| |
Anniversary Cruise - Wester Mediterranean |
| Reviewed By: Luckham, Huntingdon on 7th Jul 2008 |
| Cruise Line: P&O Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: Arcadia |
Sailed:
April,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 46-55 |
|
to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary I took my wife on a 2 week cruise, on P&O's Arcadia, to the western Mediterranean. We had cruised on Arcadia some 18 months previously and liked the overall ambience of the ship, especially the child free aspect. This time, we "pushed the boat out" and went for a mini suite on B Deck.
The standard of service was excellent and the cabin steward was helpful and courteous. Having the extra space meant that we spent more time in the cabin, especially as it had a whirlpool bath and separate shower; with 2 sinks as well, it meant there was no fuss when it came time to get ready to go to dinner.
The ship was in very good condition and the 14 bars provided a good variety of social gathering points. Most evenings we had dinner in the Meridian restaurant while breakfasts and lunches were split between the Belview and pool deck grill area. We had no complaint about the food, either in quantity or quality.
In terms of sports provisin, the ship is a little behind the newer ships in the worldwide cruising fleet, with no rock wall or golf simulator and would benefit from a relatively small investment in renewing some of the sports equipmnent and nets.
I found the computer training sessions very helpful, especially the ones dealing with the photo editing software.
The ports of call were all ones which we had not previously visited, with the exception of Gibraltar; it was, however, nice to get reacquainted with the Rock. Barcelona was excellent, although there were 4 ships in port and a large number of tour busses visiting a limited number of sites. The other main highlight was Rome, where we mixed the city of Emperors with the city of faith. The Sistine Chapel was sublime and we shall certainly go back there.
All in all, a wonderful holiday which did not disappoint in any aspect of it. We are already looking for next years Arcadia cruise!
|
| Quality of Food |  |
| Dinners - in the Meridian, except 1 evening in the Orchid (very good oriental cuisine, but it felt a little rushed). Waiting staff in the Meridian were excellent, with nothing too much trouble.
Lunches onboard were mainly in the Belvedere/pool bar while breakfasts were spread between the Meridian, Belveder and in the cabin. | | Entertainment |  |
| Nicky Martin was hilarious. The acrobatic dance troupe were amazing | | Shore Excursions | |
| Rome for beginners was the best, all tours were very good. | | Staff | |
| Alberto, our table waiter in the Meridian; polite, helpful, flexible and considerate. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities |  |
| sports facilities could do with updated equipment. Golf simulator needed. | | Cabins | |
| The mini-suite was excellent and the attendant was also exceptional. | | Overall Rating | |
|
|
|
