Topic: P&O Cruises admits 'difficulty' in filling world cruise programme

It's Ventura that has the inside pool. Azura's is outside with the Sea Screen.

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With the departure of Indy for the Caribbean later this year there is a gap for a big ship to do Southampton cruises in winter. Why dont P&O fill the gap with Azura? It has an indoor pool (I think) and space for entertainment galore.

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IExcept, P&O need a couple more new cruise-ships the size and quality of Oriana and Aurora with traditional features like forward observation lounge and decks, tiered stern decks and walk-around teak promenade deck. The new 141,000 grt. P&O cruise-ship is another step back-ward, bigger is not better, and who else out there hates the re-introduction of "two class" ships where the decks above the bridge are for the sole use of a privilaged few; examples, Norwegian Epic and MSC Fantasia.

Agreed - was most annoyed to find that the flow pool and the covered sunlounger area on Ventura had been made part of the Retreat on Azura, so the morning mile walk had to be taken partly indoors, and it was a £20/day charge to use the sunloungers (or £11 on port days). Given how many of the girls from the Retreat were continually advertising it on other parts of the deck (talks, exhibitions, giving out leaflets, etc), it didn't seem very well patronised. I felt quite sorry for them, especially as they were wearing very peculiar trousers with a sort of flappy sarong thing over them; in effect, two layers - in the Caribbean heat.

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I do think the Ventura and the Azura are not popular with the traditional P&O cruisers as the are too big. The smaller ships are more friendly an have a nicer atmosphere.

Good afternoon p.Mackay.

I don't usually do forums over the weekend so missed most of this.

Having now caught up with this thread may I say your comment is most sensible and goes some way in giving an explanation.

I too was curious when I first saw Azura with a 'World Cruise' itinerary. When you consider the other regular P&O World cruise ships 9Arcadia, Aurora and Oriana) are quite dissimilar in style to Azura, then it was certainly a gamble to slot her in. After all, and contrary to popular belief, the majority of P&O passengers know what they want and it is those regular passengers who would not perceive their idea of a world cruise on board Azura.

Slight shame really because I like Azura: but she is certainly different from those three I named

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Agreed - was most annoyed to find that the flow pool and the covered sunlounger area on Ventura had been made part of the Retreat on Azura, so the morning mile walk had to be taken partly indoors, and it was a £20/day charge to use the sunloungers (or £11 on port days). Given how many of the girls from the Retreat were continually advertising it on other parts of the deck (talks, exhibitions, giving out leaflets, etc), it didn't seem very well patronised. I felt quite sorry for them, especially as they were wearing very peculiar trousers with a sort of flappy sarong thing over them; in effect, two layers - in the Caribbean heat.

Funny old world.

I thought The Retreat' was a great facility. On shore days it was a little under used but on sea days they had a waiting list.

Just flown home from the 1st leg of the Oriana's World cruise.....only under 400 passengers were doing the "whole" trip. Last time we did a sector of the Auroras world cruise there were 1100 out of 1800 doing the whole trip. This must tell P&O something, which has helped them make this decision.
I also agree that the size and layout of Oriana and Aurora are far superior to the Azura and Ventura (Haven't been on the Ventura but believe it is almost the same)
Also I see that they are keeping very quiet about the "pirate" problems and the measures that they have put into place on the ship starting from Sharm el Sheik right through to Cochin!!!!!

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Just flown home from the 1st leg of the Oriana's World cruise.....only under 400 passengers were doing the "whole" trip. Last time we did a sector of the Auroras world cruise there were 1100 out of 1800 doing the whole trip. This must tell P&O something, which has helped them make this decision.
I also agree that the size and layout of Oriana and Aurora are far superior to the Azura and Ventura (Haven't been on the Ventura but believe it is almost the same)
Also I see that they are keeping very quiet about the "pirate" problems and the measures that they are putting into place on the ship from Sharm el Sheik and Cochin!!!!!

The Arcadia has passed through the Suez Canal on the way to Dubai and I was told took on security people prior to this. The passengers apparently had a "pirate drill" and sat in the corridor outside their cabins. It is now in India I believe.

Yes, this is what happened to us. Plus at sunset everyone has to get off of the outside decks.......unril sunrise. No going out on deck for a pre dinner drink or a post dinner stroll. All curtains to be closed....although losts of places had no curtains so seemed a bit pointless. Still they are at least taking the threats seriously. Security on the promenade deck with binoculars and search lights all night. Plus armed guards (never saw them though)

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Yes, this is what happened to us. Plus at sunset everyone has to get off of the outside decks.......unril sunrise. No going out on deck for a pre dinner drink or a post dinner stroll. All curtains to be closed....although losts of places had no curtains so seemed a bit pointless. Still they are at least taking the threats seriously. Security on the promenade deck with binoculars and search lights all night. Plus armed guards (never saw them though)

I don't smoke but I wondered what the smokers had to do if they needed one in the evening.