In my last blog post, I wrote about my time in Fuerteventura, but now I am preparing to go on my first solo cruise on the P&O Azura. I start my journey by flying on Binter Canarias to Tenerife North Airport, which is quite handy as it's very close to the cruise port. I got a taxi to the port for 20 euros.
I’m feeling very apprehensive. I’m so used to cruising with my husband, but I’m determined I’m not going to stop doing what we both loved now he’s passed. I get to the port. I’m very early, in fact, the first there. An agent takes my bag and tells me to come back later. I return at 12:00, after wandering around the port and checking out all the posh yachts.
I arrive at the check-in desk, and they give me my boarding card for access to the ship. I’m going up the gangway, and I hear a voice, “Hi, are you on your own? My name’s Linda. I’m on my own.” It was music to my ears. This lady was walking behind me and explained that she was away on her own for a week, her first cruise, and needed a break from her busy life.
I assume if you are reading this, you are recently widowed. Though difficult and sad, you have choices, and this was mine. I felt there wasn’t enough information out there for people in the same position as me. Somehow, I needed to take action to get my life up and running again.
I’ll go into details about the ship and ports in the next blog post. But I want to assure those of you who are recently widowed: I had the best time. I laughed so much all week, just as my husband would have wanted it.
A knock at the door, it's my room steward, Nina. She’s lovely and welcomes me on board.
I lay down on the very comfortable bed and turned on the TV. I’ve done many cruises, and P&O ships have the best range of TV programmes and films I’ve seen anywhere on board a ship. The idea was that if the worst happened to me and I felt anxious, I could always sit on my balcony, look at the azure sea, with a book, order room service, or lay on my bed and watch TV. It's not a bad way to spend a relaxing holiday.
The phone rings, it’s Linda. She wants to know if I’ve seen the Horizon paper listing all the ship's events. She says there’s a meet-up for solos in the Sindhu restaurant on deck seven at 5:30. See you later for a cocktail.
Since it was still early, I decided to make my way up to deck 15, where the buffet restaurants, Verona and Venezia, were located. Both places served the same delicious food, but Venezia was a bit quieter and offered a more relaxed dining experience.
As I was on the high deck, I decided to work my way down to the third level, checking out some venues on the way. On board the ship, I always try to get the lift up and walk down.
I also had to check in at my muster station. This is compulsory on all cruises. They give you lifejacket instructions on what to do if the alarm is sounded. Make sure you know where your muster station is (emergency meeting point).
As I returned to my cabin and prepared for the evening, I still felt a lingering sense of apprehension. However, I was determined to make the most of this experience. I arrived at the Sindhu restaurant at 5:30, where I was welcomed by a group of about 40 to 50 solo travellers, each with their own unique stories to share.
Linda joined me, and we decided to start our evening with cocktails, which were priced at the time at £6.95 each. There was a table set up for people to sign up for the drinks package, but honestly, unless you are a very heavy drinker, it doesn't seem worth it.
It wasn't long before I had the pleasure of meeting Wendy, an experienced P&O cruiser who mentioned that P&O was known for being particularly friendly toward solo travellers. In fact, about 75% of the travellers at this meetup were ladies. Our little group expanded when Hugo and Peter joined us, and this newfound friendship quickly became the anchor of my week, bringing warmth and camaraderie to my solo adventure.
Once you are onboard the ship, you can use the P&O cruise app. You can book your shows, restaurants and tours, see your account and buy a wi-fi package.
I loved meeting up with my fellow travellers every evening and quite often met during the day for a quiz or lunch. We weren’t inseparable, we liked our independence and did our own thing. Some liked just lazing about sunbathing. Others would go to every event. Dance classes, learn to play bridge, listen to the different bands playing around the ship. Going ashore, none of us arranged to meet up, we all liked to do our own thing, though quite often we bumped into each other. It was very relaxed.
Dinner in the main dining room was at 6.30. We were allocated a table for six. It was wonderful. We all heard each other’s stories. Both of the men had never cruised before. The food was good, every choice you could think of. If there was something you wanted, you could always ask the waiter, and he would endeavour to get it for you. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, it's best to let the cruise company know before you travel and any other dietary requirements.
Our little group would go onto the shows after dinner. The shows were varied but always excellent. Sometimes their in-house entertainment team or a specialist act, like a comedian, is flown in for a couple of ports. I couldn’t fault it. It was absolutely incredible.
One evening, we were caught off guard by a fantastic singer. Now, I'm kicking myself because I can't remember his name, but he was part of The Barricade Boys from Les Misérables. His performance of "Bring Him Home'' was wonderful. It hit me so unexpectedly and reduced me to a sobbing wreck. And you know what? I wasn't alone!
The shows on the cruise were top-notch. I couldn't find a single fault with any of it. Every performance was excellent, and they kept us thoroughly entertained throughout the entire trip. I'm grateful to have experienced such fantastic entertainment during my vacation.
Read my next blog post to hear about the ports I visited with P&O, but if you’re thinking of booking up a solo cruise, here are some questions you might be wondering about:
Every cabin on P&O Azura is designed for comfort, featuring plush beds, a bathroom with a shower, wash gels, shampoo and conditioner. Hairdryer. Towels. Ample storage. Each room comes with a TV that has a wide range of channels, including an excursion channel. If you've booked a balcony, you get a table and two chairs.
From viewing the azure sea from your private balcony to watching TV in your cabin to exploring the ship's art collection, P&O Azura offers a variety of entertainment options. If you're feeling sociable, you can attend solo traveller meet-ups and engage in ship events detailed in the Daily Horizon paper. P&O are very good at organising solo meet-ups. There are many opportunities to visit the Theatre every night to see a fabulous show. Talks on many subjects quizzes. Music in the bars, and dancing.
On P&O Azura, there are many dining options; here is a list of them all:
For those with dietary restrictions, including vegans and vegetarians, inform the cruise company beforehand to ensure your needs are met.
P&O Ventura hosts social gatherings for solo travellers, including meet-ups in venues like Sindhu Restaurant. These gatherings present a great opportunity to meet fellow solo cruisers and form new friendships. This is an opportunity to form a dining group and go ashore with a friend.
If you're a first-time solo cruiser, make use of the solo traveller meet-ups to find company. Utilise your cabin's amenities for relaxation, and don't hesitate to tip your steward if they’ve given a good service. Enjoy the food onboard and the entertainment.
Yes, there are ample opportunities to form social groups on P&O Azura. Events such as the solo traveller's meet-up facilitate the coming together of like-minded individuals. You could find your own circle of friends for the cruise duration in no time.
P&O Azura maintains a certain dress code for dinner in the main dining room. It's an opportunity to dress up, though not too formal. Remember, it's all part of the cruise experience! Just be smart and get your posh frock on for a formal night.
To maximise enjoyment as a solo traveller, explore the ship's amenities and participate in the events. Watch the entertainment. Connect with fellow solo travellers and share experiences.
Gratuities and tips on P&O Ventura were included in my cruise fare, others may be different, though it is nice to award anyone if you feel they have given a good service.
Art lovers would find P&O Ventura delightful with its extensive art collection spread across the ship's levels. Also, they have a dedicated art gallery, and quite often, they would have an art specialist to give a talk.
P&O Azura typically offers a wide range of entertainment options to keep passengers engaged and entertained during their cruise. Keep in mind that the specific shows, activities, and performers may vary depending on the cruise itinerary and schedule. Here are some common types of entertainment you can expect to find on P&O Azura:
Remember that the entertainment schedule can vary from cruise to cruise, so it's a good idea to check with P&O Cruises or review the specific itinerary for your cruise to get detailed information about the entertainment offerings during your voyage.
Remember you can read about the ports I visited here.
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