cruiser1955

I've also done this but on a slightly larger helicopter than PrincessTB. The one I was on took 6 passengers, 1 in front and 5 in the back with one sitting in the middle, so no window seat. My trip flew quite a way up the volcano, over the airport and the town. In total about 50 minutes. You are allocated a time slot on the ship and the whole time is as PTB says, around 2½ hours. They want to give you some free time to buy the t-shirt, etc. They were quite strict about the passenger weight limit with each passenger being weighed. Not sure what would happen if over the weight limit, but on an American line who advertised the trip, they implied you would need 2 tickets.

The excursion tends to be popular and seems to sell out before the cruise departs, so would suggest you pre-book it if you really want to go. I enjoyed the trip and had some good photos, but there again, I was the lucky one who sat next to the pilot. Don't know if it still the same, but the helicopter used is an emergency one, so if it is needed, the flight may be cancelled.

It is worth pointing out that on formal nights the menu in the main restaurants is much better than other nights (fillet steak, lobster, etc).

Brian

A good point Brian. I had forgotten the improved menus on formal nights, certainly the last formal night is to a higher standard with the chefs parade.

Not sure how strictly they enforce the formal dress code on the Captains Welcome Aboard party as I tend to miss those these days. Happynutter - this is a sales opportunity for the photographers to take a photo of you with the captain (photo not compulsory) :)

Good grief I hope I am not being called the fashion police. It worries not a jot to me what others are wearing....

Not in any way was the term fashion police aimed at you - more as a warning to Happynutter that others may well come on to the thread to enforce their way of thinking or suggesting going on other lines if you don't want to do formal. Looks like we posted at similar times EL. I agree with you about what others are wearing - it's their holiday.

Thank you . Great to have clear advice. We can not wait. Hope you see this reply. Not sure how to reply with your remarks etc yet. Will get better. Promise lol

Just click on the quote button and it copies the remarks to a reply window where you can then add your comments.

Enjoy the cruise and have fun, but a word of warning - it becomes addictive:). It is just a great way to see the world be it sightseeing in Europe or lazing on a beach in the Caribbean.

If you enjoy Asian food, you may want to try Sindhu on Arcadia. It's not just the food but the presentation and service. Sometimes they open at lunch time with a sampler menu.

You will know for certain when you get on board. I would guess that it will be the 2nd or 3rd night and the 6th night if you have two. Formal nights are usually on sea days. 1st and last nights are casual to allow people to unpack and pack. You are asked to put you cases outside by 10pm on the last night unless you are carrying your cases off yourselves.

No problem in the buffet. Most nights they have a themed area set up, think Chinese, Indian, fish, etc in addition to the standard fare. Shouldn't be a problem going to the theatre either - it's only really the Crows Nest at the front of the ship, maybe the piano bar and main dining room that stick to the dress code. You won't be the only ones going casual - don't be put off by any comments from the dress police.

Arcadia is a great ship to do your first cruise on. Enjoy it.

Would get the 5% early booking discount and the 5% previous passenger but would not get the further 5% Peninsular discount which may be available on a small number of cruises.

Hi Alanxx

I agree with most of the comments made.

I haven't done a world or part of one on P&O but I have on Cunard. I did the whole 2013 voyage on QE and the ship was very British on the first leg to Fort Lauderdale where 1500 or so passengers got off. From there onwards, the ship did sway more to cater for the American market - especially entertainment wise. I guess this was only to be expected. However, to me, the speakers were not of the same level that you had on European cruises with Cunard. Also, the on board entertainment team were new on board at Southampton, so had not been able to rehearse the shows on the stage. Due to some rough weather, they were unable to rehearse, so many of the shows for the first couple of weeks were cancelled.

I was with some friends who were only on the first couple of legs and they felt that they were second class citizens, as things were organised for those on the whole cruise whereas those just doing a few segments were left out. It didn't help with Cunard setting up a concierge area in the Winter Garden on sea days with access restricted to those on the whole cruise.

As a result, I would probably not select Cunard for a partial world cruise. Just my feelings. I'm back on QE in December, so I still like the brand, just will be more cautious on the itinerary.

Arcadia, QE and QV are similar as has been said - never been in a suite or grill class stateroom so can't comment on those. Arcadia does have baths rather than showers in most of the cabins and the cabin layout is very similar on all 3 ships. Arcadia does have obstructed outside view cabins on E deck whereas these on Cunard are partially obstructed balcony cabins.

Plus for me with Arcadia is that I like the stern cabins and I can't have one on Cunard as they are grills grade. Another plus point is that the speciality restaurants to me give a better variety than the Verandah does - this I think is becoming a weak point on Cunard.

Cunard does score well for me in the brightness of many of the areas within the ship - Queens Room, shopping area. Also, the pub lunch makes a change - pity P&O doesn't offer food in the pub.

Arcadias theatre for me is a let down compared to the two Cunard ships - there are quite a few obstructed view seats.

At the end of the day, I would willingly travel on any of the three ships as they all have their own good and less good points. Main trouble these days is finding an itinerary that is a bit more varied from the usual run of the mill ones.

The address shareholderbenefits@carnivalukgroup.com only deals with P&O and Cunard.

Holland America have their own UK email address and accept email attachments - well they did last year when P&O weren't. Don't know about the other Carnival brands

Once they have a copy of your share certificate, no need to send copies with future requests as they have it on file. Just quote your share certificate number and cruise details.

It's been a good investment for me in that I've had over £3,000 in extra OBC and dividends.

topster5

D deck cabins are a bit like Marmite. They are great if the weather is bad or if it is very hot and sunny as you have a lot of protection. I went through the Bay of Biscay when the weather was bad and could use the balcony every day as it was protected from the weather.

Not on Arcadia, but I had a stern cabin on Celebrity Solstice (sunset balcony and now command a high premium) travelling east to west across the south of Australia - wish it could have been a cabin like those on D deck as it was so hot and the sun shined directly into the cabin - couldn't get the cabin below 30C even with the air-con on max. So, for me, an itinerary like the Suez would be better in a D deck cabin.

For itineraries where heat or strong sun is less of an issue, I'd go for one on decks A,B or C. I've booked October 18 on Arcadia to the Med and have gone for one I've had before on A deck.

At the end of the day, it's all down to personal preference.

We are also booked on the 35 nighter in Feb 2018 and this will be its last before it has a 16 day break, presumably for its next 5yr refit.

I hope this does not impact on the cruise, but we are certainly looking forward to this cruise after doing a 28 night one earlier this year.

I'm on the 35 night one as well. I was on Arcadia for the cruise before her last refit and that didn't have any impact on the cruise. It did mean though that disembarkation was very fast. I think she was on her way back down the Solent at 10am.

Hi Carole

Yes, it is a pity that Cunard put their three ships on "worldies". Unless long flights are done, it does mean choice in sailing from the UK is limited. My last two long haul flights were so tiring returning to the UK, that I decided this year to try Oceana and Ventura. So glad that I did include Ventura.

As you will see from the P&O forum, it isn't the same as the other lines you have tried but in my opinion it is worth trying. If you end up enjoying the brand, it can make winter holidays to the sun much easier. Dress code isn't as formal as Cunard but is more formal and adhered to than on Holland America based on the HA cruises I've done.

Enjoy reviewing your options

Hi Carole

Like you I have always preferred ships around the 2000 capacity. I've done around 200 days across all 3 Cunard ships and also a couple of cruises on HA's Zaandam.

I did a 35 night on Oceana last January and was disappointed with her. It was a Caribbean cruise to and from Southampton. To me, the ship did not roll smoothly - more of a judder. On the return to Southampton, there was an ex-Cunard deputy captain in charge and his comment on taking over was that he hoped we would hit fewer potholes on the way back :)

In March I was on Ventura and was impressed with the ship. The speciality restaurants are very good for me and certainly highlights an area that Cunard need to improve on. No problems at any of the ports with embarking/disembarking. The downside to me was, that compared to Cunard, the speakers were not as good - maybe just unlucky on that one.

I'll be on QE in December to the Canaries but also will be on Ventura in January going back to the Canaries.

If you decide on Ventura, have a look at the superior balcony cabins as that will give you a bit more room in the cabin but balconies are overlooked as are those on C deck but you do get a bit more sun on those compared to the higher decks.

Me too. My TA rang just after 9am and email confirmation from them as well. Stern cabin on Arcadia :)

At the present, you can only register an interest in the cruises. So, you don't get to see all cabin prices - this is what has happened in the past. You will have to wait until the cruises go on sale to see the various cabin grade prices. Based on previous years, prices shown at the moment do not include any discount.

Enjoy your next cruise on Arcadia Florry. I've got to wait another 6 weeks until I'm back on her.

I agree with Florry. The stern cabins are great. I've stayed in ones on A,B,C and D deck. D deck ones are good for potentially stormy weather - think Bay of Biscay in spring or late autumn as they provide a lot of cover but, as Florry says, it does make the cabin darker as they have massive covered balconies. Can't comment on noise levels for E deck but didn't notice any noise on decks A-D. As at the end of the ship, the corridor space is quieter than elsewhere as no passing traffic.

For a Baltic cruise though I would go for a starboard cabin as the scenery for me was a lot better than the view from the stern. I've had both types of cabin on Baltic cruises - one of my favourite itineraries. Starboard will also give you good views of the island of Kronshtadt about 20 minutes after departing St Petersburg.

Sindhu and the Ocean Grill are good alternatives to the MDR and they both have weekly menus. Plenty of bars with varying entertainment but the theatre does have some seats with obstructed views and the cinema only seats around 30 or so.

Of the 4 smaller P&O ships, Arcadia is my favourite but I haven't been on Aurora.

Silverhead

Are you talking about purchase of spirits from the on board shop? If so, can't help you there as I bought spirits, wine and beer ashore and there were no problems bringing it on board at any port. Even brought 9 bottles of wine on board at one call in New Zealand - well it was an excursion to 3 vineyards:) No issue in taking it straight to the cabin - a few bottles taken to the MDR and corkage paid.

Certainly no mention of a duty free limit on any of the six legs.

I have also found the new itineraries some days ago...

Are the rates per person or room for two persons?

Because more than 4000$ for 14 nights Norway/Iceland or Baltic are INSANE!! [emoji43][emoji43]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

The prices are the same in 2017 - circa £2800 per person for a balcony which is over $4000. It seems to be that where QE calls in to Hamburg or Rotterdam the prices are very high. Also, it seems that Cunard and P&O are reducing the number and length of cruises to the Baltic/Norway areas. Last couple of years I think there has been over supply as there have been some good deals. Not so this year.

They used to have three options.

Toad has described the first. I'd agree that it was fun but unlikely to do it again

There is/used to be Premium at around $150 and Prestige at $300 (both plus 15%) Both very rarely offered.

Haven't done the premium but I did treat myself to the prestige one. See below for details

Prestige Champagne Tasting - Queen Mary 2 - 1 January 2012

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose

Herb marinated loin of lamb with slow roasted peeled red bell pepper strips

Raw slices of tuna and salmon in wasabi Kikkoman dressing

Louis Roederer Cristal

Pan seared jumbo bay scallop with mango and pear compote

Smoked salmon tartare, pumpernickel, cucumber, sour cream, capers and dill

Pol Roger Winston Churchill

Warm lobster medallion with clarified butter infused with vanilla essence

Classical duck liver pate in orange compote with Cumberland glaze

Bollinger RD

Mixed wild mushroom Risotto folded with mascarpone cheese sprinkles and truffle shavings

Smoked duck breast on caramelized port wine, fresh figs and strawberry

Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon

A slice of brie on toast with pearl of cantaloupe and watermelon

Sushi rice stuffed with avocado, crab and cucumber rolled in Nori dry seaweed

1 oz ofCaviar with all the trimmings was also included

There were 10 guests and two bottles of each champagne were served. Lasted about 2 hours. Chefs did a wonderful job in matching the champagnes with the substantial hot and cold nibbles - dinner not really needed that evening.

An expensive treat but would do it again if available and a lovely way to spend the afternoon on New Years Day.

..........Great shame about Minerva II which was a Renaisance (R class) ship, That was the original Swan though, that had become linked to P&O and which had been taken over by the Carnival Corporation not long before our cruises in 2006. Carnival had made it known they do not 'do small' from the outset, so Swan with one small ship was destined to go. We experienced a 'crossing the line ceremony' as we sailed away from The Amazon and it was presided over by King Carnival and there were lots of jokes accordingly. The demise of Swan was already planned for the following April, so the staff had nothing to loose.

 

...........

Hi Barbara

I was also on this cruise. The crossing the line was the best I've ever done. At the time I thought that the officers probably wouldn't work for Carnival again :D

I've always wanted to return to Swan but when they restarted with Minerva, the prices for a solo were so high (never able to book one of the few single cabins) compared to Minerva II - spoilt with her. However, I've managed to get a good late booking for November and their Winter17/18 pre-release had an interesting "relocation" cruise with lots of sea days so have taken advantage of that. Both cruises with a zero single supplement :):):)

It will be interesting to see how they come up to my memories and it will be nice to be back on a small ship. One of the things that attracted me to Swan were their interesting destinations and visiting smaller ports. Glad to see that the November cruise is still calling in to Turkey and spending two nights in Istanbul. Main issue now is working out which of the excursions to book.

Hi RoyalScot

Single cabins have been introduced on some of the UK lines but I have found that it is usually cheaper to book a double cabin if you are not too concerned about cabin location (I'm not that keen on the single cabin locations) and pay the supplement. P&O usually charge 40-60% and Cunard 75% - both for grades up to and including balcony.

Over the last 12 months or so, for solo travellers, it has mainly been better to book the full fare with benefits rather than the saver fares. Late saver fares nearly always have 100% single supplements.

I started solo cruising at 42 and have now spent over 750 days at sea and have a further 140 booked:). Generally find that the UK based lines seem to do more for solos than Celebrity or Holland America but this may be due to itineraries.

A line that can offer some very good deals is Swan Hellenic but the ship only carries a max of 350 passengers. I've just booked 2 with them and no single supplement. One was a saver and the other was from their 2017/8 brochure which only came out today (an incredible price on a deluxe suite so treated myself). Prices can look high, but they include air fares, gratuities and many excursions so can work out at similar overall prices to those on P&O or Cunard.

I'm not going until 2018 on Ventura (18 months to go!) but P&O have already sent this out.

Previous cruises have all lead to very long queues with some taking over 7 hours to clear (Fort Lauderdale on Queen Elizabeth was worst).

I've done many cruises on QE, QV and P&O's Arcadia between October and March. All 3 ships handled the Bay of Biscay well. Rough weather on a few occasions - too rough to dock in the Azores or Cadiz.

Haven't been down as far as the Canaries before cutting across to the Caribbean but am doing the Canaries in early December.

Other side of the country :) but Cunard charged $68 for the transfer to Disney in Los Angeles. That was in 2013.