We sailed on cruise X512 to Ireland, Iceland, Faroe Islands and the Orkneys. This was our second P&O cruise having cruised with Cunard on a number of occasions. Joining the ship at Southampton was very easy with no rush or hassle. We used the valet parking which is excellent. One of the reasons we now choose to cruise is we were fed up with hanging around airports for hours and then getting onto an aircraft that afforded very little leg room. The Oriana is now twenty years old and some of it shows. Our cabin was adequate but the en suite facilities really do look like they are from a nineteen nineties caravan and desperately need upgrading. The toilet repeatedly broke down, this does appear to be a common problem with this ship. Our cabin steward was first class.

My advice to travellers is not go to the Conservatory for breakfast at or around 9am. It borders on complete chaos and it is very difficult to find a seat. 10am is a much better time if you want to avoid the scramble for food. The same at lunch time, leave it until after 2pm. We chose 2nd sitting for dinner which was in the Oriental restaurant. We were towards the rear of the room with lovely views out of the rear of the ship but it is noisy and there is a fair bit of vibration when going at normal speed. We found the service excellent and the food was always good quality and nicely presented. If you chose freedom dining be prepared to have to wait for a table. Comments from other passengers were that they always felt rushed in the Peninsular restaurant.

Our favourite place for drinks was the Crows Nest. Once again the service there was really good and the live music added to the atmosphere. The Amethyst Duo and Chris were particularly enjoyable. The entertainment is always down to personal choice and we did go to the theatre four times and enjoyed each visit. Why do people want to leave before the end of the performance? It's not as if they have a bus to catch. Is it they need more food? Bad manners. Black tie nights were enjoyable and it is nice to see people dressed up, but it is not the same experience as on a Cunard Ship. Read more