Are P&O crew letting standards slip ?

Recently I have been hearing more and more comments about the crew on P&O ships.

We always speak to our customers whenever possible when they return from their cruise and whilst their comments are mostly positive we do also hear some criticism which is great feedback for us as agents so we can be aware of any problems for our future guests.

Everyone has different opinions but recently I have been hearing that the crew on board have been miserable, unfriendly and in some cases rude !!

I was speaking to a lovely lady last week who said the crew were under so much pressure because they are short staffed which meant the whole dining experience was very rushed, there was no personal service from their waiter and in fact they had hardly spoken to them during their 7 night cruise. The menu was far more limited and if they complained about their food the waiter was not interested and did nothing to resolve the issue.

Another lady told me that she ordered a cup of tea at breakfast which was cold when it was poured for her and when she called the waiter back to inform him he told he she should have drank is faster.

Another gentleman told me the food was poor and he has had better food on other ships and land based restaurants.

I can understand that with the current cruise market being heavily discounted there has to be cut backs somewhere. The fact that the chocolate on the pillow is missing at bedtime on many ships now I can understand being part of the cutbacks but the quality of food and the attentive service should not be compromised as this to many is one of the most important factors in taking a cruise.

If we want to get shouted at by grumpy waiters and have average luke warm food we could book a holiday to Spain but we certainly do not expect it on a luxury cruise.

I have to say that last time I cruised with P&O the staff were fantastic so I am sure it is a minority that are letting the side down but P&O need to take their customers feedback questionnaires and deal with the individuals that obviously don’t want to be there.