Hit and miss

We have always wanted to sail on Arcadia so for our 35th wedding anniversary that is what we decided to do. We chose this particular cruise because it was a discovery cruise with new destinations we had not visited before and we were not disappointed. Embarkation went well, straight through and onboard in under 10 minutes ( probably because we were the last coach to arrive having been held up waiting for 2 passengers). Our aft facing cabin was very comfortable and was kept nice and clean by our cabin steward Ajay. Our only complaint about the cabin was the grubby glass on the balcony, it was in need of a good scrubbing not just a wipe over. We found the service in the MDR to be very slow and miserable, when asked for a table for two on our second visiit (and last) we were taken to a table for four, when this was queried the waiter turned and walked away leaving us standing there like lemons. When he returned he took us to another table for four but said we could have it for two?? Yes we were confused as well! The buffet was not much better. Food was ok depending on what you had but not always hot. Thank goodness for The Ocean Grill! Yes you had to pay a service charge but the food and the service was amazing. The entertainment was good, the Headliners were the best we have seen and the comedian Fogwell Flax was brilliant! Disembarkation is another story, it was an absolute shambles. They crammed too many people into the Meridian dining room, no numbers given out and we were held there for 1 1/2 hours - not good!!

Would I sail with P&O again - yes

Would I sail on Arcadia again - no, she is not the best ship on the fleet by far