Arcadia Review

4.0 / 5.0
448 reviews

Perfect Introduction to Cruising and Guernsey

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Arcadia
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Poppet52
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Aug 2014

We joined the Arcadia at Southampton for our very first cruise. Embarkation was fairly swift, despite the long queues. Everyone was then directed to the Belvedere Restaurant for a buffet lunch, prior to the cabins being ready at 2pm. Plenty of time to explore Arcadia before we went to the cabin to unpack. The first night was a Black Tie evening and we eat in the Ocean Grill (Marco Pierre White) which was absolutely wonderful. The service was excellent despite one waiter saying it was an exceptionally busy evening doing almost 50% more covers than usual. The first night's entertainment was a Badness (Madness) tribute which although we weren't too keen on, others seemed to love. We had breakfast in the buffet Belvedere the next morning where there was a good choice of food, but we much preferred the service and quality of food in the Meredian Restaurant, where we had breakfast on the second morning.

The day we arrived in Guernsey (St Peter Port) the weather was lovely and there was a tender to the Port. We managed to get on an early one and were in St Peter Port by 08:30 am. The tenders dock very centrally and right on the edge of town. We didn't book any excursions, but visited Candie Gardens first which were lovely and very tranquil. There was a lovely restaurant/cafe up some steps near the Town Church with lovely views over the bay. Following a walk around the town (very pretty), we visited Hauteville House - the home of Victor Hugo during his exile. We had booked in advance for our one hour tour. If you don't book ahead there's every chance you won't get onto a group of 10 for each tour. Afterwards we strolled around the shops before heading back to the tender. A bit of a queue so best not to cut things too fine. The second evening was casual and we had a drinks in the Crows Nest which we loved, followed by a superb meal in the East Restaurant. Highly recommend both the speciality restaurants! We didn't book until we were onboard, but I believe there is a definite financial advantage to pre-booking as the cover charge is cheaper. The evening went far too quickly and before we knew it it was time to pack, sleep, early breakfast and vacate our cabins. We've now booked a cruise on Oriana in November to Portugal and Spain!

Cabin Review

We picked A173 which was a Deluxe Balcony Cabin on the bow/aft of the ship. It was a good size cabin. Balcony was a good size too with table and chairs. This cabin was under the Aquarius Deck where there is a pool and the Sailaway Parties took place. However, with the balcony doors closed you couldn't hear the music etc. From the balcony you could enjoy the sailaway music if you chose too. Not sure if you would hear the furniture around the pool being moved around in the early morning clean, but we never did, although we are fairly early risers. Bathrooms are generally fairly small, but ours had a bath with shower and curtain over. Toiletries from The White Company were lovely. Bed was a Queen Size and very comfortable. Plenty of wardrobe and drawers space and a safe.

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