P&O Cruises New Cruise Liner

[johnsonb 4]

I am new to the cruise club and have contributed as a result of P & O's new ship announcement. I am very much afraid that P & O are going down the same disastrous route as Marks & Spencer by ignoring their customer base and trying to be all things to all cruisers. Surely someone in authority must realise that it is the elderly that cruise regularly filling their ships to capacity and these customers do not want larger ships nor to they wish to dramatically change dress codes, restaurant options etc.etc. I wish P & O well in their new venture but like millions of other regular cruisers of a certain age I shall not be experiencing the new ship.

[june63 107]

Have you written to P & O?

I don't think they bother to read these posts any more, but I couldn't agree with you more Arcadia is big enough for us. I still like the Oriana though

[Terminator 916]

I am new to the cruise club and have contributed as a result of P & O's new ship announcement. I am very much afraid that P & O are going down the same disastrous route as Marks & Spencer by ignoring their customer base and trying to be all things to all cruisers. Surely someone in authority must realise that it is the elderly that cruise regularly filling their ships to capacity and these customers do not want larger ships nor to they wish to dramatically change dress codes, restaurant options etc.etc. I wish P & O well in their new venture but like millions of other regular cruisers of a certain age I shall not be experiencing the new ship.

And when the more mature cruisers have all gone to the great cruise ship in the sky who would you suggest will fill all those empty cabins?

[Captain Kidd II 798]

And when the more mature cruisers have all gone to the great cruise ship in the sky who would you suggest will fill all those empty cabins?

And when the more mature cruisers have all gone to the great cruise ship in the sky who would you suggest will fill all those empty cabins?

If there is a worry about filling cabins then why increase the number available. There are many newcomers to cruise holidays for various reasons so, watch out T, you might find someone in your next cabin before to arrive - double booking!

[micradot 21]

Count me out. I won't be sailing on this monster.

[Terminator 916]

If there is a worry about filling cabins then why increase the number available. There are many newcomers to cruise holidays for various reasons so, watch out T, you might find someone in your next cabin before to arrive - double booking!

But there isn't any problem filling them..that's why the cruise companies are making hay whilst the sun shines and building bigger ships.

Cruising in the UK and now the emerging Chinese market is increasing.

And the age demographic of the average cruiser is get younger by the year so this supposition that the more mature cruiser is keeping the companies in profit is not factual.

You don't have to sail on any ship that doesn't appeal but why try to stop those that do from having the choice?

RCI..PandO ..MSC who all either already have or are building bigger ships can't all be wrong.

Just stay off them if it's not to your taste.

[Terminator 916]

Count me out. I won't be sailing on this monster.

I don't suppose you'll be missed.

[Captain Kidd II 798]

But there isn't any problem filling them..that's why the cruise companies are making hay whilst the sun shines and building bigger ships.

Cruising in the UK and now the emerging Chinese market is increasing.

And the age demographic of the average cruiser is get younger by the year so this supposition that the more mature cruiser is keeping the companies in profit is not factual.

You don't have to sail on any ship that doesn't appeal but why try to stop those that do from having the choice?

RCI..PandO ..MSC who all either already have or are building bigger ships can't all be wrong.

Just stay off them if it's not to your taste.

Thank you for your wise words. As a shareholder in cruiselines I look forward to your comments comming to fruition and being rewarded with bigger dividends and increased values of the shareholding. In days of minimal interest rates it is good to know that I have made 70% profit in just 3 years!

[Oldworldtraveller 2225]

But there isn't any problem filling them..that's why the cruise companies are making hay whilst the sun shines and building bigger ships.

Cruising in the UK and now the emerging Chinese market is increasing.

And the age demographic of the average cruiser is get younger by the year so this supposition that the more mature cruiser is keeping the companies in profit is not factual.

You don't have to sail on any ship that doesn't appeal but why try to stop those that do from having the choice?

RCI..PandO ..MSC who all either already have or are building bigger ships can't all be wrong.

Just stay off them if it's not to your taste.

 

You make some good points Terminator. However they are actually having problems filling ships, hence the really low fares available on some cruise lines.

What I do wonder is how so many people can be against the big ships when they have never been on one. I personally prefer the smaller ships but that is not to say that the big ships don't have an attraction. Having sailed on two monsters recently, over 170,000 tonnes I am the first to admit they have many advantages.

The reason many lines are building bigger ships is economy. They are, pro rata, cheaper to run than smaller ships, built to meet the latest SOLAS regulations and have modern propulsion azi-pod systems run by LNG which cut emissions making them more environmentally friendly, more manoeuvrable as well as eliminating vibration. They can also offer more onboard facilities which the new cruiser with their often young family is looking for. Yes, it is a matter of personal choice, but at least give them a try by way of a day visit, you may be pleasantly surprised. As always, just my opinion.  

[Terminator 916]

The voice of reason as always OWT and I respect your opinion as you have at least tried the larger ships so can post from the perspective of experience.

[Captain Kidd II 798]

The voice of reason as always OWT and I respect your opinion as you have at least tried the larger ships so can post from the perspective of experience.

Quite right respecting opinion but I sense some presumption that some of us have not also tried larger ships which is not the case!

[Terminator 916]

Quite right respecting opinion but I sense some presumption that some of us have not also tried larger ships which is not the case!

Not at all...OWT has put forward his opinion and backed it up with the information that he has at least tried larger ships.

If you were to say the same you would receive the same respect.

Unfortunately I don't read minds so have no idea of who has or hasn't tried them.

Hope that helps.

[towny44 229]

I am new to the cruise club and have contributed as a result of P & O's new ship announcement. I am very much afraid that P & O are going down the same disastrous route as Marks & Spencer by ignoring their customer base and trying to be all things to all cruisers. Surely someone in authority must realise that it is the elderly that cruise regularly filling their ships to capacity and these customers do not want larger ships nor to they wish to dramatically change dress codes, restaurant options etc.etc. I wish P & O well in their new venture but like millions of other regular cruisers of a certain age I shall not be experiencing the new ship.

Others have already pointed out that most main stream cruise lines are building bigger ships and the economic reasons for doing this, and that they certainly would not be doing it if they were not currently filling their ships.

I appreciate that bigger ships will not be to the tastes of everyone but that is no reason for P&O not to build one.  Where you should be concerned is if they decide to sell off some of their older smaller ships and still decide not to replace them with something similar sized.  But the only way to influence this is to enter into a dialogue with the senior management and make your views known, because cruising is for everyone and all should be catered for.

[Gilliano 1]

I don't know whether I was being told porkies but on a recent Britannia cruise I was informed that they were going to bring out another Arcadia size ship. Holland America can do it, why can't P & O?

[Wardlincs 3]

I agree that P&O are ignoring their regular cruisers. We do not want huge ships nor do we want the tribute acts thats we see time after time as entertainment. On a recent cruise of ours we only saw one show, as we had seen all the acts a couple of times previously. With the exception of Tom O'Connor who you can watch time after time and hardly ever hear the same material and who caters to all age groups. How many times do we have to fill in the end of cruise questionaires, that are obviously being ignored, before P&O listen to their regular guests. Bigger ships do not appeal and we certainly will not be booking a cruise on any of them.

Having started cruising on the bigger ships some 15 years ago we like the smaller ships better and hope that P&O start listening to their regular cruisers, or they will loose them.

[Wardlincs 3]

Have you written to P & O?

I don't think they bother to read these posts any more, but I couldn't agree with you more Arcadia is big enough for us. I still like the Oriana though

Yes I have emailed P&O about a different topic and I did receive a phone call back. My complaint was addressed to my satisfaction but that was the only time I have done this except for the end of cruise questionaires, which I think are a waste of time. I'm sure that many seasoned cruisers are looking forward to Orianas re fit, we will be booking on her once done. A lovely ship with a lovely atmosphere.

[Brytrac 0]

Must agree with all Terminater has said , P&O and indeed most cruise lines can fill their ships easily  so why not build bigger ships , it is far more ecconomical to run than a small ship . I myself am not fond of the massive ships but that is how it is going  , take it or leave it . 

[Oldworldtraveller 2225]

Some very good points made but I think we are forgetting certain things.

Firstly many cruise lines have a loyal following of current cruisers who may not agree with the way their favourite cruise line in going. But as Terminator so rightly said "And when the more mature cruisers have all gone to the great cruise ship in the sky who would you suggest will fill all those empty cabins?"

Cruise lines are looking at least 10 years ahead. They are trying to attract a younger audience and to do so they have to offer something similar to what that audience does now, only better. The vast majority of British holidaymakers head for all inclusive hotels/resorts in the sun. The nearest ships can get to this are large resort ships sailing in the sunshine. 

I think we also have to remember that the number of posters on the various forums actually make up a very small percentage of the 1.64 million  who cruised from the UK and Ireland in 2014. Therefore what anyone, for example from this forum, puts on their end of cruise questionnaire may be totally at odds from what the other persons on that cruise put.

As I have said before there are over 60 cruise lines out there operating over 300 ships and somewhere there is one for everyone. I have tried 53 of them and those I enjoy, some are monsters others are small, have been on many times. My personal opinion is that we have to be open minded about the different types of ships until we have tried them personally. They all have advantages and disadvantages. They also have to cater for many different nationalities especially when they leave our shores at the end of the summer for warmer areas.

​All the major cruise lines are taking on bigger ships. MSC with Seaside, Holland America with Koningsdam, RCI with Oasis and Quantum Class, NCL Norwegian Escape and many others so why should P&O not follow the trend. It's the future unless all the major cruise lines have got it wrong. As always, just my opinion.

[Balernocalling 5]

Every cruise line and each ship within their line has positive and less positive points. Understanding them before embarking helps you really enjoy the positive and ignore / live with the negative. The variety of dining and entertainment available on the big ships far exceeds the small ships. However finding that quiet spot, lack of a promenade deck and less interaction with staff and crew bring different challenges on the big ships. Choice of ship size for cruisers is vital and the cruise lines are delivering that in abundance. Every prospective passenger is free to book the size of ship and the itinerary they want - whatever their choice I respect it.

Some like spas, casinos and speciality dining others less so if at all. Designing my ideal ship from travelling on over 30 different ships would be a nightmare for others.

Cruise lines continue to seek customer views on all aspects of cruising on a very frequent bases. Just because bigger ships are being built it doesn't mean our personal views are being ignored. They are not what the majority want. Many, many customers want more than traditional cruising. With half of all cruises sailing from the UK being on P&O ships they are still getting a lot right. Britannia offers a different type of cruising from Oriana.

Anyway there is no such thing as a bad cruise -  whatever the size of ship. They are just different experiences.

[sinbad10 757]

It states in today's Mail on Sunday that in 2015 1.8 million Brits took a cruise with an average age of just over 55 and that is not what I call "elderly" as johnsonb stated. Being just over 55 and done many cruises with varying companies in the last 19yrs I enjoy the larger ships and the choices that are given i.e. restaurant options and many cruise lines are moving with the times and are relaxing their dress code even Cunard. Cruise companies like every company have to move with the times and respond to what the customer wants but unfortunately they cannot always please 100% and there will always be those that want to stick to "the good old days" but unfortunately/fortunately whichever way you look time moves on. By the way I do not "shop" at M&S and that is probably why they are struggling because they dont appeal to "young" 50s people are very expensive and perhaps not moved with the times.

[farmersgirl 2]

We like P and  Ventura and Azura as there are places of a night to choose from and more space with the various deck levels. When you are on a small ship in bad weather and below decks due to them being blowy and slippery we feel very claustrophobic. More ships with a glass roof over the pool would be ideal as they are more adaptable in autumn and winter cruises.

[shipahoy45 13]

This ship like Brittania won't be on my cruise ship list.

[sheilabrindle 2]

My husband and I are fairly new to cruising, 5 years now. We only started cruising when husband retired, it was something we wanted to experience, but could'nt go has to business/home commitment s. We are 70 and 66, been on quite a few cruises but only with P and O, and Thomson. P and O we prefer, Thomson good entertainment much better than P and O, but food, ships, cabins and the clientel are better on P and O. We have been on Britainia twice, modern contemporary, new lots of different venues all requiring you to pay, think younger people or special occasions these are great, but when on a budget it has to be a special occasion and something worth saving for. But the younger end with lots of disposable income and who are professionals want to try everything and blow the cost and enjoy, which they do but don't appreciate it as they are used to this sort of service, but older people who have worked solidly, not had lots of disposable income appreciate it, and are careful with their money. Also the large ships are hard to get around and a large area to walk around for people with mobility problems, we hav'nt got that problem YET, but it will come , I thi nk thats why the smaller ships are usually full of older people as its easier to get around and lots of lovely small venues, and they do seem more personal able than the larger ships.

Personally the larger ships with climbing walls, ice skating are for people with lots of disposable icome, with families who want a great time and see lots of different cities in the world, But NOT for the older person, we are young at heart have children and grandchildren but would NOT pick a cruise like that, with all that noise, busyness we want culture, company, cosyness and able to walk anywhere not go on a route march each time we leave the cabin. But it is horses for courses, everyone to their own taste, you can only try and if you don't enjoy, try some other ship, there is one out there for you, just enjoy.

[Falmouthgirl 195]

Welcome Sheila,  I f you like the smaller  ships try the Aurora, she's my favourite with the horse shoe back decks the full  wraparound prom deck and smaller venues I did an 80 and 96 nights cruising on her  plus shorter cruises, we have tried all PO ship except the Britannia  we were booked to go on the maiden voyage but  OH was not  medically able   so had to cancel.

 

We started years ago first on Thompson Emerald and Sapphire and I agree their entertainment is excellent, we then progressed to  Air tours again good entertainment , we have tried all RCI smaller Radiance class vessels and liked them but not the larger ones also NCL and Celebrity but they are  too large for us  we have just come off of the Ventura with our granddaughter., as you say horses for courses the Ventura was not our cup of tea but it suited a 5 year old.CG

[Captain Kidd II 798]

Welcome Sheila,  I f you like the smaller  ships try the Aurora, she's my favourite with the horse shoe back decks the full  wraparound prom deck and smaller venues I did an 80 and 96 nights cruising on her  plus shorter cruises, we have tried all PO ship except the Britannia  we were booked to go on the maiden voyage but  OH was not  medically able   so had to cancel.

 

We started years ago first on Thompson Emerald and Sapphire and I agree their entertainment is excellent, we then progressed to  Air tours again good entertainment , we have tried all RCI smaller Radiance class vessels and liked them but not the larger ones also NCL and Celebrity but they are  too large for us  we have just come off of the Ventura with our granddaughter., as you say horses for courses the Ventura was not our cup of tea but it suited a 5 year old.CG

Please, everyone, stop recommending Aurora as it is already getting difficult to book what I want without the cost soaring! She is an aweful ship, old, people asleep in sun loungers on the Prom deck, only 1800 passengers so you might not be able to make friends and wel... The design is such she looks like an ocean going ship rather than a floating hotel. If you are reading this you woukd not like her (and she is just for me). Enough said