Iona to the Fjords just got home

[zap99]

49 minutes ago, DamianG said:

 

Arcadia: Entered service 2005, has had a few refits since then but by all accounts looking a bit dated now,

 

A bit like some of the formal wear you see.🤣

[DamianG]

12 minutes ago, zap99 said:

A bit like some of the formal wear you see.🤣

Including my tuxedo 😂

[Son of Anarchy]

1 minute ago, purplesea said:

Thank you for the summing up of Arcadia.

I have sail on all the ships in the fleet with the exception of Arcadia and Aurora. I have booked a cruise on her for later on in the year, and was wondering what it would be like in comparison with the others. 

Was on Arcadia for this year's Worldie.  Thought I would just chip in a couple of thoughts.

 

Cabin:  A bit dated, and dare I say tired in some respects.  Had a bit of an issue with the toilet intermittently not flushing, which continued throughout the cruise.  Staff came along and sorted it promptly.  Other than those comments everything fine with the cabin.  Decent size balconies.

 

MDR: Early sitting was at 1815, a tad earlier than the expected 1830.  That said, some people (not us) regularly wandered in at 1830.  Menus were a bit samey compared to the 2 months of P & O cruising we'd done in 2023, which we expected.  Still a good dining experience though.

 

Sindhu & Ocean Grill:  Had a lunch in Sindhu which was fine.  One dinner OG. Didn't bother again.  Service was great, the food not so, not really worth the extra money over the MDR for a return visit.  One dinner in Sindhu.  Great starter, let down by a bland duck main.  Well cooked but lacking spices.  TBH we thought the food in the Indian themed buffet was better.  All subjective of course, and galley teams change.  Just wasn't for us with the experiences we had.

 

Glass House pop up:  Did that once for lunch.  Great.  Much better than the other two.  Didn't do it again as the menu never changed and sufficient other choices in either the MDR or buffet.

 

Buffet: In the evenings they usually had a live cooking station special.  Sometimes the wait times for that could be quite long (25 minutes once for chicken fajitas!).  No pizzeria at the grill area.  

 

Entertainment:  Pulse were great, have all gone their separate way no though.  Entertainment team were only ok.  Our perception was that the ents manager wasn't that great, which spread to the rest of the team.  Apart from Martyn who was very pro-active.  Several of the classical recitals were held in the Crows Nest which was a really nice touch, especially if going prior to dinner.

 

Bars: Spent a lot time (and money!) in the Crows Nest and Rising Sun.  Spinnaker was nice as well for a quiet afternoon or pre-dinner drink.  Can't remember the name of the atrium bar, but that was good as well, with the music from either the busker or duo most evenings.  Drinks menu in the Globe was a bit limited regarding beers, and most staff wouldn't pop into The Rising Sun to oblige.  Apart from Suthide - thank you!  

 

Hope you have an enjoyable time on Arcadia as we did.

[Windsurfboy]

14 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

What kind of holiday can you compare sharing tables with others and eating at the same time at fixed times every night in the same place to?

 

Where does this happen nowadays in the modern world apart from  on the more old fashioned cruise ships?

 

It does happen on escorted coach trips. And it does happen on Warner holidays I believe? (Not sure on the sharing tables bit)

 

But where else would you get this?

 

As for dinner jacket dining maybe once a year at a New Year's Eve event? Or maybe a summer ball?

 

Dresscodes have become more relaxed pretty much everywhere in the modern world?

 

 

 

 

 

You seem to think sharing tables is somewhat old fashioned or down market.  My first cruise  was  sharing  tables  on P&O great companions. Apart from 2021 just after covid have always shared on Cunard QG, by choice.

 

But I presume we are old fashioned and like talking to people and getting to know them.

 

We could be modern and sit on a table for 2 staring at our phones and not talking. 😴

[lincslady]

The only problem with sharing fixed tables if you have not met anyone else before, and find all/some of them not much fun to spend dinner time with.  It is then either lump it or ask to be moved, which is  obviously embarrassing.  We had to do that once, and it was just another couple who had  nothing at all to say, but wanted us to talk to them, which got tiring and wearing after a couple of nights.  DH said we must ask to move, and reluctantly did, but felt bad for them - then to a table full of older single American ladies, which he enjoyed hugely.  It was quite a long cruise, so did make a big difference.  But I still felt a heel.

[zap99]

14 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Warner holidays aren't as cheap as they used to be either!!

A Warner break is about £100-150 pppn. About the same as a balcony cabin on P&O. I don't know how that compares to a cheap inside cabin. I'm not in that demographic. 🤣

[Red Leicester]

Certainly heard about people getting bargain basement fares and then going all out to get premium treatment and working their way via managers to get their own tables for two.

 

It is an odd thing to do though, mixed tables.  You don't do it in a normal restaurant.  On my train journey into work people go out their way to avoid sitting next to someone until every single seat is taken.  Some would rather stand.  And on 3+2 seating that middle seat...  It's another change in society I think.  As I said up above those we recruit now won't make phone calls.  They do everything but.  No-one asks me for contact details of anyone anymore as I only hand out the phone number.  

I'm unsociable. I always have been, that's just me.  On Iona I can be a small fish in a big pond and hide.  That said I am a thoroughly decent chap and if someone speaks with me I'll speak back.

Edited May 27 by Red Leicester

[Interestedcruisefan]

43 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

 

You seem to think sharing tables is somewhat old fashioned or down market.

Definitely not down market

 

But very rare nowadays anywhere other than cruises or balls or sports hospitality. When normally you would be on tables or 10 with people you've chosen to be with

 

We've done it in the past on cruises when there was no choice. Sometimes enjoyed it and sometimes didnt.

 

But when cruises began it was the only way they could offer served dining to so many guests 

 

All eating together at the same time

 

100 per cent it would deter many younger demographics booking cruises. I remember when we knew we had to do it we were apprehensive

 

Now it's a choice

 

And when you go on the big ships and you go into MDRS you can easily see by choice that most people decline to share

 

There are still large tables but mostly 2s or 4s and even on the larger tables they aren't all sharing meals with others.

 

Many larger tables are only sharing them with family groups cruising together 

 

Using phones on dining tables I don't like. But it's very much not confined to small tables

 

We manage fundraising at Hospitality events

 

Walking round the tables of 10  and more often than not more than half the guests are looking at their phones

 

That's just life in general. Nothing to do with cruising

 

Cruises have to move with the times to win new customers and have to give them choices they want

 

Or they won't win the new customers

 

There's a choice now (on the bigger, modern ships at least)

 

Edited May 27 by Interestedcruisefan

[Interestedcruisefan]

20 minutes ago, Red Leicester said:

Certainly heard about people getting bargain basement fares and then going all out to get premium treatment and working their way via managers to get their own tables for two.

 

It is an odd thing to do though, mixed tables.  You don't do it in a normal restaurant.  On my train journey into work people go out their way to avoid sitting next to someone until every single seat is taken.  Some would rather stand.  And on 3+2 seating that middle seat...  It's another change in society I think.  As I said up above those we recruit now won't make phone calls.  They do everything but.  No-one asks me for contact details of anyone anymore as I only hand out the phone number.  

I'm unsociable. I always have been, that's just me.  On Iona I can be a small fish in a big pond and hide.  That said I am a thoroughly decent chap and if someone speak with me I'll speak back.

So true - your observation re trains

[Red Leicester]

And if conversations on mixed tables go the way of some threads on here it would be a frosty week or two's evenings.  Hmmmmm, that's how I get my table for two...

[purplesea]

1 hour ago, Son of Anarchy said:

Was on Arcadia for this year's Worldie.  Thought I would just chip in a couple of thoughts.

 

Cabin:  A bit dated, and dare I say tired in some respects.  Had a bit of an issue with the toilet intermittently not flushing, which continued throughout the cruise.  Staff came along and sorted it promptly.  Other than those comments everything fine with the cabin.  Decent size balconies.

 

MDR: Early sitting was at 1815, a tad earlier than the expected 1830.  That said, some people (not us) regularly wandered in at 1830.  Menus were a bit samey compared to the 2 months of P & O cruising we'd done in 2023, which we expected.  Still a good dining experience though.

 

Sindhu & Ocean Grill:  Had a lunch in Sindhu which was fine.  One dinner OG. Didn't bother again.  Service was great, the food not so, not really worth the extra money over the MDR for a return visit.  One dinner in Sindhu.  Great starter, let down by a bland duck main.  Well cooked but lacking spices.  TBH we thought the food in the Indian themed buffet was better.  All subjective of course, and galley teams change.  Just wasn't for us with the experiences we had.

 

Glass House pop up:  Did that once for lunch.  Great.  Much better than the other two.  Didn't do it again as the menu never changed and sufficient other choices in either the MDR or buffet.

 

Buffet: In the evenings they usually had a live cooking station special.  Sometimes the wait times for that could be quite long (25 minutes once for chicken fajitas!).  No pizzeria at the grill area.  

 

Entertainment:  Pulse were great, have all gone their separate way no though.  Entertainment team were only ok.  Our perception was that the ents manager wasn't that great, which spread to the rest of the team.  Apart from Martyn who was very pro-active.  Several of the classical recitals were held in the Crows Nest which was a really nice touch, especially if going prior to dinner.

 

Bars: Spent a lot time (and money!) in the Crows Nest and Rising Sun.  Spinnaker was nice as well for a quiet afternoon or pre-dinner drink.  Can't remember the name of the atrium bar, but that was good as well, with the music from either the busker or duo most evenings.  Drinks menu in the Globe was a bit limited regarding beers, and most staff wouldn't pop into The Rising Sun to oblige.  Apart from Suthide - thank you!  

 

Hope you have an enjoyable time on Arcadia as we did.

Thank you I am sure we will. 

Arcadia is due back from a refit three days before we board.

[zap99]

7 minutes ago, Red Leicester said:

And if conversations on mixed tables go the way of some threads on here it would be a frosty week or two's evenings.  Hmmmmm, that's how I get my table for two...

Perhaps P&O should do demographic analysis of their guests and  apply that, through an algorithm to their guests. That way they could avoid us ' Warners holidays crowd ' being seated with civilised folk, who are Cunard Queens Grill, of first class people.

[Red Leicester]

I'd be allocated the buffet or pool grill.  And I'd be happy.

 

Or it would end up like most reality TV shows, not that I watch.

Contestant Number 1 is Red Leicester, they like Grand Theft Auto games.

Contestant Number 2 is Double Gloucester.  They get on with anyone except those who play Grand Theft Auto.

Edited May 27 by Red Leicester

[Megabear2]

1 hour ago, zap99 said:

Perhaps P&O should do demographic analysis of their guests and  apply that, through an algorithm to their guests. That way they could avoid us ' Warners holidays crowd ' being seated with civilised folk, who are Cunard Queens Grill, of first class people.

Nowt wrong with the Grills Zap, they share tables too so are down with the likes of us.

[zap99]

6 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Nowt wrong with the Grills Zap, they share tables too so are down with the likes of us.

Very kind of you MB, but I associate you with the toffs, not commoners like what we are.🤣🤣

[Megabear2]

3 minutes ago, zap99 said:

Very kind of you MB, but I associate you with the toffs, not commoners like what we are.🤣🤣

Wot me, I come from a two up two down railway cottage with an outside bog and a tin bath.

 

I'm the irritating little fly they're not quite sure how to swat away.  

 

Down here in the cheap seats I'm currently using my Labour Party membership card to keep the lights on!

Edited May 27 by Megabear2

[Winifred 22]

2 hours ago, Red Leicester said:

Certainly heard about people getting bargain basement fares and then going all out to get premium treatment and working their way via managers to get their own tables for two.

 

It is an odd thing to do though, mixed tables.  You don't do it in a normal restaurant.  On my train journey into work people go out their way to avoid sitting next to someone until every single seat is taken.  Some would rather stand.  And on 3+2 seating that middle seat...  It's another change in society I think.  As I said up above those we recruit now won't make phone calls.  They do everything but.  No-one asks me for contact details of anyone anymore as I only hand out the phone number.  

I'm unsociable. I always have been, that's just me.  On Iona I can be a small fish in a big pond and hide.  That said I am a thoroughly decent chap and if someone speaks with me I'll speak back.

I buy a first class train ticket so I know I will get a seat  to myself. Hate sharing. Would not share a table in MDR. If my request for a solo table could not be met I would go to the buffet. My two  daughters and their partners would hate to share and ask for a table  for 2. 

[zap99]

18 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Wot me, I come from a two up two down railway cottage with an outside bog and a tin bath.

 

I'm the irritating little fly they're not quite sure how to swat away.  

 

Down here in the cheap seats I'm currently using my Labour Party membership card to keep the lights on!

I know that background.  I attended some EU technical committee meetings. I got expenses back from Dti. I showed DW the form. It said status at meeting ' principle UK expert ' she said she didn't know the country was in that much of mess. I remember that when folk tell me how important they are....wrong demographic Gromit. 🤣

[Megabear2]

7 minutes ago, Winifred 22 said:

I buy a first class train ticket so I know I will get a seat  to myself. Hate sharing. Would not share a table in MDR. If my request for a solo table could not be met I would go to the buffet. My two  daughters and their partners would hate to share and ask for a table  for 2. 

We're all different. I love interaction with people, happily chat to anyone on buses, trains, airplanes and cruise ships.  I commuted to London for 40 years and the journey was the adventure, people watching etc.  On my 8 year commute from Salisbury to Waterloo we had a travel club of commuters, same carriage everyday, parties for birthdays and Christmas. I'm so lucky to count many friends as people I met on trains and cruise ships.

 

I am an only child and spent a lonely childhood from 11 when I spent a year in hospital and all my friends moved on.  It makes a big difference. 

[zap99]

12 minutes ago, Winifred 22 said:

I buy a first class train ticket so I know I will get a seat  to myself. Hate sharing. Would not share a table in MDR. If my request for a solo table could not be met I would go to the buffet. My two  daughters and their partners would hate to share and ask for a table  for 2. 

I pay extra to ensure we sit together on flights £50 a seat. DW logs back on and pays £50 to sit somewhere else.

[Red Leicester]

Generally on trains you pay for travel, not for seats.  Ironically the cheapest tickets, those in advanced, give you a mandatory seat reservation.  The walk up fares do not.  Go figure.

 

Nothing worse that not knowingly taking someone's usual seat on the train and spending 45 mins having daggers aimed at you.  Personally, like my cruises, my commute is my time and I don't want to be disturbed.  Occasionally a colleague will jump on part way which is highly irritating.  There is also one person who is sporadic on my commute that has some irritating habits, if I see them I make a beeline for the next car.

 

Only once, on Arcadia, did I regularly bump into someone on a cruise who was so loud and annoying I would walk out the bar and head somewhere else if I spotted them.

 

It's good to be different, if we were all the same life would be boring.

[Winifred 22]

44 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

We're all different. I love interaction with people, happily chat to anyone on buses, trains, airplanes and cruise ships.  I commuted to London for 40 years and the journey was the adventure, people watching etc.  On my 8 year commute from Salisbury to Waterloo we had a travel club of commuters, same carriage everyday, parties for birthdays and Christmas. I'm so lucky to count many friends as people I met on trains and cruise ships.

 

I am an only child and spent a lonely childhood from 11 when I spent a year in hospital and all my friends moved on.  It makes a big difference. 

I too am an only child I think that’s what makes me so independent. I have also had a career involving constant interaction with children and adults. Now I am retired I am happy to take a back seat and just people watch from a distance. That’s why I think cruising is such a great experience for me. I have never once felt lonely or  bored onboard. If I really wanted to meet people I am sure I could find opportunities but for the moment I am happy to do my own thing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Megabear2]

18 minutes ago, Winifred 22 said:

I too am an only child I think that’s what makes me so independent. I have also had a career involving constant interaction with children and adults. Now I am retired I am happy to take a back seat and just people watch from a distance. That’s why I think cruising is such a great experience for me. I have never once felt lonely or  bored onboard. If I really wanted to meet people I am sure I could find opportunities but for the moment I am happy to do my own thing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's nice you are happy to be able to do that.  Myself I'm the complete opposite.  Being in isolation for six months at a landmark age makes you appreciate human contact I found.

 

At home I'm more than content to be alone but once outside the door I like to talk to people.

 

One of the reasons I disliked Arvia so much was the lack of interaction with other guests.  As you know I was quite upset on boarding Queen Anne because they wanted me to dine alone. I'm sure others would thrive on that, it just made me miserable.  I've just had my diamond lunch and dined alone. The food was great but I didn't enjoy the experience.  

 

Now I've got great table companions, met some fabulous Americans from New York who I now breakfast with and life is great on the dining front.

 

P&O on the other hand always make me share if I used the app and walk ups for breakfast on the other ships they really don't like giving up a two top if they can help it.

Edited May 27 by Megabear2

[Winifred 22]

Oh I am sorry your Diamond lunch was disappointing . Where did you go ? Can we go anywhere ? I wouldn’t like some of the other restaurants and am happy with Verandah as an option on the others.  Glad you are enjoying the  MDR dining experience on Queen Anne and sounds like you have met some pleasant friends. I only go with P &O once a year and nothing currently booked. Had no problems on Britannia with a table for one at breakfast and the odd lunch last May and was fixed late in the evening. 

[Dermotsgirl]

20 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

 

 

Absolutely nothing wrong with those choices but that type of cruising would be something to appeal to Warner holiday demographics or escorted coach holiday demographics (again great holidays for those demographics)

 

 

 

 

I've fully embraced Warners as my main holiday choice, and I'm not a crusty old cruiser, wedded to how 'it was done' 25 years ago.

 

Warner's have sucessfully managed to appeal to a wide range of adults aged approx 45 and above. The mid week breaks tend to be a bit quieter as its mainly the retired crowd, but the weekends, especially the festivals are far from the 80+ elderly crowd that you seem to be imagining.  Even the mid-week breaks can be lively - last Tuesday I was in a conga line with a Boy George tribute act, singing 'Church of the Poison Mind'. Something I've never done on a cruise ship!