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P&O Cruises

MV Adonia

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Marcus Wakefield
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: September 5, 2004
Itinerary: Mediterranean

This was a two week cruise from Southampton to the Mediterranean, and our impression was very good. The ship is a pleasant place to be, facilities are very good and the crew very attentive. In fact, everything was more than satisfactory other than one minor hiccup - and even that was resolved swiftly once brought to their attention.

We spent a few days at sea - on the outward and homeward legs from Southampton - and even with everyone on board the public areas can accommodate everyone. The deck areas are spacious and have plenty of sun beds, although the central area around two of the pools got quite crowded. This is a good sheltered spot though. If this was too busy, the area aft around a smaller pool was usually less busy but an equally good place to be - maybe even better. It still had a bar, a pool, three jacuzzi's and was close to the gym, sauna etc. Inside the ship, the area around the atrium had bars, cafes etc, plus other places (such as 'easy like a Sunday' where you could relax in a comfortable environment). Although a big ship, it never felt too crowded there were plenty of places where you could find a quiet corner to relax and unwind. The casino was good fun, and they also had sessions for beginners and learners that were cheaper (so you didn't lose too much money whilst you learn - you can lose it all when you're an expert!)

Impressive. If you chose to, you could take all your meals in the restaurant which was first class - although to do this would severely test the capacity of your stomach and by the end of the cruise you'd need to buy a new wardrobe two sizes larger! However, the other areas for buffet style breakfasts and lunches were great, with a fine combination of hot/cold foods, salads, fresh fruit, rolls, sweets etc. The evening meals were spot on. Great choice from well thought out menus, great service, delicious food. I'm running out of suitable adjectives now, suffice to say the meals were excellent indeed.

Comfortable, clean, sufficient storage and a useable bathroom. The small balcony with a sliding door was nice (if a little small) and our steward very good. It was big enough (just) but we found there was plenty to do elsewhere and we didn't spend that much time in there anyway. As a bedroom it was fine - there was minimal noise either from the engines, or from neighbouring cabins or public rooms. The air-con worked well too - you could adjust it so it was just right (which is a lot better than my experience in some hotels!)

We didn't see too much in the way of entertainment, although the show we did see was very professionally done and agreeably enjoyable. We also went to a movie and took advantage of other things on board. For example, we had dance lessons, went to a cookery demo, had yoga and pilates classes. There were also lots of other things we could have done - organised sports (bowls, coits, tennis, cricket etc.), indoor activities (bridge, whist etc) and generally there was always something happening with which to while away an hour or two if you wanted to.

We went on four organised tours: Sherry tasting and a visit to a horse farm from Cadiz, a visit to Rome from Civitaveccia, took in Pompei from Naples and went on a helicopter ride over Monte-Carlo (Wow!). All were well organised, ran smoothly and had the services of a professional guide. The only small hiccup was that we didn't get notified of the time of our helicopter flight (people were going in small parties of 4 or 5) and had to contact reception to find out ourselves. They also got our name wrong (pet hate!). However, a pleasant chat with the tour organiser soon saw that sorted with an apology and a nice, chilled, complimentary bottle of wine at dinner. (Okay, so it's the oldest and simplest way to pacify a complaining passenger - but it still works for me!)

Mainly fellow brits with a smattering of others mixed in. Lots of experienced cruisers, judging by the stories we were told of far flung destinations! An agreeable crowd, with the vast majority well mannered, polite and affable. I mention this as on a previous cruise (with another company) the same could not be said for the clientele many of whom seemed to have the 'if-it's-free-grab-as-much-as-you-can-and-never-mind-anyone-else' mentality. This was generally a far more genteel affair with higher standards of behaviour - with the odd exception (isn't there always?). I know I may sound a bit snobbish here - but it definitely makes a difference to the ambience of the holiday.