Great 19 night cruise to Venice on a lovely ship - shame about many of the passengers....
Arcadia Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 112
Review summary
A lovely 19 night cruise on a great ship - only let down by the some of most the critical, self absorbed, angry and hostile passengers I have ever had the misfortune to meet. Ready to complain before they even embarked, they proceeded to moan to anyone and everyone ruining gatherings and meal times. No understanding that things don’t always go to plan on a ship, wrapping themselves up in conspiracy theories against the ship and it’s captain creating a dark cloud over the entire ship. Incredibly trying and exhausting for the entire crew. However, them aside, we had a great time (!) and the entire crew were superb. We also met some lovely people and made some real friends. Arcadia is a beautiful ship - she just needs a bit of a fresh lick of paint on her hull and exterior superstructure and some TLC to her balconies and she’ll be sparkling again! Can’t wait to back on her again at new year and then full world in 2021!Embarkation
Smooth and easy
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Overall good and no real complaints. At times you get the feeling the restaurant menus have been ‘dumbed’ down a little, but overall very much enjoyed our dining experiences whether it was club dining in the main restaurant, buffet lunch in the Belvedere or the speciality restaurants. Particularly enjoyed lunch and dinner in Sindhu. Excellent value, superb service and great views. Always funny though when so many passengers become Michelin Star’d Chefs and professional food critics as soon as they get onboard!
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Simply the best shows I’ve seen so far on any ship! Big thumbs up to P&O in clearly investing heavily in this. The theatre has definitely got to the best of the fleet.
Also thoroughly enjoyed the classical recitals in the Globe.
Service and Staff
Generally excellent without exception. But I’m sure a part of this is how you talk to them and treat them. Particular ‘stars’ for us were Harish our Cabin Steward and Thomas our Wine Student. Was simply ashamed at the way I saw some passengers treating them with a total lack of respect.
Ship Quality
Arcadia has a lovely blend of facilities and features. Understated but classy. Generally public spaces were well maintained and clean - even more so when some kind passengers spread Norovirus because they couldn’t be bothered to wash their hands! Otherwise only noticed some glass windows needing desperate replacement in the Crows Nest.
Cabin / Stateroom
Okey a little dated in parts, and the odd tired corner here and there but otherwise very comfortable, a good size, more than acceptable amounts of storages and amenities. Being a stern cabin the balcony was a VERY generous size.
Ship tip
Try everything, remember you are on a ship and things don’t always go to plan! Simply enjoy it! You are on holiday. Allow it to be the amazing experience it really is!
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Enjoyed an extended stay (arriving a day early as well as leaving a day or so late) due to essential repairs on one of Arcadia’s azipod seals caused by fishing rope. Weather was hot and sunny. Lots to see and do, and having the luxury of a fully air conditioned cruise ship to leave and return to as we wished was a comfort! Far worse places to have an extended stay and yet all people could do was moan....
Beautiful early sunrise sail in (due to a Medi-Vac situation) which couldn’t have been better. Just stunning! Shame on those you didn’t get up to experience it. Lovely day doing our thing exploring the city. Private Gondola ride was something I’ll never forget. City was busy but manageable. The sail out was so special too. A good day!
A little underwhelming in someways - perhaps just the excursion we were booked on. Still had a good day, and the wine tasting was a nice touch.
Disembarkation
Disembarked bang on time. No problems at all.
Traveler Photos
10 Comments
lol1964 5 years ago
We went on Arcadia in June
Was lively and by and large enjoyed
Ourselves
Downside was the buffet restaurant
Which we thought was average and
With little choice , compared with the larger sized ships in other fleets
p&o needs to lose the booze cruise
Shadow that is beginning to follow it
Around
Besty1 5 years ago
I have contacted P&O and they have replied to me stating that they are aware of the issues being reported on social media. They are in contact with the ship about the problems... The mid ship smell is this in the cabin areas or is it in the public areas.... Hopefully we can get these issues sorted sooner than later...
deboog 5 years ago
We have been on Arcadia several times since 2014 and have another one booked. We have found the ship looking a little tired and always has leaks so we have come to expect it. We find the dining is not nearly as good as it used to be. This is all a sign of the times everywhere you go even in nice hotels. We find the staff have much more to do in the same amount of time including the main restaurant where they have it down on staff and they have a larger amount of tables to serve. We find that treating the wonderful staff as you would want to be treated yourself goes a long way and is appreciated. So for those miserable horrible passengers pay more and go on Cunard we don’t want you to spoil our cruise. We love Arcadia and all the crew - happy cruising all
alexpayler 5 years ago
Thanks for your comments guys. Glad the review is of interest! We really did have a great time, but I was in awe of the negativity of so many. Yes we’ve all paid a lot of money to be on her, but it’s all what you make it! Did any of the issues or maintenance issues really affect our cruise - NO. But we are used to see her sparkling and hopefully P&O will address this. I noticed Venture looking in a very similar rust ‘stained’ condition the other day. It does make me wonder with P&O really marketing the destination with so little focus on the journey and the ship, that the respect from the passengers for these remarkable vessels is sadly disappearing...
phillpots 5 years ago
Back off her a couple of weeks ago. She is a good ship and people like her. She does however have a mid ship smell problem that is ongoing. She does need painting and varnishing in many areas. The cross nest has broken windows which really surprised me but I did not let any of this spoil my holiday. Really enjoyed the trip to Santander and Bordeaux. Would I go on her again, not at the moment but if I see P & O get their finger out and resolve these issues then yes. Staff friendly, food and entertainment were very good.
Besty1 5 years ago
Thanks for the good review... You seem to be the same as myself when on a cruise.... I have read some bad reviews on here lately and I was starting to worry about next year's cruise... I am in a midship balcony... Do you think I need to worry? I have contacted P&O about some of the comments about smells in midship...