Cruise Experts Reveal What's Really Like Onboard P&O Cruises' Azura

• Classic P&O Cruises charm: Azura blends traditional design, warm British hospitality and standout service with sun-soaked, port-packed itineraries.

• Foodie-approved dining: From Asian-fusion dishes at Sindhu to fine dining at Epicurean and tapas-style treats at The Glass House, Azura delivers flavours for every palate.

• Fun for all ages: With extensive kids’ clubs, lively entertainment, peaceful pool zones and plenty of grown-up spaces, Azura offers something for every type of cruiser.

Beloved British cruise line P&O Cruises is well known for their exceptional range of no-fly cruises from Southampton, an incredible variety of itineraries and standout service onboard their fleet of classic cruise ships!

Three Cruise.co.uk consultants, Collette Apak, Eve Clark and Jo Cunningham, got to experience P&O Cruises' renowned cruise hospitality onboard sparkling ship Azura during sensational Western Mediterranean and Canary Islands cruise holidays.

In this blog, we get their views on their favourite places to eat, drink and be entertained onboard, as well as their top tips, tricks and facts about P&O Cruises!

What is it Like Onboard Azura?

Collette's View

"My overall impression of the ship is that she's a nice size. Yes - not one of the newest ships in the fleet, and to look at her is quite traditional, but she has everything you need. The thing that stood out was the amazing crew. Efficient and really friendly.

The Canary Islands are not really my go-to travel destination, but I came away thinking I would definitely do this cruise again and enjoy the winter sun. The great thing about this itinerary is that you have 10pm departures from both Madeira and Gran Canaria and overnight in Tenerife, so you can really make use of your extended time in these ports."

Eve's View

"Many of Azura's itineraries are highly port-focused and feature few days at sea, making them perfect for adventurous couples looking to explore some of the world's most beautiful cities. "

What Are The Restaurants Like on Azura?

Collette's View

"Sindhu is the Asian Fusion restaurant. Delicious food, but important to know it's not the kind of food you would get at your local curry house. It's subtle Indian flavours rather than being smacked in the face with chilli and lots of spices.

My favourite was Glass House - no reservations are taken here, it's purely for walk-ins. I loved the tapas-style food, and you can get three small dishes for under a tenner! You also have a selection of wine flights that you can add on, expertly paired by Olly Smith. All menu items are priced individually. "

Eve's View

"Epicurean Speciality was my fave. This is the fine dining experience onboard. The restaurant was smaller, so it had more of an intimate feel, and the choice of meals in here was great, from lobster, steak, giant prawns etc. They also offered crepes, which were a speciality that was flambéed at your table for that extra special touch."

What Are The Kids Clubs Like on Azura?

Collette's View

"I knew that P&O Cruises were great for kids, but I was surprised that on one of the smaller ships, how extensive the facilities actually were. Apparently, there were 170 kids on our sailing (not school holidays), but you would never have known.

The previous week was half-term, and apparently, there were 600 kids on there! I really felt that the kids club staff were incredibly well trained and were very caring as well, knowing how to

include all kids, including those with additional needs."

Jo's View

"My trip was outside of the main school holidays, but there were still a few children on board. The Azura is much more of a family ship than I'd thought. Around the ship, there is an interactive Shaun the Sheep trail - just scan the QR code and play 'Hide and Sheep'."

What is The Entertainment Like on Azura?

Collette's View

"As far as entertainment goes, the Headliners were the main act for the West End-style shows. They obviously performed in the theatre, but also in the Manhattan lounge. They did 70s and 80s themed shows. The main shows were all around 45 minutes long.

The in-house band, Pulse, performed almost every evening, mainly in Manhattan, which also had comedians, quizzes etc. There was also music on deck during the day and night. My fave was the silent disco, which was on twice a week. "

Jo's View

"I am always being asked if there are dance lessons on cruise ships, and I'm pleased to say there are on Azura! On my sea day, it was 'Beginners Ballroom and Latin' in the Atrium, and there were various dance classes and sessions hosted on most days, so perfect for those that want the Strictly feel to their holidays."

What Are The Pools Like on Azura?

Eve's View

"There are four pools and six hot tubs. The Oasis Pool on deck 16 is perfect for those looking for a more peaceful and relaxing area where you can chill and read a book in peace, as the other pools are quite busy and play music a lot of the time. "

Jo's View

"Those who like to be entertained whilst catching some rays can position themselves by the Seascreen - there was a mixture of family and kids films showing. For sun worshippers who like a quiet location, there were plenty of loungers away from the pools too."

Eve's Top P&O Cruises Tips

• You can pre-book the kids' club two weeks before sailing.

• Sindhu, the speciality restaurant, is onboard every ship in the fleet

• Albania has been added as a new Mediterranean destination

• You can join the queue for dining through your My Holiday app, which then buzzes you an alert when your table is ready, giving you 15 minutes to get to the table

• Day passes for the Retreat can only be booked onboard

• Babysitting onboard the Azura is available until 12 pm, but you can request until 2 am if booked 24 hours before