Arcadia and world/extended cruises

[nain and taid]

We have just returned from Southampton to Mumbai on Arcadia, the first sector of the "grand tour" A word of warning for those planning an extended cruise on this ship. She was built for Caribbean/Mediterranean tours. A quick 7 or 14 days. She doesn't have adequate laundry facilities/washing machines or irons for the sort of washing needed for a 104 day cruise or even a half world. Nor is the library suitable for extended reading and lazing on deck. Far too small. The paperback exchange was virtually non-existant. And as a last observation, there is limited "public space" for sitting aroung on "inside" days, given that not every one wants to be in a pub or bar.

The pools are great, the theatre superb,the food appauling and the staff excellent. But the above niggles do impair the enjoyment of the trip.

[Nippy Sweetie]

Oh no! The food was appalling? Any details? Also how were the cabins? Sorry to hear that such a lovely long voyage was so disappointing

[Norfolk Brit]

Oh no! The food was appalling? Any details? Also how were the cabins? Sorry to hear that such a lovely long voyage was so disappointing

 

Yes, I noticed that too; the reports about dismal food seem to be filtering through now. Having been on Arcadia, I simply cannot imagine having to put up with the catering standards all the way from Mumbai to Southampton:eek:.

 

And before I am accused of being a picky Cunarder, or whatever, we've just returned from a Fred Olsen cruise, supposedly rated 3* against P&O's 4* rating. The food was excellent: not a frozen vegetable in sight, and they produced proper clotted cream unlike the synthetic abomination that is offered on Arcadia at afternoon tea.

 

Mary

[SeaMatesNYC]

Having been on Arcadia, I simply cannot imagine having to put up with the catering standards all the way from Mumbai to Southampton:eek:.

Mary

 

I am quite certain you would have led the mutiny if faced with a torture of such duration.:D

[Norfolk Brit]

I am quite certain you would have led the mutiny if faced with a torture of such duration.:D

 

Thank you, Michael. I think:D.

 

Mary

[nain and taid]

During the 18 nights of our cruise our table for 8 sent back at least one meal on 12 separate nights. Mostly it was cold, but the steaks were always over-cooked or under done. "Medium" ranged from rare to very well cooked. The plating up of the food meant that you had to accept what ever vegs were on your plate even if another meal on the same menu had different vegs which you may have preferred. Our waiter was very good at changing the plated menus, but it left us always eating very late and behind the other diners. The menus were another problem: most of the meals seemed to be "unusual" with odd meats and fish, and some very creative sauces!! You can't knock the choice but we seemed, as a table, to eat the "alternative" chicken and steak more often than not! And with only one veg served, some had withdrawal symptoms!!