This was our third cruise and first with P & O but we would not hesitate to go with P & O again in the future. Though perhaps we have been spoiled by the lovely ship Azura being so new and clean. The transfers from the plane to the ship were seamless. The security was tight thought embarkation and disembarkation which was reassuring. We had a balcony cabin and how brilliant it was to throw open the doors to enjoy the warm air and to view the scenery. The food was plentiful and there was a good selection although it was necessary to book early in restaurants other than the buffet to secure a table. Pleased to see that there were laundry facilities available on board.

The staff were friendly and helpful. The 'Headliners' theatre company were very professional. Some of the other acts were mediocre and there is no guarantee who you will see as they seem to fly in an out to do the cruise ship rounds. Ports of call interesting but economically they need us more than we need them. We were allowed to purchase drinks in port and bring them aboard which was also good and did not in fact stop us buying more drinks on board, the prices of which were very fair.

Tipping was mandatory but we went along with the recommended amounts for general tipping as we chose freedom dining which meant we did not have to eat at a set time or at a set table, and tipped our cabin steward at the end as he had done an excellent job. We were a little disappointed that there is not a continuous promenade deck where you could walk right round the ship but the stairs kept us fit. Also as non smokers we felt that there should be more control of smokers who wander into undesignated areas especially eating areas.