an impossibility!), then you only need to ask. What's more there is an unwritten rule which states that if you can't make your mind up between 2 puddings, don't struggle, have both of them! You certainly will not go hungry aboard this boat. You'll be served breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and for those who are still peckish, there is a midnight buffet! Even though they are catering for the masses, the quality of the food is first class and to illustrate this, I want to include a typical Dinner Menu just to get your mouth watering. This will also show why Dinner was always the biggest problem of the day - how on earth can you choose just one item per course!

Scottish Smoked Salmon with Lemon, Brown Bread, New Potato and Red Onion Salad

Sacher Torte - a Rich Chocolate Gateau with Apricot Sauce

Vanilla, Chocolate and Toffee Crunch Ice Creams

ENTERTAINMENT
During the evening you can choose from having coctails in one of the many bars, testing yourself in one of the quiz nights, watch a film (all the latest releases) in the air-conditioned cinema, try your luck in the casino, go to a classical recital, listen to a dance band or enjoy the cabaret shows in the Theatre where the standards are just as good as many of the West End shows. Alternatively, you can dance the night away or just take things easy - it's up to you. But whatever you do, make sure you have enough energy left so that you can enjoy the next day's shore excursion.

EXTRA COSTS/PAYMENT ON BOARD
If you are not familiar with cruising, money does not exchange hands onboard the ship. At the beginning of the cruise you open an account with the Purser for which you are given a plastic card. This is used for virtually everything on board: shore excursion tickets, drinks, sessions in the beauty salon etc. and you pay your final bill on the last day by debit or credit card. It couldn't be easier. But be careful, costs soon mount up. Our total 'Extras' bill came to just under £1000 (but we did drink for England!)