P&O Cruises - Artemis Ship Cruises Reviews

My husband and I were also on this cruise. We also had a thoroughly good time, but things have sadly deteriorated on Artemis since our last cruise (South America & Antarctic) 2 years ago. We found the quality and choice of food in the Coral Dining Room at dinner was much deteriorated. While our own dinner waiters were fantastic, probably the best we have had on any P & O ship, the waiter service at breakfast and lunch in the Coral Dining Room generally left a lot to be desired. We stayed on the ship for the following 14 day cruise and the waiters at our new table enforced this view. This opinion was shared by our 6 table companions. There appears to have been a reduction in the number of waiters resulting in poor service levels generally. In the late evening, it was virtually impossible to get waiter service in the Horizon bar. Most evenings members of our group had to go up to the bar to order drinks. After about 6 days the Norvirus reared it's ugly head resulting in the closure of the Conservatory Buffet after 6 o' clock in the evening. Prior to this happening it was interesting to note that there was no use of hand gel when entering the Coral Dining Room or on returning to the ship after going ashore. This was implemeted after the outbreak, why was it not in place before ? The overall impression we were left with, is that P & O have made dratsic cuts in order to keep the price of the cruises low. If they carry on in this way, they are in danger of loosing their previously loyal customers.