After reading so many mixed reviews I was feeling a bit apprehensive. But there was no need to be.
We traveled as a group of 9. 6 adults, and 3 teenage boys. This was our first cruise. All celebrating a special birthday.
Embarkation and disembarkation was extremely straight forward.
Our cabins ranged from mini suites, balconies and outside cabins. All of which were very clean, comfortable. We did feel the high the grade cabin the more space. Of course, we all felt you get what you pay for.
Dinning was a truly wonderful experience. All the food in the the Adriatic Restaurant was amazing. There was a good choice, as there were 2 vegetarians and 1 gluten free. The portions were plentiful, always hot and so well prepared. Our waiters were lovely. Always smiling, so very polite and nothing was ever to much trouble for them. The wine list was fairly extensive and very reasonable.
We also ate breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks in the Plaza Restaurant. This is buffet style. Yes, it was at times rather busy. But what is the rush when you are holiday. There was plenty of choice. All of an exceptional standard.
Afternoon tea and cakes. Well we did indulge one afternoon in the Adriatic Restaurant. I have never seen so many cakes. This was an experience. It sort of reminded of The Mad Hatters Tea Party. .
We also ate in the Horizon Grill. They do great fish & chips, along with hot dogs, burger & chips, jacket potatoes. All were very delicious. The teenagers really enjoyed eating here.
Entertainment in the Starlights and Footlights was very good. There were comedians, magicians, other shows. All of which were of a good standard.
The sail away parties were great fun. P & O did a very good job with these. The staff are very energetic.
The clubs for the teenagers were fun. In fact, we hardly saw them on sea days.
The staff on the ship were excellent. Very polite, extremely helpful and always smiling. Our cabin steward and our waiters Bertie and Sameer were lovely.
There were plenty of sunbeds. But of course being 9 of us we were not always able sit around by the pools. But this as not a problem as there was plenty of space on the other decks. Some of us made use of the gym too.
We were kept well informed by the Horizon Leaflet which was printed every evening.
We really all had a great time and we are looking forward to booking another cruise with P & O.
Positives
The organization of P & O on the ship. The professional manner and friendliness of all the staff on the ship.
Embarking and disembarking this was all very straightforward.
