P & O have had such bad press lately I thought I would write down my experiences with this company since 1980.
The first cruise with P.& O. was on the Canberra in 1980, visiting several countries in the Mediterranean. We went with a couple of friends and had a wonderful time, feeling and being treated like royalty. It took us two years to save for this trip and it was worth every penny. The excitement of leaving Southampton with "You are Sailing" played by a live military band, drinking champagne and throwing streamers over the side, will always stay in my memory, as will as getting a twenty-one gun salute as we arrived at Gilbraltar. In those days there were, I think, 90% of people over 55, but that didn't bother us. We did our own thing, like livening things up in the Maridian Lounge (we called it the Maridian Morge) all the oldies went in there for a nap after their meals, well they did until we arrived!!
It was 1990 before we could afford to cruise again. We flew to Miami and joined the Star Princess to cruised for twelve days round eight islands, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Grand Caymen, Barbados, to name a few. We enjoyed it so much that we booked again the following year, visiting eight different islands. (Everyone seems that much younger and more energetic than in 1980, or was it that we were ten years older!!!!)
The next trip was in the year 2001, (Oh dear, now I am one of the oldies, young at heart and energetic though, I think!!!!). We chose P & O's smallest ship, the Victoria, visiting eight countries in the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, Rome, Menorca etc. This ship has now been taken out of commission, which is a shame, as being small we got to know almost everyone and made some good friends, who we still cruise with.
For our 40th Wedding Anniversary in 2003 we booked up a cruise leaving from Southampton to America, Canada and Newfoundland and back to Southampton, with these new-found friends. This time we chose a larger ship, the Oriana. We saw some really lovely places, such as New York, Boston and Quebec. We had such a lot of fun and got on so well that we booked a further trip on the Oriana to the Carribean in 2004, sailing from Southampton and back again, visiting places such as the Azores, The Virgin Islands, St. Lucia and Madeira. (It was true younger people were choosing to go on cruises, we even had quite a few children on these two trips).
We have now booked our seventh cruise, again on the Oriana but cruising round the Med to places we haven't visited before, tell you about it when we get back.
Summary: ========
We have always been treated extremely well, the staff polite and helpful, and the food has always been varied and excellent. In all six cruises we have only had one problem with regard to the ship itself and that was on our arrival at New York. Apparently there was a fault with the radar and we were not allowed to dock until this was rectified. This caused a three hour delay, so our time in the city was cut short.
As you may have guessed we love cruising. There is so much to do on the P & O. fleet, but you can always find a quiet spot to relax or read a book. The shops are well supplied with interesting things, there is a casino and slot machines if you like that sort of thing, and the shows every night are really good.
These modern ships now have a cyber room (thank goodness, I get computer withdrawal symptons after a couple of days). They also have a good fitness room, so there is not excuse to come home unfit.
With regard to the abundance of food, it's there if you want it. During the last two cruises I was on the Atkins diet and I was able to choose what food I wanted for dinner each night. I was really pleased I only put on 4 lbs., guess it was all that booze. All the ships have this facility as long as you inform them of your dietary requirements when booking.
A word on the accommodation. We have never been lucky enough to afford the very best of cabins. (This year we have booked a stateroom with a balcony, best ever! Only get sun one way though, but I am looking forward to a nightcap on the balcony each night!). All cabins,apart from some being a bit small, have always been well kitted out. They usually have telephone, television, cupboard space and good toilet facilities. Having your own stewart is a great asset, we found that they kept the cabins in spick and span order and if you wanted anything you only had to ask. (It's nice having your own slave!!)
I do agree that cruises seem expensive, but you can get some really good offers, this year we got 45% off the holiday plus a further 10% off from the travel agent. When you think how far you travel, how many places you see, the superb food and entertainment, it's not that bad really. The only things to pay for are drinks, beauty treatments, hair do's and any trips on shore. These can be expensive, but we find getting a taxi to take us to see the sites, especially if you share with another couple, is far cheaper.
Well, must go and get ready, takes ages, but that is half the pleasure, sorting out all your posh frocks for the evenings. Crickey! Hope they still fit, better get on with that diet!!!
I am so jealous of all those lovely cruises! Never been on one yet but would love to. Drinks on the balcony in the stateroom? Very nice! :-)
Belle 30.01.2005 17:49
I'm afraid I have been put off a cruise for life, I went to Denmark by boat a couple of years ago and it wasn't pretty - I wasn't actually ill, but felt terrible - lucky you for having the opportunity to travel to so many places, it is a far cry from my little trip! K xxx
skeet263 28.01.2005 00:14
This sounds like such an amazing trip! So glad you had a good time, and it was wonderful to read.
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Advantages: A real value for money holiday of a lifetime in which you will be completely pampered Disadvantages: Perfectly calm crossings cannot be guaranteed
Marchant 21.11.2001 (18.03.2002)
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Advantages: Relaxing travel, good price, If you want a cruising taster a good option Disadvantages: Expensive onboard food, innacurate cabin, transfer bus confusion.
likka75 22.08.2008 (22.08.2008)
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