Let me start by saying that my wife and I are experienced cruisers (20+) but have never been with P. & O. Before. So expectations were high. Without doubt this cruise ranked with the best. We got off to a great start, and despite arriving at Southampton an hour early, from leaving our car to arriving on board took just 20 minutes! We had lunch on board and our room was ready, with cases, as promised at 2.00 p.m. The ship was well staffed, with excellent service throughout. Food was of a high standard, especially the lunchtime buffet in the Conservatory. Dinner in the Peninsular restaurant was of good quality, quickly served by excellent waiters. However we found the menus a little unexciting. Alternative dining in the Conservatory (themed buffets) and Al Frescos (Italian) were excellent. We did not try the Terrace Grill or Rhodes Restaurant (both cost extra). Getting ashore at ports (including one by tender) was a dream with no waiting at all, and all shuttle busses were plentiful and free of charge. We did pay extra in Venice for a water bus from the ship to St. Mark's Square - well worth it. On board entertainments were fairly predictable but OK and the resident band and Headliners Theatre Company were again excellent. Bar prices (in sterling) were reasonable and you are allowed to take your own alcohol on board without being searched, a real bonus (other cruise lines take note!). Cabins have fridges to keep a few drinks cool. Finally disembarkation was a dream. We opted to leave independently and take our own cases. We left the ship at 7.20 a.m. and were on the road within 15 minutes! Overall a great cruise experience and we would certainly recommend P. & O. base on this.