We joined the Arcadia at Barbados for a cruise taking in the Panama Canal ending up at Acapulco. It was to be the holiday of a lifetime. The cost was high and so were our expectations. Unfortunately P & O and Arcadia in our opinion didn't measure up to those expectations.
On the plus side
The cabin on the A deck with a balcony was very good Cabin steward excellent The bars generally were good Standard of bar service very good level of service in the Meridian restaurant was excellent Pool decks were nice as to the Spa
The negative points
Quality of food average to poor. The evening dinner in the Meridian would have some courses that were reasonable but generally P & O like frozen options and packet soups that was obvious.
The Belvedere Court self service cafe was atrocious at lunchtime. One day the cold options included corned beef and pilchards.
Sun bed availability around the pools was nil because people were allowed to reserve them all day with towels and books and P & O would do nothing.
Bingo, Karaoke and Line dancing ! if you like these activities then book a trip on the Arcadia.
To many sea days
Gastro enteritis, obviously a major problem throughout the cruise. Whilst P & O did just about acknowledge the situation. They didn't do enough to manage the outbreak and we left the ship very ill.
Some very poor value and quality shoreside tours. One around Panama City caused a virtual riot of complain which P & Po handled arrogantly with total insensitivity towards the elderly passengers. Eventually they reluctantly re-funded half the tour cost to those that had complained.
For us the cruise aboard Acadia was a very expensive disappointment.
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I had a great time when I cruised on Arcadia, but I agree about the self service cafes at lunchtime - such a bun-fight! I also agree about the tours - they're all rather expensive for what they are, and we ended cancelling a lot of the ones we'd booked and making our own arrangements once we'd dis-embarked. Lexy
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Advantages: Relaxing travel, good price, If you want a cruising taster a good option Disadvantages: Expensive onboard food, innacurate cabin, transfer bus confusion.
likka75 22.08.2008 (22.08.2008)
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