Oceana to Madeira and the Canaries: great itinerary and ports, usual friendly service and good food. Some of the most experienced staff were taken to feed the monster Britannia, as we were the only ship in Southampton at the same time as her naming and maiden voyage. This led to some inexperienced staff serving us, with the usual good humour and obliging manner you get on P and O always, but some minor mistakes were made. However, I think we could all understand why this was. And seeing Her Majesty naming Britannia onboard was a great experience.

Boarding was as usual very quick and efficient; 22 minutes from arrival at the dock to enjoying lunch! Cabins were ready promptly and my luggage was already there so unpacked rapidly. Nice to meet cruisemates from previous voyages at the safety drill.

My free champagne voucher wasn't delivered until after dinner ( I was on 2nd sitting club dining) so i never got my sailaway drink until much later in the cruise. This was typical of the minor errors made on this cruise. Another was arriving back at the cabin after dinner and a show to find the turndown service not done; first time ever on P and O! If it had happened again I should have made a fuss, but was willing to overlook it once as there was clearly a lack of experience around the staff who served us. For once I paid my auto gratuities but did not leave extra; I usually do.. Read more