We departed Southampton for sunnier climes on Saturday 19 December.

Unfortunately P & O did not get the boarding right for priority pax and it was a complete shambles. They just hadn't taken account of the large number of suites on Arcadia as well as the larger than average number of Ligurian pax as it was a long Xmas cruise, and then the ship not being ready to board at the usual time. The priority area is quite small and probably only about 70 % of pax had a seat. Nowhere for wheelchair pax other than blocking the walkways. Apparently for all non priority pax. it worked perfectly fine.

Our cabin was a balcony cabin on B deck at the aft of the ship. These cabins have huge balconies and fantastic views of the wake and the ports as we leave them. Even though the balconies are large only standard furniture of 2 chairs, 1 footstool and small square coffee table are provided. Plenty of room for 2 sun loungers. We got plenty of sun on the balcony and I had taken a padded beach mat so that I could lie down in the sun instead of searching for a sun bed on deck. We spent many wonderful afternoons doing nothing but read and soak up the sun. Read more