New Year is a difficult time for us. Having cruised with P&O before we decided to try this cruise from St Lucia to Barbados, choosing freedom dining as always.

Five and a half weeks before sailing and soon after having paid in full we had a voicemail from P&O. Called them back to be told freedom dining was not available on New Years Eve. Dismayed (we wanted the flexibility if not feeling festive on that day) we tried to find a choice but could not.

A subsequent letter from P&O revealed that such withdrawal of freedom dining is standard, had happened for a few years and guests were happy with that. Read more