X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

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MicheleW
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X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#1

Post by MicheleW »

4 nights to Cherbourg and Zeebrugge.

Apologies for the length - hope it doesn't bore too much!

Prior to departure I booked for dinner in the Ocean Grill for Sunday 9th November – the last day. We also received and email from P&O stating that the Al Fresco restaurant would be closed for the duration of the cruise due to essential maintenance.

Embarkation day. Mum and I left home at about 7.45 and after picking up my godmother in Basingstoke, arrived at the QEII terminal at about 11.45. We came into Southampton via the A33 and there were still a few road works going on, but nothing to cause any delays at all. After dropping off bags and car we went straight to check-in, through security and up into the lounge where we were given E embarkation cards. As we sat down they called C, not long after that D and then as there were so few people waiting to board they just called “anyone else who is waiting, just go through”! So we were enjoying lunch in the Conservatory by 12.20 – not bad at all. We then found ourselves a quiet spot in Tiffanys where we sat and perused the Horizon whilst waiting for the cabins. I spent a while having a wonder round re-acquainting myself with the ship until the call came at 1.40 that the cabins were ready and so we went to get unpacked. We were on C Deck in C222 – a deluxe outside cabin. The tickets for my Mum and Godmums trip were there, but no complimentary champagne letter for me. Very stupidly, the first thing I had done with my cruise card was shove it in my jacket pocket which also had my mobile phone in! So, I left the others unpacking and went to reception to get it re-set! Mentioned to our cabin steward about my champagne and he said he would check! Finished unpacking and set off for another explore before returning for a cup of tea and to grab life-jackets to go down for muster at 4.pm. We entered Crichtons at about 3.45 and had just sat down when an announcement came that due to the fact that we were still waiting for some passengers to arrive, muster wouldn't be until 4.30! We decided to sit it out as we had got seats, though I had to nip out for some fresh air at one point, as it was getting warm and on the way back came across a couple of newbies asking a crew member about their muster station. They said it stated muster station D on the cabin door and they wanted to know where that was. She politely told them where they needed to go and then they asked if they needed to take life-jackets with them, and when she replied “Yes”, they asked “Is that one each or one between us?” I had a good chuckle at that one. As we were sat waiting, I noticed Adonia slip past us quietly and eventually the signal came, but it was still about 10 minutes before the Captain started the security talk – waiting for a lot of people to get to the muster stations apparently. We were informed that it was going to be pretty windy overnight and that the captain would be assessing the weather when we arrived off Cherbourg to see if we would actually be able to get into port and it might be necessary to wait for the wind to abate before doing so. We returned to the cabin and dropped off our life-jackets and found my blue slippers and champagne voucher waiting for me. So we headed astern to grab a drink and stayed just long enough to drink it and enjoy some of the celebrations before it got too cold! For those without complimentary champagne, they were offering Lanson White label at £7.75 a glass. We got ourselves ready for the evening (casual) and headed to Andersons for a drink before heading to the Peninsular restaurant (Freedom Dining) at about 7.30pm. A couple in front of us asked for a table for 2 and were told there would be a wait of about 45 minutes, so went off with a pager. But when we asked how long it would be for a table for just the 3 of us, we were shown to a table for 4 straight away. Had a lovely meal – chicken liver parfait, potato, spring onion and goats cheese soup, plaice and pavlova. All washed down with a glass of my favourite Gewurztraminer wine. (They seem to have a much bigger selection of wines by the glass now.) Our waiters, Michael and Santos, were brilliant and they told us we could ask to sit at one of their tables the following night if we wanted. We were considering going to the race night in the Lords Tavern, but it didn’t start until 10.30pm and we were now feeling a bit tired, plus the clocks were going forward an hour, so after popping into the library and starting a jigsaw, I whizzed off to check out the casino whilst the other 2 went up to the conservatory for a hot chocolate. Managed to walk away £8.00 up and then we retired for the night. It was quite windy by now, but not rough at all.

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Suekersh
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#2

Post by Suekersh »

Looking forward to the rest of your report. Thanks for posting.

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MicheleW
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#3

Post by MicheleW »

Day 2 - Cherbourg
After sleeping very well on the sofa-bed I woke up at about 7.30 and looked out the window to see we were just coming alongside – weather obviously not as bad as first anticipated. We had breakfast in the Peninsular restaurant and then after packing the other 2 off on their tour of the Saire Valley, I took the shuttle into the Town Centre. (Chargeable for non-select passengers). The shuttle drops you at the Information Centre and from here I walked to the Parc Emanuel Lais – a very nice public garden and from here to the large modern shopping centre for a bit of window shopping, and then to the Carrefour where I bought 6 bottles of Alsace wines. I was back on board by noon, (and they didn’t give my 6 bottles a second look), and as the others weren’t due back until about 2.00pm, I went to Tiffanys where I had a smoked salmon roll and a chocolate éclair all washed down by a huge Costa Cappuccino. (Costa £2.75!) I then went out onto the prom deck and happened to spot them returning so went down to deck 5 to meet them. When they got to the security check area, they put their bags through the machine and then due to a hold up when someone was called back to go through the human scanner again after setting it off, they didn’t get round to collect their bags at the other end straight away. After waiting for a couple of minutes, there was no sign of my godmother’s bag. We told the security staff and they had a search round for it and were told that it had probably been picked up by mistake and it would be handed in. We went to reception to report the incident, in case it was returned there and then went back to the security and gave them a description of the bag. We then returned to reception who hadn’t heard anything and by now my godmother was getting a bit concerned. Her passport, credit card, house-key, mobile phone and Euros were all in there. By 3.00pm there was still no sign of the bag and reception advised us to wait in our cabin, they were sure it would be handed in and they would contact us. We waited until 3.30pm before going back to reception and being told the same thing. I told them that initially we were hoping it would be handed in but after nearly 2 hours we weren’t feeling so sure. Eventually at about 4.15pm we had a phone call from the security officer who asked for a description of godmother’s bag and what she had been wearing, so that he could pick her out from the CCTV footage, which he was going to review. After another wait the phone rang again and he asked her if she could come down to have a look at some CCTV footage. We went down and he showed us a clip of someone picking up a black bag which she immediately recognised as hers. So we went back to the cabin feeling a lot happier and then at about 6.00pm, there was a knock at the door and the security officer was there holding the bag! Godmother was so happy, she told him she could kiss him! It turned out the man had picked the bag up thinking it was his camera bag, not realising that his wife had already picked it up. It was only when security identified him from the footage and matched this to his cruise card picture and contacted him that he realised what had happened. So a happy end to the story and we could enjoy the rest of the cruise now! So a very quick change ready for dinner (jacket required night) and then a quick stop in Andersons and then on to Peninsular. We asked if it was possible to have the same table as the previous night, but it was already occupied, but we were seated at the next table, so still had Michael and Santos looking after us. Had another excellent meal before heading off to the theatre to see Tom O’Connor who was very entertaining – laughed all the way through. We didn’t leave Cherbourg until 9.30pm, so the casino wasn’t open until 10.30, so I only stayed for a short time to make my donation!

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MicheleW
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#4

Post by MicheleW »

Day 3 - at sea
Day 3 – Sea Day
Got up just before 8 and went to do a few laps round the prom deck. It was a bright morning, but very windy out there. Coming back in, I said Good Morning to a couple, as you do, and then realised it was Tom O’Connor, who asked if it was chilly outside to which I replied “yes, it’s a bit fresh. Had breakfast in the Peninsular where we shared a table with the dance teachers and it was very interesting hearing about their life on board the various ships. We then had a very lazy day – looked round the shops, popped to the library, watched the film The Monuments Men and had lunch in the Peninsular. I asked if it was possible to reserve a table for the evening as we would like to have Santos and Michael again and was told they would see what they could do. It was still quite windy and some parts of the deck were closed, but it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. We spent the afternoon in the cabin throwing a few things in bags, reading, watching another film and having a bit of a siesta! After donning our glad rags for the formal night we headed for our usual watering hole and then to the Peninsular where we had the same table as the first night and had another excellent meal. I have to say that the food has been extremely good throughout the cruise which I was very glad about having read a few negative reviews prior to departure. After dinner we went to the Pacific Lounge to hear singer Dean Stansby who was pretty good. Then I headed off for another quick session in the casino where I managed to win a very healthy £73.00. Luckily the casino closed at 11.30 as we were in Belgian waters by this time, which was just as well as I didn't get the chance to give it all back!

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oldbluefox
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#5

Post by oldbluefox »

Thanks for your reviews Michele and pleased to hear you found your godmother's bag after all. It must have been an unnerving wait for you all though.

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GillD46
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#6

Post by GillD46 »

Enjoying your review. Glad the bag incident ended well.
Gill

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MicheleW
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#7

Post by MicheleW »

Day 4 Zeebrugge

We breakfasted in the Peninsular before taking the shuttle to Blankenberg and then the tram to Ostende. We caught this from the square in Blankenberg opposite the train station. It costs 4 Euros return and takes about 45 minutes. We had a walk along the lovely wide promenade in Ostende, enjoying some sunshine along with some quite brisk winds! Found a café for a nice hot chocolate before heading back to the ship. As the main restaurant was closed we went to the Ocean Grill for lunch where they were offering the Al Fresco menu whilst Al Fresco was closed. Spent the afternoon packing and watching a film in the cabin before once again heading to Andersons for drinks and then to the Ocean Grill for dinner. We had a lovely evening with excellent food and service. My godmother wanted to settle her account with cash and when we went down to reception who should be in the lift – Tom O’Connor. He was absolutely charming. Then when we got back in the lift to return to our cabin, there he was again. He asked if we were stalking him! He gave mother and godmother a kiss as he got out of the lift and I walked along the corridor with him as I headed towards the casino. He asked if I was enjoying the cruise and then he said that he had been a bit apprehensive about doing a shorter cruise as he didn't know whether the audience would be of an age to appreciate his act, but he had been pleasantly surprised! I wished him a good show and then very quickly lost my £73.00 plus another 20.00! Decided I should leave before I gave any more away so headed for the cabin and bed!

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MicheleW
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#8

Post by MicheleW »

Disembarkation day
Were up at 6.20am in order to get to the Peninsular restaurant for when the doors opened for the 7.00am breakfast. Got down there at about 6.50 to find several people already waiting and by 7.00am the queue had got considerably longer! Had a good breakfast and then returned to cabin to collect our bags, which we had left in the cabin as we had opted for self-disembarkation. When we got down to deck 5, there were a few people waiting around, so we assumed that we couldn’t disembark yet, but then were told that if we had all our bags with us we could get off. The people waiting had had put their bags out the night before so had to wait until all luggage had been taken off the ship before they could proceed ashore. So our cards we swiped, we were wished 'Goodbye' for the last time and were off. (You now get to keep your cruise card). We were in the car and on our way by 8.15am!

Summary. I was slightly apprehensive about Oriana after reading a few negative reports just before we left, but I am pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip. Our Deluxe Outside cabin was extremely comfortable with enough room for the three of us and a perfectly adequately sized bathroom containing a bath with shower over. Although Oriana may not have the wow factor or as many facilities as some of the other ships, she is still a nice ship to cruise on. Maybe it’s because I’m easy to please and don’t have such high standards as others, but I found the food and service excellent. I love the promenade and aft decks and also the various bars – although we stuck to Andersons for our pre-dinner drinks. We did notice that a couple of the seats in Tiffanys were looking a bit worn and the casino and shops seem quite small, but they are the only really negative things I could come up with if pushed and certainly didn’t affect the enjoyment of the cruise at all. The weather wasn’t brilliant and I had been to both ports a few times, but I would do it all again. Oh – and I am! I’m back on Oriana again next March for another 4 nighter to Guernsey and Zeebrugge! With my husband this time to celebrate 20 years of marriage!

PS. Just for the record and for anyone who is interested I managed to take 10 pairs of shoes/sandals with me (and wore them all) and came home with an extra pair – another pair of blue slippers!!

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Jan Rosser
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#9

Post by Jan Rosser »

Good to hear your impressions of the good ship Oriana Michelle - I haven't got around to posting my review of her yet - I got off as you were getting on. I was waiting to hear the shoe count - not bad for a short cruise ;) :thumbup:
Janis


CaroleF
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#10

Post by CaroleF »

Very interesting thank you. I have friends who are confirmed Cunard passengers (not in Grills) on Oriana at the moment so I wait to hear their thoughts when they return.

Carole


unicus
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#11

Post by unicus »

Nice write up Michelle, we were on the same cruise. It’s interesting to hear the similarities/differences to our experience and you answered a couple of questions we had.

Day 1
We arrived shortly after you and proceeded onto the ship with very little queuing and headed straight to the conservatory for food :) We heard the muster delay so went down later and presumed those sitting at the front arrived at the original time, it seems we were right. I presume you weren’t the first there as you were about four or five rows back, how do I know? We sat on the window ledge and I recognise you from your profile photo, I’m bad with names but good with faces :) I’m not sure but we may have been on another cruise at the same time, you do look familiar which might account for me noticing you then and around the ship.
Our complimentary champagne letters were late also but in time for sail away though we went to our balcony. We were freedom dinning, went at 6:30pm and didn’t have to wait for a table for 2 then had a lovely meal (I enjoyed all the food we had on the cruise). The service was very good and we had different waiters each night as we did on Arcadia in August though then every waiter then bar one over 7 nights was poor, almost put us off freedom.

Day 2
We had a tour in Cherbourg then went into town for a little shopping afterwards. Good to hear the bag situation was resolved but also that their security works. Tom O’Conner was very good, really enjoyed both of his sets (the Charlie Williams joke was brilliant).

Day 3
Our sea day was relaxed with a film, a snooze, more good food and watching Reel to Reel, again.

Day 4
In Zeebrugge we had breakfast with the dance teachers who are very nice. Booked a Xmas cruise on Aurora in 2015 (extra on-board credit) before heading to Bruges where the dance teachers were going but we didn’t see them. Shared a horse ride with a nice French couple, bought chocolate and drank beer, nice day. Back on the ship for dinner the show then pack and bed.

Day 5
Queued for the Peninsular at 6:45am (in front of you then) for breakfast. We had asked about self-disembarkation to be told that everyone would be getting off at the same time, 8:45am. We waited then noticed someone getting off at 8:20am so went down just when they were letting everyone off but still hadn’t announced it. A little annoying.

Conclusions
So we had a lovely short cruise on Oriana for only the second time (we were on her for the 175th celebration) I like her as she’s got a very distinct feel that is relaxing though she could do with a little work here and there. BTW did you notice the removal of the P&O sun sign on her bow, is that for the new flag paint job?
And from the oldest in the P&O fleet we’ll next be sailing on the newest, Britannia, can’t wait :)

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MicheleW
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Re: X426 - 4 night cruise 6th November

#12

Post by MicheleW »

Hi Unicus,

Glad you enjoyed the cruise as well.

We noticed the removal of the rising sun motif as well, and like you, assume it is in preparation for the new paintwork. We didn't think that we would be able to do the early self-disembarkation, as there was no mention of it on any of the stuff delivered to the cabin, so I went to reception to check if it was available and was told that as long as we took all our bags ourselves that there would be this option. We were on the Azura earlier this year and had a great time but for me the mid-size ships just have the edge as I prefer the more intimate feel, though I did enjoy the choice of venues that Azura had to offer. At the moment, I don't feel tempted to try the Britannia, but who knows! As I mentioned I am back on the Oriana again next March, and then we are hoping to do another one later on the in the year, but have yet to decide when, where and which ship.

Michele

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