we were quite impressed the look of the Arcadia it was very clean and welcoming. we were very disappointed in the age group 70+ lots of white tops found it hard to motivate people for pool games etc,found some staff only wanted people who had cruised several times to join in activities such as Mr &mrs and celebrity dancing but overall it didn't spoil our enjoyment food was ok the grill cooking fresh food was excellent but staff were very over worked and by all accounts their pay is scandalous i take my hat off to all the men and women who work tremendiously hard.the only entertainment we were disappointed in was the tranny who was the worst act i've ever seen people walked out in droves,but over all the entertainment was good.ports of call were very good on the whole the experience was excellent we were travelling with a disabled lad who's birthday it was on the cruise we took some lovely pictures the meridian saff made a fuss of him it was a great night for him thanks to them unfortunately as we embarked the ship some low life pinched our camera and took our memories of the cruise if you are reading this can we have the card back so we can have the pictures you must need the camera more than me it still hasn't put us off cruising i hope the camera brings you bad luck because you deserve it yours gap

This cruise was for our 30th anniversary. We had planned for a long time do a cruise to the Norwegian fjords and to renew our vows on board on our anniversary. We hadn't specifically planned to travel on Arcadia or indeed with P&O; it was the dates and times that matched. Being cruise novices we also only booked about 6 months in advance. We booked a deluxe balcony cabin and made the arrangements through a cruise agent.
The bookings for the vows renewal was made well in advance direct with P&O but we were told that date and time was dependent upon the ship being at sea.
About 1 week before departure the agent called us to offer an upgrade to mini-suite - which I accepted!
I can honestly say that this cruise lived up to our very high expectations - from the champagne awaiting us in our suite when we boarded; the helpfulness and attentivness of our steward, the waiters and any crew we encountered; the food; the wonderful and magnificent sights and scenery; the vows renewal ceremony; right through to our disemarkation.
The onboard facilities are excellent, particularly the Oasis spa. The Meridian restaurant was always a joy to eat in, never a poor meal. We were placed on a table for 4 but John, the Restaurant Manager, found us a table for 2. The only night we didn't eat there we went to Arcadian Rhodes - our only disappointment. They can't cook a steak to save their lives; twice what should have been a rare steak came out well done! I blame Gary Rhodes, not P&O!!
The only down point of the whole trip was on the last day my wife slipped in the Oasis spa, by the pool edge, banging her elbow. We did personally encounter 3 other people who had slipped and fallen in the same area, so there was clearly a problem. The medical attention on board was superb. (The damages claim is nearly resolved!)
Would I travel P&O again - YES
Would I travel on Arcadia again - YES

more like a health farm , sorry p and o we are back to cunard , the food in the meridian is the poorest we have ever had , you should be ashamed

Overview of cruise Feb 22nd – March 7th on Arcadia. For daily “blog” please do a search under my name to get all entries for last 3 weeks.

CRUISE ITINERARY : Flew to Barbados, and visited Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Limon (Costa Rica), Panama Canal, Fuerta Amador, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Huatulco (Mexico) and Acapulco. There were also 5 sea days and technically the Panama was also a sea day. This was a superb itinerary and I can highly recommend it to anyone. The ports all varied greatly and there was something for everyone. The transit of the Panama Canal was fantastic. It took al day, but it was well worth getting up at 6am for !!

WEATHER : Superb. Glorious weather every day. The lowest temperature was 79f and many days it was in the high 80’s.

TOURS : I did tours in Grenada (Rum Runner) ; Limon (Banana Train) , Peurto Quetzal (La Antigua Guatemala on your own). All were good. I and my friends did our own things in the other places and often did things that tours were doing, but did them much more cheaply. It helped that I have a friend living on Bonaire who sorted that day out for us.

ARCADIA SERVICE : On the whole very good indeed from everyone. The Meridian Restaurant waiters worked very hard indeed due to the large size of the restaurant, they have to bring the food a long way. Breakfast room service does need to be looked at as it is very rarely delivered correctly. Every day they missed something off the list of requests. It wasn’t just us. Everyone in our group who used this service reported a similar problem. They seem to think each cabin contains just one person and very rarely provide for 2 or more. The reception and tours staff appear not to be able to deal with complainants very well. I had no cause to complain but sometimes stood behind people who were and the staff tend to be very defensive and offer unsatisfactory explanations that tend to be fob offs. Customer service in this respect needs to be looked at. This ship appears to be somewhat worse than the other ships I have been on in that respect. The crew and staff are very friendly and pleasant, and bar service is good.

ENTERTAINMENTS STAFF / ENTERTAINMENT : worked very hard indeed. The men were very personable, although the girls tended to be a bit stand offish and really rather snooty. The Entertainments Officer was Gary Gladding and he did a good job. He did a commentary during the Panama passage which was superb. The singers and dancers were clearly chosen for one show (Cirque Arcadia) using their aerial and acrobatic abilities. The rest of the shows suffered as a result being rather bland and having no impact. The boys were very good dancers and looked good, the girls were less capable and were statuesque as opposed to dynamic. The 2 principal singers did little dancing and sang adequately, but none of the company were notable for vocal prowess. One of our party is a professional musical director in her own right and she thought the vocals of the team were abysmal at every show. The cabaret acts were Alan Stewart (very very good) ; Bobby Crush (who was himself as usual !!) ; a female singer more suited to a pub or cabaret club, and a classical pianist duo who I am told were very very good. Jon and Dan Snow were on board for lectures. I am told they were good. The Arcadia Orchestra were superb, and the other 4 bands on board were all good.

ARCADIA SHIP : The exterior looks magnificent and the ship is very handsome indeed. It is a large ship. The lack of a large atrium means there is no real focal point, and this makes the ships layout difficult to get to grips with. Using the scenic elevators as a focal point really helps. There are some impressive spaces such as Palladium Theatre and the Crows Nest and the Orchid Restaurant and Bar, but too many of the public rooms are rather bland and lacking in any real atmosphere, including Arcadian Rhodes. The Meridian restaurant is especially bland and lit too lightly and lacks ambience and atmosphere. There is an impressive amount of deck space and there was never a long search for a deck lounger (as there is on the other P&O ships). The sun deck above Orchid is often overlooked by many and there is always plenty of space up there. There is no dedicated cinema. Films were sometimes shown in Palladium Theatre, but usually were shown in the Ocean Room (a sort of lecture room with uncomfortable stacking seats) and as a result were poorly attended. Café Vivo is a fun little place which we visited almost every day. There are too many plain corridors and the photo shop seems to get bigger with every new ship. The lower floor of the 2 tear dining room has a bad vibration at the centre rear due to being right over the propulsion of the ship. The Belvedere Buffet is a real problem. The food is OK there, but the layout is confusing at first with its different sections causing different queues. There was no effective signage instructing folk in which direction to queue and this led to problems and conflict. There were many complaints about this place.

ARCADIA FOOD : Sadly, not as good as on the other P&O ships I have been on. The food in Arcadian Rhodes is superb, as it is in Orchid Restaurant, but in the main restaurant there is a real problem with the food being luke warm when it comes to the table. We were sat right in a far corner of the restaurant. We spoke to people sat near the kitchen doors who said their food was always piping hot. Our party of 29 were sat across 4 tables and at various times during the cruise, group members had to return meals that were almost cold. Not good I am afraid. The restaurant is just too big to be effective and as a result the waiters are having to work overtime to keep up with things. Some meals there were superb (especially the formal nights), many were as to be expected, but some were no better than one could get in any local bistro back home and that’s not what we have come to expect of P&O ships. There is one place on the ship which must rank as the very worst food I have ever had afloat. The Neptune’s Buffet Bistro by the pool. I ate here once and it was completely vile.

ARCADIA ATMOSPHERE : This was the first time I and my party had cruised on an over 18’s ship , and it will probably be the last, unless we chose such a ship for the itinerary. OK, we didn’t have the kids and teenagers (but they are usually well looked after and controlled on the family ships such as Oceana, Oriana and Aurora), but what we didn’t have as a result was their parents, who are typically aged in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. (We are in our 40’s). There were very few of this age group on board and as a result the atmosphere on board was quite dull at times. By half past midnight the ship was dead apart from a few pockets of life and certainly by 1am there was nothing happening at all. There were a few younger couples who stood out because they were so few in number. The majority of the passengers were aged 60+ and while they seemed to be enjoying themselves, it can never be as lively as when you have all age groups on board.

THE BUG : sadly the last 3 days of the cruise had the dreaded bug on board. It appeared to be a mild form and was apparently brought back on board a Puerto Quetzal. 4 of my party got it, but it was being sick once and having a bit out the other end, and feeling unwell for a day. Didnt sound like norovirus. There were quite a few cases and the ship handled this well with the usual restrictions in place. Everything handed to you in buffet and restaurant, toilet doors remaining open etc etc. One anomaly in the restaurant. They handed the pre-packed sugar and salt to you with tongs, and then brought the toast in an open rack for all the table to handle !!!

We enjoyed this cruise very much, but found a lot more to criticise than usual. It didn’t spoil anything however, and the experience was still far better than any land based holiday could be. I haven’t been put off P&O yet, but there are many people wondering if standard are being cut too much in an effort to keep prices down. P&O might loose support to Princess Cruises if they are not careful.

cruise was fantastic.only concerns is why a company like p&o uses a poor airline like thomas cook.the seats were very poor no leg room.this aircraft was a 330 airbus . worst aircraft ever been on for leg room would not fly with thomas cook airlines again would change holiday first.

It's nice to read a review from someone who worked for P&O Coby!!!! I know how much the staff are paid,and the good job they do. I take it you were paid more? It is a shame people are made to work 15-18 hour day/nights on cruise ships to pay for the top dogs wages( not the PAYING PASANGERS ). We enjoyed our holiday but if you have to make excuses for staff after a year working with them???? what else can be said.
Enjoyed our cruise and would cruise again with P&O but some staff still offish. Smoking areas need to be sorted as we are non smokers, and it would be nice to find a total non smoke area in side the ship in an entertainment area.

Well, to begin we thought the start of our holiday from Southampton to be very good with the car ect.... it did take an awful long time for our baggage to get to our cabin, nearly 3 hours. Anyway we where going to the Med. I am disabled and had been given a cabin which we later found out was not what we wanted as it was under the Belvadeare, we had a lot of noise late at night 12.30/1'oclock with the crew putting things away, and then at 5ish in the morning bringing the chairs ect out for the day, so consequently we had about 4 to 5 hours sleep every night, it became so bad that I was looking forward to getting home.
I cant and wont fault anything else about Arcadia, she is a lovely ship and everyone was very pleasant. Food was Brilliant, it was so clean and tidy, and our cabin staff where wonderful, we were on our 25th Anniversary, so I was hoping for a wonderful time. and it would of been if we had got some sleep.
In saying this, I would go again, but I am just warning others to stay away from being under the Belvadeare, i would certainly. P & O have been wonderful about it all, I do not fault them, but I do not think much of Thomas Cooks customer relations, they dont give a monkeys. After all you have paid and thats all they want. Well thanks P&O hopefully I will get a chance to go on another cruise one day. K

This is the first time that we have ever cruised. We usually take a much more active holiday but wanted to do something special for our 30th Wedding Aniversary.

It was nice not to have to brave the airport etc and we joined the ship feeling very refreshed. It was all so easy - the luggage dissapeared, to join us later in our cabin, and it was all very slick, quick and easy.

First impressions - the ship was lovely - the staff so freindly, and the cabin was really nice. We did go for the balcony and it was worth the extra.

First the good bits:-

The food was first class - we only ate in the restaurant and not the buffet as we enjoyed the service. The chef's did a first class job with my Vegan meals and I had a menu every night to choose from. We felt it was all very healthy and did not feel that we had overeaten at all.

The staff were first class - we did not have one negative experience throughout the entire trip. Everyone was helpful, very cheerful. I am sure that our Steward really made our holiday - he was a mind reader and we wanted for nothing.
Our waiters were great and did everything they could to make sure we had good meals and good service.
All the other staff made it a pleasure to be on the ship and nothing was too much trouble.

The Onboard Entertainment was good - we enjoyed the evenings seeing the shows, going to the casino, wandering around on deck or sitting on our balcony.

The shore excursions were not really for us - I don't know if they could be organised diffently but as it is not our sort of thing it would not be fair to comment too much. There seemed to be a lot of queing and rushing around. We did our own thing and enjoyed that.

The Ship was very clean in all areas.

We seemed to get on well with all the other people we sat with at breakfast and lunch - it was a real mix of personalities and we enjoyed meeting them all.

A couple of concerns. The first will determine if we go again or not. The smoking was a real issue for us - there seemed to be people smoking everywhere except the restaurants. We avoided a lot of bars etc due to the smoke. People were smoking in the cabins next to us - cigarette buts and ash on our balcony in the mornings blown from next door. (not their fault just a windy night - but this should be thought out)
The drinking areas all had smoking sections
People were smoking on the decks.
This is one reason why we may not cruise again until the regualations change. The new smoking laws do not apply to Merchant Shipping but this is under reveiw.
P&O really need to address this for the staffs sake as well as everyone else.

Second issue - we are regular users of the gym and really felt that the 8:00 opening was too late - would not bother some but with trips - dining etc before 8am was the only time to go. A small issue but needs looking at. ( We were told it was because the Captains Cabin was underneath the gym).

Overall we were delighted with the cruise. There is plenty of choice for everyone. You can be as formal or informal as you like - dress up and dine in the restaurants or chill out and go for the buffet.

There was always somewhere to go to get away from the crowds.

Well done P&O sort out your smoking issues and we will be cruising again.

Ok, this is a bit sneaky but I am in fact a former employee of P&O and did a total of two terms at sea with Arcadia. (about a year out of my total career at sea)
The reason that I am writing this is to help those people who choose cruising as their holiday get the best out of their holiday. There are some very simple rules that you might find useful to remember...
First of all - You are on holiday! So it might be a good idea to act accordinly. I have years of experience working at sea and in different departments and one thing that the ships company sees time and time again, are passengers who are crying out for something to moan about. Especially the cruise which covered Christmas and New Year's 2006-07. All of us working onboard do not have the luxury with being with all of our love ones at Christmas. (And trust me, most of us are working onboard not because we want to but because many of us really have no other option.) The majority of the passengers on that cruise were intolerably glum. All of the ships crew were looking forward very much to spending Christmas with our passengers and we were all ready and willing to provide an experience that no guest would forget. But no one, it seemed, was willing to play ball. "This ship is nothing like the Oriana or Aurora". Oh please, for the love of god, change the record. If I had a penny for everytime I heard that, I could buy out P&O. READ THE MATERIAL that is sent to you when you book your cruise or even better, BEFORE you book your cruise. There are hundreds of websites like this set up specifically for people who wish to travel on a ship and want to find out as much as possible before handing over your hard earned money. Remember this is a cruise ship, not a hospital. We are a basically a floating hotel that has only cost you (in most cases) a couple of grand to get on. If you want 6 star service and facilities then you will have to be prepared to blow £30k and go on holiday with Crystal Cruises.
I can assure you that every crew member does at least the hourly equivalent of two full time jobs, 7 days a week, and usually for below the minimum wage. The Spa team always seems to get slated and yet they work at the very least, 12 hours a day and for £100 a week. The show company know at least 6 hour long shows, do 12 shows a week and rehearse everyday. Some of those guys come from the West End and/or Broadway. Indian and Asian staff, who work extremely hard without ever moaning are on about £200 a month. These are things to consider.. The waiter who had just served you your dinner and who to you looks 'bored' has probably not been to sleep in 48 hours.
The Arcadia is a darkly beautiful ship. True, there is no 'glitz' or sparkilng atriums but she is actually marketed that way. If you want constantly revolving disco balls and bars that are open till sunrise then I would suggest a Cranival ship. P&O is aimed at the more subtle end of the market. The Oriana and Aurora are timeless, beautiful ships, the Oceana came from Princess so that is why her interiors are glamorous. The Arcadia is very eastern in design and just because you may be someone who doesn't know about art (I know I don't) it wouldn't hurt to admire instead of hate the hundreds of pieces of original art which can be found everywhere.
To summarise, the best piece of single advice I can give you is to do your homework before you spend a few grand on a cruise. You may choose not to believe it but the team on the Arcadia is a rock solid group of dedicated individuals who will exceed any expectations that you have if you LET THEM. Why someone would go around and look for things to gripe about I will never know.
There is also class distinction on all the ships. One handy hint: People with money (and I mean LOTS of money) will never, ever discuss it or throw it around. They will be well-mannered, always be kind to the staff, will not moan over trifle matters and always tip when someone has given them a service that is not necessarily in their contract. These guests will not sneak upstairs to the food court on the last night of their cruise to avoid tipping the waiter that has fallen over themselves to make you as the guest feel at home. These people will always have excellent realtionships with the staff and can usually be found sat at the bars laughing and joking and having a great time with staff and fellow passengers alike. It is interesting to note that these people are almost exactly the same in character to people who barely have enough money to afford their cruise as both types of character are down to earth and friendly. The people who stomp around a ship and act very snootily are the ones who have no class. I saw a comment from someone on here that because they were from the midlands then they would have 'no chance' with those guests who were class-orientated. Sadly, this is true but it was that type of passenger which usually has the most fun on their holidays. Let your hair down and remember that while you think that coming across as wealthy and therefore superior is wonderful, you will actually end up wishing you hadn't tried. As a crew member working the year round on ships I will meet thousands upon thousands of people and will always, always know if you are trying to be something you're not. Save yourself the embarrassment and don't even try. We are experts in reading people and will have you pegged as soon as we lay eyes on you :)
Oh and if you can, try and not fly to your destination to join the ship. It is a nightmare..
I am sure that I will not be allowed to post this comment on this noticeboard, but I am wondering if, by the good will of fellow man, it will find it's way on there.
Just go the ship and get as much out of it as you can. After all, you have paid to be there, so have a blast.. XXX

This was our first cruise and the dreadful flight with thompson fly almost ruined our holiday at the start. Flying from bournemouth was to be easy as we live only a few miles from the airport. I have had heart problems and wanted a good seat , but we could not book our seats although we had booked the cruise back in Jan 2006. We were told to be at the airport very early to get a leg room seat. We then learned that the flight was not direct and would have to refuel in ottawa. Our journey including waiting at the airport to the ship took us 26 hours 16 sat on the aircraft. P & O must make big changes here as the aircraft and seat configuration is not acceptable for this lenth of trip. 767 arcraft are for European flights only.
Luckely the arcadia came up to expectatios and we had a fantastic cruise ,we havwe booked again for late January next year,Come on P & O please up your game on charter flights or you will have no clients traveling to the americas.