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Reviews 3.5.

3,002 total

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Great service from everyone

Great service from everyone, Food fantastic plenty of things to participate in on from Cinema, shows, Quizzes or just relax around the pool areas and read a book or two.

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

Customer Loyalty

We go on two cruises with them. One in two days and the other middle of May. We are near the top of their loyalty ties on Caribbean level. I have sent various emails asking them a simple question. All I get is holding emails. My cruise agent cannot find out either. It appears that loyalty only applies in one direction.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

P and O is our favourite cruise line…

P and O is our favourite cruise line for long cruises but there a few niggles which need ironing out. The Mint, Apple and Red Currant sauces were extremely watery and were really not up to the standard we have come to expect. Face Cloths were only available to Suites and took no account of our Loyalty status. This is producing another level passenger. Those who can afford suites. The staff were as helpful as usual so no complaints only praise for a job well done. Looking forward to a few improvements when we travel on the Canadian and USA Cruise in September and our USA Cruise in January 2025.

Date of experience : March 15, 2024

The worst cruise I've ever been on

The worst cruise I've ever been on. I've sailed with P&O a few times but this will be the last. They have cut corners so much. My worst gripe is the shuttle buses which now just take you out of the port gates and you are left to try to find your way into the towns. For instance we stopped at Souda Bay for Chania but unless you paid on public transport you couldn't get to Chania and there is absolutely nothing in Souda Bay. No port information is provided. Complaining on board is pointless, you are just met with shrugged shoulders. Azura is a tired ship, worn stained carpets in the cabins, worn out bedding. The entertainment is hit and miss, some good some dreadful. Food is acceptable. The only good thing I can say is that the shore excursions were very good. We thought the price of our cruise was good value for money when we booked, however the adage "you get what you pay for" applies. Spend a little more and choose another cruise line.

Great experience from start to finish

To start with, we couldn’t find details of whether a coach transfer was included from Southampton back to the airport we travelled from and we hesitated to book, until we were able to get confirmation support. Regarding this. Might I say the consultant did an amazing job and we were more than happy with How (Chris Walton of planet cruise) carefully went through everything, And made sure we was happy with everything. The holiday itself from start to finish has been amazing. The weather was a little dodgy on the way home so we couldn’t always go out on deck and enjoy the warmer climate but I have done the transatlantic cruise before, and the weather was different , but we’re not in control of the weather. I would definitely recommend cruising as there’s something for everybody. We work hard at home and we looked at this holiday as an enjoyable, relaxing one and we did get a lot of relaxation from this, have to say, the beds in the room and the pillows are so comfortable , you have definitely done your homework with comfort.

P and 0 definitely nosedived after…

P and 0 definitely nosedived after covid, with poor service and lower standards. I travelled on Brittania last August when it broke free of its moorings and hit another ship. The staff were quite rude to us, we were told to go to our rooms and stay there. Very little information for a couple of hours. We were all given £50 and missed Gibralter. On my latest trip on Iona I was pleasantly surprised it was a definite improvement. They are probably the cheapest. Unfortunately single cabins are still prohibitively expensive.

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Reply from P&O Cruises

Hi Peter, thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologise for any inconveniences or frustrations you encountered during your travels, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. We regret to hear about the challenges you faced during your cruise on Britannia last August. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we understand the importance of clear communication and timely updates. Of course, our staff were under great pressure at this time, but we apologise for any lack of information. Regarding your recent trip on Iona, we are pleased to hear that you noticed an improvement in your overall experience. We are constantly striving to enhance our services and offerings to meet the expectations of our valued guests, and your feedback is invaluable in this process. Once again, we apologise for any shortcomings you experienced, and we thank you for bringing them to our attention. We hope to sail with you again soon! Best wishes, Sophie M - Social Media Team.

I have just had a telephone call with Sharon

I have just had a telephone call with Sharon at P&O with the intention of booking a cruise to the Caribbean. What a wonderful agent. I had questions that she answered honestly, from the point of view that if she was going she would choose this package or cabin type etc. I know it could be viewed as a sales pitch, but I didn’t doubt her advice, recommendations for a moment. There was no doubt that she wanted the best for our holiday. Wonderful telephone manner, knowledgable and we had a giggle. So looking forward to our holiday. Thank you Sharon/shannon

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

Just returned from 2 week caribbean…

Just returned from 2 week caribbean cruise on Arvia. Beautiful ship was a real headache trying to navigate around the ship, need more signage in corridors and direction of front and back of ship. Evening entertainment was dull and no variety, same every night.. Shows in Headliners theatre was amazing. Ship seems to cater only senior citizens, serious lack of activities on ship. No variety of food at dinner in main restaurant. Captain doesn't show up for Captain ball. Food always very salty. Horizon restaurant was good. Music in lounge very boring. Long queues to buy drinks on deck. Lack of sunloungers. Sea days extremely boring. Small gym. Having to go to 16th floor to constantly fill up water bottle was annoying. My only enjoyment was lovely cabin although i asked for sea view was given limited view overlooking sunloungers. Embarkation from Tui Airlines to port was long. Overall I still enjoyed my trip but would NOT cruise with PO again due to its dullness, and IS great getaway if your over 70.

Date of experience : March 02, 2024

First time on brittania

First time on brittania. Agree with others in that it is looking a little tired..this did not retract from our overall pleasant holiday. My wife has dietary problems, which were solved by Richard and Timothy ,the head waiters in the oriental. Only complaint was that the waiters in the crows nest were too pushy. How any one can complain about the lack of chocolates on your pillow is beyond me....get a life!!!!

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

Just completed P&O Cruise K406A and was…

Just completed P&O Cruise K406A and was very disappointed. 1. We only have 3 days in the warm Caribbean 2. Too many sea days, should have deleted the Tenerife & Spain stops (both were cold and wet - and to cap it all Spain was closed!) should have stopped at two / three additional Caribbean islands instead. 3. Despite being only a year old the lifts were either slow or out of order requiring permeant OTIS staff on board to fix! (OTIS should hang it head in shame) 4. Smokers and those using vapes were relegated to deck 18 where they were subject to being soaked through by the heavy rain encountered and/or blown away by the storm force winds we sailed through. Despite paying the same 4 figure sums to be on the ship they were treated as second class citizens and spoken too with contempt by the ships senior staff when trying to find a safer location that was still out of the way of others during bad stormy conditions. 5. The on board entertainment was limited (many repeats) and didn't really cater for most of the age group on board. In addition the Headliners theatre too small for the volume of guests on board requiring three packed sittings per evening limiting each show time to just over an hour. 6. Too many bars where you could spend a lot of money (even a cup of tea at the bars would cost you £2.40!). All non-acholic drinks from any location should be free! 7. One positive note: The food was great with all diets and tastes catered for by the various restaurants throughout the ship. That gave the trip the one star!

P&O don’t care. Awful post-cruise experience

Had a significant delay with P&O’s charter airline Maleth Aero in December ‘23, flying from Antigua to Manchester. P&O advised me to complete a flight claim delay form obtained on Maleth’s website. I did this, completed the form and submitted it by email on the 4th January ‘24. Maleth acknowledged the receipt of this claim form (after 4 email requests from myself asking for this). I have emailed Maleth on multiple occasions asking for updates on when my claim will be processed and payment made. However, Maleth refuse to respond. I then contacted P&O asking them to communicate with Maleth to ask them for an update. P&O responded saying they would not help as ‘you have decided to take independent action”. However, I did exactly what P&O advised me to do! P&O will not take any responsibility for the service / actions of their charter airline. They refuse to support me and other customers who have submitted claims. This really is a shameful way to behave and reflects very badly on P&O. 3 months after experiencing a harrowing departure from Arvia with hours spent in the airport before boarding the delayed flight, I cannot get any response to my flight delay claim from Maleth or P&O. An awful post-cruise experience.

Date of experience : December 30, 2023

One of the best holidays I have ever…

One of the best holidays I have ever been. So much to do on board, relaxing, and enjoyable.

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Top Quality Assistance

the advisor Chezza was very helpful in meeting requests and trying to help as much as possible

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Just got home after 2 weeks aboard…

Just got home after 2 weeks aboard Arvia Barbados to Southampton. Never cruised before, Lovely ship. Fab staff. Max our cabin steward deck 12 great and friendly, and very helpful. Could get sun beds but were no where near the pools ( I was OK with that) I felt entertainment team were geared more to family's rather than the age group on there, and I'm 59. The sail away on the last day from spain. Reminded me of butlins. Cabins fab. Food lush. The 6 days at sea Were OK, I like reading but if I didn't they would of felt long. Not much in the way of day entertainment and interaction. Over all we had a great time. We didn't do the speciality meals. As I felt the meals in the olive Grove Meridian. And the lovely 6 Diner were rally tasty. Even the Horizen buffet was very nice. Good TV selection.

Missed port calls

Just back from a 35 day cruise to Caribbean and America. Have been on many cruises and with different lines. Ventura is starting to show it’s age Curtains in cabin dirty and lots of the carpets dirty The food in the main restaurants definitely gone downhill No cinema and very poor film choice Three ports of call missed not one word of compensation, one months before we left Evidently a regular occurrence why book to go in these ports. Selling a product and not providing what is advertise Very poor entertainment some people easily pleased No quite room to play cards or games, library very small, sometimes its nice to go somewhere quite you can’t do on Ventura Staff all excellent , polite, and courteous especially our cabin attendant Anna Speciality restaurants were very good but I felt the Epicurian was overpriced but the service was excellent This is the first time I’ve written a review because I feel P&O have not delivered what they promised. Three ports of call missed and all we get is an apology from the captain. Not good enough

Date of experience : February 14, 2024

Disillusioned with P&O

After enjoying six cruises with P&O, for the first time I tried to facilitate their “price promise” offer when booking my most recent trip in late 2023. Although their call centre staff were keen to help with the booking on a price comparison basis, on that particular day their sales team were unavailable for the day. As the departure date was fast approaching, I booked on the understanding that I could recover the difference after the trip. I believed that P&O were a trustworthy organisation and was assured that they would live up their commitment. Sadly, after several months of negotiations, they have done everything to avoid honouring that commitment. I am now initiating an ABTA complaint in an attempt to recover the difference paid. I am disappointed that now I am retired and looking forward to taking more last minute holidays, they will not be with P&O.

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

We enjoyed staying in the cabin with…

We enjoyed staying in the cabin with balcony. shore experiences were excellent. Overall the food was of good quality the ports and destinations were beautiful recommend p and o cruises for value for money.

Ventura showing it’s age

Just returned from 18day cruise on Ventura staff were fantastic but ship is looking tired

Date of experience : March 17, 2024

The cruise was a great experience only…

The cruise was a great experience only real complaint was the rip off price of the internet staff food and entertainment first class a few guests very selfish However will not use Pand O again as they would not let us defer our cruise for a year as the couple we were going with had to drop out due to cancer treatment

Hi David, thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the overall experience, including the service, food and entertainment provided by our dedicated team! We are sorry to hear about the difficulties you encountered when trying to defer your cruise due to unforeseen circumstances. Our hearts go out to you and your friends who had to cancel their plans due to cancer treatment. While we strive to accommodate our guests' needs to the best of our ability, there are certain terms and conditions in place that may impact our flexibility in such situations. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may have caused. Your feedback is important to us, and we will take it into consideration as we continue to improve our services to better meet the needs of our valued guests. Best wishes, Sophie M - Social Media Team.

5 weeks of relaxation and freedom

We've just returned from a 5 week cruise on Ventura. We would have been happy to continue. Being looked after, going to different destinations in the sun. Watching the sea from our lovely cabin and balcony, who wouldn't enjoy this

Date of experience : February 11, 2024

Hi Christina, thank you for sharing your experience on your five-week Ventura cruise with us! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your holiday and the wonderful service provided. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you aboard for another fantastic cruise in the future! 🥰 Best wishes, Sophie M - Social Media Team.

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Reviews 3.5.

3,002 total

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Finally received a reply from P&O…

Finally received a reply from P&O regarding our Xmas 2023 cruise aboard Arvia. Took them 3 months to respond!!! Our issue was with Maleth Aero and P&O are accepting no responsibility for our dreadful experience with Maleth Aero. That’s us done with P&O now. Used them for 20 years and they have become a terrible cruise company, not to be trusted.

Date of experience : 15 December 2023

Wouldn't give any stars but can't

Wouldn't give any stars but can't. On Caribbean cruise at beginning of year flying with maleth aero. Like everyone else who had to suffer this charter company we are still awaiting compensation. There not answering anything now and would appear not to be flying, last attempt out of Gatwick was cancelled, and passengers left sitting in airport. PO are not honouring there package holiday bookings criteria, not answering emails. ABTA &CAA have both had report but have also not responded. I have totally lost faith and respect with P O.

Date of experience : 27 January 2024

We love cruising with P&O

We have used P&O cruises for the past 14 years and they have always been excellent. The ships, food and entertainment are of the highest standard. This cruise had excellent shows, as always in the Headliners Theatre with the resident group. Our latest cruise to Northern Europe was no exception and really enjoyable with lovely ports visited. The staff on board are always very helpful and pleasant and make you feel special

Date of experience : 30 March 2024

Great Value for money

Our three week cruise from the canaries through to the Greek isles was very enjoyable and had great things to do, both at ports and on sea days. P&O are obviously aiming for the value for money cruise market and do this very well, but many of the frills have been dropped to get the price balance right. Drinks on board are considerably cheaper than their competitors, apart from the wine selection when dining. But overall, great value for money.

Date of experience : 15 March 2024

First time on P&O with Aurora April…

First time on P&O with Aurora April 2024 loved the ship, cabin was wonderful, service excellent. However Food was awful no vegetables only beans in main dinning. Tours ok but got on wrong bus and no one checked really upsetting. Entertainment was all singing and dancing, but what if you want something else? no talks, plays nothing. Could not believe they have a casino and bingo on board still I guess you pay for what you get. Price was good but having to waive your napkin in the air to appreciate the chefs was all a bit too much more like a circus. Especially as food was awful most nights. I do not think I will ever journey with P&O again I am told their standards have slipped a lot sad such a pretty ship and just the right size. I suppose as the price was good this is what you get.

Date of experience : 07 April 2024

Fantastic service by all on-board

Fantastic service by all on-board. Expansive gym (2 machines were out of order but no big deal!), vast food options to cater for most. There is plenty of on-board entertainment to be enjoyed and much more... Planning to book again!

Date of experience : 23 March 2024

Really easy to book with Tesco vouchers08/04/2024

Call was answered within a few minutes. Operator was friendly and professional. Wanted to book a cruise using some Tesco vouchers and a little wary having seen previous negative views. Absolutely no problem and completely met my needs. Just looking for calm seas for the cruise

Date of experience : 08 April 2024

Pleasant cruise.

Just got back from a week on ventura visiting spain portugal and france. Satisfied overall with everything. Spent a lot of my time reading until the early hours on 15 after some entertainment in the exchange, which, in my opinion, is the best bar and has the best staff on the ship. As usual, I don't book excursions, so can't comment on those. The beach house restaurant is well worth the extra money, amazing food! Downside is the extortionate internet prices.

Conned on parking with no actual space

We paid extra to add on parking at the cruise terminal. We read all the guides on the website and all the emails that we were spammed each week. Wondered why we hadnt received the parking details and then were told its in the T&C that you need to book 35 days before sailing and that spaces weren't guaranteed - so we spent £300 for an option to potentially get a space!! We have logged a complaint and I will update the review once that has been processed but its really put a dampener on the whole holiday. So my tip - don't do parking through them. Lots of cheaper options were you are actually guaranteed a space.

Poor Safety Briefing

After P & O changed our flights without explanation which resulted in a much later arrival time the flight was further delayed which meant we arrived on AZURA after the safely briefing. Because of this on arrival we were sent to the theatre where we had to wait for 20 minutes before the Asst. Cruise Director rushed through reading something so fast he couldn't even finish his sentences. As previous cruisers were were already aware of procedures but for any first time cruiser they would have left the briefing with no clue !. Good job no incidents !

Date of experience : 28 March 2024

Just fantastic Just fantastic experience on the Azura experience on the Azura

Just fantastic experience on the Azura cruising around the med Croatia and Italy. The entire trip was brilliantly organised and we felt pampered.

Date of experience : 04 April 2024

Lack of facilities and poor customer service

First cruise ever so was excited the experience the best of what cruising had to offer. Booked a week's trip to Norway Fjords on Iona. It was expensive but you get very little for your money in return. The cabin was nice and fairly clean, but the balcony door didn't seal properly so made a loud whistle. The dividing door on the balcony kept blowing open. Had an extra sea day due to poor weather and no extra entertainment was put on, the whole cruise every thing entertainment wise was fully booked from day 1 (cruise tip book everything asap). Most of the info talks were just sales pitches, Buffets were half open, no self service machines running, other passenger lift etiquette was poor even to people with disabilities. Linking bookings made no difference and restaurants can't seat more than 6 people together. The whole experience felt like there were far too many passengers for the facilities to be able to cope with. P&O customer care has been shockingly poor, they ignore you for as long as possible and then don't want to help you or even acknowledge your communications to them despite requesting it. My advice would be try a different cruise company.

Date of experience : 05 August 2023

Another lovely cruise on Arvia

Another great cruise Perhaps not a transatlantic again or if I did the other way so it gets warmer towards the end I can now however say I have crossed the Atlantic! As always I like Arvia and treat it as a second home. Mediterranean in 6 weeks then Christmas Caribbean already booked

Arvia East-West Atlantic crossing March 2024

This cruise was a repeat of twelve month's ago, meaning we did enjoy both cruises. The entertainment was excellent, but a repeat, which was a disappointment for us; understandably P&O repeated them. From checking in at Gatwick to embarkation, faultless. TUI are a good partner. The ship is well looked after, especially important when TransAtlantic. Not the company's fault, mobile phones being used on loudspeaker mode; why do people do that? It is unsociable. Reminders on etiquette in the daily Horizon please.

Date of experience : 16 March 2024

Caribbean fly cruise

Flying out from Manchester with TUI was a disappointment, had informed P&O of a nut allergy, no provisions for this, told she could have a apple instead, no option to buy food either, long time for a 9 hour flight. Transfers were great as well as all staff on board, allergy was very well catered for, all pre-booked trips very well ran. Disappointed that 1 formal evening was just cancelled without any reason or infomation passed on to guests. Biggest disappointment was cancelling the stop in the Azores on way home due to weather, although 2 other ships managed to berth 1 before us and 1 after, lots on board thinking this was as they were in a big hurry to get back as the ship was being refurbished on return. Disembarkation was bought forward after this as well as loading/unloading the day before in Southampton at 4 o clock on the Thursday, everyone staying on-board until Friday morning. It was a shame that these things did put a damper on our holiday which is why I only gave it 3 stars, if it was not for the missed port and the no food for nut allergy on plane it would of defiantly be 5 stars.

Date of experience : 22 March 2024

Experiencing the Arvia

The Arvia is a luxurious ship. The cabin was clean and furnishings were lovely. The bed was so comfy. The bathroom accessories from the White Company were just amazing. The only criticism is that the cabin felt smaller than other ships and we needed a traffic light system for moving around. The dining and entertainment was first class with so much selection. We felt safe, valued and were treated very well.

Date of experience : 09 March 2024

Good food, entertainment and interesting ports to visit. You just have to make it your own style of holiday when aboard and be patient with others who enjoy their holidays in different ways. Excellent value for money.

Have just returned from a cruise on…Britannia

Have just returned from a cruise on Britannia. They advised us the Casino would be closed for essential maintenance half way through the cruise for the last two sea days of our holiday. They must have known about this before we even got on board as the contractors were on board when we left the Caribbean for 9 sea days back to Southampton where the ship was going for a two week re-fit. On board there is no official way of lodging a complaint so I drafted a letter and handed it in at the Casino addressed to the Casino Manager and the Captain. The Companies Terms and Conditions say that compensation will only be given for significant changes after departure. Well. We thought this was significant as the facilities were denied to us for 15% of our holiday. To this day no response has been received.

Date of experience : 05 April 2024

Atlantic Cruise.

We did the Trans Atlantic, on the Arvia. Flew from Gatwick, which was ok. But could have flown from Birmingham which would have been closer and better for us. Embarkation was very good, very efficient. Our cabin was in a great location nice and quite and private, and clean. But the cabin steward, never replenished toilet rolls, towels, etc. We had to do that ourselves. Lovely ship, and very clean. Most of the staff appeared very happy. But there were a few grumpy members of staff. Entertainment in general was very good, so no complaints. But the cinema just showed in the main, childrens films.. A bit disappointing. My only gripe was, a few passengers were horrible, and ignorant. I was, grabbed on the shoulders and given a some verbal, abuse by an elderly gentleman because I was sat in a chair near him. The food was lovely in the restaurants in the buffet, sometimed warm, sometimes cold. Lots of people smoking in non smoking areas too. That wasn't addressed, by staff. But over all, it was a pleasant cruise.

P&O don’t like any complaints from customers

P&O as a company take your money, do what the hell they like and refuse to even listen to your feedback or take any responsibility. If you have a grievance they simply do not want to hear it or even try to remember you are their customer! Arvia is a lovely ship the staff who wait on and the cleaning staff are lovely, the rest of them need to go to the school of customer service. Yes they are cheap compared to others but you really do get the service you pay for. You literally are just one of the 5000 on board so why would they care? If you do raise a complaint they tell you to basically shut up. Pay extra and use another cruise company what’s another £1k when you have already spent £6k on a 2 week holiday with a company that doesn’t actually give a damn

Date of experience : 24 February 2024

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Reviews 3.5.

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Disgusting embarkation

As a result of P&O booking our flights to arrive late in the afternoon, a subsequent delay at Gatwick meant we were rushed to the ship and herded into The Playhouse before waiting 30mins for our safety presentation to start. We were made to feel it was our fault we were late. At no time were we welcomed warmly or offered a welcoming drink after spending a long day travelling. No information provided concerning how to get access to our room etc. Thereafter the cruise was superb and I can’t fault it but a bit of thought towards late arrival for embarkation is needed - it was not our fault we were late.

Date of experience : 28 March 2024

AVOID AVOID AVOID

AVOID AVOID AVOID. Spent thousands on board as food was so awful, we had to pay extra for the good restaurants, just to find out P&O charged us double, once when on board and again when we left. Then when we complained we were told we will have to wait 30 days to receive our money back. What a joke, they have left me overdrawn with direct debits bouncing. They took an extra 4K they were not entitled to take. I feel so ripped off.

Date of experience : 31 March 2024

Hi i spent 2 weeks on P&O iona with the…

Hi i spent 2 weeks on P&O iona with the family we was a party of 12 adults and grandkids I've been on many cruises this one was sold to me as a family cruise but it was the worsts cruise I've very been on , no entertainment for the kids apart from kids club & as for the buffa if you like curry & rice or carvery that's what on offer twice a day for the 14 days , the main entertainment was very poor I've had better entertainment in Butlins , slept in the same bedding for 14 days ( I don't do that in my own house ) I've complained to p&o waited 28 days to get a reply then was offered £200 on board spend on next cruise lolllll No there site they advertise family cruise and the kids will be entertained but i did know we had to entertain them. Spoke to the entertainments manger ( ANDY ) ASKED HIM WHY THE ENTERTAINMENT WAS SO BAD ? his answer was don't have we don't have the budget£££ Its an over 60s cruise NEVER a FAMILY cruise

New Zealand 14 nts

New Zealand - absolute rubbish experience. I am not writing it all out again longhand. See my review on product review.com.au

Date of experience : 24 March 2024

Disappointed with Arvia

Just done transatlantic crossing on Arvia and found it a bit of a disappointment. Deck 15 balcony had a 10 foot overhang so no sun at all. Only smoking areas at top of ship on deck 18 one of which was completely unusable in poor weather. Using bars etc on lower decks made it very difficult for smokers. We never saw the Captain or senior officers on public areas and entertainment team did not cater for the majority age group on board. Our 20th P&O cruise was our least favourite and may be our last.

First experience of a cruise

First experience of a cruise. On Britannia to the Caribbean. From checking in at Manchester and the TUI chap that checked us in, to the TUI flight and then boarding the whole experience for us was seamless and extremely enjoyable and worthwhile. The cruise experience was excellent, the staff on board were amazing, the entertainment, the cabin the steward - all brilliant. 100% recommend P&O cruises.

Date of experience : 23 March 2024

Love P&O

P&O continue to give great value for money. The ships are always immaculate, well maintained and very comfortable. Beds and pillows as good as being at home. The food is of a high standard, great choices onboard most ships from buffet to fine dining. Staff onboard make your experience extra special, they are welcoming, friendly and always there to help out. The only reason I would sail with another cruise line would be for a different itinerary.

Date of experience : 15 March 2024

Southampton to Rotterdam

Just back from The Aurora short 4 night stay to Rotterdam absolutely brilliant. The whole set up from start to finish was well organised. Food on board was great choice was really good. Service was outstanding everywhere from cleaning the cabin to waiting service/ bar staff. Shore excursions were really good for choice. Their own singers/dancers were awesome (could have been watching a West End show) and the Celtic Harp singers were absolutely outstanding. Lots of choice for daytime/ evening entertainment. All in all a brilliant short break.

A fantastic transatlantic cruise on…

A fantastic transatlantic cruise on Arvia. After reading bad reviews we were a little apprehensive but we found everything to be perfect! The ship was spotlessly clean, the food was amazing & the crew were a credit to P&O! The excursions were well organised & suited every budget. We were so impressed that we booked 2 future cruises while onboard!

Adding a cabin to a booked cruise

Phoned the call centre to add a cabin to a booked cruise and change position of currently booked cabin. The call handler was very helpful in a professional and friendly manner. The call was also answered quickly

Date of experience : 07 April 2024

Just come back from Carribbean crise on…

Just come back from Carribbean crise on Arvia what an impressive ship. Overall experience excellent loved the idea of the tag system on sunbeds stopping the hoarders. Would highly recommend TUI flight from Manchester I hope P&O stick with them. The weather wasn't too good on the crossing back Such is life. My holiday app bit of a pain people booking shows not turning up so other can't get in that needs sorting and we need free wi fi. Overall excellent cruise in fact booked again for next year

Great trip on a lovely ship - Arvia

Just returned from a transatlantic voyage on Arvia. We absolutely loved the ship and the cruise. The only reasons for not giving 5 stars: 1) The sunbed situation - I fully accept that this is difficult as there is finite space, but some people do abuse it and staff should police it better. If relaxing in the sun is your main aim, I would go to a hotel/resort. 2) In comparison to previous P&O and Princess cruises I would say that we found the evening menus a bit limited in the for,al dining rooms. Having said that you will never go hungry and we loved the choice of speciality restaurants, albeit you paid a cover charge in some. Overall - BRILLIANT

Date of experience : 16 March 2024

Poor customer service!

Had an issue with the return flight from the Caribbean cruise. Over 90 seats on the aircraft had no fully functioning entertainment system. Evidently P&O were aware and we were informed that they had sent out an email informing us, which was not the case. I have sent in 2 emails and received absolutely no response from P&O, very disappointing customer service. It seems that once your holiday is over they are not bothered!

Date of experience : 09 March 2024

On Iona for two weeks

On Iona for two weeks. Not enough staff for number of passengers and so many cut backs you have to pay a surcharge for everything.usually £15 Even the shellac nails offer was £5 more than you would pay in Uk. No fixed dinning is a farce and the menu so heavy with green beans, never want to see one again. 510 club only seats 70 out of 5,000 and a couple said block booked before they even left home. Same shows for several nights. 30 minutes to get a drinks order taken- not good

steps forward, steps back

Lovely cruise on Azura round Croatia. Super weather, super smooth sailing, interesting destinations. Great to see the Captain's Party return post covid, with complimentary fizz and a speech to passengers around the Atrium. Also no pre-booking of entertainment making it like the 'good old days' of arriving early and House Full signs later. Busy theatres once more. Also the photographers appear to be making a return. Welcome back. Not just at formal night around the atrium, but boarding shots and round the restaurant. Not so good was the Black Tie MDR menus, where an optional £15 3-dish meal, fillet steak, was offered. I tried this and the food was indeed lovely and served on special blue plates. Really this should have been a free choice on Black Tie evening. The regular white-plate options were uninspiring for such a fancy night; no lobster, no beef wellington. We also tried the Beach House, Glass House and the buffet. Beach house was booked prior to sailing, but with limited times available even then. Glass house had a 1hr 45min wait at 6pm opening. Staffing again; the tables were empty but either no staff to clear, or no chefs to cook more meals. The buffet was decidedly disappointing on the one night we tried it. There seemed fewer events scheduled on a sea day, the Horizon paper being no longer than a port day. The staff serving and cleaning were lovely and friendly, but very overworked. We were told they work 11 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 10 months a year. Cabin stewards were reassigned other roles later in the day. Overall we had a lovely time with some improvements made but some odd steps backwards, particularly relating to the food served, so dropping 1 star. I see a few negative reviews commenting on customer service, price drops or holiday refunds. Thankfully we have rarely had to use CS, but it was ok for us when we did. Prices fluctuate according to supply and demand, you could hold off booking, hoping for a lower price, but then you might not get what you want, it might sell out or it might actually go up in price. Been there, done that. Book at a price you are happy with so that you don't feel sad later. Also saver prices are cheaper and lack perks. Understand that you will get the room others haven't wanted, whatever dining arrangements that are left and no on board spend. As for P and O picking up the tab because you are unwell or have had a life event and change your plans, that is what travel insurance is for.

Date of experience : 04 April 2024

Beautiful ship

Enjoyed our 2 week transatlantic cruise on Ariva.staff lovely. Food lovely. Lots entertainment. Everything run smoothly on board.would not recommend for children for 2 weeks as had 6 days at sea and didnt feel enoughto do for children , needed another stop or 2 destination to break it up.Beautiful ship and didn't feel too busy on board.

On the whole cruise and ship great

On the whole cruise and ship great. Cabins - lack of drawers Disembarking complete and utter disorganisation from start to finish. Utter chaos getting off ship and in the case collection area.

Date of experience : 30 March 2024

Our fabulous 15 night transatlantic cruise

Just arrived home from a 15 night trans Atlantic crossing from Barbados to Southampton. What an amazing cruise we’ve had. Everything was so well organised from leaving Manchester to getting to the ship in Barbados to arriving back in Southampton and our coach back to Manchester airport. Entertainment top class, Cher Tribute was the best tribute we’ve ever seen. The headliner shows were amazing, very clever, with talented singers and dancers. The crew are so hard working and very efficient. The cruise was excellent value for money. Would definitely recommend a P&O Cruise. Thank you to everyone involved in making our cruise experience so special.

I went on the cruise for a week

I went on the cruise for a week, it had no free wifi and i needed to do work online at the time. I had check how much the wifi was and it was £70 for a weeks worth of wifi! I left it a few days and it came down to £36 pound for three days. I had bought this package but when i tried to go on youtube or even tiktok it didnt even work as if you want to access those type of apps then you need to buy the premium wifi which is over £100. I am very dissapointed with this and i couldnt access certain apps that i needed for my work. wouldnt reccomend if you want to access wifi.

No Free Wifi, have to pay a fortune

I went on the cruise for a week, it had no free wifi and i needed to do work online at the time. I had checked how much the wifi was and it was £70 for a weeks worth of wifi! I left it a few days and it came down to £36 pound for three days. I had bought this package but when i tried to go on youtube or even tiktok it didnt even work as if you want to access those type of apps then you need to buy the premium wifi which is over £100. I am very dissapointed with this and i couldnt access certain apps that i needed for my work. wouldnt reccomend if you want to access wifi.

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• Aerobics Studio *
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P&O 1 Week Iona Norwegian Fjords Cruise 2024 (HONEST Review)

Welcome to our honest review of the P&O 1 Week Iona Norwegian Fjords Cruise.

In this article, we review the various aspects of our cruise experience, offering insights and firsthand experiences to help you make an educated decision about your future voyage. From the culinary offerings and accommodations to the onboard entertainment and shore excursions, we provide an unbiased account of what you can expect during your time aboard P&O Iona in 2024.

Let us be your guide as we navigate through the remarkable landscapes, experiences, and memories that await on this incredible journey through the Norwegian Fjords.

Table of Contents

Food: Satisfactory Selection, Familiar Menus

The food onboard the P&O cruise ship provided a satisfactory dining experience, though nothing truly exceptional stood out. It is important to note that four of the restaurants aboard the ship had identical menus, despite their varied settings. Therefore, while you may be seated at different venues throughout the ship, the food options remained the same.

Among the dining options, the Keel & Kow Steakhouse restaurant stood out as our favorite onboard. This restaurant required an additional fee, but the delicious steak offerings made it well worth the extra expense. 

Additionally, the Beachhouse and Olive Grove restaurants were two hidden gems that demanded an extra charge but were undoubtedly worth every penny. The Beachhouse offered a tasty array of American and Caribbean dishes, while the Olive Grove showcased the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. 

While the overall food experience was satisfactory, it would have been more enjoyable to have greater diversity in menu options and unique dining experiences across the ship. Nonetheless, the presence of standout restaurants like the Keel & Kow, Beachhouse, and Olive Grove ensured that culinary delights were never far away for those willing to explore beyond the standard fare.

Rooms: Exceeding Expectations in Comfort and Amenities

The accommodations on the P&O cruise ship were a pleasant surprise, exceeding our expectations. Opting for a standard balcony room provides ample space and comfort.

The rooms were well-equipped, featuring a minifridge, television, sofa, and a desk area. Ample wardrobe space allowed for easy organization, and the wide selection of movies on the television ensured entertainment during the downtime. The beds were comfortable, and we had a good night’s sleep throughout the journey.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the televisions in the rooms did not have access to Netflix or other streaming services. However, this wasn’t a significant drawback, considering the wide range of movies available on the television, which provided ample entertainment options. For those who desired a more personalized selection, we would recommend downloading movies onto your laptop before embarking on the cruise. This way, you can enjoy your preferred movies at your leisure.

Onboard Entertainment: Few Options with Room for Improvement

While the entertainment onboard the ship may not have been specifically tailored for young adults, this was something we expected and were prepared for. However, we really enjoyed the top deck. Here, we found a selection of sports and games that catered to everybody. Whether it was a friendly basketball match, a competitive game of table tennis, testing our skills on the giant chessboard, going for a run, or practicing our swing on the golf simulator, there was no shortage of fun activities to partake in.

Additionally, the ship’s gym proved to be a welcomed addition for those looking to maintain their fitness routines while cruising. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, the gym offered everything one needed for a comprehensive workout. What made the experience even more enjoyable was the breathtaking sea views that could be enjoyed while using the cardio machines.

For those seeking relaxation and pampering, the onboard spa provided a sanctuary of tranquility. While the prices were a little on the higher side, the spa treatments were still a pleasant indulgence. However, it’s worth mentioning that the staff could be quite pushy when it came to upselling additional products during our treatments. Despite this, the thermal spa onboard the ship was a standout feature that we highly recommend. This oasis of relaxation included a sauna, steam room, salt room, and jacuzzi, providing a rejuvenating and soothing experience after a day of exploration.

Shore Excursions: A Key Highlight, Planning is Key

The shore excursions stood out as some of the best experiences during our trip. However, we quickly learned that planning these excursions in advance is crucial to making the most of your time ashore. By avoiding booking directly with P&O and instead opting to book with tour operators when disembarking from the ship, you are able to save money and have more flexibility in selecting your preferred tours.

It’s important to note that the availability of these direct bookings is subject to the tour operators’ schedules, but rest assured, there are always options available for those who are not too particular about which tours to take. While some ports may offer limited activities beyond leisurely strolling around the towns, booking shore excursions provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the local culture, history, and natural wonders.

One of our most memorable excursions took place in the port of Olden. Here, we embarked on an awe-inspiring adventure by taking a skylift ride on one of the steepest lifts in the world. The ascent offered breathtaking views of the surrounding Norwegian Fjords, showcasing the sheer grandeur and magnificence of the landscape. It was a truly enjoyable experience that left a lasting impression and added a touch of adrenaline to our journey.

Staff & Service: Friendly and Helpful

One of our favourite aspects of our P&O 1 Week Iona Norwegian Cruise was the exceptional staff members onboard. From the moment we stepped foot on the ship, it was clear that the crew was dedicated to ensuring a pleasant experience for every guest. They consistently went above and beyond, working tirelessly to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of passengers.

The staff’s friendly and approachable nature created a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the ship. From the dining venues to the cabins and common areas, their genuine smiles and willingness to assist made us feel valued and appreciated as guests. No matter the request or inquiry, they were always quick to respond and provide helpful assistance.

While tipping is not mandatory on P&O cruises, we would strongly encourage leaving a gratuity for the hardworking staff. Their dedication and commitment to providing exceptional service deserve recognition and appreciation. Tipping is a personal decision, but it can be a meaningful gesture to express gratitude for the outstanding efforts put forth by the staff members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience for everyone.

Price: Good Value for a Unforgettable Journey

Considering the overall experience, the P&O cruise offers exceptional value for money. While additional expenses such as water, snacks, dining at specialty restaurants, and extras like photographs are to be expected, the initial price of the cruise itself, coupled with the quality of the accommodations, dining options, shore excursions, and fantastic service, make the investment worthwhile.

Guests should budget accordingly and prepare for the added expenses, but rest assured that the overall value received far exceeds the additional costs. The memories and experiences gained from a P&O cruise are truly priceless.

The P&O 7-day Iona Norwegian Fjords Cruise offers a satisfying and memorable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords. With comfortable accommodations, standout dining options like the Keel & Kow steakhouse, and a range of onboard activities including sports on the top deck and a well-equipped gym, there is plenty to enjoy.

Planning shore excursions in advance and booking directly with tour operators proves to be a money-saving strategy, while the helpful and friendly staff adds to the overall experience.

Although some minor drawbacks exist, the cruise provides excellent value for money, allowing guests to indulge in relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments amidst the stunning scenery of the Norwegian Fjords.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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More From Forbes

Meet paul ludlow, the president of p&o cruises.

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Paul Ludlow, President of P&O Cruises

Paul Ludlow is the President of P&O Cruises .

On a sunny Wednesday morning, we sat down to discuss Paul's journey from sales administrator to cruise line president and his plans for the 21st-century evolution of what is dubbed Britain's best-loved cruise line.

Growing up on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, Paul got his first taste of travel working as a tour guide for an educational tours company, EF Travel. He showcased the island and taught English to visiting school children.

"In hindsight, I think I probably realize now that my first job as a tour guide meant I had a future in the travel industry – I started so young, showcasing the local area, and I absolutely loved it," Paul says, beaming.

From there, Paul's journey to becoming the president of P&O Cruises began.

"I don't think you ever set out thinking that that is your final destination," Paul chuckles.

After studying Business at Bournemouth University, Paul remained in the south of England, on the doorstep of P&O Cruises, one of the largest employers in the region at the time.

"I got my foot in the door at a low level in the business. My first role was sales administrator, over 23 years ago now!

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I realized very quickly that the cruise industry is such an exciting place to be – back in the day, it was tiny compared to where it is today," says Paul.

Paul recounts the first time he set on a cruise ship: "I was overwhelmed by the scale, the choice, and the amenities available on the ships.

Looking back now, you could perhaps fit several of those ships into the size of the ships we have today at P&O Cruises," says Paul.

"It was a fast-growing industry and an exciting place to be, and I stuck with it," Paul adds.

Paul worked his way through P&O Cruises' parent group, Carnival Corporation, as the previous UK managing director of Princess Cruises before landing the top job of president of P&O Cruises.

"Every day is different – I have huge variety within my role.

Cruise ships are like floating cities with theatres, fine-dining restaurants, and even hospitals. Parts of our organization are dedicated to each of those areas—it's my role to be responsible for all of that!" says Paul.

"I'm very fortunate to travel on all of our ships to all four corners of the world, and I get enormous joy out of that.

We have over 15,000 people working for this business, and I really enjoy my interactions with each of them," Paul adds.

I wonder what the most significant challenges are in Paul's role?

"We're a very complex business. Often, you'll make a change in one area of the business, and it'll have a consequence in another part of the business.

So one of the challenges is understanding that interplay, making sure that you have all the stakeholders together, that everyone has a clear view of what 'good' looks like, and that we're all working for a common goal," says Paul.

"Over time, you realize that you can't be an expert in everything you're ultimately accountable for in a large and complex business like this.

You rely on subject matter experts, and you have to learn to trust that they will drive for the best result possible," says Paul.

"As you develop as a leader and move through the organization, you realize that the way you empower people and set them up for success will deliver the best results, " adds Paul.

Paul Ludlow

With so many cruise lines floating around, I wonder what makes a cruise, a P&O cruise ?

"There's a DNA that runs through all of our holidays. P&O Cruises is an iconic brand with enormous trust amongst its guests, but what it's always been throughout its 200-year history reflects the best of Britain.

Britain never stands still—people's tastes, interests, and hobbies constantly move. We want to make sure that when people come onboard, they have immediate familiarity with what they have at home, but done even better at sea," says Paul.

"Holidays count now more than ever after the COVID pandemic, and with the economic backdrop standing as it is, cruisers are looking for value and a return on their investment," Paul adds.

P&O Cruises has heavily invested in its partnerships, from gourmet menus designed by British chef Marco Pierre White to entertainment dreamt up by Take That's Gary Barlow.

More recently, the cruise line partnered with Nicole Scherzinger, formerly of The Pussycat Dolls, to develop entertainment under the SkyDome onboard P&O Arvia.

"I think P&O Cruises has evolved enormously over the last ten years, and we'll continue to stay ahead of modern Britain into the future," says Paul.

After welcoming its two newest ships, P&O Iona and P&O Arvia , they plan to pause as they focus on passenger experience.

"We have a huge presence in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Norwegian Fjords, and we're increasingly working with those destinations to maximize guest experience ashore.

I want to be Britain's number one holiday choice—so I'm not just limiting this to the cruise sector," says Paul.

"In the UK cruise sector, P&O Cruises is already the market leader, but I really want us to have a challenger mentality so that we think bigger than just cruise," Paul adds.

I relay a question from Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, for Paul – "What do you say no to?" I ask.

"I actually say no a lot! I strongly believe that you have to focus on your priorities. We're not short of good ideas in our organization, and there is lots of passion and enthusiasm amongst all our people—but we have to be selective in the things we can spend our time and money on.

Saying no enables you to continue focussing on your priorities and stay on the right track," says Paul.

I ask Paul whether he has a question he'd like to ask another cruise line president?

"What keeps you up at night? Is there anything that weighs heavy on your mind from week to week, from month to month?" Paul ponders.

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