Spain & France from Southampton, 19 October 2025 (7 nights)

We are very experienced cruisers (60 cruises+) and, like may others, have experienced a general reduction in standards when cruising since Covid, It is over 10 years since we cruised on Arcadia, and we readied ourselves for reductions in standards there. However, we were pleasantly surprised. I must say first that we are unfazed by such changes as only one clean of the cabin per day, or the absence of chocolates on the pillow. While all aspects of the cruise were very satisfactory, we both agreed certain that the attitude and service by the staff had not diminished in any way, The food in the the main restaurant was excellent, both in choice and quality- much better than the QM2 which was the last cruise we took. The standard in the specialised restaurants was well worth the extra charge.

Overall, I thought the cruise was excellent. Information given, from both IGLU and P &O beforehand was both useful and timely. Embarking/disembarking was smooth and organised, without stress. The ship was well laid out, for ease of accessing areas. The buffet restaurant was outstanding; food choices were excellent, catering well for the vegetarian and Coeliac dietary requirements within our party. Staff were exemplary, working extremely professionally around the restaurant and keeping food replenished. They were extremely helpful at all times, speedily providing a bowl of fresh fruit to me when asked at breakfast each morning. My only criticism was the night entertainment, the second night was a circus themed show, which was absolutely superb and greatly enjoyed by all in my part of six. However, on the first night there was a singer duo; we all felt the standard of this show was below par and we did not stay for duration. This entertainment was repeated on the third and final night and we were very disappointed. A couple in our party are regular cruisers including P&O and Arcadia, in their experience, this entertainment was not up to the usual standard they have experienced, and this was particularly disappointing as they were on for two of the three nights. The women in our party were disappointed that there was not a disco every night to have a dance. We did go up the late night jazz bar and that was enjoyable. This was my first cruise and I have already highly recommended this cruise to my family and friends.

One of the worse cruises been on for many years, didnt help that we went out in the rain and had very rough seas throughout the cruise. Had to cut short trip to Gijon but parked in the worst possible coal port and had to take a 20 minute coach trip to get there. Went there the year before and we parked right in the town and was looking forward to going there again. Only had 2 hours there. Couldn’t go to Santandare because of the weather but they did take us to Vigo which was not too bad. The food was awful. My husband said the only memorable food I had was one night we had prawns cocktail. We only had salmon steak once on the trip on gala night. You use to always be able to have a prawn cocktail every night and also salmon steak. The Headliners are always good, but we had 3 girls singing on two nights and I could only watch one performance. The comedian was good. Never been so pleased to got off the boat.

Lovely ship, great staff.