Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Experienced British cruisers know the Adonia and probably its predecessor, the Artemis. The conservative ship attracts a loyal following of affluent British travelers who appreciate country home aesthetics, traditional flavors, and manageable social scenes while cruising to off-the-beaten-track destinations. A happy camaraderie is fostered as a result of the ship’s compact size—a low staff-to-passenger ratio keeps service personalized and attentive; old-fashioned lounges and colorful tartan carpets add to a warm, family-style ambience. Though night owls will rarely be seen on this ship, expect onboard facilities to be buzzing with active seniors (50+) raring to enjoy a full and fun day. Enthusiasm is high on board and on shore with ample choice for keeping entertained and engaged.Read More
With 710 passengers, Adonia is the smallest and newest addition to the P&O fleet, joining the armada in May 2011 as one of three adult-only ships. Expect to run into increasingly familiar faces on the grand staircase, lounges, and restaurants. The European-inspired interior is reminiscent of a refined English country manor. From velour furnishings in burgundy, grey, and hunter green to cherry wood detailing and traditional artwork, passengers will feel comfortable in intimate public rooms. Spacious cabins are outfitted with 21st-century amenities. The ship gets high marks from passengers for friendly service and fine dining. Branded a “pathfinder ship,” Adonia explores ports megaships cannot navigate. Balconies are attached to 75% of cabins, providing memorable rooms with a view.
Originally named the R8 for Renaissance Cruises back in 2001, the Adonia was built at the famed Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyards in France. By 2003, she was sold to the British operator Swan Hellenic, who renamed her the Minerva II. Her parent company, Carnival, then brought her into the Princess Cruise fleet as Royal Princess. Transferred to P&O Cruises in 2009, she received a pricey makeover and then returned for grand sailing in 2011, christened with her current name by the famous Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey.
Since 1937, P&O Cruises (originally the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company) has been a force in passenger shipping. Although the company’s suggestion that they invented leisure cruising cannot be proven, P&O is assuredly a pioneer of modern cruising. The company acquired Princess Cruises in 1974. P&O then purchased Sitmar Cruises and merged it with Princess in 1988, and the passenger-cruise business—known as P&O Princess—was spun off in 2000.
P&O Cruises is the oldest cruise in the world and remains Britain’s leading cruise line, sailing the U.K.’s largest and most modern fleet. The ships are equipped with every traditional big-ship amenity, including swimming pools, stylish restaurants, spas, bars, casinos, theaters, and show rooms.
Seven ships in the P&O fleet offer a diverse range of venues for relaxation and entertainment, including cocktail bars, nightclubs, cinemas, games rooms, and cabaret lounges. Enjoy live bands, dramatic musicals, and deck parties, cabaret singers, comedians, specialty acts, classical recitals, and concerts. Theme evenings include tropical, 1960s and ’70s, or Black and White Ball. Other activities include quizzes and panel games, with prizes awarded to winning teams. A select number of itineraries offer the opportunity to spend the evening, or even overnight, in port.
An abundance of balcony and outside cabins on P&O ships ensures that a view to the sea is never far away. Accommodations, from inside cabins to lavish suites, cater to a wide cross section of budgets and tastes. In the interest of passenger health and safety, smoking has been prohibited indoors, including in all cabins and suites and on private balconies. Outdoor smoking venues are published on board.
To offer passengers a variety of choices, P&O has adapted their fleet to match the preferences of their primary markets. Although most of the ships cater to families as well as couples and singles of all ages, Arcadia, Adonia, andOriana are adults-only ships. The Aurora, Azura, Oceana, and Ventura complete the P&O armada and welcome both adults and children. Following customer feedback, P&O announced major refurbishments for the Ventura, Oceana, and Arcadia in 2013.
- 8 passenger decks
- 4 specialty restaurants
- dining room
- buffet
- Safe
- DVD (some)
- Wi-Fi
- 2 pools
- Fitness classes
- gym
- hot tubs
- sauna
- spa
- steam room
- 8 bars
- library
- show room
- Dry-cleaning
- laundry facilities
- laundry service
- Internet terminal
- Wi-Fi
- No kids allowed
- No-smoking cabins
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Adonia offers a range of accommodation, from well-proportioned suites complete with double bed, separate lounge area, and spacious balcony, to balcony cabins, outside cabins with picture window, and inside cabins. All categories have daily steward service, adequate storage space in closets and drawers and feature a vanity desk, flat-screen TV, safe, hair dryer, refrigerator, safe, tea/coffeemaker, and telephone. Special perks include mineral water and “pamper pack” with luxury amenities on arrival. Suites have numerous extra perks, including butler service, fruit basket, and newspapers.
Expect a British touch for decor in cabins and suites with marine blue, gold, and dark wood trimmings. Although the colors throughout tend to be somewhat old-fashioned, they are soothing. The balconies in suites are generous enough in size to fit dining tables and chairs.
Additional to the standard features, suites have two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed and en suite bathroom with shower, full-size whirlpool bath, plus separate guest bath. Additional features include ironing board and trouser press, TV, DVD player, stereo, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, plus a lounge area with sofa, table, and chairs.
Although Adonia does have wheelchair-accessible staterooms, there are times when passengers who require the use of a wheelchair may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship; because of tides the gangway may be too steep for safe passage.
Food & Drink
In the main Pacific dining room, breakfast and lunch are open seating with two assigned seatings for dinner. The Sorrento offers fine Italian cuisine and serves dinner nightly and lunch on sea days (reservations only, extra charge), while the very popular Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill prepares fresh seafood and meat. The Observatory is another option for buffet lunches and light snacks. There is a charge for room service that is only available 7 am–11 pm.
Entertainment
Eight bars include the panoramic Crow’s Nest and Anderson’s, which offers live music and a British pub atmosphere. Stroll to the poolside Crystal Bar for a refreshing drink outdoors. Reenergize at the chocolate and coffee bar Raffles on the expansive promenade deck. The grand Curzon lounge offers dancing nightly, as well as a wide range of other evening entertainment, from shows to classical recitals on its stage.
Spa & Fitness
Head to the Lido deck for the Oasis Spa and Health Club, gym, and steam rooms. There is also a hair salon on this level.