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P&O UK Arcadia Auckland to Sydney
This ship is midway through her annual World Cruise
A most enjoyable experience
What we did not like
Our cabin steward's housekeeping standard was a little dubious
The main dishes and sometimes deserts in the main restaurant were swimming in their respective gravy or sauces (serve it on the side!)
The food service staff in both the main restaurant and Arcadian Rhodes ( the onboard pay 15 pounds for dinner specialty restaurant operated by Gary Rhodes )need work.They were ok but not polished
The sofa in our cabin - unless you sat with a very stiff back it was very uncomfortable and needs two cushions
Tipping is still the old fashioned "money in envelope and hand to your waiting staff" its messy and uncomfortable charging your onboard account is so much easier
What we liked
The ship itself
The colour schemes on board, the feel onboard, very comfortable and elegant. Lots of browns and golds, lovely pieces of art and beautifully appointed public lounges Everywhere you sat you were near windows that connected you with the sea
There is also a large very popular english pub
Our cabin
A very comfortable DD grade outside cabin with a huge balcony and nice bathroom with a tub
The passengers
Being a world cruise and a very British ship we were expecting a lot of elderly British passengers Although we were probably the youngest onboard there were many people around our age and everyone we spoke to was delightful
Mainly middle class average Brits (and a lot of aussies as well) and a sprinkling of Americans There were a number of Aussies onboard who sailed from Sydney on Oriana 4 months ago then had two weeks in the UK for Christmas then have sailed all the way back onboard Arcadia The Aussies all preferred Oriana as the ships decor is more elegant in soft greens and there is a wonderful 4 story atrium Something missing on Arcadia is a wonderful atrium
What we loved
The onboard prices
The bar and wine prices are simply amazing! Martinis and cocktails were all under 3 pounds We had a delicious french chablis with dinner that cost 32 pounds
The average wine prices between 12 to 17 pounds a bottle and there is no 15% gratuity automatically added to the bar bill like most other cruise lines
Recognition
The ship was near full the wine waitress who served us in a full restaurant the first night and remembered our names the next day that was impressive
The bar staff who likewise remembered our drinks and our names and who all seemed genuinely pleased to see us each evening
A table for two for each meal nothing was a problem for the restaurant manager
We would have no hesitation in recommending P&O UK
Please note that P&O UK ships are vastly different and superior from P&O Australia
There were a small few niggles which we have mentioned but overall the
short cruise was a relaxing and restful way to cross the tasman and we would both feel very comfortable onboard Arcadia for a much longer sector
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