First time with P&O. Found the ship to be cruising in the classic style. The clientele was more staid than expected and everything seemed to die at midnight.
We seemed to be the only gay couple on board but received only a couple of negative experiences...missed dancing or going to events WITH my partner.
Staff were superb and although P&O wanted to sell tours and gifts...as adults we could refuse!
We were able to research the ports before we left so only went on tours when we felt too far for walking/public transport.
We were placed with excellent people for dinner who made the whole cruise a complete event.
We established that restaurant tips only go to the waiters..if you want the other staff to receive something send it via the maitre'd.
The breakfast room at times felt like a service station on a bank holiday but timing our visit soon avoided this.
AND MY BIGGEST MOAN...WHY DID WE HAVE TO USE PLASTIC PACKETS OF UHT MILK FOR DRINKS...CAN'T WE BE TRUSTED WITH REAL MILK !!
Each of the ports was fantastic but the two days in St Petersburg were the culmination.
Here we went on tours both days (almost compulsory, and we were in a closed commercial port some 5 miles from the City ). The tours through the palaces go at a frenetic pace, (must have had 10 seconds to appreciate the Picasso room), but the guides were excellent.
Embarkation no problem...but there are no signs in Southampton to the Mayflower Terminal so please P&O call it Dock 10 as signposted or give me a map to prevent us driving along the coast road.
Entertainment was different every night in the theatre, and whilst every show is universally liked the performers do a fantastic job.
The two guest speakers were well attended.
Overall a brilliant experience to a very different area of the world.
It would also be good to receive some information about local events whilst in port...we missed events in Helsinki and Stockholm which we would have liked to attend.
Probably would cruise again but would choose a more gay friendly cruise line/ship.

Michael and Mark