Relaxing but disappointing

We arrived at our allocated time at the QE2 terminal but then had to drive around the car park opposite 3 times before being allowed inside to drop off the car and our luggage. We're still not sure why as it was empty inside with plenty of baggage handlers and trollies available. Desk staff checked our covid passes, repeated the questions on the health declaration for us to confirm again and asked if we had sufficient travel insurance. We then went through security and were abroad ship 10 minutes later.With regards to the latter, none of the embarking passengers in front of us used the anti bacterial hand gel and the staff present didn't politely remind them either. This was disappointing to witness as it's basic hygiene regardless of covid.

Main Dining Restaurant - Freedom The food was unimaginative and very repetitive in the choices on offer. I've turned green due to the amount of mangetout and runner beans consumed. Portion sizes were adequate but the food wasn't nicely presented either which might have improved the experience. We've had better steak and fish dishes at our local pub if honest. Chips were abundant so I requested salad instead. Staff were friendly but terribly overworked. On many occasions, it took 30-40 minutes for our order to be taken then another half an hour for each course to arrive. Sometimes, the food wasn't hot either but we were quite hungry at this point so didn't mention it or send it back. Buffet My husband and I started eating our evening meals here as there was more choice on the menu and the food was hot. I sampled alot of the vegetarian dishes which were lovely. My husband had the roast a few times and found it becessary to ask for extra meat as he was given 2 very thin slices of pork or suchlike. There seemed to be alot of frozen and tinned vegetables being used. The tinned potatoes and carrots reminded me of camping holidays as a child in the late 70's. The catering manager needs to review the desserts as there was a high proportion of chocolate based ones along with fruit cocktail. Fresh fruit was available as long as you liked apples, pears, plums and kiwi. Bananas were like gold dust and stored out if sight under the counter so had to be requested We always had room service for breakfast which was delivered promptly at the ordered time. The food was fresh and presented well. However, we did access the restaurant for more fruit juice before they became unavailable at 11 am. The machines were either broken down or the juice syrup running out as the juices looked and tasted watered down. Clean tea cups were also difficult to locate at times as the trays were empty. The menu at lunch time was an assorted of hot and cold dishes with beef very popular. Salad, cold meats and cheese were abundant although we did notice the latter two reduce greatly in quantity in the final week of the cruise. Everything appeared newly made though. Ocean Grill It was our wedding anniversary during the cruise so we treated ourselves to a meal at the Ocean Grill. The service from the staff was superb, attentive and friendly. The food was delicious and put both the MDRs & buffet to shame both in terns of quantity and quality. Portions were generous. The starter of camembert, salad and soda bread was the best version of it, I've ever ate. My husband and I both had steak, it was melt in the mouth even though I had mine well cooked. The meringue in the Eton Mess was light in texture and didn't taste sugary or sweet at all. Fresh vegetables were plentiful throughout the meal. A highly enjoyable experience

We didn't participate, preferring to R&R. Fellow passengers seemed to enjoy the table tennis, quoits and golf from what we could see.

If P&O wish to encourage the younger generation to cruise with them then the entertainment needs a major overhaul. In over 30+ cruises and I'm not in my prime yet : ), the entertainment has been and continues to be aimed at the older clientele. The house band Pulse, the busker and girl duet were average. I've heard better in my village pub on the weekend. The usual ballroom and line dancing which attracts a handful of people ever present . Shows in the theatre by Headliners on a repeat cycle from 10 years ago. Live music around the pool could be counted on one hand. Hopefully, you get the guist. Totally unimpressed especially as I attend alot of shows, concerts and films etc at home both by professionals and amateurs. I fully understand the budget is restricted but the Entertainment Manager needs sacking.

The majority of staff were friendly and helpful but it was apparent they're quite overworked. They still did a good job under difficult circumstances. It was nice to witness the restaurant managers offering help when things became busy. However, the exception was our cabin steward who did the minimal he could. I'm a tidy person so made the bed daily. He didn't bother to make it unless he changed the bedding. The carpet wasn't vacuumed regularly as some crumbs were present upon our arrival and still there 5 days into the cruise until I picked them up myself. The bath mat was still on the floor after he cleaned plus he didn't replace dirty towels despite them bring placed in the bath with a note on the bed requesting fresh ones. So we had to get blue pool ones to use instead. These things may appear finicky but it's not the usual standard expected.

The ship is looking dated compared to the likes of Britannia and Iona but we noticed maintenance was occurring constantly. Railings were being varnished, the exterior painted and so forth. The ship was very clean overall but there was a lack of waste bins in the outdoor communal areas. It was easy to catch a lift to go between desks. However, at least 50% on each level seemed to be out of service most of the time.

We booked a saver fare balcony for this cruise as soon as it was being advertised so were slightly apprehensive about the cabin we'd be allocated. In the end, we had one on deck 4. It was a good size with a larger than average balcony. The cabin was clean & tidy in appearance but in need of a refurb and the interior looks antiquated compared to those on Brittania and Iona. The toilet flush in the bathroom was hit & miss. The shower produced a steady glow of hot water which was lovely. A new shower curtain was in place but double the size required so overwhelmed you when using the shower. Sadly, the air con unit repeatedly broke down and despite reporting to the reception straightaway took hours to fix on each occasion.

We self disembarked which was straightforward and quick although there was a long queue behind us so we're pleased we'd arrived early at the designated departure point.