Azura versus Britannia

Unfortunately my opinion of “Azura” went down a notch after I did a trip on “Britannia”. Although neither ship has the same cosy appeal as say “Oriana”, with two young grandsons in tow, on two weeks trip into the Med, compromises had to be made. Comparing the “Azura” with the “Brit” , not being a sun worshiper, I loved the comfortable rattan couches close to the “Brit’s” pools, where we could relax in the shade, yet be on hand for our grandsons lengthy sessions in the pool. Also their was always far more choice of everything on the “Brit”, both in food selections and entertainment. The myth that conditions on board with 3,600 passengers must be horrendous is not true. Because of her size I found the “Brit” less congested than “Azura”. Sadly “Azura” and her sister lack the charismatic “Crows Nest” lounges that can be found in most of the fleet. Despite my comments we all enjoyed “Azura”, our grandsons probably more than we did, and would trip up her gangway again if conditions were right. The food/entertainment was very much down to personal choice, however I thought that “Benny”, the Cruise Director, was one of the best. Our dining room stewards were brilliant, especially when indulging our grandsons, however I would rate our cabin staff only as okay. I was delighted to see that after only 180 years in the business, P & O are starting to get on top of organised passenger disembarkation.