Fast Facts

Launched: Originally in 2001, then by P&O as Adonia in May 2011.

Tonnage: 30,300.

Number of passengers: 710 at double occupancy.

Crew: 385.

Staterooms: 355.

Where she cruises: The Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America.

Overview

P&O describes the adults-only Adonia as one of its “pathfinder ships” – intimate in size, and therefore able to explore ports of call which larger ships cannot. The smallest of the fleet, her modern exterior styling masks a very traditional interior design, with lashings of wood panelling, a grand staircase with lavishing red carpeting, and traditional artworks being signature themes.

Who Should Go?

Couples only.

Things You Might Not Know

Adonia has had a few identities, beginning with her launch in 2001 as a Renaissance ship, then with Princess as the Royal Princess. At the helm of Adonia is Commodore Stephen Burgoine, who joined P&O in 1966 as a deck cadet, and rose through the ranks until he was made a Commodore in 2007. Adonia’s godmother is the legendary British singer, Dame Shirley Bassey.

Staterooms

Of its 355 staterooms, 75 per cent have balconies including 10 suites, 74 staterooms are outside, and there are 24 inside. Standard amenities across all accommodations include a TV, radio and telephone, a hairdryer, a fridge and safe, a vanity desk and chair, and plenty of storage space. An unusual feature is the tea and coffee making facilities in all staterooms.

Inside staterooms are almost 15.5 square metres in size with a picture mirror and two lower beds converting to a queen, while outside staterooms are the same size and configuration with a picture window. There are a few outside staterooms with views obstructed by safety equipment worth giving a miss. The decor of all these accommodations is the same, with accents of dark wood,  dark blue and gold carpets, lighter blue and gold coverlets and soft gold walls, and they all benefit from mineral water on arrival and a luxurious pamper pack. Balcony staterooms are considerably brighter with a decor featuring white walls, pale blue drapes and bedspreads and the darker carpeting, and are larger at just under 20 square metres in size including the balcony. The balcony has a table with reclining chairs.

Suites come in two types. Standard suites have a bright and airy decor similar to the balcony staterooms, but are larger in size at nearly 70 square metres in size including the balcony. The bathroom has a full-size whirlpool bath in addition to a shower, and additional amenities include an iron, ironing board and trouser press, bathrobes and slippers, a lounge area with sofa an additional TV with DVD player and mini stereo. Penthouse suites are quite lavish in design with use of rich fabrics on the bed and drapes, are are nearly 86.5 square metres in size. They have the same amenities as suites, with the addition of optional butler service, a coffee machine, magazines and newspapers, a fruit basket, champagne and chocolates on arrival and daily canapes.

Facilities and Entertainment

Adonia may be the smallest ship in the fleet but her facilities match those of her siblings. There are eight bars including the view-packed Crow’s Nest – a classic feature of all P&O ships which can be enjoyed day and night – and the elegant Anderson’s. The Curzon Lounge is the ship’s premier entertainment venue, with an ornate wooden dance floor ideal for dancing, and its the place to watch cabaret shows and other performances.

The Library is packed with choice whether you are after a best seller or a history book, and if you fancy a spot of pampering or exercise, head for the Oasis Spa and Health Club which offers a full service menu, beauty salon services, and a gym. There are two pools and two jacuzzis, and plenty of deck space for enjoying the great outdoors, along with golf nets and deck games.

Dining

Adonia offers traditional dining, called Club Dining, with early and late seatings in Pacific Restaurant. The flexible alternative to this is Select Dining in the Ocean Grill and Sorrento, which attracts a small cover per person cover charge, but allows you to dine when and with whom you choose.

Ocean Grill is Marco Pierre White’s venue, serving dishes created from fresh produce and flavour, while Sorrento offers a taste of Italy on the high seas. The Conservatory is a casual dining buffet which features themed buffets in the evenings, and the Lido Cafe on the pool deck is the place to enjoy a simple al fresco lunch. For cakes and savoury snacks plus a caffeine hit, head to Raffles just off the atrium.

The Low Down

Adonia is an adult haven suiting people who enjoy a relaxed, elegant and refined style of cruising with a strong British accent. She’s also a pretty ship, and thanks to her petite size, accesses some pretty places dotted around the globe.

More information

Visit www.pocruises.com