This was our first cruise with P&O having cruised previously with Cunard and Royal Caribbean. The coach transfer from Gatwick to Southampton was chaotic, meaning we arrived at the ship at 16.45! Once on board we found our inside cabin to be fine and we had an excellent room steward (Martino). We were given the Freedom Dining option in the Peninsular Restaurant and we found the food and service really good. The entertainment was very good throughout the voyage and the entertainment staff were really good too.

The problem with this ship is that it seems to have been designed to cram as many guests on board as possible, over 3600! One guest told us that the Headliners Theatre has a capacity of 1000, so if you want a seat to see a good show you need to be there quite early. If a good act is on in the Live Lounge you have little chance of getting a seat. Similar problems arise when trying to get on equipment in the gym. The walking deck is very small-I went to check it out on the second morning and, in terms of traffic, it reminded me of the M25! Sun loungers were definitely at a premium too!

We still enjoyed the cruise overall and would cruise with P&O again, but on another ship.