SOUTHAMPTON RETURN via CANARIES and Lisbon

Lovely cabin, larger than most ships and kept immaculately clean. Perhaps a benefit of a larger ship. Pity that quality did not extend throughout.

3000 passengers with many of them descending on the buffet during the lunch period does not help to promote a feeling of ‘calmness at sea’. Passengers seemed to occupy the buffet window seats from early morning to ensure that they were prepared for the 12 o’clock rush. The Buffet could have been organised better. Two-way traffic congestion, compounded by the many passengers with walking aids, food trays not replaced quickly enough and whilst knives and forks were given out with trays on entry, too much time was spent hunting the spoons which again added to the chaos.!
Restaurant service was of a good standard, despite the stewards trying to convince us that white bread was brown!. Thankfully the Maitre Dee was not colour blind. Portion control has been introduced but for those on our pleasant table, the three-course meals were very adequate.

If you are an exercise lover the equipment on board is superb but be prepared to get lost trying to find your way to the gym. Don’t think walking around the outside deck is preferable as long stretches seem to be closed off by the staff at the slightest opportunity, be it weather or maintenance.

Overall our view is that cruising has ‘dumbed down’ a little to cater for a wider Cross section of clients but is still value for money whether you choose a larger or smaller ship.

Overall an enjoyable 12 days at a reasonable price but how I wish P and O Peninsular club would take a leaf out of their sister company Princess Captains Circle and reward regular cruisers properly by recognising all their previous cruise loyalty in allocating tier points.