Fans of the P&O Cruises ship Arcadia will be pleased to hear that she has just had a multi-million pound refit. The refurbishment took place in Hamburg at the Blohm+Voss shipyard.
I’ve acquired a number of exclusive photos taken on board in Hamburg and Southampton, after the refit work was completed.
Adult-only cruising
Launched in 2005, Arcadia is one of three adult-only ships in the P&O Cruises fleet. At almost 84,000 tonnes, she carries just over 2000 passengers to exotic destinations across the world.
I’m particularly fond of Arcadia because I worked on her twice. The first contract was very special because it was my one and only full World Cruise. For officers, the cabins have always been generously sized and her itineraries are always unusual and exciting.
Arcadia has always felt different to the other ships in the fleet. A number of pros and cons have helped give her that unique quality. Personally, I’ve always thought that her theatre is one of the most impressive that I’ve seen on a ship. The Aquarius Bar is still one of my favourite bars at sea, with its perfect balance of undercover and exposed outdoor space. The views from the Sindhu restaurant are superb and the glass passenger lifts are always fun to travel in.
However, the Atrium has always been a talking point for all the wrong reasons. Its closed-in feel makes the ship feel like it lacks that central compass point that it should have.
The colour scheme can sometimes seem dark and oppressive, with muted blues and greys adorning the public areas. But these are minor negatives for a ship that has a consistently loyal following.
What to expect post-refit
P&O Cruises claim they have listened to guest feedback when planning the refurbishments on board. The company used RPW Design to implement the interior changes, which include new carpets and furniture, fixture and fitting upgrades and fresh colour schemes.
Cabins
Whilst the cabins have seen a general sprucing up, it’s the suites that have really benefited from the refit. An elegant new design scheme has been introduced, aimed at creating an inviting ambience whilst reflecting the ship’s journey. New furniture has further improved the standard of Arcadia’s suites.
Public areas
As you can see from these photos, there have been quite a few changes to the public areas. The furniture in the Aquarius Pool and Bar area has been updated and a brighter new colour scheme is now in place. The Atrium, Piano Bar and Intermezzo have all had new furniture and carpet installed. The Oasis Spa has also had an update with new armchairs, carpets and loungers, which help to enhance the sense of relaxation.
Arcadia returned to Southampton on 15th November, when she embarked on her first post-refit cruise to Belgium. She’ll sail to the Caribbean for a 24 night cruise on 22nd November, before setting off on her 99 night World Cruise in January 2018.
You can find out more information about Arcadia via the P&O Cruises website.
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We cruised on Arcadia before the 2017 and found our Balcony cabin on E deck to be very shabby like a 2 star hotel. Has the refurbishment extended to sprucing up E deck cabins I wonder?
Hi Alan. My understanding is that the carpets have been replaced in all E deck cabins and corridors. Hope this helps.
We cruised from Dubia back to Southampton and we were in Cabin B131 which had a very bad smell problem and we were unable to use the balcony due to sewage smell
Has this problem been sorted
We loved the Arcacaia but found she was getting tiered
Please tell me she is once more a happy ship 🚢
We hope to board her again in Dubia in 20.18
Hello. I can’t comment on the sewage smell, as this is not information I am privy to. I do know that they have replaced a lot of the furniture and carpets in most of the cabins. I have heard very positive things from friends on board Arcadia at the moment, so hopefully you will have a more positive experience next time you sail on her. You may be interested to read some of the port guides from Arcadia’s port presenter Sam Whiteside. He will be on board for the duration of the 2018 World Cruise.
This will be my first cruise with Arcadia. The photos of the ship look very nice, but I love dancing and disco dancing so are there any dance floors on the ship please thankyou .
Also I was told I could take a 1ltr bottle on board that I can drink in my room is that true,
Also what are the prices of wine etc thankyou.
Kindest Regards Mrs J Walker
Hi we have stayed on Arcadia several times now with out son who has his own cabin.Can you tell me has cabins E 80 & E90 been refurbished ? I understand that they have new carpets.If not what cabins have? Again if not why do they do some & not others,as surely they should all benefit.
Hi Brenda,
I am unable to tell you whether those cabins have been refurbished as I’ve not been told which cabins had a refit. You might be best phoning P&O Cruises and asking them directly. I also can’t comment on the cruise line’s decision to refurbish some cabins and not others I’m afraid.
Anna.
just returned from most enjoyable cruise on the Arcadia. I loved the chairs in the Belvedere restauarant and would like similar for my kitchen. do you know who manufactured them and how I can contact them?
Hi Sue,
I’m afraid I can’t answer that one as I don’t know who manufactured them. You might be best contacting the cruise line direct.
Anna.
hi we are going the arcadia in 2022 we have booked outside cabin 71 e deck we know its obstructed
with life boats but some just look like they have rigging equipment can you tell weather 71 has a lifeboat outside or just the rigging equipment thank you. Thomas