Arcadia Reviews

Arcadia was a beautiful ship with beautiful staff. Embarkation was effortless as was disembarkation, all went smoothly and effortless. The ship had a varied and new entertainment programme throughout the ship which was refreshing and a pleasure to take part in. It was well organised and enjoyable throughout. The freedom dining worked well using My holiday app. The food was varied and plentiful in the restaurant. Not to keen on the buffet upstairs for breakfast and lunch, not the best of choices, but we didn't starve, but would of liked more choices. The Chtistmas Day and New Years eve formal dinner and events were excellent really enjoyed it all. Maderia fireworks on New Years eve was spectacular. Due to weather we were unable to dock on 1st January so missed that port of call, but thankfully we got to see the fireworks. The staff were all amazing so friendly and hard working. I would definitely go on Arcadia again the atmosphere and the ship were fabulous. Our stateroom was big, clean, spacious in good condition and the use of a fridge was great.

Overall I enjoyed the holiday, but I found that the food wasn't always enjoyable. The entertainment would have been better if the music wasn't so loud. I went to the theatre 6 times. I walked out of 3 performances because of the volume of the music and the 3 I stayed until the end didn't involve music. The cost of the bingo was extortionate compared to the cost on Aurora last year. I went once to the bingo, whereas I would probably have gone 4 or 5 times if it had been cheaper.

This is the second time we have done this cruise with this ship at Christmas and New year. There won't be a third time, P&O have decided to stop the adult only. (What are they thinking). There are plenty of other ships that cater for families. Our cabin steward James was such a lovely friendly chap, nothing was to much trouble. Our two waiters made meal times a very enjoyable affair. Thank you to Clint and Bryan on table 33.

Arcadia as good as ever . Just big enough to maintain its class . The refurb makes it feel top class . Genuine value for money

A great time was had by both of us

Our Christmas and New Year cruise was marred because the ship was constantly cold in some areas during the day (East Bar, deck 11, buffet, theatre) whilst being OK in others. The meals in Meridian were served warm or cold sometimes and the Christmas dinner in particular disappointing. The buffet menu was uninspired with the same selections served each day. Why does a line like P&O serve powdered scrambled egg and not fresh? In contrast, the meals in Sindu and Ocean Grill were sublime. The menus were interesting and the food absolutely delicious. The staff everywhere could not be faulted. Our room attendant (Angelo) was quietly efficient and helpful with a cheery greeting every time we saw him. Checking in and out was fast and efficient, although why we we encouraged to use digital documentation when the check-in lady wanted paper is a mystery. The dancers in the Headliners were very good, although the female singers sometimes had to stretch to hit their notes. Pulse were really good as illustrated by the rush to get a seat in Globe when they were on. Other entertainers around the ship were good. Our excursions were spoiled because the guides didn't wait for everyone to get off the bus before starting the narrative of moving off, so the people at the back or last getting off the bus couldn't get full value of what they were saying. Kudos to the captain for positioning our starboard facing cabin towards the incredible Madeira firework display !

Excellent choice of itinerary and loved staying overnight in port. Found lack of shuttle bus a real problem in Hamburg as did other older people and shuttle bus in Copenhagen was a little far out from main tourist area and could have done with an extra stop. The hop on hop off bus was complicated as the port was so far out. It would have been nice to have written port information as for example given by Cunard’s Queen Anne to be picked up the day before arrival. Generally though a very pleasant cruise with a wonderful friendly and helpful crew. Special thanks to the team helping disabled passengers in the self service restaurant on deck 9 as they were wonderful.

Lovely ship,cabin was good,with plenty of storage,food in both MDR and buffet was good. Entertainment on board was excellent. We did have one problem with the shower ,but after contacting reception,this was sorted promptly. we would travel on the Arcadia in the future.

Arcadia is a good, adult only, ship with a very good theatre. This cruise to Xmas markets was excellent, particularly because we stayed overnight in the four cities we visited giving us a chance to see them all lit up in the evenings. The atmosphere on the ship was festive and very good. I can recommend it.

Comfortable ship, refurbished public rooms very good, cabins & bathrooms quite dull & need refurbishment. Crew excellent, food ok. Ship’s entertainment very mediocre & we avoided . Overall, enjoying a balcony cabin, it’s a very pleasant cruise.