Check tides are high - thankfully they were high our day - the BEST snorkelling at MARE - you need to be comfortable being 100 metres off beach - so need flippers - WONDERFUL. Saw 10,000 fish, sea turtle, snakes, giant clams, coral galore - just the best

We were hoping for some mousse, eclairs, donuts, slices, ice-cream, mud cakes, tarts, cookies but it was all so similar

Ice Cream - none - see above - monetised

Carnival buffet is different - self serve and served by staff - a lot more variety with multi dishes at many stations - but also some really average stuff but really delicious stuff - so I found Carnival winning in end because I could find really great things amongst stuff I didnt like but with P&O - quality was as described above and variety wasnt there

Seating - could not find a seat at lunch time on P&O a number of times - so seating was inadequate - also happens a little on carnival but apart from first day - could always find a booth - overall same for both lines.P&O actual balcony design is better - there is some shade areas on the side so if sun is out in force - you can sit there all day and find some shade - Carnival it is wider full view but sun blaring means its just too glary and hot at times out there

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FOOD - the real difference here was one of frustration with P&O - in that they monetise all the great foods that you hope for on a holiday and that kids are looking for.

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