P&O or Marella? We’ll help you decide

Thinking of cruising on P&O or Marella but can’t decide which cruise line is right for you? Then this is the video for you. We’ll look at:
- Pre Cruise Planning
- Embarkation & disembarkation
- Cabins & Decor
- Facilities
- Ship’s atmosphere
- Food & drink
- Entertainment
- Costs
- Customer Services
We base this on our experiences in early 2023 where we were lucky enough to sail with both P&O and Marella just 3 weeks apart.
So which cruise line gave us the better experience?
Watch this video to find out.
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Chapters below:
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Pre Cruise Planning
03:22 Embarkation & Disembarkation
04:44 Cabins & Decor
05:39 Facilities
07:41 Ship's Atmosphere
10:35 Food & Drink
14:33 Entertainment
16:41 Cost
19:37 Customer Services
21:15 Overall Winner

[@mickthompson584]

Great comparison but for value for money Marella wins hands down and we have never been disapointed.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and kindly commenting. Marella are good value for money and if it wasn’t for the onboard credit options from P&O would be clear winners. Our P&O cruise later in the year sadly doesn’t have onboard credit so we are needing to save up for the onboard bill. Our Marella cruise in a few weeks… Well we just need to worry about money to spend ashore. I noticed premium lines like celebrity are also offering more all inclusive style fares now for the British market. We did one last July and it worked out excellent value. P&O I think need to take a look at this approach.

[@vicdunni]

What a brilliant vlog! We have cruised with both but not recently, this was so interesting and helpful, thanks x

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you so much for watching and your kind comments. Appreciated

[@chriswatts1909]

What a great informative video. We have just returned back from a Marella cruise. It was lovely, especially the food. We couldn’t fault anything on the cruise. We are going to try a P&O next. Maybe a 75 day.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you so much for these comments! Really glad you had a great cruise with Marella. They are consistent if nothing else and we’ve enjoyed some great cruises with them. That said we’ve just come back off our best ever P&O cruise on Iona which had a very different feel and vibe to other P&O cruises we’ve been on… And great food too. P&O don’t appear to have the consistency of Marella. Hope you get a great experience with P&O and is it a big Birthday? If so hope it’s somewhere special filled with fun and great company. Thank you again for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@George-iy8dd]

Excellent video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Your support is really appreciated.

[@rocktheboat7214]

Great comparison, We are in the US we are limited in trying them out. Hopefully we can fly over and try them someday. Great video😁👍

[@CooksExplore]

That’s very kind of you - Thank you. Hopefully you’ll get over to the UK and be able to try them out and have a great UK vacation too.

[@MidnightIsolde]

Thanks for posting this. Am shopping around for a Mediterranean cruise in May 2024 and comparing P&O vs Marella

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for watching and commenting. We hope it helps you plan your cruise. We did the Eastern Med on one of these two trips …. Had a superb cruise . The Med has some fabulous destinations and so much culture. Hope you have an awesome trip.

[@iandavidson4000]

Really enjoyed this 👌

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and for your kind comments. Appreciated!

[@robinwbarrett]

Having sailed in both cruise Lines I fully concur with your evaluation. I am 70 and nowadays find air travel tedious so am tending to sail on P&O from Southampton more these days

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you Robin for watching and commenting. It’s reassuring to hear that your experiences align with ours. It’s a shame Marella don’t currently sail from the UK. They are missing a trick. But P&O does offer a great cruise experience. It’s fans are extremely loyal and love it. Hope your next trip from Southampton is somewhere exciting?

[@christinepotts6415]

We have never wanted to sail from the UK.

[@gillianlugg632]

Very helpful, thank you. We too have a Marella a cruise booked for this October and. P&O booked for January. Have sailed on various P&O ships in the past and really looking forward to experiencing the differences between the two lines. We will be open minded and know we’ll enjoy both holidays.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you - Glad this was helpful to you .. Really appreciate you watching and commenting.. Where are you sailing to? Hope it’s somewhere nice ? We are P&O Arcadia soon and have recently come back off Marella Explorer … It will be interesting to see if our comparison holds … Explorer was great so Arcadia has a lot to live up to… here’s hoping .. Wishing you safe and fun adventures

[@gillianlugg632]

@@CooksExplore Thanks for your reply, we are flying TUI to Palma, Mallorca for the Marella Mediterranean Medley in 3 weeks time (really excited for that) and then Iona in January for Spain, Portugal and The Canaries. We have cruised twice with Princess 10 and 12 years ago (lovely but very expensive due to the $/£ exchange rate) and Azura and Ventura x2 within the last 4 years. We also had a fab week on Magellan, CMV (sadly no longer operating) to celebrate Mum-in-Law’s 90th in 2015

[@CooksExplore]

Wow Plenty of lovely memories to make on these trips - Enjoy

[@gillianroe9991]

An excellent comparison. It’s all a matter of preference at the end of the day.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment and yes Personal Preference is a huge factor in choosing a cruise line. We’ve done two more trips since making this video one each with Marella and P&O and our more recent experiences do alter things and the scores a little .. Glad you found our video worthwhile.

[@CillitPrang]

awesome video

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for your kind feedback

[@jcsamitchell]

I think the clear winner was your vlog. Marella 32.5 points &O 32 points . Your vlog minimum of 50 points. Brilliantly put across and as much as you could tried to stay unbiased. Loved it... I'm definitely a new subscriber.

[@CooksExplore]

Wow ! Thank you. We couldn’t ask for nicer feedback and really appreciate your support.

[@joannamay704]

Great vlog and helped us make up our mind. P&O is the one for us. Better food, they leave you alone and we get to dress up 😊 Plus we like to PAYG Totally agree that it’s all personal preference though. That’s just what we prefer. Thanks for the vid!

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you - These comments are exactly why we made the video - To help people make their choice. Really appreciate you sharing this feedback!

[@trishagoodwin4069]

We have done four cruises on Marella, love the free access, no booking dining and as Italian cuisine is our favourite, we have eaten mostly in the Vista restaurants. We have only done one excursion as we like to walk to the nearest town, sit in a sqaure with a drink and watch the world go by. Having travelled extensively for work in the past, we are happy not to have see all the sights, but just enjoy the trip. We also love the bars before and after the meals and the sit down breakfast in the restaurant. We have gone for the Premium package on the last two, as we are coffee lovers and can use the Coffee Port as much as we want included in that deal, also premium whiskeys and gins and cocktails. The best ship in our estimation was the Explorer, the Explorer 2 did not feel as well equiped or comfortable in the bars, some of the decor let it down. Also, sadly, we felt the last trip, was let down by some of the passengers, whose manners left a lot to be desired (not just us saying that, many others guests we met too). I do think people should observe the dress codes a bit better and be a bit more thoughtful to other guests. We only experienced this on the last trip (Explorer in August) so maybe its the time of year, peak holiday season and a younger passenger of working age wanting to "enjoy" themselves at any cost?. OK, that is what we all want, but not to disturb other passengers, so yes, maybe time to try another cruise line or go for independant travel again, which we did for many years before going back to all in package holidays (cities and cruises).

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you Trisha for taking the time to watch our video and to comment also. We agree that there is a lot to like about Marella and the Explorer too. We came back off Explorer only last week. It’s like putting on your favourite jeans .. so easy and comfy. We’ve never seen bad behaviour on a Marella Cruise with our worst experience being an elderly gentleman on P&O with a mobility scooter he was using to barge his way through the queue and running over people’s feet at the same time. Not one apology either. The Marella ships always seem to provide enough space even when at full capacity. We sail on Arcadia in just a few weeks so looking forward to seeing a P&O adults only ship for the 1st time. Hope you sort your next trip soon and thanks again for supporting our channel.

[@billcook4768]

Great job comparing and contrasting the two lines. If I remember my Britishisms, sounds like a case of horses for courses. For me, you got me thinking about a Marella cruise.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for watching our ramblings. Yes there are a lot of personal preference aspects to consider but hopefully these videos help people make up their own mind. The good thing is there’s no bad choice… just a better choice… Thanks again 👍

[@chrisdale3004]

Thanks for the heads up. Luckily, we have a Marella cruise next month 😂

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching - Pretty sure you’ll have a great time with Marella - Enjoy that

[@tinahowson8335]

I have recently returned from a cruise on the Marella, first ever. We loved it and have booked again for Christmas. Completely agree about specialised restaurants, however we made the best of what was there and never disappointed. Staff were amazing. Excursions were brilliant and very safety conscious on board and off board with water stations at the ports for hot weather. Lots to compliment Marella about.

[@CooksExplore]

Brilliant .. Thanks for watching and commenting… Another Marella fan …. They do seem to have something right that’s for sure! Hopefully somewhere nice and warm at Christmas? We did a Christmas cruise with Marella back in 2018. Christmas Day itself was magical and perhaps the best Christmas we have had as a family… Hope yours is as special!

[@cabottaxi]

Just booked a repositioning cruise with Marella . Used them extensively from the Far East to the Caribbean, New York to the Greek Islands. Biggest downside I have is they have started using frozen vegetables for their evening meals at times which is an absolute no no.

[@CooksExplore]

Thx for watching and sharing your experiences… Frozen vegetables?? Didn’t notice that on our last trip but will watch for that now … Thank you

[@KC-zn4uz]

Completely agree with your evaluative comparison. Back on Marella in December 🎉

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for watching and commenting. It’s appreciated. Hope you December cruise is a good one..Are you sailing anywhere nice ?

[@KC-zn4uz]

Also trying MSC World Europa in a couple of months time. Have you sailed with MSC?

[@CooksExplore]

@@KC-zn4uz - We have booked our 1st MSC cruise for early 2024. It was bonkers cheap @ £259 pp for 6 nights and we got an outside cabin for that … so wondering how they can do it cheaper than staying in a Budget Hotel ?? Let us know how you get on .. would love to hear .. Thx

[@louisat470]

Having now tried both, as a younger solo traveller I felt completely comfortable on Marella, loved the ease of everything being included so don't have to worry (not a big drinker but love a couple of cocktails and upgraded as I liked the idea of bottled water every day too, as well as the cans of soft drinks), more days in port, and getting to sit on my own at dinner, at a time I wanted, instead of being put on a table with others way too late in the evening for me - p&o put me on a table just with a couple on their honeymoon as none of us paid the extra to choose our dining haha! I also liked that the flights were tui and getting to the ship was seamless, and that they waited overnight for a very delayed flight coming in. I thought that there was more choice of included food too, but that may be because I went on P&O smallest ship. I would be interested to know what its like for a two week carribean cruise though, as I went on a one week greek islands cruise which seemed very chilled, and want to book with marella for the carribean with my dad, mainly because they go to the ports I want to go to!

[@CooksExplore]

Wow - Thank you so much for these comments and you have really summed up what keeps Marella fans coming back for more. Love the Caribbean with Marella - Extra port days make the difference there.

[@adelepops]

I've just booked a solo cruise, I'm 39.. and would also want to eat alone, just me and the food! :)

[@louisat470]

@@adelepops Yes! Gimme the food minus the small talk! Hope you have a great time!

[@gerardmackay8909]

Very good presentation you have a great speaking voice which is really easy to listen to and your content was thoughtful and on point. I’ve not cruised with Marella but have been on both P&O mega ships and was impressed by the quality considering how relatively inexpensive both were (though you do get moaners who expect champagne service whilst paying keg beer prices). I totally agree that you need to consume a formidable amount of booze to get value out of a drinks package mainly because the bar prices are actually really reasonable (with the US dollar being so strong and tipping/service charge being universal on other cruise lines, you pay twice as much for drinks as you do on P&O). We are BIG drinkers on holiday and we both had plenty of beer, cocktails and wine throughout the day but our bar bill was still substantially less than if we had pre bought the package. We witnessed people ordering and hardly touching drinks to get ‘value’ out of the package because 15 days of continuous boozing to justify the cost actually gets exhausting. Anyway we are considering giving Marella a try in the Canaries this winter because it avoids the each way cold weather slog across the Bay of Biscay and they offer a nice ‘cruise and stay’ option.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. And also your kind words too. It really is appreciated. Cruise pricing and value for money is most definitely a dark art. We are currently on Marella Explorer in the Adriatic and I type this watching the sun rise with a cup of tea to clear the head after an excellent night of fun and laughs. And without the worry of how much it cost. I hope you enjoy your Canaries cruise. A great winter destination. Thank you again.

[@gerardmackay8909]

@@CooksExplore my pleasure and your current trip sounds amazing so I’m looking forward to the video review 👍

[@Gothic55]

Very helpful comparison - my wife and I are going on our first proper cruise next year. We have chosen Marella because it goes to far east. I have done some research and think that the holiday should be very enjoyable and allow us to revisit many places that we have visited/ lived in the past. We live in Scotland but will need to travel from England because flights from our home airport of Glasgow do not really exist Thank you.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for these nice comments. We made these videos to help people who are uncertain and we are glad this video has helped you guys! We are doing the Marella trip to the far east this year and will post up videos of our experiences. It will be our 1st time to this region apart from stopovers.

[@blueoctopus6]

One factor for us is the departure point, but not in the way you would think. We live in the north east so its actually easier to fly than get to and from Southampton. This extra cost has to be factored in a P and O cruise for us, plus the inconvenience of taking an extra days holiday. Now if only one of them sailed from Newcastle!?

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and making an excellent point ! Getting to Southampton isn’t the easiest .. Marella did used to sail from Newcastle… We took a cruise to Iceland from there. It was great and and easy departure port. Thanks again

[@boblloyd6420]

We have just returned from a P&O cruise on the Arcadia and I find your comments very fair. Having sailed with Marella previously, we shall go back to Marella as we found the all-inclusive fare was to our personal liking as against the 'Onboard spend' offering from P&O. We talked to some people who had cruised with P & O several times, (which they couldn't wait to tell you about), and who had so much onboard spend which they still had to get rid of at the end of the the cruise, or lose it. One thing I did enjoy with P&O was the commitment to formal nights which, unfortunately, Marella has largely dropped - they still have them but not like they used to be when it was a Captain's night; an occasion. P&O could still learn from Marella e.g - simple things like Water stations for passengers' use on each deck, breakfast omelette station, where you order and are then given a pager for when it's ready and, finally, the crew on P&O were great but they were so understaffed and so under pressure that it was, sadly, noticeable. My opinion? P&O more formal against Marella more fun.

[@CooksExplore]

It’s so brilliant to get the views of fellow passengers. Thank you for watching and commenting. We are sailing on Arcadia (without onboard credit) in October so those 12 days will run up a hefty bill I suspect. Glad we generally concur in our views and thanks again for adding such a positive contribution to this debate.

[@suelong3273]

I would rather have non formal nights personally because I don't really like dressing up.😁

[@CooksExplore]

@@suelong3273 - Thanks for watching and commenting- it’s appreciated.. There is a big debate raging amongst the P&O fans about dress codes it seems. They do appear to be beginning to relax things a little much to the disgust of some P&O fans. It’s a real marmite topic .. Having a smart dress code is a busman’s holiday for me so I can see the appeal of a more relaxed vibe.

[@carolynmurtaza1180]

I been looking at P&O and Marella for next year going myself. P&O ship Azura but thought the single cabins were furnished as an afterthought... plainer. The Marella explorer 3 The single cabins look more inviting... more cosy. And the drinks package is included. My only peeve is the cost of going as a solo traveller.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you - Others have fed back also on the Marella single traveller costs issue - Let’s hope they listen to this feedback.. Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences and thoughts. It’s great to get this perspective!

[@oet6544]

Great video, the winner for us is Marella, because we prefer to have the all inclusive package, i don t want to plan my meals and drinks on holiday like i am at home. Also only 2 days at sea out of 14. For us is a floating hotel as you said, we re more interested in seeing the world so the route was also a plus for us because we have n t seen that part of asia yet. We just booked our first ever cruise for christmas and new year.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We are on the same page and days in port and exploring is what really floats our boat. We really enjoyed our Christmas cruise with Marella back in 2018… Probably our best Christmas ever ! Hope you are heading somewhere nice ? Thanks again ..

[@sandraheaton4929]

We've been on marella cruise lines many times we just love marella we've done Christmas & the new Yr for the last 2 yrs with marella & both times was absolutely amazing you will enjoy Christmas on board I'm sure the ships are really decorated up lovely with Christmas trees 🌲/ decorations both times Christmas Dinner was absolutely fantastic & lots of it marella do really look after us.

[@carmelshepherd6739]

Great vlog I prefer P and O 😊

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Appreciated… We have part 2 coming up soon …P&O Arcadia and Marella Explorer … We have open minds on this debate as there are strengths to both lines.. I wonder how these next trips will affect our views.. Thanks again

[@Woolfy1]

Same as you we will sail on both cruise lines again but, Marella edges it for me all down to the all inclusive, not having to worry about your end of cruise bar bill, which, can easily run away with you. I`m on holiday, don`t need the worries.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and commenting. It’s appreciated. We think alike. There have been some interesting view expressed on this thread. P&O clearly works better for some. Hope you enjoy your next cruise? Somewhere nice ??

[@Woolfy1]

@@CooksExplore we`re looking at two atm. Asia or the Caribbean.. She`ll let me know when she`s made up her mind.

[@CooksExplore]

@@Woolfy1 we have Asia in 2024 .. looking forward to that immensely.. Enjoy your hols

[@merseyrailer7780]

Very helpful information, but to be honest we had to look away from the screen after four minutes, and just listen. This guys CONSTANT hand and arm gestures just drove us nuts!

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you - Inspired by Magnus Pike .. Appreciate you watching

[@70PaulK]

Loyal followers on both sides, but I would add some points for consideration. First, Marella ships have open seating in the MDR, so you don't have to stay at the same table for the whole cruise, and they usually have an Italian option. Secondly, they have fewer sea days and more port stops on their fly cruises. Lastly, they name their departure airports (not just "London") and give flight times before you book.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting. It’s really appreciated. I think the points you make add so much to the debate. I did try and divorce the itineraries issue from the general discussion but for those who like to set foot in somewhere new, the additional port days can be what makes the difference. Brilliant additional points well made.

[@debbiem3146]

You can have open MDR dining on P&O. We were booked as set, but we were able to change without any extra charge as soon as we boarded ship. And we have done this on more than one occasion.

[@CooksExplore]

@@debbiem3146 - Thanks for clarifying. I suspect that some would assume you couldn’t change this. So very helpful

[@christinepotts6415]

We go on a cruise to see the world not to watch the sea for days so go for fly cruises, not impressed with visiting 6/7 ports on a 14/15 day cruise.

[@dannymactheatreoflife.1771]

Just been on the marrella booze cruise 😂😂 I now hate cruising never again 😂

[@CooksExplore]

Oh Wow ! What happened? So sorry to hear that!

[@johnwoodhouse6797]

I think it is worth mentioning the clear differences between these two companies when it comes to luggage transfer. With TUI, when you have deposited your hold luggage at the home airport, after the flight you have to collect it again at the carousel before taking it to the coach which transfers you to the ship. The same happens in reverse where you collect your hold luggage from the quayside and take it to the airport to check it in. With P&O however, once 😮you have deposited your ,hold luggage at the home airport, you do not see it again until it appears outside your cabin door on the ship. (No hanging around at the carousel). Again ,in reverse, after leaving it outside your cabin door, you don't see it again until the carousel at your home airport.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you John for watching and commenting - It’s appreciated… You make an interesting point - When we’ve cruised Marella to the Caribbean they managed to luggage all the way to the cabin. Whereas P&O in the Med we had to collect our luggage from the carousel … I think the process depends on the destination rather than the cruise line .. we have seen variation with other lines too

[@michaelthompson6885]

Just have a look at what you spent on Marella and then look at the P and O bill!!! no contest in my book.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and commenting - on the two holidays in this video the overall costs were pretty close. On our most recent cruises covered in our new “Rematch” video there was a wide cost differential and P&O were way cheaper .. but that was because we booked an early saver fare .. We met people on our P&O cruise that paid nearly 3 times what we did for the same holiday and similar cabin.. So P&O can be the cheapest if you book right …Why not check out our Rematch video to see how Arcadia and Explorer compared .. Thanks again

[@dzung1969]

I prefer PAYG. As we don’t drink alcohol, so all inclusive is not a good option. We’ll be paying for other people to get drunk and rowdy! 😂

[@CooksExplore]

Totally agree - Just did another P&O cruise. We like a glass of wine with a meal, a coffee in the day and maybe one or two cocktails in the evening. We averaged about £38 pppd over the holiday which was cheaper than the £44.94 for all inclusive on P&O. Marella All Inclusive is convenient though and we’ve never seen anyone so drunk to cause a problem. It probably does happen occasionally but we’ve never seen it.

[@mickthompson584]

a comparison of medical facilities on board wold be useful but i imagine hard to do but i can say from experience the hospital on Discovery is second to non.

[@CooksExplore]

Wow - Yes that’s an aspect we hadn’t thought of. Thanks for this comment. It adds to the overall review. We do hope your reason to use the medical facilities wasn’t too serious and you are fully recovered?

[@mickthompson584]

@@CooksExplore Thanks to the Marella medical team i left Discovery in good health. Thanks for asking.

[@suekeelan735]

I don't drink alcohol or coffee, so P&O is better value as I feel I'm subsidising drinkers on Marella

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I can definitely see your point there. In your circumstances P&O would easily be the cheaper cruise. Great to get a different perspective- Thanks again

[@davidgange5849]

Been with P&O 3 times in 12 months booked to go again in August. Cost 3.2K for 4 adults with 2 balconies similiar deal with Marella 5.6K - Thats alot of booze! also spoke to people who have been on Marella before and mentioned that some people take full advantage of the All inclusive and are noticeably smashed! so do I want to pay for this? also some ships are older ex RC (not that thats a bad thing!) I find that PAYG booze on P&O is UK pub prices and I like the flexibility of having to choose exactly what I want to drink. Don't forget you will probably spend alot of time off the ship exploring so you have to pay as you go onshore anyway - - - - or am I missing something here? Maybe I need to try Marella ???

[@CooksExplore]

Firstly a big thank you for watching and commenting. It is appreciated. Your point is a good one and well made. There are a few issues that you draw out that are excellent here. One that hasn’t so far been raised in this debate is that Marella do seem to charge more of a premium rate for balcony cabins. This is notable and although like other lines Marella do operate dynamic pricing, the discounting is more prevalent for inside and outside cabins. Balcony cabins are discounted far less it seems. So in your example I’d agree the price differential makes P&O the no brainer choice. £800 pp on P&O sounds great value but does also highlight that P&O are operating in Budget cruise line territory with fares approaching comparison with MSC, Ambassador and Costa. There is a lot of comment on social media about P&O lowering standards but your fare, albeit brilliantly cheap, I think points to the reality of how P&O are currently operating. For Marella, the issue of passengers “on the lash” was a misgiving that we originally had. But as stated in the video, we’ve never seen anything bad. It’s always a possibility though. This thread and the awesome comments from viewers do highlight several other differences between the lines. I did try and stay away from itineraries but a big plus for us is that Marella itineraries typically visit more ports than a comparable P&O cruise. I guess it all depends on why you cruise and as stated in the video, we are sailing with both lines again in 2023. They offer something different. Thx again and if you do give Marella a go post on this thread your thoughts .. That would be great ..

[@davidgange5849]

@@CooksExplore Thanks for your reply and unbiased video . I do agree that the Marella has a better itinery than P&O and if we had to choose then I would prefer going from Majorca , however when we went last year on Azura we thought although it was not our first choice - leaving from malta and going aroind Italy (and Corsica) would be "different" becuase of many years holidaying in Spain (especially Majorca!!) It did not disapoint and we loved Italy. Going again in 2 weeks on same cruise but this time has a stop in Villafrance for Monaco. We also went on 2 other cruises with P&O - Oct 22 we did a cheeky 5 nighter on Britannia from Southampton to Rotterdam and Brugge again with baclony cabin for 350 each (bargain!) and in May this year we did Iona to the Fjords but did not enjoy it as much (thought it was a bit colder than expected - yes I know its Norway! and becuase of this most people were below decks ). I know PO has chaged their game lately meaning they want to run at full capacity which means Azura will be busier than last year (70% full last year) and we also have later flights so will be getting on board just before sale away so will probably not be getting any speciality dining because you cannot book this before you leave on Azura (you can on Britannia and Iona. - Epicurean , Sindu , fabulous Limelight lounge ). any way will let you know how we get on in a about 3 weeks or so - cheers and sorry for any spelling mistakes - there are always some! P.S. don't get hung up about formal wear on formal nights with PO - dark jeans and a random jacket are OK with don't want to do full DJ .😀😀😀

[@CooksExplore]

Wow David that’s a lot fun right there in your reply ! Hope you enjoy your next cruise - Please do share your experiences… Our planed P&O trip in October is also Norway - Should be chilly ! But hopefully we’ll see the Northern Lights… Our 3rd attempt… Safe sailing and have fun 🤩

[@philharry7213]

I dislike formal nights intensely.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and commenting… Appreciated…I meet lots of people on cruises that hold similar views on formal nights. It’s a very marmite like topic. More and more cruise lines are relaxing dress codes whilst still encouraging passengers to dress up or make some kinda of effort for a formal meal. For us retaining inclusivity is key so that as many passengers who may want to participate.. can do exactly that.

[@DanielPerez-rp8wd]

Your content was good, but the sound quality is terrible. Couldn't hear half you said.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and commenting… Apologies for the sound …. I have been having some problems with the Mic .. it played ok when I uploaded it from my computer but you are not the 1st to comment on the sound. New mic on the shopping list .. Thanks again - appreciate the feedback

[@philharry7213]

Volume needs turning up.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for raising this… I have been having problems with my mic … so maybe it is time to bite the bullet and buy another.. Cheers

[@mysticlady04]

Sailed on both and prefer marella, p&o have lost thier way and have gone down the plug hole. Entertainment repeated far too much no entertainment in pool area.

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and commenting. It’s appreciated. Many people seem to have lost their love of P&O it seems but the reasons cited are very varied. But the entertainment issues do seem to be a regular comment when speaking to fellow cruisers.

[@andyhemsted4570]

Useful video, very helpful, but please occasionally sit on your hands 😂

[@CooksExplore]

Love that - Thank you … I am fairly new at this and have to channel those Magnus Pike vibes to get me through recording.😂… Appreciate you watching and commenting.. Cheers !

[@pameladocherty7034]

Just a pity Marella is Tui as there flights are atrocious

[@CooksExplore]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Flights are such a lottery in our experience and even the big reputable airlines are increasingly unreliable. That said on both the cruises referred to in the video,flights were not a problem.. P&O used Jet 2 and Marella used Tui Airlines…Both flights fine, comfy, well fed and generally on time. Thanks again for adding to this debate.

[@chrisgraham-rowe3311]

Our flights with TUI to barbados was trouble free .Liked the fact that we got off the plane straight on to a bus to the ship .No immigration clearance involved and the staff everywhere were first class.

[@elsiehodges9415]

Excellent and fair comparisons but please don't say the Glasshouse is an experience for those who can't afford to pay for speciality dining! We can certainly afford it but choose not to.

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you - Really appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment . There maybe some crossed wires here but completely understand and agree with the point you make and we have done many a cruise where we didn’t bother with Speciality Dining .. Sign of a good cruise perhaps when the food is that good .. Thank you again

[@tonygarforth539]

marrella v po i have done them both many times how can you compare for value yes marrella no worries about drinks and so with all inclusive but come on marrells double or treble the price of some 7 day cruisers i should no and you have to fly to get to marrella so if you want value and your not a big drinker and are on a budget sorry but po wins easely

[@CooksExplore]

Thank you for watching and commenting. It’s really appreciated! Great to get a different perspective too. With P&O drinks packages running at £90 per cabin per day for a couple, I do agree that if you are happy to limit the drinks and stay clear of P&Os drinks package , then P&O can work out cheaper. I hope I reflected the impact of alcohol intake on overall cost in the commentary. If any ambiguity great to revisit this in this thread.. Thanks again.