This was only our second cruise, the first being on Oceana in July 2013, and we did enjoy it, Oriana may not quite have the 'bling' of Oceana but she is elegant and you do get a bath in your cabin and it's good to soak your legs after a day exploring ashore (and with the rough seas we experienced at times probably safer than trying to stand up in the shower !) . The Crows Nest bar was a great place from which to watch the bows hitting those big seas (not all our fellow passengers shared our enthusiasm for the rough seas it has to be said, it seems we are good sailors after all) It was wonderful to reach the warm Madeira and Canaries even if it was a little wet in Funchal.

All the crew on board were friendly, helpful and efficient , our waiters in the Oriental restaurant, Danesh, Nelson and Ferdy were great and made our evening meals all the more enjoyable, as did our six table companions, set dining on a table for eight can be a lottery but we struck lucky and made good friends for the fortnight. Food was often good, sometime only just OK, Wine and drinks prices very reasonable and a good reason alone to cruise with P&O I think. Afternoon tea in the Peninsular restaurant was not as good as we experienced on Oceana, less choice and quantity of sandwiches and cakes. whether this is down to the individual ships or a general cost cutting by P&O I don't know.. There is a good choice in the buffet style 'smash & grab' sorry 'Conservatory' eating place, it's all right if you get there really early in the morning otherwise it doesn't fit with most peoples image of elegant cruising, quite entertaining when the ship was really rolling in those high seas though.

Theatre shows were good and the cinema is nice, although showing an odd choice of rather dark films at times. despite a few gripes overall my wife and I had a great time and will cruise again and with P&O ( if they don't do any more cost cutting and the drinks prices stay reasonable of course.)