Christmas and New Year Cruise to the Caribbean

Unfortunately, we have to be frank – this was not their best. We have cruised with P&O before and found them excellent! The last occasion was in 2011 to the Norwegian Fjords on Ventura. Also we have travelled to the Caribbean before at Christmas, plus the Mediterranean on both Aurora and Oriana. In total on seven occasions. Each occasion has been amazing, except this one.
We found the ship was extremely unstable. We found the decor tired with curtains with holes in them and stains, plus many curtains in the general areas falling down. The carpets to the general areas were showing extreme signs of wear and tear with holes in them and in many places gaffer tape had been employed due to health and safety! Our cabin – a mini suite had mould in the shower and stained grout to the ceramic wall and floor tiles. Furthermore, the shower curtain was brown at the base with toothpaste on it!. Our cabin steward did not hoover our cabin until the penultimate day before we were due to return to Southampton. The floor of our bathroom was not cleaned with water and invariably had dirt remaining. We kept our cabin tidy, so there was only cleaning required to be done. The visits to Port were too short – Madeira – arrival 10.30am and we left at 4.30pm. Afternoon tea at Reids was offered on the itinerary, but would never have been possible due to the early departure. We did not have a single evening at any Port and we arrived back in the English Channel in the evening prior to leaving the ship. A later departure from Madeira could have easily been accommodated, but Port costs have been reduced by short stays.
The food was OK, but was not as good as previously experienced. We went to all the various restaurants and found that the Indian was the best and that the Ocean Grill was not worth the extra per head as it was no better that the main Meridian Restaurant.
The only item other than our cabin steward was the wonderful service and attention to detail by all the other members of staff. The Meridian staff, spa staff, gym staff , hospital staff and shop staff were all excellent. This is what saved our holiday.
We will probably cruise again, but would find an alternative Company who offer the excellence that we have experienced previously.