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Between the wars cruising became more popular, often using the newest ships in
the fleet rather than the oldest. Tourist class cruises began in the early 1930s
followed by Pacific cruises from Australia a few years later. With no
rigid mail contracts after 1945, cruising became still more important to the
shipping industry. P&O Cruises last ship built for scheduled line voyages,
Canberra, was delivered in 1961 but in little more than a decade jet airlines
had taken over the company's traditional passenger trades while the container
ship packed up liner cargoes. Forced to concentrate on the leisure side
of sea travel, P&O Cruises abolished passenger classes, acquired Los
Angeles-based Princess Cruises in 1974, and Sitmar Cruises in 1988. Sitmar
cruises was then merged with Princess Cruises. Since the beginning of the 1990s,
Princess Cruises has embarked on a policy of growth through building new ships,
bought and later built purpose-designed cruise ships and became one of the
largest cruise operators in the world.
Dining
All
P&O Cruises ships have one or two main formal restaurants, serving
breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is open sitting for breakfast and lunch. For
dinner, passengers will be allocated a set table for the duration of the cruise
and dinner is usually served at 6pm and 8pm. Contrary to popular belief
P&O Cruises passengers are not restricted to formal dining. There are
numerous dining venues on board including formal restaurants, coffee bars, grill
bars and informal buffet, not to mention room service and even 24-hour cafes.
P&O Cruises can cater for special dietary needs e.g. diabetic,
fat-free, vegetarian and gluten free. However it is necessary to state any
special requests at the time of booking so that the order can be
placed. A special children dinner is available onboard Aurora, Oceana and
Oriana. For breakfast and lunch children will have to sit with there parents.
The dinner is held in one of the alternative dining venues at about 5:15pm,
leaving the parents free to have diner on their own later in the evening.
Children's Facilities
On
board Aurora, Oceana & Oriana children have there own facilities and
organised activities, with clubs split into the following age ranges 2-4, 5-8,
9-12 and the teen from 13-17. All the children will be enjoying activities under
the supervision of highly qualified staff. During the evening there is a night
nursery for children up to 5 years, which is open from 6pm-2am, supervised by
the youth crew. This is based in first come first served basis. Children will
only be welcomed on Aurora, Oceana & Oriana as Arcadia and Artemis are Child
free ships.
Entertainment
There
is a full schedule of daytime and evening entertainment every day on board.
Details of activity can be found in the ship’s daily newspaper, which is
delivered to cabins each evening, for the following day. The dedicated
Entertainment team are on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Daytime activities include lecture, demonstrations such as cooking, craft
classes. In the evening entertainment includes West End style shows, Cabaret
acts that include singers, comedians and illusionists. P&O also provide live
classical and jazz music. Other entertainment includes Karaoke, Casino and
ballroom dancing
Spa & Fitness Facilities
Each
ship in the fleet boats the most up date facilities. Oasis Spa operates the Spa
facilities, which is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. A whole host of
pampering treatments can be enjoyed in modern and tranquil surroundings,
carried out by highly qualified staff. Arcadia boasts a thermal suite with
aromatic steam rooms, dry float suite and hydrotherapy pool. Example of
treatments includes Balancing Facial (60 min £50), Aromascene Body Wrap &
Massage (90 min £70), Hot Stone Therapy (75 min, £70), Well Being full Body
Massage (50 min £55). Appointments need to be made early, as treatment time
slots can go quickly especially on Sea days. Each ship has a fully
equipped modern gym with the benefit of sea views. There is also a spacious
aerobics room and passengers can benefit from consultations with a personal
trainer. There is also an outdoor sports court on each ship for games such as
cricket, football and short tennis. Tournaments are often held in the sports
court. For golf lovers there are golf nets as well as high- tech virtual reality
suites where you can play the most courses in the world.
Set Sail Today
To start planning your next cruise holiday, you can book online our call us now to speak
to one of our Cruise Specialists.
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