We cruised with P&O last year and noticed a difference in the service from our last cruise 2003. However this year there was an even greater reduction in service especially in the area of waiter service in the dinning room. The staff had lost there friendly talkative style and just concentrated on serving. So much so that one person on our table had his plate removed whilst he was still holding his knife and fork and eating his last mouthful.

A small minority of bar waiters walked about like automatons and some just stood in front of you waiting for you to order they never spoke throughout the whole process. I wonder if this has something to do with the compulsory tipping they have introduced. I have only ever gone with them because of the excellent service but if this is how far they have sunk I shall be looking elsewhere.

I have no objection to portion control as on other cruises there was lots of wasted food however 6 chips and 12 baked beans in a small ramekin at one lunch is taking it to far. Read more