It all started so well. Just a short break to celebrate my retirement. The journey from our home in Somerset was one of the best we have ever had as it was Easter Sunday and there were no shops open!

We arrived at Southampton and joined the lengthy queue for CPS parking. After about 30 minutes we were processed and heading for embarkation in the Mayflower terminal. We had been given a check in time of 3.00 p.m. and this is the time we were given. We had over an hour to wait. The terminal was complete chaos with disgruntled passengers trying to find seating. There is one only vastly overpriced venue to purchase refreshments. At least at an airport there is a choice. There were constant announcements about not blocking the check-in queues and to wait in the seated areas. We eventually reached check-in at 3.25 and then the trek through security. On board at last, we tried to get a beer only to be told the bars were shut because the safety drill was about to take place. Some joke – there were still dozens of people waiting to embark. Our cabin was very nice surprise. A superior balcony on D Deck. A spacious cabin with defined lounge area. Perks included robes, slippers and towels that were actually big enough plus a bottle of champagne and a box of chocs. Our mood lightened until Safety Drill. Our muster station was the Glass House. The stewards on the stairs really didn’t seem to know where to send people. We attempted to get through to the Glass House, only to be told to go down one more deck, which we knew was wrong. We were then sent back up again only to be told again we were in the wrong place! We made our way to the Glass House and were ordered to stand on the carpet outside as the place was so packed. The muster drill was as chaotic as the Mayflower terminal. It simply isn’t feasible to ram so many people into such a small space; all brandishing life jackets. Despite being told not to put jackets on some people did which made space tighter than ever. I hate to think what would happen in a real emergency.

We had been assigned Freedom Dining and on the first night had a table for two but after that shared with others since again the queues were endless. The food is all plated and portions are small. The days of taking a photo of your plate to send to your friends are well and truly over as far as P & O are concerned! Service was slow and noisy in the restaurant –presumably through understaffing. On the last night I had to send calves’ liver back because I couldn’t cut it! Read more