Disappointed that The Pantry advertising did not - in any way - live up to expectations.

Fourth time cruise for me [3 x P&O, 1 x Princess] and having booked the Pacific Aria expressly due the extensive and detailed advertising about a new cruising experience, with the new The Pantry dining option. The ship is great! Small, and never had that crowded feeling, and the interiors are very well executed - classy, funky, sophisticated depending on where you were. Beds very comfortable and rooms a good size, but no room fridge and no TV program listing either in print or electronically.

The Pantry dining concept is great but very disappointing in its practical execution to be honest. Repetitive and lacking variety compared to buffet-style dining on other P&O ships. The Salad Bar with two salad options is pretty dismal - especially when served up on a HOT plate straight from the dishwasher. Same goes for the Sweet Bun - Danish pastries tasted like cardboard, no matter which one you selected - and sometimes but not always on a hot plate too! A few of the serving staff were either indifferent or downright surly! Others, very friendly and always had a smile. Read more