Arcadia Review

4.0 / 5.0
448 reviews

Beautiful Arcadia in glorious Norway.

Review for Norwegian Fjords Cruise on Arcadia
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10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: May 2016
Flor & Fjaere gaarden at Stavanger
View of Alesund

We chose this cruise as we wanted to return to Norway, see the Art Deco town of Alesund & try Arcadia. The trip was excellent. There were no queues for embarkation when we arrived (2.20) and were on the ship within 10 minutes. The ship has recently been re-furbished and has an elegant feel. The three-tired theatre is particularly impressive and there are plenty of places to sit, drink and relax . Like Aurora, Arcadia has a skydome - so plenty of swimming opportunities if you don't want to use the main outside pool. The theatre company's shows were very good and we particularly liked the classical guitarist. Jacqui Scoot - a singer- had a good choice of programme - but we only went once, as the amplification was so loud it spoilt her excellent voice.Again the 2 female violinist amplification was too much and I wondered if they could play anything other than fast, loud music? However I'm sure that others will have enjoyed them.-Commentating on entertainment is probably a mine-field, as it is so much a persons individual preferences. We chose freedom dining (having done both previously) However this time it didn't seem to work as smoothly. On a couple of occasions there was a 15 minute queue before another 15 minute wait for a table ( & that wasn't waiting for a table for 2 - of which there are many more now) Staff were most apologetic and once in, the choice of menu was good, staff pleasant & attentive (they always seem to know when water/wine glasses are ready to be re-filed), we were neer rushed and vegetables were always hot - rather than luke warm (which we had on Queen Mary 2) We also tried Ocean Grill and Sindhu (2 speciality restaurants) - worth paying the cover charge. Delicious food, in lovely surroundings. As we had been on a previous cruise to Norway, we often went off the ship, exploring & doing our own thing. However would recommend the following:-(1) The Rauma Railway from Andalnes. This trip is 3 hours & goes one way on the train & the other by coach, so giving you the opportunity to stop and take photos of the magnificent scenery. We preferred this to the Flam railway. (2)The Flor & Fjaere garden (from Stavanger) A gardener's delight and you do need to go on an organised trip here if your departure time is before 6pm. See trip advisor for my detailed write up of all the ports visited. I think the only way to see the fjords really is by cruising and as we were ahead of our timing near Hellyst, the captain took us on an extra journey in the Geiranger fjord and turned the ship completely round so that passengers did not have to charge from one side of the ship to the other for photos of the various waterfalls. This was a treat, with clear blue skies, temperatures of 23 degrees and stricking scenery. Other very scenic trips include going to Mountt Dalsnibba; taking the venicular or cable car in Bergen and the Birksdal Glacier. Disembarkation was efficent & timings were kept to. Altogether and excellent holiday & we might even go again to Norway some time. Now looking forward to part of a world cruise segment next February on Aurora.

Cabin Review

Cabin Outside (obstructed view) NC

A spacious, recently re-decorate cabin, with settee, and plenty of hanging spaces. Although there were only bedside drawers - there wash plenty of shelving for shirts/jumpers etc .Very comfortable king-sized bed. Good to have a small sized bath with shower over - rather than just a shower. The usual range of toiletries and tea/coffee/biscuits frequently replenished.For the 1st time we thought we'd try on obstructed view and although the light was fine, and there was minimal noise on the one day of lowering the boats for tender, we like go back to either outside of balcony - although dearer.

Port Reviews

Southampton

Went straight to the dock, so did not look round Southampton

Bergen

It is easy to walk round the main part of Bergen from the ship.

Alesund

A lovely Art Deco town. You can buy a guide for 30 Norweign Krona(from the mshop - Apotekergata) which has pictures and a route covering the main buildings. I didn't think the cost of the museum was worth it, as art deco furniture/glass etc was limited and although the video of the fire was good, if you knew your history you didn't learn anything new. The town is very pleasant and there are a no. of walks

Trondheim

The shuttle bus dropped us outside the cathedral and the main sites are within a short walking distance. I think the cathedral is better from the outside than in and you might want to save the cost of the entrance fee. Again if you are used to walking there are a no. of sightseeing routes of various lengths you can do. Crossing the Nidela (river) using the old town bridge leads to an attractive area where you can see the riverfront warehouses and a collection of cafes.

Andalsnes

The port is close to the train & bus station. There is nothing much in the town so trip is best from this port. The Rauma Railway is an excellent excurison. Although you can do the train independently and it slows down in places for photo opportunities, our excursion involved one way by train & the other by coach, so you had the chance to stop (3 times) for photos. Definitely worth doing.

Geiranger

The journey up the fjord to Geiranger is beautiful and a trio up to Mount Dilsnibba (taken on a previous cruise) is well worth doing. The views and scenery are magnificent.

Olden

Just walked off the boat here. There is a walking route that takes you along the river and you can de-tour slightly to visit both the old and newer churches.Perhaps best to walk along the river 1st and return by the road rather than the other way round - which we did and found ourselves off the main track & had to scramble up a bank. Path often pebbly & grassy so be careful if it has been raining Otherwise very pleasant walk, with greemery and another small waterfall.

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