Our seventh cruise with P&O left us feeling disappointed and looking around for an alternative for next year. Little can be said about the embarkation process which were exceptional due to Oceana's late arrival. The check in staff did a good job given the circumstances. The real problems were the vessel and our fellow passengers. Oceana is a little tired and although the Chief officer was carrying out a rigorous maintenance programme this was to the detriment of the passengers. At no time were we able to walk all the way round the promenade deck due to areas being shut off for painting or hot work, and worst still, the sound of chipping hammers in the afternoons ! ( a NO NO in all my days at sea, both Royal and Merchant Navies).

Our choice of itinery to the Canaries at this time of year should have been an indicator but we were more then surprised by the age range and lack of mobility of the passengers. We were requested to respect the wheelchair and mobility aid users however it was noticeable some would use such difficulties to gain advantage. On more than one occasion the exit passage ways in Starlight's were blocked by late arriving wheelchair users who parked in the front ! At one point we were in a full lift going up when a determined lady pushed her husband plus chair in, squashing us, and wishing to go down ! They went up!

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