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Thursday 21st August 2008

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First but most definitiely NOT last.
Reviewed By: Starkey, M/c on 22nd Jun 2008
Cruise Line: P&O Cruises	Times cruised before: 0
Cruise Ship: Oceana	Sailed: April, 2008
Destination: Iberia	Age: 56-65

Recently cruised on the OCEANA with P & O. My first ever cruise but won't be my last. Already planning to go cruising again. I think the P & O shore trips were exceptional, with lots of extra fine details to make them special, Port wine and pastries in Lisbon and refreshments in the Abbey at Santiago de Compostilla. The food on board was super, beautifully presented and expertly served. We were looked after very well by our Steward and our acommodation was great. The entertainment could not be faulted, first class shows, we actually saw 6 different shows in one week, some in the theatre and some cabaret style. The interesting talks and recitals were well thought out for the clientelle and kept us interested the whole time. An unforgettable experience!
Quality of Food
We ate in the Freedom Dining area. Chose each evening from a very varied menu. Lunches, Elevenses and afternoon Tea in either the Plaza or Cafe Jardin.
Entertainment
The singing/dancing entertainers were superb. Three different shows in the week. The level of entertainment was high. Songs from the shows went down exceptionally well. (I am involved in and see a lot of drama and musical theatre at home). A first for me was the piano recitals which were a lovely way to start an evening. The talks by Life Coach / Health expert were very interesting and went to all of them.
Shore Excursions
Lisbon by tram and and coach.
Staff
All the staff were the most curteous and well trained I have come across in a long long time, why can this not be carried through to the high street, public transport and other service industries. Well done! There was a new member of the entertainment staff called Jo who was thrown in at the deep end on a couple of occasions. She was a delight, very spontaneous and very funny, I hope she goes far.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities

Cabins
No complaints. Well looked after and very clean. Delightful steward who did a great job.
Overall Rating

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Opinion: Disagree Question by Dugmore, Newport (10 Jul 08 13:39) about this REVIEW.

Glad you had a good holiday. We are going on our first cruise on the Oceana in August for 1 week, and have also booked freedom dining, can you tell me on the formal evenings does the dress code apply to all the dining areas, did you wear cocktail type dress / dinner suit for men.Really looking forward to the cruise.

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Damant, Ipswich (23 Jun 08 16:32) about this REVIEW.

One crise on the oceana put me off cruising with P and O again The food was not up to the normal cruise standards and I even had a piece of plastic in my lunch one day. I called the waiter over who took my plate away and returned with an apology. Good job I didnt swallow it as it was a fair size piece of plastic. I did not rate the service on this ship and have continued to cruise with Cuanard and Fred Olsen. Looking forward to my next cruise on the QE2 my favourite ship for food service and pleasantness of staff.

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Barker, Poole (25 Jun 08 22:07) about a COMMENT by Damant (23 Jun 08 16:32)

I'm not quite sure what you hoped to achieve by writing this - had it been part of a review, well, OK, that was your experience. M. Starkey obviously had a wonderful first time cruise which she happily shared with us. Your negative comments were unhelpful and unnecessary and I sincerely hope that Mr/Mrs/Ms Starkey is not upset by your remarks.

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