Caribbean cruises

[Conundrumseverywhere]

I have never done a cruise before. Saw an ad for a P and O cruise on Britannia but the reviews were very mixed, and bad reviews were very off putting. I know P and O is supposed to have massively gone downhill.
I am looking for recommendations for a cruise this winter visiting several islands. Good food, high standards of cleanliness and nice rooms with balconies are important. Not so bothered about entertainment, and it's just the two of us, no children. Tips included would be very helpful.
Also flights included if possible.

Have a look at Azamara. There are no facilities for kids, so there are almost no kids on board. The entertainment is very modest. Food is superb. Beds are really comfortable. Staff to pax ratio is very high. Everything is included (as long as you don't mind slumming it with Beefeater gin instead of Bombay Sapphire). The ships are small (700 pax) and so can often dock at commercial ports near to the town rather than at the big cruise terminals (which are mostly owned by the cruise lines themselves, so even less money goes into the local economy). The price you see is the price you pay (excluding flights), no taxes or tips or beverage packages to add on (unless you want top-of-the-range alcohol).

The only downside is the showers, which are too small in every class of cabin (the ships used to belong to a less upmarket line). We learned to shower at the gym area.

It's a small line with only 4 ships, so you might not find your destination on the dates you want, but it's probably worth a look.

It’d help if you could give a budget. P&O is at the cheap end whereas the higher end lines such as Celebrity or Explora willl have better reviews but cost more. I’ve been on Celbrity and loved it. A friend recently went on Explora around the Caribbean and was delighted.

Im not sure about budget really. Prepared to consider all options, definitely want to have a memorable experience. I don't like the idea of flying to Miami or whoever first, but maybe there is no other option. P and O appealed because flights from London to Barbados are included. I will have a look at Azamara and Celebrity. Heard good things about both.

Some people cam be very snobby about cruising so don't let reviews put you off p&o.
Maybe check out some YouTube videos so that you can see what you get for your money. I've been on one of Britannia's sister ships and it was excellent value, lovely food, friendly staff, lots of space to relax. I'd travel with them again for sure, especially if it was much cheaper than other cruise lines.

Thanks. There were comments about lack of cleanliness and bad smells as well as noise which worried me a lot!

If good food and hygiene are important I would avoid P&O in our two trips it was a grubby Butlin's at sea. Celebrity, Holland America etc are worth the little extra.