We too have returned from the Neww Orleans cruise, and would also agree with most of what's already been written. We were also freedon dining, and the food was like school meals. Veg was invariably overcooked, the quality of the meat was poor, more fat than meat.

The waiters were aware of the situation and often they brought an extra plate to top up your helping. After studying the menus in our cabin, we rarely had lunch in the restaurant, opting for a snack in our cabin. This also resulted in us dining in the Ocean Grill and Sorentos at an extra charge, on several occasions, where the food was good. We were refused duty free alcohol for consumption in our cabin, and I suspect the bar prices were not duty free. Entertainment was lack lustre and one act was booed off the stage. Also prevalent was the Oriana cough. Many passengers were coughing but we managed to survive till the day before disembarkation. We both still have remnants of the cough. P & O, please take note, that even with an increase in the cost of cruises, improve the quality and quantity of your food, and let us all experience the 'fine dining experience' you advertise in your literature.

The ship is now old and tired. When we entered our suite, there was dust everywhere, fridge not working, and a wardrobe door falling off. Some light bulbs were out, a smell of sewage in the toilet was noticeable. It took 4 days to have everything as it should have been. I cannot prpraise thecabin steardess enough. She joined the ship in Southampton for thi cruise, so the state of the cabin as not her fault. Would we cruise with P & O again? Well we have another cruise booked, so can only hope that things may have been de-carnivalised by that time