P&O Cruises

MV Arcadia

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Operator: P&O Cruise Lines
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 2005 / 2005
Length / Tonnage: 927 / 83,000
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 975 / 1,952
Officers / Crew: British / International
Operating Area: Worldwide

Arcadia is P&O's first Vista class ship. She was originally laid down as Cunard's Queen Victoria but was transferred to P&O prior to completion in order to meet increased demand for capacity. Although she is based on the same general Vista design there are some noticeable differences including an additional deck and a reconfiguration of several public rooms.

She is the fourth P&O ship to be named Arcadia. The first Arcadia sailed from 1887 to 1915 and carries 410 passengers. The second Arcadia sailed form 1954 to 1979 and carried a total of 1,405 passengers. The third Arcadia sailed from 1989 to 2003 and carried 1,458 passengers.

A child-free ship, Arcadia features an expansive spa with a thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool, three-tier theatre, 3,000 piece multi-million pound modern British art collection, 14 bars and six dining options including Arcadian Rhodes, a restaurant developed exclusively for P&O Cruises by renowned chef Gary Rhodes. Carrying 1952 passengers and a complement of 880 crew,

There are a wide variety of public rooms on board. The Palladium theatre spans three decks and stages West End style shows. The Crows Nest lounge offers sweeping ocean views and a convivial atmosphere. By day, surveying the outside world with a coffee in hand you’ll have the best view on the ship. And at night, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite tipple to the sounds of tinkling ivories in the evening. Jazz nights, cabaret and dancing will make the Crow's Nest a popular meeting point.

If you’re seeking a place for a quiet drink, the Spinnaker Bar is the place to head for. A sophisticated bar with ambient lighting, an elegant layout and contemporary décor featuring wood, steel and chrome, it is conveniently located close to The Meridian Restaurant for a pre-dinner drink. Meet with new-found friends for a chat, attend a small talk or simply relax with a book in the height of comfort.

Located in the heart of the ship, The Globe lounge features a flexible showcase for all types of entertainment. Featuring a dance floor and cinema screen, you might catch the latest film release here, attend an art auction, enjoy a late night cabaret or boogie the night away to some live music! Comfortable seating and a bar and lounge service completes this highly innovative venue.

The Rising Sun Pub is a traditional British pub with an intimate atmosphere. Complete with a fireplace, a jukebox, a stage and a snug bar, this is a great place to come for a relaxed drink with friends. With everything from darts, karaoke, talent shows, 'pub night', dancing and sport screenings to keep you amused.

The Orchid Bar is a colonial style bar with a relaxed ambience inspired by the orient and P&O Cruises long-established links with the East. Head here prior to dining at The Orchid Restaurant or after a visit to the Retreat nearby. Commanding panoramic views, the bar's works of art and decor complement those of the restaurant. So, you'll be able to watch the sun set as you savour your favorite 'sundowner' and the tranquility of your surroundings.

The Electra nightclub is designed with a vibrant retro theme, the atmosphere is fun, lively and perfect for letting your hair down. Hosting early evening karaoke, private parties, a disco and the DJ's TV/radio show. Intermezzo is an exclusive cocktail and champagne bar located next to Arcadian Rhodes Restaurant.

The Cyb@Center is the onboard Internet Cafe. It is relaxed and informal place to surf the net, research your next port of call or send an e-card back home, this area is equipped with all the latest in technology including plasma screens.

The Oasis Spa will is the largest in the P&O fleet. Passengers can indulge in an array of treatments and the spa facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, a thermal suite and something called dry floatation. There is also an onboard gym with a great view over the bow. Available equipment includes exercise bikes, rowing machines, and running machines.

Passengers can choose from six dining options. The Meridian Restaurant is the main restaurant onboard and spans two decks. It features a galleried layout, refined decor and silver service. A six course menu featuring an eclectic range of traditionally British cuisine and other choices influenced from ideas around the globe.

The Orchid Restaurant offers a panoramic view, and a less formal atmosphere than the Meridian. The decor is contemporary and the menu can be described as an eclectic fusion of cuisine based upon Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indian influences. The Arcadian Rhodes extra-tariff restaurant is the creation of Gary Rhodes, one of Britain’s best known chefs.

The Belvedere food court offers informal dining around the clock. With a wide choice of menus from Oriental and Italian to bistro-style dishes and a delicatessen counter, this stylish and modern venue is the place to go for casual dining any time of the day or night. Light and airy, the décor has a soft, calm Japanese theme and is furnished with outside seating so you can opt to dine alfresco.

The Neptune Grill is a great place for relaxing and a casual pool side snack. Situated in a large sunbathing area, with a bar and an area set aside for the band, you’ll often be treated to some music on deck as you enjoy the laid-back atmosphere round the pool.

Caffè Vivo will take its cues from the warmth and vibrancy of the Mediterranean. Relax over a delectable cookie or pastry with a magazine, refresh your palate with a smoothie or freshly squeezed juice or opt for a lunchtime snack. With anything from salads and bagels, to crostini and noodles on the menu, Caffè Vivo is much more than a coffee bar.

As with other Vista-class ships Arcadia's cabins are spacious, well thought out and the majority have balconies.

Suites include two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed, bathroom with full-size jacuzzi bath, dual sink vanity unit, toilet and separate shower, wardrobes and drawer space, dressing area, butler service, three seater sofa, two chairs and table.

Mini Suite's contain two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed, bathroom with full-size jacuzzi bath, dual sink vanity unit, toilet and separate shower, wardrobes and drawer space, two seater sofa, two chairs and table, vanity unit/writing desk.

Balcony Staterooms contains two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed, bathroom with small bath, shower and toilet, wardrobes and drawer space, two seater sofa and table, vanity unit/writing desk, TV and radio, safe, hairdryer and refrigerator

Inside cabins have two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed, bathroom with small bath/ shower and toilet, wardrobes and drawer space, table,vanity/ writing desk, TV and radio, safe, hairdryer and refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities, direct dial telephone.

Even though Arcadia is a child-free ship, P&O is targeting a younger audience than the other ships in the fleet. As such her decor is less traditional and the onboard ambiance is less formal than onboard her fleetmates. Something she does share with the other P&O ships is that she is marketed to and attracts UK-based passengers. As you might expect, she will attract an older crowd on her longer itineraries since they are the ones who can afford the time and cost of such voyages. Your age of our fellow passengers will drop on the shorter cruises.

Arcadia sails on a diverse set of extended (7 to 15 day) itineraries year round. In the late summer she will visit the Atlantic Isles, Baltic, and Norwegian Fjords. In the early fall she will sail Mediterranean and for the winter she will cross over and begin operating on itineraries visiting islands in the Caribbean and Central America. She returns to Europe in the spring.

Arcadia is an interesting addition to the fleet. She is child-free, yet her decor and onboard experience has been designed to attract a younger crowd that P&O hopes will continue cruising with them for many years. As she is based on the Vista-design she is spacious and easy to get around. If you are looking for a comfortable change from mass-market cruising, Arcadia might just be the ship for you.