Fast Facts

Launched: 2005.

Tonnage: 83,781.

Number of passengers: 1,952 at double occupancy.

Crew: 880.

Staterooms: 976, with a high percentage boasting private balconies.

Where she cruises: Transatlantic crossings, the Caribbean, Northern Europe the Mediterranean and world cruises.

Overview

An adult haven at sea and custom built for the British market, Arcadia combines impressive big ship facilities with a relaxed atmosphere and stylish-yet-informal  surroundings. If you like the idea of a quiet, child-free cruise with sophistication and more than a dash of British tradition and lifestyle, this could be the ship for you.

Who Should Go?

Couples.

Things You Might Not Know

Arcadia has 3,000 works of art, and the on board currency is the British pound. During a major refit in late 2008, she had 34 new staterooms added. Also, thanks to its Bermudan registry, the captain can actually marry couples at sea.

Staterooms

There are seven basic types of accommodation on board, starting at the top with suites and mini-suites. Suites are very spacious at just under 48 square metres, and boast a bathroom with a full size whirlpool tub and dual vanity sinks. Special touches include butler service, a premier pamper pack, coffee machine and champagne and chocolates on arrival. Mini suites are about one-third smaller in size but come with similar perks. The decor overall is elegant with soft tones of blue, gold and cream.

There are three grades of outside staterooms, top of the list of which are deluxe staterooms with a balcony at 23.5 square metres. They can have twin or double beds, floor to ceiling glass sliding doors leading to the balcony, and perks include mineral water on arrival and a pamper pack. The decor is predominantly warm gold and cream with good use of mirrors to create a further sense of space. The other two categories of outside cabins don’t have balconies, some with obstructed views (caused by safety equipment). There are two types of inside cabins, large and standard.

Facilities and Entertainment

Arcadia has plenty of adult fun on offer, with a variety of bars and lounges, and facilities for entertainment and leisure. There is a three level Palladium Theatre for hosting major shows, The Crow’s Nest lounge and bar boasting views, The Globe for comedy and live music, a 30-seat cinema called The Screening Room, the Orchid Bar on the Sky Deck also boasting great views, and the British-style Rising Sun pub.

Fitness fanatics can work off their cruise food in the spacious gym while watching the ocean slip by, and if you fancy a spot of pampering, head for the Oasis Spa which boasts a hydropool and thermal suite. There are also two swimming pools on board for a cooling dip, one of which has a covered roof. There is also a program of special-interest classes, lectures and workshops covering topics such as life coaching and nutrition, but they attract  fee.

Dining

There is a two-level main dining room at the stern of the ship, which serves a variety of traditional British and international cuisine in a pleasant setting. Casual options include a poolside grill and an Italian style cafe. A major draw card, however, are the two alternative dining venues, in particular Arcadian Rhodes, hosted by the famous British TV chef, Gary Rhodes. Here, in a stylish environment,  guests can sample his inspired British cuisine from 15 GBP a person. The other alternative is Orchid Restaurant, a large space in which to enjoy Asian fusion cuisine at 10 GPB a person.

The Low Down

If you like the idea of a refined, middle-class British experience without children, Arcadia is worth considering. Although a large ship, there is enough space on board for it not to feel crowded, and plenty of grown up actives for guests to be as busy or not as they choose.

 

More information

Visit www.pocruises.com