We went on the VIP day today and had a fantastic time. The only shame was that only half of the MNer's picked made it, you missed a good day. We were given an extensive tour of the boat and cabins, the kids got some time to play in the kids area and then a lovely 3 course lunch with wine. The food was beautiful, especially the spiced chocolate fondant. When we left the kids were given a bag of gifts, which depended on age but the DS's got a lunchbag, beach towel, toys, colouring set and jumper between them which was fantastic. We got 2 nice bottles of wine and a travel set of toiletries from the White Company which was nice
What was your and your family's, overall experience of your day on-board Azura?
We really enjoyed having a look around the ship. We have cruised before, and with P&O so knew roughly what we would find, but I was really impressed with the design and layout of this ship. It's very easy, as ships are getting larger, for it to become too large, and start to feel like a large ferry as the facilities like the buffet get bigger, but this has avoided that. There are a number of bars and restaurants, all of which were very different and had their own feel. All of it looked well designed and I could imagine having a very different evening depending on where you went, it wouldn't feel like you were in the same place each night.
- Were you surprised by anything you found, or didn't find, on board?
The only thing I didn't like was that the casino seems to have got bigger, and I really didn't like the way it took up half of the pub, with no barrier or separation between.
I loved the spa and spa pool, the treatment list looked really extensive.
I liked the fact that there are 4 pools and a kids splash pool as they all seem to have a different feel to them. I would spend all of my time round the pool on the back though, that's my favourite spot.
I was surprised at the size of the theatre, it's a really professional proper theatre, but with waiter service at the seats. I like that.
I also loved the large screen above one of the outdoor pools, I can imagine curling up on a lounger and watching a film under the stars.
One thing that always surprises me about P&O is the night nursery, they turn the kids club areas into a nursery at 7 pm and you can drop your child off there to sleep in a cot/bed and pick them up anytime before 3 a.m. You have a pager in case they need you but otherwise you are freeeeeeeeeeeee!
- What were your/your DCs highlights of the day?
Running around like a loon and playing in the Chicco Cars in the kids club. I don't think we'd ever see him, we could just leave him in one of those cars with some lunch. It's nice there is a guaranteed place for the kids in the kids club and that the area given over to it seemed pretty big.
- What did your DCs think of the facilities on-board?
DS loved the cars, the food, the fact that his ketchup was served on a platter, the cars, the castle, the dolls house, the soft play, the cars, the pool, playing with his new friend (met on board) the football/tennis/gofl area and the cars
- After your experience on Azura, would you consider going on a cruise for a family holiday? If so, why? If not, why not?
Definitely, the set up seems to suit us and the DC. DS2 is too young to be left in the kids club (he's only 5 months) but that would be the case anywhere we went. The fact that the kids club runs all day, and that you know they are on the ship somewhere and can always be found/find you is very reassuring. They also seem to do loads of different activities with them.
- Overall, if it came up in conversation, would you recommend going on a cruise to your friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, for the reasons above. And also for the quality of food/wine and entertainment that we experienced and saw available on board. I think most people would find something that suited them.
All the photos we took were on the cameras/flipcam they gave us so none to share I'm afraid, sorry.