One of the best cruises we have done, very relaxing and excellent staff. One missed port and another closed on a sunday, but it didn't really matter.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We arranged a taxi for this cruise as it worked out around the same price as parking but i didn't have to drive. The traffic was light so we arrived before our boarding time, but no problem, we were shown to our seats (after all the checks of course) and waited for not too long before we were allowed to board. Very easy and trouble free.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We originally went for first seating with a table of 6 but were a bit worried about crowds, but there was no need, the ship was just over half full and it seemed a lot didn't want to go for early seating and a lot wanted a table for two. The first evening we were on our own but the second night another couple joined us and that is how is stayed. The for was very good and only on one menu the choice seemed a bit limited. The staff excellent but you could tell the younger ones were lacking in experience, but they learned as they went along and could not do enough for us. We managed to get to Sindhu once and it was smashing no complaints there. The buffet even though not a great deal of choice, there was always a salad and something hot to have (for lunch) and breakfast had cereal and cooked every day - the only small point is that it seems they are unable to create decent toast.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We didn't do too many, just a few quizzes and they are always fun.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We only went to a couple of the ship's shows as we have seen them before but are always of very high quality. We did see the house band a few times and they seemed to change some of the musicians and it showed in the feel of the band (me with musician ears) but they are all excellent players, it just seemed to me some players fitted in better than others.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Can't grumble at all, they just wanted to please - i think it did help that the ship was just over half full.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Arcadia is not my favourite but a nice ship, to me the design is a bit dis-jointed but a lot love it. The cleaning staff were evident after each performance in the Globe and everytime a table was left it was cleaned. Lots of painting going on to keep the ship up to scratch.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We decided on a balcony for this trip and we used it a lot, plenty of room for storage and the beds are so nice we wished we could have fit them in our cases.
We have been before but a few years ago. Berthed quite a distance away right next to the Volvo Museum (not that i went in) and the shuttle bus was provided which took around 20 mins and dropped off in the middle of town. We booked a table at the Hard Rock Cafe so wandered around before lunch. Found the indoor market and found a bakery with very nice cakes (we went back after our lunch and got some cakes) and had a good walk around before the Hard Rock opened. The park and canal area's are very nice to visit and relax. Generally nice and clean. Sweden is now mostly cashless so take a card with you.
We got the shuttle bus into town and did mostly the old town. Found the oldest public toilet, the statue of the small boy, the kings garden (not too kingly) and lots of walking. Lots to see and we did manage to also find the museum of the wooden horse which did take real money. We also found a christmas shop which also took real money.
We have been before and you can walk in, but we took the shuttle bus. We headed for the viewing point which overlooks the walled city but found that building work was going on so we had to go around the corner for the next one. Lots of cobbles and hills so beware. Go to the shops just off the main roads and they are a lot cheaper.
Berthed just by the bridge and a short walk into the old town, eventually found a couple of tourist shops and got some bits but again lots of cobbles to walk on. Did find a nice park to sit and ponder in.
As Saint Petersburg was cancelled we went to Kiel instead, which being a sunday, was shut. The only things we found open was the small museum (free) and the red light area.
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