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P&O Cruises

MV Oriana

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: W. Lux
# previous cruises: 10 to 20
Date of Trip: June 26, 2006
Itinerary: Europe

A mini cruise, 3 nights, to assess the ship potential for future -longer -voyages. Ship almost full - as seems to be the case for most summer mini-cruises. Southampton-Rotterdam (For Amsterdam)-Zebrugge( for Brugges)-Southampton. No transfers to Amsterdam or Brugges were included. It seems to be usual practice with mainstream cruise lines to ensure that you have to pay for the -over the odds - ships tours/transfers to get to the itinerary-destinations, or fathom out your own local transport. Overall pretty much what I expected.

Clean. Some areas too small and gloomy with decor a bit heavy for my (personal) taste. (Andersons, Tiffanys, pub) Favorite was the Crows Nest viewing lounge - light decor, nice forward views. Air con way too cold, extremely common in most indoor public areas on all the ships that I have been on. Not much in the way of lateral viewing except for the main dining rooms. Walk round prom deck, but dark, creepy and enclosed at the front.

The ship itself is quite roomy overall.

Variable. Evening dining in main restaurants had some very nice dishes. The only option to this at night was a hideous, miniscule pizza parlour with poor, limited choice. Most of the Conservatory Restaurant was closed at night with the remainder a Pay-To-Eat venue - so no real alternative dining or buffet was available. Disappointingly this seem to be the way of the world now. Service in the main dining room was fairly prompt pleasant enough. Services was reasonable and mostly polite throughout the ship, but could not be described as 'warm and friendly'

Enough room. Big windows. Apart from the dull grey counterpanes, quite pleasant. Carpets, mattress and pillows were showing their age. Fridge and kettle provided. Typically small bathroom. Adequate towels. Shower gel. Soap bar.

Ok.

Extensive use of dark colour schemes & black/ red/gold decor is not to my taste so tend to spend as little time as possible in these areas.

2 main pools and a childrens araa. Kids clubs seemed to be enjoyed very much by the children/teens.

Too short a cruise to really assess activities - no 'sea days'. Tours are expensive. Beverages are fairly pricey, particulary tea and coffeee - when you can get them - the sale of alcohol appears to be the objective of most ships, rather than allowing choice of what pleases you personally. I would prefer to see the option of hot drinks on all bar menus at all times, and no grim faces when you dare to order it !

Mostly Brits, and all age groups were represented on this cruise. - the rich and the not-so rich.