Cruised on the Azura with p & o for Christmas. Flight to Barbados good although not sure what paying for premium seats buys you anymore! Maybe a little extra leg room and drinks, certainly not priority check in or boarding as expected.

This was our 2nd cruise on the azura having being blown away with our first cruise in 2012. Just to say it was not how we remembered. Having arrived at Barbados to be advised of norovirus on the ship we were optimistic. Our first impressions were that the ship was dirty. We tried to book the retreat to find it full, again!!. We then went to the pool deck to find the floors filthy and tables cluttered with previous passengers plates etc. no one seemed bothered about cleaning up first impressions were very disappointing.

Our cabin was ok although curtains, cushions and bed valance grubby. Cabin attendant was pleasant and helpful. Staff around the ship were miserable and often rude with a poor grasp of English. The poor service continued throughout the cruise and in respect of the norovirus I was unsurprised that the crew were unable to stop this as the levels of cleanliness throughout the ship were poor. Lifts and mirrors were dirty, floors and tables of restaurants were not cleaned for long periods of time. Our balcony doors and glass were not cleaned at all during the cruise. I did not see anyone clean the windows of the ship and general attitude of the staff was poor. Carpets were grubby throughout although I believe azura is due a much needed revamp. We have booked Britannia for July in the hope that this p & o can impress again as they have done before. Would also mention that many passengers had booked their holiday last minute for a bargain price. Having paid a high price to book a year in advance I can honestly say it was not worth it. Had we booked for the £600 some passengers had paid then maybe we wouldn't have felt so let down. Whole feeling overall is that p & o azura is like a bustling camp at sea. The ship has lost what made it special