It was a delight to be back on Arcadia, after five years we had missed her.
Comments on Facebook suggested that Arcadia was dowdy, worn out and poorly maintained worried me.
However, this was not true.
She is not spanking new like Iona and Arvia but neither is she massive and impersonal.
Arcadia is a bright, comfortable and friendly ship.
She is easy to get around and get to know crew and fellow passengers.
She has had extensive refurbishment since our last cruise on her making more comfortable particularly on the open decks.
The entertainment staff worked hard to please all kinds of tastes as didn’the catering department.
Quizzes, deck games, films, excellent speakers and dancing on sea days were available to keep us busy.
The evening entertainment was excellent.
In particular, the Arcadia band gave great jazz in the Crows Nest.
Guest musicians gave pre-dinner recitals.
The professional dancers are raved about.
The food is a very British kind of taste, with flashes of Indo/European style.
I do wish they would use more garlic though and perhaps fewer beans.
(Moan over).
The experimental Glasshouse was short lived due to other problems.
(More later).
There was always a sun bed to be found although on sea days this maybe on the top deck but the waiters wonder around asking if you would like a drink.
Maybe not as often on the top deck.
There was an issue with gastroenteritis which caused queues in the buffet for hand washing and food gathering especially as the trays have been removed.
(Apparently people waste less food this way).
It didn’t bother us much as mostly we ate in the main dining room but it annoyed some folk and we missed the Glasshouse.
It was an excellent cruise never the less, and consequently we have booked to go off to the Greek islands on her.
I am looking forwards to the results of the next refit which I understand is late in 2023.
Maybe there will be a permanent Glasshouse.
Love you Arcadia.
So looking forward to seeing you next time.
