I had been researching cruise companies over 2022 and taking note of how they were dealing with the dreaded Covid dilemma and what safety measures they were putting in place. Still feeling a little nervous about getting on a ship, I discovered that the UK cruise companies, like P&O, Fred Olsen and Cunard were requesting that all passengers were fully vaccinated and proof was required before boarding. Also, all crew were fully vaccinated. I felt reasonably satisfied with that.
Our daughter was visiting from Australia in November 2022 and we decided to take a cruise and booked fairly last minute with P&O on the Azura. Ideally, we prefer to board at Southampton but our choices were limited and we ended up driving (from Cornwall) all the way up to Heathrow to board the three and quarter hour flight to Tenerife where we picked up the Azura to cruise the Canary Islands and Maderia.
We were not disappointed and the ship offered everything as advertised. Great food selection, comfortable cabins and good selection of evening entertainment. We had travelled this Canary cruise a few years back and didn’t get off at all ports but Madeira is always worth a visit.
Our daughter, Charlotte, absolutely loved the cruise, her first one, and I think she was pleasantly surprised at the good mix of ages on board. I think the myth of all cruises catering for people on their last gasp is finally fading. P&O provide a fantastic service at a very reasonable price.
Masks for guests were an option but all catering crew on the Azura wore masks and gloves while dealing with food. Every precaution was taken. In my research with other cruise companies last year, 2022, I was appalled to read that some were happy to take on the unvaccinated, so long as they passed a covid test the day before boarding. Although everything has died down I am still proceeding with caution and should we book a cruise this year it will be with P&O, Cunard or Fred Olsen.
Happy Sailing.
