Why no special occasion benefits any more with P & O?

Hard to believe that P & O would not stump up a measly £6 for a cake for a child’s birthday on board one of their ships but I guess with the low prices that are on the market at the moment They have to make their money somewhere?

It’s a far cry from when my son, Conor , seen here with his sister, Ashley, celebrated his 6th Birthday  on Oceana in 2003. Here they are with the Deputy Captain who came down from the bridge to the children’s disco to give Conor a present and a card from all the officers. Conor and Ashley if you read my blog this week I am so sorry if this ruins your reputation at age 15 and 18 now!

In the good old days cakes for birthdays and anniversaries where the norm for all cruise lines and were automatically ordered by the cruise company to be delivered to the birthday boy or girl once on board.

Today I tried to add a note to a booking  with P & O  for clients who will be celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary whilst on their cruise in June. Now in the olden days they would have sent in a copy of their marriage certificate and a whole host of benefits would have been applied such as champagne and flowers in the cabin. The reservation agent said she would note it down but that it would not be sent to the ship!

30 years to me is a long time, as I  am currently on 19, and that seems like a lifetime and,  in this day and age I think milestone anniversaries should be rewarded. I know the reason my clients told me that it was their anniversary was because they were proud of the fact that they had been together 30 years and also were hoping for a little something from P & O!

Well P & O will be giving them a big fat nothing!

I can’t possibly allow my clients to get on the ship and have nothing so I have added a bottle of bubbly, chocolates and some flowers in the hopes that they will have an amazing start to their Pearl Anniversary.

If you ever want to treat yourself then have a look at the gift guides: On Board Gifts