This Baltic cruise on the Azura was from 19 May to 2 June, starting from Southampton. We took the train from Cardiff, but due to track maintenance work, a double-decker bus (eventually packed and piled chest high with suitcases in the aisles) was provided from Salisbury on. On the way back, we had a sprinter train with no room for luggage, and was so packed another carriage had to be laid on from Bristol Temple Meads, eventually delaying us by nearly 30 minutes. Why is First Great Western so incapable of getting even the basics right? They are serving a cruising port for Heavens sake, with elderly people and loads of luggage. Doh!
EMBARKATION: was quick and well organised, taking just under an hour.
DINING: we booked late, so had to have fixed early dining on a table for ten. We had all asked for a table with a maximum of eight, so this was naughty, P&O.The service was very good, though we thought the food standards had declined somewhat since we did the Caribbean on her eighteen months previously. The self-service restaurants Venetia and Verona were full whatever time of day you went there, and having a table to yourselves was never an option. Tables were always cleared very quickly, however. This ship is not ideal for the Baltic, everyone crams inside in bad weather, but it's plentiful outside space can be utilised in the Caribbean, so people are not on top of each other.