After a gap of some years, we have begun cruising again, the latest being on Adonia in Sept 2014. We have recently cruised with Royal Caribbean and Cunard so wanted to try P & O. Regrettably it is not the P & O I remember!

My biggest gripes concern the buffet style Conservatory restaurant where most of the waiters were poorly trained, constantly got in passengers' way, and where the supervisors didn't supervise. Hot food seldom was and the biggest joke was a notice to passengers warning about the dangers of eating under-cooked food and this was right next to the usually under-cooked fried eggs at breakfast. There was nearly always a shortage of teaspoons and sachets of peppermint tea bags. That being said, the choice of food in the buffet was good and varied, if only it could be served hot.

The Pacific Restaurant, on the other hand, was totally different. Well-trained and attentive waiters serving good quality food in pleasant surroundings. We dined here every evening except for the two special occasions the Conservatory was open in the evening, once for excellent Asian cuisine and once for equally excellent Indian cuisine. On these two occasions the service was good and the food (buffet style) was hot. But I greatly missed the silver service at Dinner and this has put me off considering P & O for future cruises. Read more