There are five main grades of cabins, in 26 price categories (location and size govern price). Included are 2 two-level penthouses, 10 suites with balconies, 18 mini-suites with balconies, 368 cabins with balconies, 225 standard outside-view cabins, 16 interconnecting family cabins, and 279 interior (no view) cabins.
All grades, from the largest to the smallest, provide the following common features: polished cherry wood laminate cabinetry, full-length mirror, personal safe, refrigerator, television, individually controlled air conditioning; twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed, sofa and coffee table. Also standard are stylish bed runners, Slumberland 8-inch sprung mattresses, 10.5 tog duvets (blankets and pillows if you prefer), Egyptian cotton towels and robes, improved tea/coffee making facilities with speciality teas (long-life is provided) and a Nick Munro-designed bespoke tray, as well as in-cabin toning and fitness facilities for passengers who would prefer to exercise in private.
There are four whole decks of cabins with private balconies (about 40% of all cabins), and these feature easy-to-open sliding glass floor-to-ceiling doors; the partitions are of the almost full floor-to-ceiling type – so they really are quite private – and cannot be overlooked from above.
Cabin insulation could better (the magnetic catches in drawers and on the closet doors are noisy). Also, the TV sets provide only monaural sound. Although most doorways are 26 inches (66 cm) wide, the measurement of actual access is 2 inches (5 cm) less because of the doorframe; however, some doorways are only 21.5 inches (55 cm) wide.
A good range of Molton Brown products (shampoo, body lotion, shower gel) is provided for those in penthouse suites, suites or mini-suites. For all other cabins, only soap is provided, plus a “sport wash” combination soap and shampoo in a dispenser in the shower (so take your favorite shampoo and conditioner), and a small pouch of assorted personal-care items. All grades get thick, 100% cotton bathrobes, and 100% cotton towels. Except for the suites, no cabins have illuminated closets, and cabin ceilings are very plain.
Penthouse Suites: The largest cabins consist of two penthouse suites (named Library Suite and Piano Suite), each 953 sq. ft (88.5 sq. meters). They have forward-facing views, being located directly underneath the navigation bridge (the blinds must be drawn at night so as not to affect navigation). Each is spread over two decks in height, and connected by a beautiful wood curved staircase. One suite has a baby grand piano (which can be played manually or electronically), while the other has a private library. The living area is on the lower deck (Deck 10), and incorporates a dining suite (a first in a P&O ship) and a small private balcony. In the bedroom, upstairs, there is a walk-in closet, while the bathroom is decked out in porcelain and polished granite, with twin basins, bathtub and separate shower enclosure. There is also a small private balcony.
Suites: The suites (there are 10 of them) measure about 445 sq. ft (41.3 sq. meters). They have a separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed. There is a walk-in dressing area and closet, with plenty of drawer space, a trouser press and ironing board. The lounge has a sofa, armchairs, dining table and chairs, writing desk, television, radio and stereo system. The marble-clad bathroom has a whirlpool bath, shower and toilet. The private balcony has space for two sunloungers, plus two chairs and two tables. Butler service is provided.
Mini-Suites: These measure 325 sq. ft (30.1 sq. meters), and have a separate bedroom area with two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed. There’s one double and two single closets, a good amount of drawer space, binoculars, a trouser press and ironing board. Each private balcony has a blue plastic deck covering, one deck lounge chair, one chair and table, and exterior light.
Standard Outside-view/Interior (No View) Cabins: Any cabin designated as a double with private balcony measure about 175 sq. ft (16.2 sq. meters). They have two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed. The sitting area has a sofa and table. There’s also a vanity table/writing desk, and a private balcony with blue plastic deck covering, two chairs (with only a small recline) and a small table. Note that a 110-volt (American) socket is located underneath the vanity desk drawer – in a difficult to access position.
Outside-view or Interior (with no view) Cabins have two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, closet (but few drawers), and are 150 sq. ft (14 sq. meters). The bathroom has a mini-bath/shower and toilet, or shower and toilet.
All bathrooms in all grades (except those designated as suites) are compact, modular units, and have mirror-fronted cabinets, although the lighting is quite soft (not strong enough for the application of make-up), and, in cabins with bathtubs, the retractable clothesline is located too high for most people to reach.
There are 22 wheelchair-accessible cabins, well outfitted for the physically challenged passenger and almost all within easy access to lifts. However, one cabin (D165 on Deck 8) is located between forward and mid-ships stairways, and it is difficult to access the public rooms on Deck 8 without first going to the deck below, due to several steps and tight corners. All other wheelchair-accessible cabins are well positioned, and eight have a private balcony.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
