We went on a weeks cuise on the Aurora in June, "the Gallic Getaway" leaving from Southampton.
We had booked an inside cabin, which is the cheapest and is usually quite comfortable. This one STUNK of cigarette smoke. We reported it and the cabin was re cleaned but still it smelt. It took the staff 3 days to sort it out, no alternative cabin was offered, I hated every second of being in that stinking cell. The bedding reeked of smoke and was eventually replaced plus they fully sanitized the cabin, but I spent the first 3 days of my 7 day holiday chasing up this problem.
THe buffet which is served when one boards had only one vegetarian choice of sandwhich , in this case a soft cheese (not suitable for pregnant women) .
I had requested a table for 2 at dinner months before when I booked and this request was not met. As I am a strict veggie I do not like to watch meat being eaten and this was explained when booking. I again had to labour this point and was eventually given a table for 2.
The craft classes which I have enjoyed on previous cruises had been cut from the programme.
A courtesy bus was laid on in a French port Brest. It was so overcrowded wheelchair passengers could not get on at all on the return journey. A Cobh we were expected to fork out £8 each for a coach into Cork, even though it was Cork advertised on the itinerary.
At dinner one of the waiters one evening had gravy spilt down his front. Several times the food had hairs in it. I was so disappointed with the standard of virtually everything. I had cruised with P&O on a longer cruise round the Canaries a few months earlier and what a slip in standards.
I was honestly so relieved to get of that ship, it seemed to be niggling little things all week that spoilt the trip. A big let down, it was so bad I can't think of any good points.
I also cruised on Ocean village in May, I will write a seperate review of this.
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Loved the name contrast - there's a review in this section called "Aurora - Life Doesn't Get Much Better Than this" - then look at yours!
You know, P&O Cruises isn't actually owned by the P&O Group anymore. They sold it to Carnival. So Carnival now own about 90% of cruising in the world. Blame them.
Mattroberts 28.11.2003 19:09
My P &O cruise was absolutely wonderful. I was on the Arcadia, which the Aurora is an update of, I think???? Matt x
carolinebailey2002 28.11.2003 17:56
I don't care about ratings, no problem . I have cruised many times and have always looked in this section for the latest reviews my self, so I think my story is better left here where regular cruisers will find it. P & O have previously been on a par with top companies like Cunard and it was a shock to me to see the difference in standards.
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likka75 22.08.2008 (22.08.2008)
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Review of P&O Ferries
Nov 28th, 2003
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