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What are the Suite Benefits on P&O Cruises?

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If you are considering cruising in a suite aboard P&O cruises you might be interested in what additional benefits and perks are available for suite guests.

Whatever the reason for deciding to book a suite on P&O this video will run through what’s currently available across the P&O cruises fleet. If you’re interested in having a look around some of the suites on board P&O cruises ships, then have a look at my P&O suite playlist on You Tube.

Booking a suite is a great idea for special occasions such as anniversaries, honeymoons, milestone birthdays or it might just an opportunity to treat yourself. If you are exceptionally lucky then you might receive a complimentary upgrade to a suite (in which case lucky you!).

Whatever your reason, keep reading to find out what’s currently available across the P&O cruises fleet.

If you’re considering a suite for your next cruise, I have put together some handy guides on Britannia , Iona and Arvia which you might also find useful.

Table of Contents ...

What Suite benefits do P&O cruises provide?

Here’s a quick list of all the P&O cruises are suite benefits, followed by more detail about each individual perk

P&O Cruises Suite Perks Before You Board

• Priority check-in
• Access to an exclusive hospitality lounge

Priority boarding with Ligurian tier guests

P&o cruises suite perks while on board ship.

• Exclusive welcome on board reception
• Inclusive room service
• Breakfast in an exclusive venue
• Priority Tenders (where applicable)
• Priority Disembarkation

P&O Cruises Suite Perks In Your Cabin

• Mineral Water in cabin
• Bottle of Champagne in your cabin
• Box of Chocolates in your cabin
• Bath Robes and Slippers
• Fresh Fruit in your cabin
• Daily canapes
• Coffee machine
• Butler service
• Superior bathroom with full-size whirlpool bath.
• Luxurious premier White Company toiletries
• Spacious lounge area and separate bedroom
• Use of Atlas, & Binoculars
• P&O branded golf umbrella to use whilst ashore.

Priority check-in on P&O Cruises

It feels great to turn up at the cruise terminal and be able to hop straight to the front of the queue when checking in. When you stay in a suite expect to have a fast pass to the check-in desk regardless of what time you turn up. There’s usually a separate check-in desk specifically allocated for suite guests.

When boarding has started and your ship is ready to accept its newest passengers, suite guests will be amongst the first in line to be invited to step aboard. On all P&O cruises, the highest loyalty tier (the Ligurian tier) will be called first. You will join them ahead of other loyalty tiers such as Baltic and Caribbean. This perk is quite good as you get the chance to explore the ship whilst it is relatively quiet before other passengers embark.

Access to an exclusive hospitality lounge 

Once you’ve been checked in, you can bypass the main seating areas and head straight to the exclusive hospitality area. In most cases this is just a sectioned off area with a separate entrance to the security checks (in ocean terminal).

Previously P&O Cruises used to offer complimentary refreshments such as teas, coffees, and biscuits. However, since the pandemic it seems that this aspect has now been discontinued.

While it was nice to have a coffee and some pastries while you were waiting to board, we often found that by the time we checked in took our seat we never had enough time to finish our coffee before we were called through to security.

Exclusive welcome on board reception for Suite guests on P&O Cruises

When you check-in you will be given a card inviting you to a welcome on-board reception. This is usually held in one of the dining areas and is only open to suite guests and peninsular club members who are on Caribbean Tier or above.

The welcome on-board reception tends to vary slightly from ship to ship. On larger ships such as Arvia and Iona the welcome on board reception is also provided for conservatory mini suite guests. As there are many more guests attending this welcome on board reception, a buffet style lunch is provided in the main dining room on Deck 7.

On other ships in the P&O cruises fleet – such as Britannia Ventura and Azura – the welcome on board lunch is a standard menu and plated dishes are served at your table.

We have experienced both these styles of welcome on board reception, and they are a lovely way to start your cruise in a relaxed setting.

Mineral Water in Cabin for suite Guests on P&O Cruises

When you arrive in your suite you will find some complimentary bottles/cans of mineral water. In the past P&O Cruises used to offer refillable bottles which were useful for taking ashore but recently these seem to be supplied in cans which are single use only.

Champagne in your Suite on P&O Cruises

Another suite benefit on P&O cruises is a complimentary bottle of Champagne. This will be waiting for you, chilling on ice as soon as you arrive in your suite.

The suite also includes champagne flutes, wineglasses, highball glasses and tumblers. As you may have already topped up on a few glasses of bubbly in the welcome aboard lunch, you might wish to save this champagne for later in your cruise – such as you first formal evening.

Alternatively, there’s nothing stopping you taking advantage of the chilled champagne straightaway to celebrate your first sail away in your suite.

Box of Chocolates  in your Suite on P&O Cruises

To accompany your champagne, a sweet treat awaits you in the form of a box of P&O Belgian chocolates. If you’re anything like us, these chocolates won’t survive much past the first day. If you’re not a chocoholic, you can always keep this box to share with someone as a souvenir when you get back home.

Fresh Fruit in your suite on P&O Cruises

Fresh fruit is also provided in your suite and whilst it is easy to go up to the buffet for some fresh fruit at any time to bring back to your cabin, this is another little perk that is quite nice as it saves you the trip to the buffet if you feel like a quick healthy snack.

It can also be particularly handy if you need to quickly grab some fresh fruit as you head out of your cabin for a day exploring port (if you forgot pick up some fruit during breakfast).

Recently P&O Cruises have started to tailor the selection of fruit offered. On embarkation day, you will find a card to fill in your preferences. This is a great idea as we never seemed to eat the oranges or the kiwi fruits, and it all helps to reduce food waste. You can always ask your butler to replenish some of the fruit items particularly if you’re on a longer cruise.

Daily canapes for Suite Guests on P&O Cruises

Nespresso Coffee machine in suites on P&O Cruises

If you love your coffee, then suites contain Nespresso coffee machines. These provide suite guests with a higher grade of coffee making in your cabin above the instant sachets that are available in all cabins across the fleet.

Coffee pods are replenished each day and you can always ask your cabin steward or butler for more if you tend to whizz through them at a rate of knots like we do.

Woollen Blankets for suite guests on P&O Cruises

Stored in your wardrobe, you will find a stash of warm woollen blankets- perfect for cosy summer evenings on your balcony to for an extra layer of warmth watching the scenery roll by in colder climes. .

Use of Atlas, & Binoculars for suite guests on P&O Cruises

If you want to be on the lookout for whales and dolphins or are just curious to track the passing coastline on your voyage (or even another passing cruise ship or oil rig), the complementary use of the Atlas and Binoculars will help.

BlueTooth MP3 Player in suites on P&O Cruises

In each suite you will find a Bluetooth MP4 planer which is perfect for streaming your favourite songs, audio books or podcasts straight into your suite – just remember to download them first on wifi before you set sail.

Breakfast in an exclusive venue for suite guests on P&O Cruises

This is one of the perks which is exclusive to suite guests. Each morning at breakfast, suite guests can head to the Epicurean restaurant. (on the smaller ships such as .

The breakfast menu provides a similar selection of items you will find in the main dining room and has a standard menu with certain special items offered each day throughout your cruise.

The venue is also a very relaxing affair to ease you into the day. If you still enjoy breakfast in the main dining room or the buffet, you can still attend these venues instead (or if you wish head up there for second breakfast). You can also have breakfast served in your suite see below.

Inclusive room service for suites on P&O Cruises

Some of the room service items carry an extra charge in standard cabins but in a suite, room service is included.

This also means you can order from the main dining room menu each evening and have this served in your cabin at no extra charge. This is perfect if you’d like to take dinner on your balcony one evening or enjoy breakfast on your balcony (like we did when visiting Lisbon).

Butler service for Suite guests on P&O Cruises

Having a butler can make some suite guests feel a little uneasy. Some guests may rarely use their butler at all.

As the service is optional, it is entirely up to you whether you wish to make use of your butler or not. However, it is a nice perk to have. Whilst we have never asked (nor expected) our butler to unpack or pack for us, or to mix a martini, or arrange in-suite cocktail or dinner party, they can be a helpful ally.

Superior bathroom with full-size whirlpool bath in Suites  on P&O Cruises

One of the key suite benefits on P&O Cruises is that bathrooms in the suites are larger than standard cabins and superior deluxe cabins, mini suites and conservatory mini suites (on Arvia and Iona).

Suite bathrooms usually have a walk-in shower and a separate whirlpool bath. The bath and shower are also separated from the toilet for added convenience and privacy.

Luxurious premier White Company toiletries in suites on P&O Cruises

On P&O Cruises, there are white company toiletries in every cabin, and like the mini suites, you get an additional pamper set of toiletries which come in a beautifully presented box. If you don’t use these on your cruise, they are a lovely perk to take home with you.

Bath Robes and Slippers in suites on P&O Cruises

These plush bathrobes (one for every suite guest) and comfy slippers are perfect for trips up to the pool, lounging on the balcony and wrapping up in after a log soak in your whirlpool bath.

Spacious lounge area and separate bedroom in suites on P&O Cruises

P&O suites provide additional cabin space on-board. Taking P&O’s Britannia as an example, the highest grade of balcony cabin (a mini suite or superior deluxe balcony cabin) will typically occupy 281 square feet whereas a suite on Britannia will occupy approximately between 382 – 698 square feet. This allows space for a separate lounge area.

For suites which sleep more than 2 people, the sofa transforms into a bed and there may also be an additional pullman bed, allowing up to four passengers to stay comfortably in the same cabin without falling over each other.

On some ships (such as Iona and Arvia) the two additional beds are in the form of a single sofa bed and a pullman bed, whereas on Britannia, the two additional beds are in the form of a double sofa bed. If the bed configuration is important to you, then it is worth checking this with your travel agent before booking.

Priority Tenders for suite guests on P&O Cruises

You will only be able to take advantage of this perk at a tender port. Tender ports are where the ship drops anchor offshore and shuttles passengers to and from the port using tender boats (which are also the ship’s lifeboats). P&O cruises have a handy port tender list on their website, where you can find out whether your port of call is a tender port.

The priority tender perk for suite passengers is that you get a fast pass to the front of the line for the next available tender (whatever time you decide to explore ashore). If you are not in a suite, you usually have to go to an allocated area on board ship to collect a tender ticket and then wait for your ticket to be called.

Depending on how busy the tender port is and the weather conditions, you can sometimes experience quite a long wait. Therefore, whilst a priority tender pass does not guarantee you to get ashore, it does offer you the opportunity to be one of the first in line on the next tender. This perk cuts down the waiting time for the tenders and can be particularly useful at busy times.

Woollen Blankets in suite guests on P&O Cruises

P&o branded golf umbrella to use whilst ashore for suite guests on p&o cruises.

Whether you use this on you balcony while its raining or take it ashore with you – this large P&O Branded Golf umbrella is big enough for two.

Priority Disembarkation for suite guests on P&O Cruises

Although you might not want to leave the ship on the last day of your cruise, as a suite guest, you will be given priority disembarkation should you wish to use it. This allows you to get a head start if you need to book a taxi or beat the traffic on your way home.

However, while you are asked to vacate your suite but 8am on the morning of embarkation, you are more than welcome to head up to the Epicurean and have a leisurely breakfast before you disembark. Regardless of when you decide to leave ship on disembarkation, your priority pass is a nice perk to have as it provides a smooth process for leaving the ship.

Are P&O Cruises suite benefits worth it?

For some passengers these perks are additional luxuries worth paying for to make a cruise holiday extra special, whereas other guests see them as an extravagance that add little to their cruise experience.

Having sailed with P&O in an inside cabin, a balcony, a superior deluxe cabin, a mini-suite and a suite, the experience of sailing in the suite certainly elevates a cruise. P&O Cruises sometimes put on offers where the 3rd and 4th guests sail anywhere from £1 to £199, which can make cruising in a suite a tempting offer if you are travelling as a family of four.

Whatever you choose happy cruising. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me on any of my social media channels.

Read Next: P&O CRUISES 2023 DRINKS PACKAGE UPDATES

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Steph is the founder of Cruise with Amber. She been cruising since 2005 and spent over 100 nights at sea. She is a Mum, Wife, Chartered Psychologist, business owner, exceptionally bad surfer, artist and cruise blogger. 

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Cruise Accommodation

There’s room for everyone.

From spacious family suites to sweeping ocean views, we have accommodation for every occasion. With soft beds, fluffy white towels, and plenty of space for you to relax. Our rooms have been thoughtfully designed to give you that home away from home feeling. Plus, each room is serviced daily - so you can spend more time relaxing. No matter how you cruise, there’s a perfect place for you on P&O.

Accommodation Guides

Pacific Adventure ® and Pacific Encounter ®     Pacific Explorer ®  

Pacific Adventure ®     Pacific Encounter ®     Pacific Explorer ®

Byron Beach Club

The Byron Beach Club is offering a limited number of guests exclusive access to a private ‘beach club’ onboard Pacific Adventure® and Pacific Encounter®. The retreat will be available to guests booked in to suites and selected mini suites.

The exclusive-access retreat offers a private outdoor pool, whirlpool spas and comfy seating situated on the top deck of the ship. With expansive sea views, club-goers can enjoy pure relaxation and pampering in stylish surroundings.

Interconnecting Rooms

Available for Interior, Oceanview & Balcony rooms on all ships | Look for the symbol on deck plans

The perfect combination of proximity and privacy. Enjoy neighbouring rooms with internal doors, perfect for families, groups and friends. To check availability and book call 13 24 94 (AU) or 0800 780 716 (NZ) .

Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

P&O Cruises makes every effort to accommodate guests with disabilities and special requirements. We have a limited number of Wheelchair Accessible rooms available that cater for these guest needs.

Going the extra mile to make you smile

It’s the little things that make a good holiday great – so we’re always keen to go the extra mile to ensure your stay is smooth sailing.

Smooth sailing service

Relax with room service, stay fresh, look sharp, for extra room, consider a suite.

Travelling in a group? You’ll get more bang for your buck when you book a suite. From a spacious balcony and separate sitting area, to priority embarkation, complimentary laundry service, and an invitation to the Senior Officers Cocktail Party - you’ll love the extra room and extra special treatment!

Priority treatment

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P&O's Upgrade Me is a room upgrade program that gives you the opportunity to bid for a room upgrade, prior to departure, at a price you choose.

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Pacific Explorer cabins and suites

Pacific explorer staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Pacific Explorer cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by P&O Australia (P&O Cruises) en-suite amenities and services.

The Pacific Explorer cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Aft-Facing Penthouse Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Penthouses are with a Queen-size double bed (fixed/non-convertible to twins) plus a double sofabed.

Penthouse's door width is 72 cm.

Penthouse Suite's amenities include a larger bathroom (shower over bathtub, separate WC-toilet, bathrobes, slippers), 65-inch TV, walk-in wardrobe, coffee machine, Bose sound system (Wireless Speaker), iPod music player (provided upon request).

The Penthouse's bonus amenities/perks include:

• priority embarkation/disembarkation/tendering
• priority dining and spa reservations/shore excursions booking
• pillow concierge (3 different types of pillows)
• Welcome Aboard letter (from the Hotel Director)
• Welcome Aboard beverages (a glass of sparkling wine on arrival)
• fresh fruits (bowl in the cabin)
• complimentary shoeshine service, laundry service, bottled water
• private cocktail invitation (with the senior officers)
• exclusive party (on longer than 5-night itineraries)
• canapes (on cocktail evenings)
• premium brand bath products
• complimentary Afternoon Tea service (in-cabin) and Breakfast (in-cabin)

Aft-Facing Balcony Suite

Category SA Suites are with a Queen-size double bed (fixed/non-convertible to twins/two separate beds) plus a double sofabed.

Suite's door width is 72 cm.

Balcony Suite's amenities include a larger bathroom (shower over bathtub, separate WC-toilet, bathrobes, slippers), 65-inch TV, walk-in wardrobe, coffee machine, iPod music player (provided upon request).

Balcony Suite's bonus amenities/perks include:

• priority specialty dining and spa reservations/shore excursions and Future Cruise bookings
• complimentary Afternoon Tea service (in-cabin) and Breakfast (in-cabin), daily snacks and canapes (in-cabin)

Note: Dawn Princess ship's Balcony Suite categories were S2 (deck 9-Caribe, deck 10-Baja), S3 (deck 8-Dolphin), S4 (deck 9-Caribe), and sized as follows:

• S2 (400-470 ft2 / 37-44 m2), balcony size 225-275 ft2 (21-26 m2)
• S3 (430 ft2 / 40 m2), balcony size 85 ft2 (8 m2)
• S4 (375 ft2 / 35 m2), balcony size 160 ft2 (15 m2)

TWIN Mini-Suites are with a Queen-size double bed that is fixed(non-convertible to twins/two separate beds) in category MA and convertible into twins in category MB.

TRIPLE AND QUAD Mini-Suites are with two single beds (twins convertible to a Queen-size double bed) plus a sofabed.

Mini-Suite's amenities include a larger bathroom (shower over bathtub, separate WC-toilet), bathrobes, slippers.

Mini-Suite's bonus amenities/perks include:

Note: Dawn Princess ship's Mini-Suite categories were five (M4, M1, MA, MB, ME) and sized as follows:

• M1-MA-MB-ME (370 ft2 / 34 m2), balcony size 50 ft2 (5 m2)
• M4 (275-335 ft2 / 26-31 m2), balcony size 90 ft2 (8 m2)

Balcony Cabin

TWIN Balcony cabins are with two single beds (twins convertible to a Queen-size double bed).

TRIPLE and QUAD Balcony cabins are with two lower single beds plus two upper bunks. Bunk beds can be joined into one lower (Queen) and two upper single beds. Some QAUD cabins have one single lower bed, one single sofabed and two upper bunks.

The cabin door's width is 57 cm.

Oceanview Cabin

TWIN Oceanview cabins are with two twin beds convertible to a Queen-size double bed.

TRIPLE Oceanview cabins are with two lower twins/single beds plus one upper bunk (single bed).

QUAD Oceanview cabins are with two lower twins/single beds plus two upper single bunks.

Handicap (wheelchair-accessible) oceanview staterooms category OW are sized 225 ft2 / 21 m2.

Note: Dawn Princess ship's Oceanview categories were seven (OW-Obstructed, OC, OE, OF, O4-O5-O6-Deluxe) and sized as follows:

• OC-OE-OF (145-155 ft2 / 13-14 m2)
• O4-O5-O6 (185 ft2 / 17 m2)

Interior Cabin

TWIN Interior cabins are with two lower twin beds convertible to a Queen-size double bed.

TRIPLE Interior cabins are with two lower twin beds plus one upper bunk (single).

QUAD Interior cabins are with two lower twin beds plus two upper bunks (single).

Wheelchair-Accessible Handicap Cabin

The cabin door's width is 82 cm. The bathroom door's width is 83 cm.

Wheelchair-accessible (adapted for passengers with disabilities) cabins feature wider doorways (cabin and bathroom), more spacious interiors (to allow wheelchairs to be used inside), larger bathrooms (shower only/no bathtub or hot tub, shower seat, extra handrails, no steps), a ramp to access the balcony, pillow menu (3 different types of pillows).

Most handicap cabins are DOUBLE/TWIN and fitted with two lower single beds (convertible to a Queen-size double bed). The only exception is cabin 10069 (Mini-Suite), which is TRIPLE and additionally has a single sofabed.

On P&O Pacific Explorer cruise ship, handicapped cabins are in the following categories (room numbers):

• ID (10034, 10040, 10041, 10047, 11028, 11033, 11034, 11039)
• IE (9038, 9039, 9046, 9047)
• OG (8053, 8055)
• OV (8064, 8066, 8067, 8069)

Pacific Explorer cabins review

Pacific Explorer cabins with balconies are 410 (70% of all the 609 outside rooms). Wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are 19 (of which 1 mini suite, 6 outsides, 11 insides).

Follows the review of Pacific Explorer staterooms as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services:

• All Suites have walk-in closets (ample storage space), living rooms (sofabed, writing desk, mirrored vanity, tables with armchairs), bathroom (WC-toilet, shower stall, spa bathtub, double sinks).
• Bonus amenities in all Suites are the deluxe mattress/pillows, 2 smart HDTVs, CD/DVD player, upgraded bathroom amenities (massage showerheads, luxury bath products), luxury furniture on the balcony, complimentary services (Spa Thermal Suite, Internet Cafe, laundry/dry cleaning, one-time minibar).

All balcony staterooms feature sliding glass doors (floor-ceiling) opening to a private verandah (furnished with a round table and patio chairs) plus sunloungers (Balcony Suites only). Balcony cabins have ample closet space, bathroom (shower), desk, drawers. Some have additional beds for 3rd/4th person.

Oceanviews have a Picture Window (category OE with Porthole Window, category OW with obstructed view). Deluxe/Premium Oceanviews are larger-sized.

Inside cabins have the same size and amenities as OceanViews but lack the window.

All Pacific Explorer staterooms offer as complimentary amenities living area (mirrored vanity, writing desk, seating), 2 twin beds (convertible to Queen-size double bed), deluxe bedding sets (Egyptian cotton linens), wardrobe, desk with chair, smart HDTV, direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), hairdryer, bath products (shampoo, body lotion, conditioner), mini-bar/fridge, individual air-conditioning, evening turndown service, complimentary 24-hour room service.

Pacific Explorer cabin and suite plans are property of P&O Australia (P&O Cruises) . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

• P&O Cruises ( UK )

room service in suite

By fastnloose , March 8, 2019 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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Hello, does anyone know if room service is now chargeable when travelling in a suite.  Many thanks

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49 minutes ago, fastnloose said: Hello, does anyone know if room service is now chargeable when travelling in a suite.  Many thanks

Yes if you get room service. No if you get it through your Butler. On Oceana where there is only one Butler and you ask when he is on a break it is in some way removed.

2 minutes ago, daiB said:   Yes if you get room service. No if you get it through your Butler. On Oceana where there is only one Butler and you ask when he is on a break it is in some way removed.

Thank you daiB.  So am I getting this right.  I need to order room service via butler?  This was the case last year, but when talking to P & O today  the cruise agent said  all items were chargeable, and I dont know if this is something new or if he was just  misinformed.

1 minute ago, fastnloose said: Thank you daiB.  So am I getting this right.  I need to order room service via butler?  This was the case last year, but when talking to P & O today  the cruise agent said  all items were chargeable, and I dont know if this is something new or if he was just  misinformed.

I suspect he just does not know anything about it. You do not pay anything for room service in a suite. Anyway your Butler can provide far more than what is on the room service menu. Ie anything from the MDR lunch or dinner menu.

1 hour ago, daiB said:   I suspect he just does not know anything about it. You do not pay anything for room service in a suite. Anyway your Butler can provide far more than what is on the room service menu. Ie anything from the MDR lunch or dinner menu.

Many thanks daiB. It never ceases to amaze me how misinformed some cruise agents can be.  I   expect if I asked another agent I would get a different response. Might try that ................

Harry Peterson

This is new? I'm sure we've ordered from the room service menu and not been charged, without going through the butler. 

7 minutes ago, docco said: This is new? I'm sure we've ordered from the room service menu and not been charged, without going through the butler. 

Since the charges started for room service we have been told by our Butler not to ring direct and go through him. Only on Oceana have we been told to use RS during the day as there is only one Butler on the ship.the other ships having between two and four and are able to cover each other.

22 minutes ago, daiB said: Since the charges started for room service we have been told by our Butler not to ring direct and go through him. Only on Oceana have we been told to use RS during the day as there is only one Butler on the ship.the other ships having between two and four and are able to cover each other.    

Thanks. We're usually on Ventura or Azura - never bothered too much with the room service because we're well satisfied with the MDR and Epicurean, but is the entire room service menu available free of charge if you fancy a snack instead of lunch? 

1 minute ago, docco said: Thanks. We're usually on Ventura or Azura - never bothered too much with the room service because we're well satisfied with the MDR and Epicurean, but is the entire room service menu available free of charge if you fancy a snack instead of lunch? 

Yes as well as the MDR lunch and evening menu.

We were told the same thing by our butler - order through him, not Room Service direct.  As Dai says I suspect there's a lot of little things that Travel Agents don't know and even P&O Southampton don't know half that goes on.  I also think that some people who say, Oh no I don't want a Butler, don't realise that by not having one they can't then order items off the main restaurant menu e.g. they can't order a cooked breakfast to have on their balcony if they want it, unless they do it through the Butler.  The last Butler we had told us that some people just don't realise what they're losing by deciding they wouldn't possibly want the services of the Butler.  It's a shame that some people think there's a sort of stigma attached to having a suite - they're almost embarrassed to tell people they're in a suite.  

9 minutes ago, annieuk said: We were told the same thing by our butler - order through him, not Room Service direct.  As Dai says I suspect there's a lot of little things that Travel Agents don't know and even P&O Southampton don't know half that goes on.  I also think that some people who say, Oh no I don't want a Butler, don't realise that by not having one they can't then order items off the main restaurant menu e.g. they can't order a cooked breakfast to have on their balcony if they want it, unless they do it through the Butler.  The last Butler we had told us that some people just don't realise what they're losing by deciding they wouldn't possibly want the services of the Butler.  It's a shame that some people think there's a sort of stigma attached to having a suite - they're almost embarrassed to tell people they're in a suite.  

I sort of get that last point.  It can be a bit embarrassing.  Mind you, it's even more embarrassing to admit that you take your holidays on cruise ships!

On 3/9/2019 at 3:25 PM, docco said: Thanks. We're usually on Ventura or Azura - never bothered too much with the room service because we're well satisfied with the MDR and Epicurean, but is the entire room service menu available free of charge if you fancy a snack instead of lunch? 

I have just spoken to P and O who advise me that regardless of whether you are in a suite, ROOM SERVICE is chargeable, even if you order through your butler. Main lunch and dinner can be taken in the suite.  Also, rooms will only be serviced once daily so no bathroom cleaning or fresh towels in the evening. More cost cutting by P & O.

16 minutes ago, fastnloose said: I have just spoken to P and O who advise me that regardless of whether you are in a suite, ROOM SERVICE is chargeable, even if you order through your butler. Main lunch and dinner can be taken in the suite.  Also, rooms will only be serviced once daily so no bathroom cleaning or fresh towels in the evening. More cost cutting by P & O.

I have a sneaking suspicion that that post could prove a little controversial...... 

3 hours ago, fastnloose said: I have just spoken to P and O who advise me that regardless of whether you are in a suite, ROOM SERVICE is chargeable, even if you order through your butler. Main lunch and dinner can be taken in the suite.  Also, rooms will only be serviced once daily so no bathroom cleaning or fresh towels in the evening. More cost cutting by P & O.

Then something has changed in the last 2 months since we ordered room service and MDR food to have in our suite via the butler on most days in January and no charges were made and our butler was very clear that this was the way to do it.

4 hours ago, fastnloose said: I have just spoken to P and O who advise me that regardless of whether you are in a suite, ROOM SERVICE is chargeable, even if you order through your butler. Main lunch and dinner can be taken in the suite.  Also, rooms will only be serviced once daily so no bathroom cleaning or fresh towels in the evening. More cost cutting by P & O.

I knew I had seen it somewhere. This is taken from their website and it also states quite clearly in their brochure. Room service in a suite is free of charge.

All our ships have a range of Suites and Mini-suites that offer the opportunity to travel in style, providing luxury and space on a grand scale and the perfect finishing touches. The pampering starts with Champagne and chocolates on arrival – just a taste of what’s to come. Throughout your stay you’ll enjoy treats such as fresh fruit and daily deliveries of canapés, a bathrobe and slippers, 24-hour room service (free of charge in a Suite) and the option of a personal butler (Suites only), who can help with everything from unpacking your luggage to booking shore excursions.

9 minutes ago, Rupert2251 said: I knew I had seen it somewhere. This is taken from their website and it also states quite clearly in their brochure. Room service in a suite is free of charge.   All our ships have a range of Suites and Mini-suites that offer the opportunity to travel in style, providing luxury and space on a grand scale and the perfect finishing touches. The pampering starts with Champagne and chocolates on arrival – just a taste of what’s to come. Throughout your stay you’ll enjoy treats such as fresh fruit and daily deliveries of canapés, a bathrobe and slippers, 24-hour room service (free of charge in a Suite) and the option of a personal butler (Suites only), who can help with everything from unpacking your luggage to booking shore excursions.  

As usual, then, P&O staff don't have a clue what they're talking about - so the room service is free after all in a suite.  No mention, though, of the charges that appear against a lot of the food items on the room service menu.  I can see them arguing that the room service itself is free of charge, but not the food brought.

2 hours ago, docco said: As usual, then, P&O staff don't have a clue what they're talking about - so the room service is free after all in a suite.  No mention, though, of the charges that appear against a lot of the food items on the room service menu.  I can see them arguing that the room service itself is free of charge, but not the food brought.

I wonder why you choose P&O cruises as you rarely have anything good to say about them and often are downright rude about them.

I have never had cause to complain about P&O staff because all those I have spoken to, including the person who dealt with my pre booking for autumn 2020 this morning, are invariably polite and helpful. As far as I know, I have never been given wrong information. They cannot answer back on here I don’t suppose, so a lot gets said unfairly and if they read it, it must be very demoralising.

That said, in my experience, suite passengers do not get charged for any food item from room service although of course, drinks have to be paid for. I don’t know who gave a previous poster incorrect information, but I am not sure that a specific question such as this, that applies to a small minority of passengers will be something all call centre staff should be expected to know. What I do know is that public criticism (don’t have a clue what they are talking about) is unfair. 

7 hours ago, fastnloose said: I have just spoken to P and O who advise me that regardless of whether you are in a suite, ROOM SERVICE is chargeable, even if you order through your butler. Main lunch and dinner can be taken in the suite.  Also, rooms will only be serviced once daily so no bathroom cleaning or fresh towels in the evening. More cost cutting by P & O.

Not cost cutting just someone with no idea.

1 hour ago, pete14 said: I wonder why you choose P&O cruises as you rarely have anything good to say about them and often are downright rude about them. I have never had cause to complain about P&O staff because all those I have spoken to, including the person who dealt with my pre booking for autumn 2020 this morning, are invariably polite and helpful. As far as I know, I have never been given wrong information. They cannot answer back on here I don’t suppose, so a lot gets said unfairly and if they read it, it must be very demoralising. That said, in my experience, suite passengers do not get charged for any food item from room service although of course, drinks have to be paid for. I don’t know who gave a previous poster incorrect information, but I am not sure that a specific question such as this, that applies to a small minority of passengers will be something all call centre staff should be expected to know. What I do know is that public criticism (don’t have a clue what they are talking about) is unfair. 

Your fondness for P&O is touching. I’m afraid after you’ve been shafted by them a couple of times or more though you tend to view them differently. I’ve made some positive and some negative points about them over the years. They have their plus points (cheap and cheerful, decentish food, drinks reasonably priced) and they have their bad points - notably an arrogant attitude towards customers.

These are open forums. If P&O chose to they could answer back, but they choose not to. I think they’re big enough to take the criticism, and if they had any sense they’d pay some heed to it.

1 hour ago, docco said: Your fondness for P&O is touching. I’m afraid after you’ve been shafted by them a couple of times or more though you tend to view them differently. I’ve made some positive and some negative points about them over the years. They have their plus points (cheap and cheerful, decentish food, drinks reasonably priced) and they have their bad points - notably an arrogant attitude towards customers.   These are open forums. If P&O chose to they could answer back, but they choose not to. I think they’re big enough to take the criticism, and if they had any sense they’d pay some heed to it.

P&O could choose to answer back but I am not sure their staff can. It is your comments about the staff who probably do not have a voice that concern me. 

9 minutes ago, pete14 said: P&O could choose to answer back but I am not sure their staff can. It is your comments about the staff who probably do not have a voice that concern me. 

I wouldn't worry too much about that - they haven't been named, so nobody knows who they are.  Who's been in any way hurt - apart from the reputation of P&O for not training their staff properly? 

18 hours ago, chrisg1uk said:   Then something has changed in the last 2 months since we ordered room service and MDR food to have in our suite via the butler on most days in January and no charges were made and our butler was very clear that this was the way to do it.          

We booked this cruise on Saturday after reading all the bumph in the brochure and FAQs.

It was only when I asked the booking agent after we had booked if room service was still available complimentary (it was last year)together with another couple of questions that  she said she would check with P & O on Monday. After reading Docco's reply, and having waited hours for a response from the agent, I called P & O myself.  They confirmed that room service is chargeable regardless of cabin grade, and also added that they no longer service the rooms twice daily.  If we need extra towels for the evening we must request them from the morning steward!!  I do feel shafted by P & O, but perhaps someone on board at the moment might be able to clarify things..?  Many thanks for all who took the time to reply, and I will post the current situation when we are onboard in July

3 hours ago, fastnloose said: We booked this cruise on Saturday after reading all the bumph in the brochure and FAQs. It was only when I asked the booking agent after we had booked if room service was still available complimentary (it was last year)together with another couple of questions that  she said she would check with P & O on Monday. After reading Docco's reply, and having waited hours for a response from the agent, I called P & O myself.  They confirmed that room service is chargeable regardless of cabin grade, and also added that they no longer service the rooms twice daily.  If we need extra towels for the evening we must request them from the morning steward!!  I do feel shafted by P & O, but perhaps someone on board at the moment might be able to clarify things..?  Many thanks for all who took the time to reply, and I will post the current situation when we are onboard in July

What a load pf rubbish you have been given. We have just boarded Ventura and the room service is free in a suite and there are 2 room services per day.

Happy cruising.

10 minutes ago, daiB said: What a load pf rubbish you have been given. We have just boarded Ventura and the room service is free in a suite and there are 2 room services per day.   Happy cruising.

Thanks, Dai - have a great time!

Many thanks Dai, have a great time.  If you hear, on the ship grapevine, that all the rubbish I have been given is "being considered" in view of "no more gratuities" that comes in in May,   perhaps you would be kind enough to advise, as we dont go till July. Bon Voyage! Fastnloose xx

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