- Arcadia
- P&O Cruises
- 17 Jun 2019
Pre- cruise the details of what was available are not easy to find. For instance, we did not want a drinks package which is far too much and far too expensive (£80 for two) and not allowed to share. Ridiculous that we couldn't have one package between two. Surely a voucher system would stop this being misused? I found under 'little luxuries' a chance to pre-buy at 20% discount, 12 or 6 bottles of named wine. This was ideal and just what we wanted, but it should be easier to find on the web-site, it was well hidden but very good value and very good wines available. As a party of four moderate drinkers, we only needed 1- 1.5 bottles an evening Organisation is excellent, embarkation and disembarkation all went very smoothly. All food is good and in the Meridian Restaurant the service is excellent. The Belvedere was a bit of a scrum at times, but as a self service restaurant the food was good. Cabin was comfortable but the bed light was under the pillows which was frustrating Decor and furniture are 'tired' and there is very little room for two people to move round, this was a 'luxury' cabin. It did have sofa, but cramped round the wardrobe and bathroom areas. A choice of weight of duvets would be helpful. I found the 10.5tog very heavy but the only alternative was a (heavy) blanket over the duvet cover. The sound system is not good, so the general announcements are blurred and indistinguishable in some locations, round the pool and Neptune's bar in particular. Wifi and Internet access is very expensive, poor reception and limited availability. Some days we could t access it at all and we had paid for 24/7 access. Coffee served at meals and even the alternative restaurants (Singhu and Ocean Grill) is not as expected. Filter coffee only and all Decaffeinated is instant, which is not up to the standards expected, especially when it has to be paid for as an extra. Costa bars were the only places serving acceptable and a range of coffee Spa and hairdresser were very pushy with trying to sell products Long queues formed from 5.30 for the Freedom dining so people could get the two person tables. They should have booked fixed dining and left the Freedom dining for those who are happy and willing to share - less tables for two would solve this. The tours were disappointing, which may be inevitable as there will always be several cruise ships docking at the same time, the river trips were good. The main attractions were too crowded and the coaches were difficult to enter and exit with too many steps, including to get on to the seats. The toilet stop in St. Petersburg was unsuitable, especially for people with mobility challenges. The tour on both days went to the same place. Having negotiated the high steps on the coach, the entrance to the toilet stop had 5 steps to enter it with the toilets at the back of the shop and only 3 small cubicles for ladies. This proved very difficult for many of our party on both days. One central lift was out of action throughout the cruise - again long queues and a frustrating wait, sometimes 5-10 minutes. The map showing where the boat is at any given time was unclear - a simple land map with places clearly marked would be appreciated. All staff, without exception, were delightful, helpful, informative and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and if the above could be sorted it would all have been excellent
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