P&O Cruises raises standards with fleet-wide enhancements

P&O Cruises has embarked on a two-year programme of enhancements across its fleet of five ships.

The ongoing initiative will include new-build family-friendly superliner Ventura, which enters service in April 2008.

The impact of the so-called Elevation scheme  can be seen first on board Oriana following a multi-million pound re-fit. Notable enhancements include Oriana Rhodes, a 96-seat restaurant created by celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, 914 refurbished cabins with eight-inch Slumberland mattresses and Egyptian cotton bed linen, plus a new children’s club equipped with 16 PS2’s and three “beanbag” cinemas with plasma screens. 

The following features will be introduced in all cabins across the fleet by the end of 2007 and will typify those of a boutique hotel, according to the cruise line

·         10.5 tog duvets

·         Eight inch pocket-sprung Slumberland mattresses

·         Egyptian cotton bed linen

·         Deluxe towels and robes

·         Cruise Tone. In-cabin toning and fitness facilities for passengers who would prefer to exercise in private

·         Speciality coffee facilities in suites from mid-2007

·         Improved tea and coffee making facilities in every cabin with speciality teas and a bespoke hospitality tray by British designer Nick Munro

A programme of 196 new shore excursions is to be introduced across the fleet, starting in April. 

The boarding process has been improved to allow early embarkation from 12.30.

P&O Cruises commercial director Nigel Esdale said: “The Elevation programme is a promise to customers and a commitment to raising the standards of excellence in cruising.

“The price of our cruise holidays may have fallen in real terms but customer expectations have risen, P&O Cruises is evolving with its customers to continue to exceed these expectations.

“Today’s cruise passengers are savvy and discerning. They are modern consumers who expect the very best from their cruise experience. Things that were once perceived as luxuries are now the norm for our customers in their everyday lives, such as going out to a Michelin starred restaurant, enjoying fine wines, and watching TV on 36 inch flat panel screens.

“The Elevation programme is designed to keep us moving with the times, consistently providing a better holiday experience for our passengers. We believe the time to raise the bar is when you are No 1; our customer satisfaction questionnaires consistently rate us as “excellent” but we are not resting on our laurels.

“Elevation is an ongoing initiative. It won’t stop with the launch of Ventura, it is a commitment to our passengers that we will continue to raise the bar, providing the highest standard of product and service delivery.”

Report by Phil Davies