Arcadia - Reviews

On the plus side, the food was amazing and the communal facilities including the gym, pools and cinema were excellent. The communal areas had clearly benefitted from a recent refurbishment. However, the plumbing was not good as toilets frequently got blocked. Repairs also took a long time to arrange, as we had to wait two days for a functional shower. The cabin and bathroom were in a poor state, with taped and cracked lights, a stained and cracked shower bottom and damaged mirrors. They should have refreshed all of this long ago. However, the bed was very comfortable, inside cabin space was adequate and the air con worked well. I thought the activities on the ship were really good too, and included lots of health and fitness such as meditation and pilates, and several daily quizzes. The library was well stocked with books, games and puzzles. It was very much aimed at the 'typical Brits abroad market/kiss me quick hat brigade, but that may have been the particular route we chose.

My least favourite ship now. The cabin was dark, dank and needed a coat of paint and a new bathroom. Tfa walks had dirty Mark's all over them where old pictures used to be and the bathroom cabinet mirror was rusty beyond belief. The noise and vibration woke us up every morning at 6.45 am and so it was impossible to have a leisurely life in! The worst of all was what is now known as the 'Arcadia Whiff' - the smell of sewers in the public areas, especially in the piano bar became unbearable at times. No improvement since we complained about it 9 months ago when we had the same problems. I will no longer use this ship.

Arcadia is an adult only ship and therefore it is no surprise most passengers are much older than other ships. As such the entertainment is mostly geared up for those passengers with much more easy listening music and shows. The plus side of course is that it is a much quieter and sedate experience. If you want a lively atmosphere and modern pop music this isn't the ship for you. I've seen a few bad reviews from those on the preceding cruise (99 night World cruise), reporting widespread sickness and very poor food. I can happily report I didn't experience either on this 19 night itinerary. Yes there were a lot of coughs and colds, but no more than you'd expect amongst 2000 older passengers at this time of the year. Food was no different to the other P&O ships I've been on (Ventura, Brittania and Aurora). The buffet is somewhat limited in choice and not always brilliant quality, but it's ok. The poolside grill offers burgers, chicken goujons and fish and chips cooked fresh to order. There is also a made to order sandwich bar. Both compliment the buffet at lunch times well. The menu in the MDR has plenty of options, but too often all the choices on a particular evening are too samey (ie lots of fish choices, or all quite fussy or rich dishes). That said, there is always plain sirloin steak, salmon or roast chicken. It's also possible to get a simple omelette if you want it. Portion sizes are on the small side. Same as most lines these days, but when serving fish and chips, 5 small chips are not enough! The waiters are always happy to bring you more and the simple solution is to order extra potato or veg in the first place. I even ordered two currys for myself one night as I knew the portion would be small and it was my favourite dish. Not a problem at all, the waiters couldn't be more accommodating. We always asked for the next night's menu to check there were choices for everyone in my group. If there wasn't, it was possible to pre-order a dish from the lunch time menu instead. So there's not really an excuse to go without or be unhappy with your food choices; just ask for what you want. The ship is 15 years old now and despite a minor refresh in 2017, some areas do show their age. A lot of public spaces have been spruced up and the decor is in keeping with newer P&O ships. Most carpets have been replaced but some are stained, as are some wall panels in accomodation corridors. The ship does creak and groan quite badly in anything more than a slight sea. It was particularly bad on B deck, port side around B58-B52. The roof over the midship pool was out of action on this cruise and was being repaired by contractors for most of the cruise. It should be fixed by now, but it was a real shame as the weather was rubbish and if they had been able to close it, it would have made the solarium a nice place to relax. There are some rather unpleasant smells around the midship atrium at times, but this isn't just an Arcadia problem. I've experienced it on many ships. There did seem to be quite a lot of leaks all over Arcadia with blowers, towels and buckets often dotted around. The windows in the Crows Nest leak badly in severe weather resulting in damp smells in places and sections being cordoned off. The weather during this cruise was diabolical. Can't blame P&O for that! The Med can be unpredictable at this time of year, but the Captain kept telling us Arcadia copes well in rough seas, but I wasn't so sure. Admittedly we were sailing through extreme conditions - force 11-12 winds (yes, really!) and the ship did keep going, but it wasn't comfortable. A gust of over 100 mph caught us on the starboard side at one point causing a severe and sustained list to port. The Captain came on to reassure us everything was ok and the ship soon came back under control. It was a little concerning, but it was good that the Captain reassured us. I experienced something similar on an RCI ship and there was no mention of it by the Captain. The itinerary was pretty good and I was glad that the Captain ploughed on through the bad weather to get us to all the ports on time. The staff were all very good at their jobs and friendly enough. There was a sense that everyone was overworked and didn't seem to have time to fully engage with passengers. Probably a sign that the ship is understaffed. All in all Arcadia isn't going to be for everyone. If you like a quieter ship and enjoy the company of mostly senior citizens, along with all the usual P&O Britishness, then you might just enjoy it.

Found the people on board this cruise to be rude and ignorant for the most part. We did meet a few nice couples but few a far between. As it was a round the world cruise most had been on it from the start and we boarded for the last leg. Nothing for younger people to do as all geared up for the older, retired ones. Would not do this again.

From start to finish the western navigation was doomed. We had technical problems which meant an overnight stay in Southampton, where I live! Within 2 days I had caught everyone’s cough after 5 days, I went to the doctor onboard whilst we were in port, Madeira. I was too unwell to get off. He diagnosed pneumonia! I was shocked. I’m very healthy. So I had 11 boring sea days, I don’t sunbathe, until St Lucia. If you like to knit and natter or do endless quizzes or play bridge, then this ship is for you. My husband became very ill from bad prawns consumed from the buffet. He had to have IV steroids for 2 days. We missed a number of ports because of bad weather. The food was disgusting. Never ever again with P&O

Currently doing the Southampton to Sydney leg of the 2019 world cruise. Get me off!!! 2 days of being on the ship I saw the doctor because I was in pain with a chesty cough. I was healthy when I got on! He diagnosed pneumonia! Then my husband had peel your own prawns from the buffet and had such a severe reaction, never been allergic before! He had to have 2 rounds of steroids intravenously. Our shower had to be re-grouted whilst we’ve been onboard because it was mouldy it’s also often too hot to use safely! Unfortunately we’ve had to make many complaints. The food, well, I’ve had better in roadside cafes. I’ve been posting on Facebook and Instagram where everyone agrees the presentation and content are disgusting. Our mini suite isn’t a bad size, the balcony is a good size. Our room steward is lovely but hasn’t cleaned the drain on the floor for maybe a year! The medical staff are outstanding. The production shows are great,

First cruise we have been on in bad weather and being one that gets sea sick easily the Stability of Arcadia was impressive Enjoyed the cruise even though we never got to Brugge

Disappointing cruise overall. Dining room staff, with a few exceptions, miserable. Food often served just warm. Cabin was not clean and balcony and furniture was filthy. Headliners group excellent but rest of entertainment poor or mediocre. Have booke the same cruise for next year on Arcadia but will probably cancel. We have a cruise on Ventura in February and depending on how that goes will make a final decision on the October one

Just spent 17 nights on this lovely ship around the med. All of the crew were excellent. Food very good. The theatre entertainment was wonderful you must watch Mr Tinkertons Circus It is a fantastic show. The only thing was the average age on this longer cruise was 74 but we met some lovely people. Excursions were great but a bit like a scrum at times and found it quite extraordinary that some older people lack manners. However the whole experience was wonderful.

Lovely to be back on Arcadia. She is so easy to get around and love her prom deck where you can walk right around without having to negotiate steps or ladders. Child free too which was a bonus.

Our first experience and not going to be the last, already booked for next year back on the Arcadia, can"t wait.

Great first experience-mid sized ship so all the facilities but not over crowded. I would certainly re-book a P&O and Arcadia cruise.

Loved the stability of the ship and the crew were great. However, something needs to be done about the plumbing in public areas and 'The Arcadia Whiff'

We had a great cruise but we were disappointed with our meal in the Ocean Grill. The staff were really friendly and helpful. We have booked another cruise on Arcadia for June next year.

Cruise July 23 from Southampton with Arcadia was our first adult only. The best shows I have ever seen in a cruise ship had to get in early to ensure a seat. Booked excursions to Rome and Pompeii which did not disappoint. Only disappointment was the size of the jacuzzis at the back of the ship far to small. Other than that, had a great time.

We had an amazing cruise and loved every minute! Arcadia is a great ship, great ports, great food, great entertainment no complaints or negatives at all!

The fine weather, interesting itinerary, excellent service & very enjoyable food & drink made for great cruise!

Really good cruise, fantastic weather, ship is looking tired tho, entertainment was really good too

fantastic cruise with p&o again. All staff on the ship are a credit to p&o. very clean and tidy. excellent food. excursions well organised. no complaints at all. Thank you to p&o and all the staff for a great holiday looking forward to the next one.

Excellent cruise. Staff friendly and couldn't do enough for you. Food was excellent to. We had a very relaxed cruise. Our first time on Arcadia, we will definitely be going again.