Decline in food standards/new menus

We have always looked forward to lunchtime seated dining and having been on the Oriana in April so expected the same enjoyable experience on the Aurora. Sadly the lunchtime menus were changed back in late 2018. The menus are confusing with some options repeated. The choices are more like pub meals with chip, chips, chips. The sharing menu portions are too small. Presentation of burgers/sandwiches poor, no side salads, very unappetising. The salad and cold meat option seems to have vanished which is disappointing in hot summer weather.

In contrast, due to hot and humid weather we chose not to participate in the formal dining, the thought of a suit being hard to contemplate. The buffet dining was a pleasant experience, tables for 2, water, coffee and drinks brought to the table by friendly staff. Always a carved meat option irrespective of the theme night and a wide range of salad options. Unable to see any significant changes since the refit other than the addition of new cabins, and a few new carpets/chairs.

We noticed passengers smoking/vaping on all areas of the promenade deck so this needs policing better, maybe better signage.

Brands in the shops have improved for the better, joules, phase 8 etc (no new stock/rotation) but still too much space devoted to jewellery, more compact displays could release space for other items (no longer sell books). What is the point of having a shop for the sale of alcohol when you can only have it at the end of the cruise? Why not have a pop up shop/stand. Overall the ship although a little tired is acceptable when the sun is shining, but the increased prices with lower quality would make you think again during poor weather. I suspect P&O will be gradually be losing their loyal customers to the smaller cruise lines from the conversations I have experienced as the character and personalised service is lost to profit.