P & O Cruises Does It Again!
Arcadia Cruise Review to Europe
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 51
Mediterranean
Sail date: June 24, 2019
Ship: Arcadia
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: C010
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
Our fourth cruise with P & O Cruises, before we done Norway on Britannia, Mediterranean on Ventura, Baltic on Britannia and already whilst on this last one we have booked to go back to the Mediterranean on Britannia next June, we always have been treated like Royalty and the entertainment is top quality. We have had such wonderful holidays since going on these cruise ships, we only wish we had started sooner. Thank you P & O Cruises and all your crews and entertainment teams, well done.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
We chose the Select Dining option as usual and dined each evening in the Meridian Restaurant, which was wonderful, with our waiter Xavier and assistant waiter, Atul looking after us perfectly for the entire 19 nights. Always smiling, always cheerful, what more could you ask for. Thank you so much lads, you're a pair of stars!
Onboard Activities
Took part in one game of the deck quoits, but one woman we were playing against took things so seriously, I half expected her to get a tape measure out part way through the game. She made up my mind right then, I didn't want to take part in any more! In the past everyone had a laugh and enjoyed themselves, but not this one, she was on a mission! Can't fault all the entertainments team, they done a marvellous job organising the games, quizzes, etc. Well done to them.
Entertainment
The Headliners Theatre Company are second to none, they are all extremely professional and should be so proud of themselves. Every show they put on was exceptional, they were a joy to watch and so talented. All the other acts that were on throughout the cruise were all brilliant as well, special thanks to Johnny Youles for making our evenings so enjoyable, he's a talented guitarist and very, very funny. We never fail to enjoy our time in the theatres on any of the P & O fleet. Excellent as always.
Service and Staff
We have just completed our fourth cruise with P & O Cruises and one of the reasons we choose them is because of the excellent service we always receive on board their ships. From the Officers, entertainers, waiters and waitresses, cabin stewards, reception, shore excursions, etc., the list goes on, we have never had cause to complain on how we have been treated, how could you, when you get treated like Royalty. Thanks P & O, keep your teams doing what they do and we'll keep coming!
Ship Quality
Considering the ship was built back in 2005, with a major re-fit back in 2013 and a smaller make-over in 2017, the ship's décor and Cleanliness throughout was exceptionally good. Yes, a few areas were in need of some TLC, but the same goes for many hotels on shore and I'm sure they don't get the same amount of footfall and wear and tear as these beautiful ships do, so no big problem. Incidentally, we commented on how nice the design and quality of the carpets were on the deck landing areas with the stairs and lifts meeting, we did in fact think they had only recently been replaced, not going back years!
Cabin / Stateroom
Our cabin was fine, it was imaculately clean and tidy and there was more than enough room for what we needed. The wardrobes were a decent size and had everything we wanted, except possibly another electric socket would have been useful.
Ports of call
We have always been lucky with embarkations with P & O Cruises, but this time was so quick, we barely sat down in the terminal before we were called up to board. Considering how many passengers board a ship, all having to undergo all the necessary security checks, etc. surely the airports could get some tips off this port, absolutely brilliant and all done with a huge smile on the faces of all the staff. Well done and thank you.
Thumbs Up
7
We were made aware before we left home that we would be extending the stay in Malaga due to essential maintenance on the ship and wow, what a lovely place to have an extended port stay! We found plenty to do and went off exploring and despite having to stay a day longer than planned, once the Captain had explained to everyone the reasons for the delay, it was no big deal. Thanks to Captain Ashley Cook and all his crew for everything they done to make our cruise so enjoyable and also keeping us informed on everything that was going on.
This was on my bucketlist and I am so glad I have got to see this beautiful city. Now I just need to go back there.
A very nice place, with the old town being very interesting. After walking the length of the promenade admiring all the wonderful private yachts, we started our return towards the port, past all the smaller boats, it was then we experienced a really strong smell of raw sewage and realised that it was being pumped straight into the water amongst all these little vessels and gorgeous blue waters. This did really spoil our visit to Split after seeing what was happening in such a lovely place.
This port, along with Venice were the reason for us choosing this particular cruise, and we were not disappointed. What a beautiful place Dubrovnik is and when we studied the map showing all the bomb damaged buildings and those that lost roofs or were burnt to the ground during the 90's it is incredible to see how many repairs have been done to restore this jewel in the Adriatic. Would definately visit Dubrovnik again - Stunning.
We were glad we got to visit Cagliari in Sardinia, it was nice to walk around and explore, but there wasn't an awful lot to see. One thing that was wonderful there was the ice cream, Amazing!
We were here two years ago and my goodness, we were astounded by how much had been built in just two years! We love stopping off at Gibraltar, never fails to please us. Long may it remain British.
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
