Room Service on P&O

[Amylegurtz 0]

This has never been very good on any P&O ship and only to be used if desperately ill. It never ceases to amaze me that P&O always seem to introduce price 'hikes' under the guise of being an 'enhanced experience' for their customers, firstly a huge price rise for Internet packages, (240 minutes free on Cunard after 2nd voyage), and now they are introducing an 'improved' room service menu, guess what, at a cost. Come on P&O, why the charge, if you are dining in your cabin, you're not dining in the restaurant, a meal saved! 

[sammy sun 1084]

Not one for room service much with the exception of the odd breakfast order when due to depart early for an excursion, so difficult for me to comment. I did once try it on Holland America though for lunch and have to say it was very nice.

[afcandrew 371]

I'm with Sammy Sun on this and likewise would generally only have breakfast if I have an early excursion.  I think you will find that most of the mainstream lines now have charges for room service.  If you look at hotels, their charges are extortionate and often have an additional 'tray charge' for delivery.

[cruise addict 164]

We have used room service on the odd occasion for a light lunch. If we have been ashore in the morning it is lovely to sit on the balcony to have a light lunch without having to join the crowds on the buffet. Very relaxing.

[Davybe 529]

Only ever used room service once tepid drinks are not very nice ?

Just wonder why the general public expect more free services on a ship than they get in a hotel? It Must be an expensive service to provide,and looking at the tray's in the corridor a lot of food is wasted...  Davybe

[afcandrew 371]

24 minutes ago, cruise addict said:

We have used room service on the odd occasion for a light lunch. If we have been ashore in the morning it is lovely to sit on the balcony to have a light lunch without having to join the crowds on the buffet. Very relaxing.

Yes, I can understand that Cruise Addict.  I suppose as I seldom have a balcony cabin and often sail in an inside, room service is not a particularly attractive service to me. 

[Jenjen 233]

P and O are very good at sliding in charges, I had an email from them this morning telling me it would inhance my cruise experience by introducing a much more choice room service menus small plate, in other words a sandwich for £1.25 or a main meal for £4.95 how is this going to inhance my cruise experience. No I go to the restaurant thank you. How can you charge, when they have so many food outlets, you could just take your food to the balcony if that's what you want.

Dont see the need to change, if you are ill, do you have to then pay for food?

In the days of so much competition I don't know how they think they will gain, just a thought.

[afcandrew 371]

It is the way of all the mainstream cruise lines Jenjen.  They have all cut their fares so much over the years that they have to find other ways of making money to compensate.  According to the Royal Caribbean website, their room service attracts a $7.95 charge (except for complimentary breakfast).    This is why all the large ships have a range of 'speciality' restaurants that attract a cover charge.

If you are confined to cabin by the ship's doctor due to the likes of Norovirus, I believe food is provided free of charge.

[Oldworldtraveller 2225]

I really don't understand why anyone would want to eat in a cabin unless ill. Restricted menu, no table and chairs to eat from unless you have a decent sized balcony etc. Sorry, can't see the attraction. 

[HLM 519]

Add this to the increase to the gratuity just stinks again of profiteering.

Cruising is in my opinion becoming less and less of a draw, perhaps it's time to consider land based holidays again, fat better value for money.

HLM.

 

Edited May 6, 2017 by HLM

[Oldworldtraveller 2225]

3 hours ago, HLM said:

perhaps it's time to consider land based holidays again, fat better value for money.

HLM.

 

Good point HLM.

In March my wife and I decided to have a land based holiday and chose a real 5star all inclusive on the main beach of Agadir. I have to admit to being totally amazed at how land resorts have improved.

The food in the main dining room was excellent with 2 speciality restaurants that were included in the price, one Asian the other Moroccan. Breakfast was in a separate restaurant overlooking the beach with an al fresco area. Our room was huge with views over manicured gardens. The bathroom featured a shower with two different jet locations and settings, basin with vanity mirror and illuminated magnifying mirror, toilet and bidet plus a full range of toiletries that were changed daily. The room was serviced twice daily with chocolates on pillows at night and towel animals and decorations. 2 large swimming pools set in beautiful grounds and sun loungers always available. We did a tour of Agadir and the surrounding area from the hotel including time at the famous local souk, cost £13 each. The drinks were known names and served by happy staff who did not expect to receive a tip. Oh, I nearly forgot the cost, including flights, transfers and 7 days at the hotel, just over £400 each. 

[HLM 519]

11 hours ago, Oldworldtraveller said:

Good point HLM.

In March my wife and I decided to have a land based holiday and chose a real 5star all inclusive on the main beach of Agadir. I have to admit to being totally amazed at how land resorts have improved.

The food in the main dining room was excellent with 2 speciality restaurants that were included in the price, one Asian the other Moroccan. Breakfast was in a separate restaurant overlooking the beach with an al fresco area. Our room was huge with views over manicured gardens. The bathroom featured a shower with two different jet locations and settings, basin with vanity mirror and illuminated magnifying mirror, toilet and bidet plus a full range of toiletries that were changed daily. The room was serviced twice daily with chocolates on pillows at night and towel animals and decorations. 2 large swimming pools set in beautiful grounds and sun loungers always available. We did a tour of Agadir and the surrounding area from the hotel including time at the famous local souk, cost £13 each. The drinks were known names and served by happy staff who did not expect to receive a tip. Oh, I nearly forgot the cost, including flights, transfers and 7 days at the hotel, just over £400 each. 

Sounds idyllic OWT and excellent value for money,  although I enjoy cruising in recent times we seem to be paying more for a lot less, so now finding it difficult to justify especially when I can get two land based holidays for the cost of one cruise.

HLM.

PS; Just noted on another forum that P&O were charging £25 for a buffet lunch with an officer or to watch a chef cook, land based is sounding more and more attractive.  are P&O going like Easycruise? God forbid.

Edited May 7, 2017 by HLM

[Oldworldtraveller 2225]

2 hours ago, HLM said:

Sounds idyllic OWT and excellent value for money,  although I enjoy cruising in recent times we seem to be paying more for a lot less, so now finding it difficult to justify especially when I can get two land based holidays for the cost of one cruise.

HLM.

PS; Just noted on another forum that P&O were charging £25 for a buffet lunch with an officer or to watch a chef cook, land based is sounding more and more attractive.  are P&O going like Easycruise? God forbid.

It's all changing HLM.  Work has taught me there are several items that always top the list of 'Moans'. The top two in relation to cruising are the subject of gratuities and single supplements. These are followed by cruise lines, once they have you on board, attempting to separate you from your wallet by trying to sell you Spa Treatments, Adult Only Areas, Cooking Classes, Computer Classes, Room Service, Drinks packages, Dinner with an Officer, Speciality Restaurants, Superior Afternoon Teas, Photographs, Bridge Tours, Behind the Scenes and Galley tours and anything else they can think up. 

The niceties of free shuttle buses, pillow chocolates, toiletries, dressing gowns and slippers are gradually disappearing. How long before laundrey rooms disappear to boost the income of the onboard laundries and the taking of alcohol on ships cease.

In the USA cruising has hit its peak, perhaps the reason the cost of a cruise is so much cheaper and the perks far bigger. If things carry on the way they are, could it happen in the UK and Europe?  As always just my personal opinion. 

[Jaczs 701]

Sad to say but it does look like P&O are becoming a huge cash cow, from the moment you book more and more supposed extra's (which used to come as standard) are now available with an extra price tag.

Going to the Caribbean? Any airport which isn't Gatwick oh the will be an extra £100pp (regional dontcha know) Want to sit together? well you can for just a small extra charge, as there is no seat price available for next year I expect it is rising. Upgrade to premium last year £299.00 this year it will be £349.00 again just a small increase. Select dinning at Epicurean (enhance your dinning experience for a small nominal charge (£28.00) pp the list goes on and on. The best being "We are upping the price of tips as we (P&O) feel the crew are worth it, If P&O feel that then why don't they fork out for it and put the price on the cruise? No lets keep the cruise price cheap to fill them and charge for everything once on-board.

And this is all to enhance MY experience with no thought of P&O shouting kerching  kerching all the way to the bank.

Next year I am trying Sandals will be interesting to see how much more or less the price will be doing ultra all inclusive.

[janty1 2]

On 05/05/2017 at 1:28 PM, Jenjen said:

P and O are very good at sliding in charges, I had an email from them this morning telling me it would inhance my cruise experience by introducing a much more choice room service menus small plate, in other words a sandwich for £1.25 or a main meal for £4.95 how is this going to inhance my cruise experience. No I go to the restaurant thank you. How can you charge, when they have so many food outlets, you could just take your food to the balcony if that's what you want.

Dont see the need to change, if you are ill, do you have to then pay for food?

In the days of so much competition I don't know how they think they will gain, just a thought.

Naively thought that cruise holidays were all inclusive. Charges appear like a rash. Why do P&O think it acceptable to take payment for  your cruise excusions in advance and then charge if you cancel? Given that kitchens are open 24 hours along with the staff & waiters cannot see why you are being charged twice for food and drink that you've already paid for. P&O did away with the lovely Cafe Bordeaux which was open all night so you could pop in for a snack late evening or early morning. Room service is a poor replacement in every way : food lukewarm and tepid drinks.

[sinbad10 757]

5 hours ago, HLM said:

Sounds idyllic OWT and excellent value for money,  although I enjoy cruising in recent times we seem to be paying more for a lot less, so now finding it difficult to justify especially when I can get two land based holidays for the cost of one cruise.

HLM.

PS; Just noted on another forum that P&O were charging £25 for a buffet lunch with an officer or to watch a chef cook, land based is sounding more and more attractive.  are P&O going like Easycruise? God forbid.

P&O have responded to this question on Facebook and say it is untrue.

[Oldworldtraveller 2225]

P&O FAQ state: You can request to dine with an Officer at the time of booking, however this is not guaranteed and depending on the fare type you are booked on.

[Captain Kidd II 798]

We dined with an officer on our last cruise. His wife had kept in contact with one of the passengers on our table and so joined us at no cost. I must say it was not a particularly inspiring experience!

[HLM 519]

16 hours ago, sinbad10 said:

P&O have responded to this question on Facebook and say it is untrue.

Obviously I'm not in a position to say if it's true or not, it came from someone who'd very recently sailed with P&O ( Falmouth Girl / Cornish Girl a respected forum member on here).

HLM.

Edited May 8, 2017 by HLM

[Life0nMars 135]

On 2017-5-5 at 11:21 AM, Amylegurtz said:

This has never been very good on any P&O ship and only to be used if desperately ill. It never ceases to amaze me that P&O always seem to introduce price 'hikes' under the guise of being an 'enhanced experience' for their customers, firstly a huge price rise for Internet packages, (240 minutes free on Cunard after 2nd voyage), and now they are introducing an 'improved' room service menu, guess what, at a cost. Come on P&O, why the charge, if you are dining in your cabin, you're not dining in the restaurant, a meal saved! 

That is incorrect.

https://www.cunard.co.uk/already-booked/cunard-world-club/

Cunard World Club benefit will give you A complimentary two hour Internet time plan after completing two voyages or 20 nights.

 

You need to complete 7 Voyages or 70 nights to get the 240mins.

 

 

Silver - one voyage
Guests who have completed one voyage with Cunard will enjoy the following benefits:¹

• Member savings & special offers.²
• World club desk in all our international offices.
• On board loyalty representative.
• Exclusive Cunard World Club section online.
• The Cunarder magazine.

Gold - two voyages or 20 nights

Guests who have completed two voyages or 20 nights on board, will enjoy even more benefits.¹ In addition to the core Silver benefits, Gold Cunarders will receive:

• A Gold membership pin.³
• A complimentary two hour Internet time plan.⁴ 
• Invitation to the Cunard World Club cocktail party.^5,6,7

Platinum - seven voyages or 70 nights

For those guests who have completed seven voyages or 70 nights on board, there are even more benefits that come with Cunard World Club membership.¹ In addition to the Silver and Gold benefits, Platinum Cunarders enjoy:

• A Platinum membership pin.³ 
• An additional two hour complimentary Internet time plan.⁴ 
• 20% saving on Laundry/Specialist Cleaning.⁸ 
• Priority check-in at New York and Southampton.⁶
• Private disembarkation lounge.⁶
• Complimentary wine tasting.⁷
• 10% saving on White Star luggage service.
• Invitation to the senior officers' party.^5,6,7

Diamond - fifteen voyages or 150 nights

Diamond membership is reserved for our most travelled guests who have completed 15 voyages or 150 nights on board.¹ In recognition of this achievement, Diamond Cunarders will continue to receive all of the Silver, Gold and Platinum benefits, in addition to the following exclusive rewards:

• A Diamond membership pin.³ 
• An additional four hour complimentary Internet time plan.⁴ 
• Priority disembarkation.⁶ 
• A complimentary meal at one of the ship's alternative dining venues.^7,9 
• Priority appointment with the voyage sales specialist. 
• Dedicated Diamond member contact at the world club desk in our international offices.

^1. To receive the benefits, guests must have completed the necessary voyages and/or nights on board prior to the voyage starting. There will be no mid-voyage promotions.

^2. You must be a member of the Cunard World Club at the time of booking to receive any Cunard World Club member saving.

^3. You will receive the pin on your first voyage after achieving this membership level.

^4. To obtain your full allowance please use the relevant time package.

^5. Party may be held during the day or in the evening.

^6. Where operationally possible.

7. Only available on voyages of five nights or more.

^8. 20% Savings will be applied after any allocated non-refundable on board spending money has been used.

^9. Subject to availability. A reservation is required. Cunard will pay your cover charge and 15% gratuity for the taster menu at lunchtime in The Verandah or in the evening at the Kings Court or The Lido. Any other expenses will be charged to your stateroom account.

 

Edited May 8, 2017 by pennbank

[smtcan 275]

On 2017-05-07 at 7:03 AM, Jaczs said:

 

Next year I am trying Sandals will be interesting to see how much more or less the price will be doing ultra all inclusive.

Never having cruised P&O I have no idea how it will compare with Sandals.  When we were working and had to travel in school holidays we used to go to Sandals to spend a winter week in the sun in a child free environment.  That was after meeting students from my class at a family resort one year.

Every Sandals resort we tried was lovely, really luxurious with a choice of excellent restaurants, free flowing premium wines and spirits, and exceptional service.  In recent years, their prices have risen and it is now well outside our budget - not that we couldn't afford it, but we don't see the value compared with cruising or other land based holidays.  I should clarify that we do not buy drink packages or cruise in suites.  Adding those would make the pricing closer.  I am also somewhat concerned that  they do not allow singles or same sex couples, but that is just my view.

i don't think anyone could fail to enjoy Sandals, so I am sure you will have a wonderful holiday at a resort which truly is all inclusive.

Sheila