Saturday 10th January 2009
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Lovely ports - disappointing weather |
| Reviewed By: Woolridge, Eaton Bray on 1st Dec 2008 |
| Cruise Line: P&O Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Oriana |
Sailed:
October,
2008 |
| Destination: Caribbean |
Age: 56-65 |
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We returned from a 30-day cruise on the Oriana yesterday which took in Spain, Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, New Orleans, Caribbean and Mexico, a wonderful itinerary - if only the weather matched it!! We have sailed to the Carbbeam many times but never had such poor weather.
When we arrived in Southampton we went through a very quick embarkation process and were on the ship within half an hour, never even entering the port lounge. Once on the ship we were given lunch and then advised that our cabins were ready. The baggage arrived shortly afterwards - a very seamless operation and well organised by all concerned.
The first port of call was La Corunna, on a Sunday, and unfortunately almost everything was closed!! The same thing happened in Mexico. P & O seem to have a knack or arranging to visit ports on Sundays and days at sea during the week!!
We did 10 weeks of the world cruise on the Oriana earlier this year and feel that although standards seem to be dropping generally there were some improvements , i.e. the theatre group was excellent, the best we have ever seen in 15 plus years of cruising with P&O and we also felt there was an improvement in the food served in the main restaurant, although the food served in the conservatory still lacks variety and is poorly presented.
The staff, as usual, were excellent although quite thin on the ground in some of the bars. Also all the staff in the Reception area were very helpful and pleasant, which is quite unusual.
I feel that the Oriana is now showing her age in certain areas, mainly cabins and bathrooms but that has not deterred us from booking two more cruises on her.
One big bone of contention amongst passengers is P &O's new ruling that Portunas Club discounts will no longer be given on any onboard credit which is normally given as an incentive to book early. P & O seem to have forgotten that it is customers' loyalty to them that has earned them the right to expect discounts off all they spend whether it be onboard credit or not.
On arrival in Southampton, the disembarkation was excellent and we were off the ship by 9.00a.m. A very well organised operation.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Mostly Pensular restaurant | | Entertainment |  |
| Theatre group outstanding. Cabaret shows below average/average | | Shore Excursions | |
| Tortola | | Staff |  |
| Restaurant waiters | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities |  |
| | Cabins |  |
| Although kept spotlessly clean by our steward, overall looked very tired | | Overall Rating | |
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Happy HOLIDAY's
Qeen Mary 2 cruise dec 2008
Queen Victoria - Caribbean 2008
MSC Fantasis Christmas Cruise
