P&O Cruises - Artemis Ship Cruises Reviews

Thursday 9th Feb 2012

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Cruise Reviews

Pando Cruises

Artemis

Enjoyed The Cruise Despite Some Niggles

Enjoyed The Cruise Despite Some Niggles

Reviewed By: Lovell, LONDON on 11th Mar 2010
Cruise Line: P&O Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Artemis	Sailed: February, 2010
Destination: Panama Canal	Age: 56-65
Cabin: Outside

We booked two back to back cruises Barbados to Acapulco and back to Barbados again. This meant that we were onboard for two Panama Canal transits. We sailed on Artemis two years ago for three weeks, so were surprised to find the menus and quality of the food served were now inferior. This was apparent from the first evening. In their efforts to keep the price of cruises down P & O have sacrificed the quality and choice of the food served in the Coral Restaurant. The standard of service on this ship is very patchy. We experienced both ends of the spectrum. The waiters who served us on our first two weeks in the Coral Restaurant were the very best but the waiters on the second two weeks left a lot to be desired. During the first two weeks the Norovirus became a problem after a few days which meant that the Conservatory Buffet was closed at times. This did not bother us as we generally avoid the buffet. Before the outbreak no hand gel was being dispensed on entering the Coral Restaurant or on returning to the ship after going ashore. After the outbreak started this was implemented. The entertainment was also very variable some of it very good and some dire. The cruise director on the first two weeks Leon (who I think was on loan from the Ventura) was excellent. The best. Unfortunately the resident cruise director returned for the second two weeks we were onboard and the atmosphere on the ship changed totally and not for the better. Unfortunately a couple of days after leaving Acapulco for the return to Barbados the ship suffered engine failure and despite the best efforts of the engineers, this problem persisted, meaning two ports were missed. The first transit of the Panama Canal took place during daylight hours but we were sorry for the passengers on the second transit as it began at about 4.30am in darkness. Not sure if this was because of the engine problems but the experience was far inferior to the first transit when everything could be seen properly in the daylight. The internet charges were greatly increased on the second two weeks for some unknown reason. Also the cost of a day cabin for the last day greatly increased . Overall we enjoyed our cruise but think if P & O continue lowering their standard they are in danger of loosing loyal customers. We came across first time cruisers on this trip who felt disappointed with the food and serve they had received.
Quality of Food

Entertainment

Shore Excursions	n/a

Staff
Range from excellent to passable
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Some of the quizzes timed so that 2nd sitting diners were uanle to participate which was a shame
Cabins

Overall Rating

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Comment by bailey, oxford (12 Mar 10 22:42) about this REVIEW

We will miss Artemis. But I am hesitating about booking further PandO cruises (have been on several over ten years), as we are also finding the quality of the food has dropped dramatically. Tinned fruit salad is just not acceptable, but the worst was synthetic cream served with scones in the buffet restaurant on Oriana. They served real cream at afternoon tea in the main restaurant, so why not in the buffet? The variety and quality of food is one of the pleasures on a cruise. They are making cruising cheaper at the expense of standards.

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Reece, Mobberley (12 Mar 10 22:35) about this REVIEW

Great review, totally agree with comments re waiter service and food. We also spoke to passengers who had been on the ship many times before and were all of the opinion that standards had dropped. On our cruise at Christmas we felt the daytime entertainment was very childish (apart from the Headliners at night who were v.good), especially considering this was an adult only ship. Was our first experience of P & O - will give them another try and hope standards are better otherwise we will vote with our money !!

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Goodley, bury st edmunds (12 Mar 10 20:08) about this REVIEW

leon was brilliant cabin &restaurant noisy (also vibrations. (not beach boys) food acceptable but not great entertainment some good some bad and only one show a night bar closed when concert pianist was on(who was on holiday us or Mr Ainsworth) quizzes are not entertainment in my opinion only did the outbound cruise dave

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Comment by Littler, Falkirk (12 Mar 10 07:15) about this REVIEW

Thanks for posting this, Lovell. It is interesting to see the differences in the first and second cruises. I've been on a few cruises with Leon and he is THE BEST cruise director ever. Did he do any of his solar system talks? They are a must see.

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Comment by Lovell, LONDON (12 Mar 10 23:48) about a COMMENT by Littler (12 Mar 10 07:15)

Yes, he did do his solar system talks which were very popular and well attended. Obviously, this did not happen on the second two weeks as he had left the ship. The contrast between the first and second two weeks was very noticable with regards the enthusiasm of the entertainment crew. The passengers on the Barbados to Acapulco cruise had a far better experience than the passengers on the Acapulco to Barbados leg of the cruise.

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