How P&O standards have slipped, not the quality it used to be. Back to Cunard

How on earth did P&O get to this?

It seems the desire to pack the big ships at all costs is precipitating a race to the bottom, particularly the type of people that now appear on this once great cruise line.

We went on the Ventura when she was brand new nearly 10 years ago, and my how things have changed. The overall condition of the ship was OK, the food was satisfactory but could be quite repetitive, the entertainment was actually very good.

P&O have generally always had an elderly demographic, but this cruise was like Gods waiting room. We are in our early 40’s and felt like children on this cruise.

The main issue, more than anything, is how standards have slipped. I am presuming to keep headline costs down to attract the masses, is why they are now charging for absolutely everything. Tea and coffee used to be available all day every day. No bathrobes and slippers anymore. But the real kicker, and this will upset people, is the standard of the clientele that are now on board. Areas of the ship now resemble a Butlins camp, with the type of clientele you’d expect to be there.

The point of cruising with P&O, was that it was an experience that was special, exciting, something to really look forward to, out of the ordinary. However, now this is no longer the case. Dress codes have been even more relaxed to now include ‘smart jeans’! Never have I seen this before. P&O what are you doing? Half the ship dressed smartly, half off to a football match, totally unacceptable.

We spoke to a lot of seasoned cruisers who totally agreed with us.How did P&O go from Canberra to this?

We all agreed on one thing, if you want class where everyone makes the effort, go to Cunard. That’s certainly what we shall be doing from now on.

A once great Cruise line now recduced to this. What a shame.