Arcadia

An Enjoyable Cruise on a smaller ship.

Our first cruise on Arcadia, the smallest ship we have been on so far. First impressions - the Atrium is quite compact not the wide sweeping staircase one sees on the newer ships, that said fine by me. As it was a very short cruise we opted for an inside cabin Deck 8 forward. Three wardrobes !! including shelf space, cabin clean and tidy, no wear and tear at all. The bathroom seemed slightly larger than on other ships, certainly the shower was larger than usual, yes the ship is circa 2005, so a shower curtain which was NEW. Everything worked, super shower pressure and hot too. Usual Tea/coffee and the Tv screen was much larger than on Azura, but even so we do not go on a cruise to watch TV. We dined ' freedom ' in the Meridian - lower level, breakfast lunch and dinner, the restaurant was spacious light and airy, service very good at all times, and choice on the menu to suit our tastes. One night in the ' Ocean Grill ' - the service there was outstanding and attentive., fine dining I chose the sirloin steak, amazing, apple tartin to finish - brilliant. Our favourite bar - The Crow's Nest, surely the finest bar in the P&O fleet. At the front of the ship, light and very wide amazing views, good entertainment too. Service was excellent from Reuben, no problem at any time getting a drink. We liked the Theatre and chose the headliners '' Mr Tinkertons circus '' show, very enjoyable, one we had not seen. Our first cruise on an adults only ship, was fine, although never had any problems on previous cruises with younger ones on board. Did note the ' age demographic ' certainly lower on this cruise. Would be sail on Arcadia in future - YES and a much longer cruise already booked in 2025, Arcadia is due a ' re-fit November 2024 ' that said, it's usual for just furnishings to be updated. How long Arcadia( and Aurora ) will remain in the fleet only the highest up in P&O will know. I just cannot comprehend the previous review.

Lovely cruise despite hiccups

We have been cruising now for many years and in that time have encountered many events at sea. When choosing a cruise in November from Southampton it is likely we will experience some inclement weather ( it is Autumn/Winter after all ). Storm Ciaran was one such event that kept us in port ( and safe ) for 2 extra days thus impacting the remainder of the trip and missing 3 ports. However, as a result of the hold up we got to visit Le Havre, a port we have never been to and really enjoyed. We were told that there was an outbreak of noro virus on board and therefore would have to Wash Hands and sanitize before entering restaurants ( surely that is a normal undertaking before any meal ???? ). The washing facility in buffet caused queues ( and obvious disgruntle from many !!!!) but we were in no particular hurry to go anywhere so got on with it ( holidays are for chilling!!) Visited Genoa, a great port not visited before and really enjoyed our time there. A deep clean was then ordered while in this port as numbers of passengers infected was rising so we ( where possible ) vacated the ship. We have been to Civitivecchia many times, visited Rome from there but never the port itself so had a wonderful day roaming the fabulous market, then the promenade, had a lovely meal in Bar Pyper ( thoroughly recommend the pizzas!!) Sadly, a migrant boat in mid Mediterranean upset passengers, then a Medevac caused a stir. How such a procedure could be viewed as entertainment is beyond me but apparently some needed to photograph this event and we re sternly rebuked by Captain ( I give him 10/10 ). So finally, Gibralter and then Lisbon, all had gone well until final run into channel and bad weather. We boarded the pilot early (3am)to get us into port ( one lady explaining to friends that the final TRAUMA on the cruise from hell was this procedure..... must say,at3am we missed it!!!) So, after these hiccups we had a ball, great food, met some Amazing people, loved the entertainment, laughed with Brilliant crew,and, in truth experienced NOTHING we haven't experienced on other cruises.

First cruise on MV Arcadia

Embarkation at Southampton was very efficient, with no waiting to board the vessel. This was my first cruise on MV Arcadia, having previously sailed on P&O's 'family' vessels. The atmosphere was completely different and I was able to relax and enjoy the experience. The itinerary took us to Norway; we were originally scheduled to stop at Bodo in the Lofoten Islands but due to adverse weather conditions, the Captain booked a berth for us in the shelter of Narvik (revised shore excursions were amazing). The accommodation was, as usual, very comfortable and clean. Arcadia's balcony cabins are 'deluxe' standard and there was plenty of room. I have no problem with cabin servicing just taking place in the mornings- it makes sense as the stewards have other housekeeping duties to carry out throughout the day. I chose, as is my custom, to use the buffet for breakfast (as soon as it opens). Not having a tray was, for me, a minor inconvenience, but understand that for others it does present a problem. I was allocated freedom dining on this cruise, which I have not experienced before, and coincidentally met people from where I was brought up! The food was very good; the only, minor, criticism I would make is that there wasn't, on this cruise, a main fish course each evening. I tend to not eat during the day, especially if I've been on a shore excursion so did not use the grills etc. All members of the ship's company that I met were polite, friendly and helpful. What I would have liked (and I appreciate this is likely due to cost) is a summary of the Ship's Log for the cruise. I am looking forward to more cruises on MV Arcadia.

Didn't want to get off....

I chose this cruise due to the lack of single supplement, the fact there were no children aboard, and the interesting itinary. I'd not especially enjoyed some recent cruises, but this adventure restored my faith. It's my third P and O cruise this year, and by far the best. The atmosphere in board was brilliant, with most people seemingly keen to enjoy themselves. This was aided by the staff who really were simply the best. All the chaps at the Aquarius bar deserve a medal, so helpful and fun, even when they must have been freezing cold. I didn't encounter one member of staff who didn't smile, help, and genuinely interact positively with me. Wish I could say the same for a very few passengers. Particular thanks to Eduardo, Juliette , Marilu, Stanley, Komang, Aaron,Sanjay, Gabriel,Atul,Harsh, Omkar, Sufiyan, Renemar, Shalaz, Raj, Rama, Robert, Naj, and my favourite elf and Santa......If you are lucky enough to meet any of these characters in a future cruise prepare to smile. Please say hello from me too! I was impressed by the hugely improved food on offer. There were a lot of Yorkshire puddings, but they were way better than most. The accompanying meat was either divine, or ....not. Great choices, hot plates, helpful assistants...I'd have loved there to be water or juice on the breakfast trolley, not all of us drink tea/ coffee. The talks were very well received. Some of the entertainment team were engaged, two especially not so....behaviour in deck 9 outside needs to be appropriate. Please. The busker was fab, and the Liverpool sailaway....despite the public announcements...just sheer fun.....makes me smile to remember it. One lot of entertainment was music to fall asleep to....suspect they were looking forward to getting home. Plenty of seating available throughout the ship, an easy embarkation, speedy drinks service, a beyond helpful reception, free shuttle buses for all ( hurrah!).....so, so wish I was back there. Yes , it's an old lady, but I truly didn't notice that within minutes. Yes, I had a cabin with a bath, but that can be checked in advance. Everything was wonderfully clean, we saw dolphins, whales, porpoises.....what's not to love? I was so impressed that I've already booked to return....Canada watch out!