Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

Reports about cruises on Arcadia

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bellybee
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Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#1

Post by bellybee »

I am sorry I realise this is probably way too detailed but please find my first days report below. I will add more as I get it typed up.

Holiday Diary

15 June 2013
Today we will be staying in a premier inn before our cruise. Got up very very early and had a bath at home as I was so excited and it was far to early to leave. Went on the internet for a bit whilst Dan got ready. I rang my sister and mum for chat for a while.

Then after everything was ready there was nothing else to do so we decided to leave early. I am glad we did as we got about 5 minutes from home (Tilbury) and they were building a new bridge and we were stuck in traffic for over one hour. Whilst we were waiting I read one of the books on my kindle aloud so Dan didn't go nuts with boredom and then we finally got moving again.

We got to Southampton around 15.30pm about 2 hours later than it should have been and after a bit of a nightmare navigating around the town found the place to park. We parked in the multi storey and walked over to the premier inn. We were greeted by a nice friendly staff member who showed us the automated system and validated our parking.

We went to the room had a quick look around and were pleasantly surprised with how nicely appointed it was. By this point we were starving and hot and bothered so we dumped everything and walked over to the West Quay shopping centre and headed to the food court.

We went to Ed's easy diner and although it was a pleasant enough meal it was also very expensive at £25 for 2 burgers and fries and sprites may have been better off with macdonalds lol. We went to M&S to get some snacks for the evening before walking back over to the premier inn.

I took full advantage of their lovely shower and radox shower gel and then we watched a film on telly. After that we went to sleep almost as excited as at Christmas Eve.

16 June 2013

Woke up early again today excited and nervous (not sure why I was nervous) we went down to breakfast nice and early in case it would get busy with more cruisers. The breakfast at the Premier Inn was delicious with costa coffee and the nicest fried eggs I have ever had.

We went back to the room I had another shower and watched top gear really trying to waste time so we aren't ridiculously early. We left a bit early to make sure we could find the car. We had packed up our hand luggage from the hotel and stuck a luggage tag on it so we didnt have to carry anything.

We found the car and set off around 10.40 bur we didn't have a clue which Dock Gate to head to and P&O's instruction were less than useless so we ended up getting pretty lost. It was only when we drove past the Arcadia we discovered roughly what way to go.

We found the CPS parking service and from there it was all very smooth. They took the car and gave us a ticket and someone else got all of the luggage out and whisked it away. We went into the embarkation hall and there was a very short queue to show our passports have photos taken and fill in a brief health questionnaire.

After that we went through security (a longer line) and got a quick snap before getting on and a little ticket to tell us when to board. We both used the facilities and waited. It was quite cool as it looked like there was a free magazine and newspaper rack where people were getting handfuls before boarding but this was whisked away before we boarded maybe it was only for VIP's lol.

We were on the ship and in the buffet by 11.57am, Dan got a tea and made some phone calls whilst I grabbed some food. I got Chicken and Mushroom pie and chips and a profiterole pudding.
Dan had veggie chow mein and fried rice.
I went back for some cheese and crackers by this time the buffet was getting very crowded and a lady and her carer came and sat with us.

After I finished eating we decided to go for a wander and we saw the neptune pool and spa, then walked around some of the decks. Then we made our way to the crows nest where I ordered a cocktail of the day and Dan had a beer. Just as our drinks arrived a message came to say the cabins were ready so we quickly finished our drinks and headed down.

Our room was nice it was a comfortable size (we were in A144) it is an inside cabin at the back of the ship. We had a little nose about and our room steward Savio came and introduced himself and told us how to get in touch if we needed him. I asked how long for our cases and he said it could take some time but if we wanted to check the lobby we could get them ourselves so we went off and found them and unpacked.

Keeping an eye on the time to make sure we got to the safety drill I had another shower and then we got ready for the drill. We went down (very slowly down 6 floors) and it was all fine and then we quickly chucked lifejackets on bed and headed up to our very first sailaway. We were there in good time and scoped out a nice place to watch everything from it was at the Aquarius pool (which I will now call our pool as it was directly above our room lol)

We enjoyed the music and the sailaway and took lots of photos and waved goodbye to Southampton. We then headed back to our room to get ready for dinner (was casual for first night) and we had a letter saying unfortunately that they couldnt meet our request for a table for 2 but we had a table for 4 instead. We toyed with asking for a larger table (in case we didn’t like our dinner mates) but in the end we left it.

We went down to dinner and met the other couple we would be eating with called Derek and Sandra and we hit it off right away, bonding over our love of bargains and our crazy cats.
To start Dan and I both had prawn cocktail, then both had pork and stuffing for the mains and I had Valhorna Chocolate Pot and Dan had Mango Sorbet for afters.
The meal and the company was really lovely and we met our waiters Sydney and Haresh.

We went down to the Palladium Theatre for the Welcome Aboard Show after dinner and we had a lovely couch with a table and each had a cocktail of the day.

The show was really just a quick welcome to the entertainment team and to tell us what was coming up. After we popped to the Casino and quickly tried out the slot machines and headed back to our room to check out the Horizon Newsletter for tomorrow.

At about 10.30pm I wanted to check out the view and so we went to the Aquarias pool with some chips and cookies from the buffet and snuggled up on one of their large couches (just a shame they don't have blankets or I would have lived there). It took us a while to get used to the motion and get to sleep when we went back to our room.

The only other issue with our room is being inside you have no idea what time it is or what the weathers like anything we would like something with some outside access next time.

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Silver_Shiney
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#2

Post by Silver_Shiney »

Great report, Bellybee, looking forward to the rest!
Alan

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Suekersh
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#3

Post by Suekersh »

Yes great. More please.

Sue

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Manoverboard
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#4

Post by Manoverboard »

:clap:

Thank you, it is always so refreshing to read a report from a first time cruiser.

ps ... NEXT !!
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being

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jay-ell71
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#5

Post by jay-ell71 »

Next........! Keep them coming BB. I am visualising your every move.
Jay


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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#6

Post by welshynurse »

This is great BB - can never have too much detail! Looking forward to part 2 :)


arcadialover
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#7

Post by arcadialover »

Great review, can't wait for the next bit. I always love the excitement of reading reviews from a new cruiser.

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Belle53
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#8

Post by Belle53 »

Great report, love the details feels like I'm there with you, makes really good reading. I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the cruise.

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oldbluefox
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#9

Post by oldbluefox »

I always enjoy reading the impressions of a first time cruiser. Looking forward to the next instalment.

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Jean W
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#10

Post by Jean W »

Well done BB :clap: Really looking forward to the next instalment :)


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bellybee
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#11

Post by bellybee »

Thanks for all your comments I have done our first full day. More will come should be done by end of the week
17 June 2013
I got up early today and felt a bit disorientated, I went to see if I could get a picture of a sunrise. It was not easy and it was very cold outside so I went back to bed. We eventually got up at 7.30am and went to the buffet for breakfast. We both had a fry up and Dan had a waffle and I had pancakes. Breakfast at the buffet was disappointing and we will try the restaurant next time.

We went to sit outside for a little while but it still wasn't warm we headed back to our room and could see that our room steward was waiting to do our room so we grabbed a deck of cards and went for a wander. We found a little room with felt topped tables and ducked in there to play rummy for a bit and then someone came in to set up the projector so we left.

We went back to the room and Dan had a shower whilst I read my book and then we went to the spa to see what the raffle consisted off which just seemed to be a sales pitch.

Then we decided to find somewhere for lunch but it was too busy at grill so we went to the buffet for lunch. I had a salad and Dan had some curry.

After lunch we headed to the casino to learn to play blackjack and roulette. It was a fun little session and we got a £3 match play coupon for each game we learned. We then hung around for the slots tournament, this was fun with 2 minute timer on the machines to win as much as possible. I was in 2nd position and supposed to do the final but I was more worried about getting ready for our first formal night so we headed back to the room.

I showered but it was still to early to get dressed so we got our casual clothes on and went for a cocktail and then came back to get ready.

We got all trussed up like penguins both moaning about how uncomfortable we were and headed to the captains welcome party, we had a photo with the captain and one by the spiral staircase. Then we listened to the speech and headed off to dinner.

We met up with Derek and Sandra again and this time ordered the half carafe of rose with dinner, we are not big wine drinkers but honestly I wouldn't recommend this one. For starters I had Melon and Dan had Terrine.
Then I had lobster as it is something I have always wanted to try but never been able to it came with cheese topping and seafood sauce.
Dan had duck for his main and for pudding I had strawberries with freshly whipped cream and Dan had poached plum.

Afterwards we went to the comedian with Derek and Sandra and we got a good seat on the side overlooking the stage. Although Dan and Derek went missing and when we found them Dan had been mistaken for a member of staff.

We watched the comedian John Mahoney and he was very good and funny. Then we went and changed and went back to the Aquarius pool to take pictures of the sunset at 10.38pm.

A lovely day at sea.


Jacknian
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#12

Post by Jacknian »

Interesting report, thanks. I'm keen to hear your opinion of the fjords as we are going in 3 weeks time.

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jay-ell71
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#13

Post by jay-ell71 »

I hope you felt more comfortable in your finery when you saw everyone else! Looking forward to your next day's report.
Jay


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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#14

Post by bellybee »

18 June 2013 – Stavanger

I got up around 6am today to take some pictures as we went into Stavanger. We decided to go to the main restaurant for breakfast and it was much more civilised than the buffet. I had bacon, egg and beans and Dan had the full P&O breakfast with both black and white pudding. Was interesting to note the little pots of tiptree jams etc as they are just down the road from us. The one thing I have noticed is that P&O cannot get toast right it always comes out on toast racks and is so hard it pings everywhere. Either they use poor quality bread or don't toast it right but it wasn't nice and I couldnt enjoy toast and jam.

We went back to our room for a quick shower then walked off the ship into Stavanger, I loved where we docked right in the middle of the town which was very convienient. We had a walk around and took some pictures of the ship and us in front of it. Then we walked around the town and the market. I think Stavanger put me in mind of the Lanes at Brighton all cobbled streets and very expensive shops that sell things you do not need.

We got back on board and had a walk about and went for a drink in the crows nest and a nice chat.
Then we went in the hot tub at the Neptune Pool. We had lunch there at the grill I had Chicken wrap and Dan had a hot dog, it was very tasty hot and fresh.
We wandered through to the Aquarias pool but it was really busy so we left.

I went to the spa and enquired about the cost of highlights and nearly fainted when I was quoted £153 for the whole thing plus £70 for a home maintenance set. My usual place is £40 including cut and blow dry and my usual shampoo is a couple of quid. Eek this was a very expensive quote and I practically ran out of the salon lol.

We went to the sail away party at the Aquarius pool. It was absolutely heaving with nowhere to sit so I ended up taking off my shoes and rolling up my trousers and sitting wih my feet in the pool.
It was nice though we had a sailaway cocktail each (fun on the beach not sure why P&O is PG) and enjoyed the atmosphere.

We went to check out our pictures from the Captains Welcome Party and we had 2 nice pictures so ended up shelling out £36 for these. I do think the pictures are overpriced and that as they have printed them already they could sell much more reasonably but there were always queues so must make heaps.

We rushed a bit now to get ready for dinner and we met up with Derek and Sandra in the queue and went in together.
To start Dan and I both had the potted shrimp and then french onion soup. I didn't really like either but Dan enjoyed his. Then I had steak with fried mashed potato balls and Dan had lamb, we finished with ice cream and sorbet and I had stilton and biscuits. This as with all meals was fantastic and I really enjoyed it.

After dinner we went to see the boogie nights show with Derek and Sandra and this was an excellent show. Afterwards we walked through the shop and I bought a watch I had liked that was half price and we had a wander around the casino for a bit.

Later we sampled some more late night snacks and watched the sun go down in our favourite spot (if only they had blankets)

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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#15

Post by Silver_Shiney »

This is good stuff, Bellybee, keep it coming!! :clap:
Alan

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jay-ell71
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#16

Post by jay-ell71 »

Getting into the swing of it now methinks!!! :thumbup:

Glad you have found MDR for breakfast, as you say much more civilised and you can have just as much or little as you like same as in the buffet, without the scrum. Toast....... trouble is you don't get it straight out of the toaster, it must be standing about for ages before it appears on the table. :(

You haven't mentioned afternoon tea in the MDR yet... I wonder if you found it?

Photos.....much too expensive but unfortunately irresistible , specially on your first cruise!!! :clap:
Jay


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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#17

Post by bellybee »

We did find it one day but being on a 1st seating for dinner thought it was far too late. We think they should do two seatings one early and one late afternoon


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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#18

Post by bellybee »

19 June 2013 – Olden

We didn't get off the ship today as it was tendered and we didn't have and excrsions booked so thought we would enjoy the peace and quiet. We got up a bit late and missed breakfast in the restaurant so went to the buffet. I got porridge and Dan had crunchy nut. The porridge was not nice tasted like it had been made with water. I went back for some rice crispies.

We wandered around a bit getting different photos of the lovely view by the end of this cruise we had over 600 photos eek. Went back to room and read for a bit and then went to have an early lunch as we wanted to watch the film on in the globe at 12pm. I had a wrap from the grill again and Dan had a burger and we shared some chocolate fudge cake.

We went to the globe which was empty other than one other person and found the perfect seat to watch Argo. This was an excellent film but very tense not helped by the strong costa coffee we had whilst watching it lol.

We had another stretch and wander for a while afterwards and then got ready for dinner early as I wanted to get some pics of sailaway but we were late leaving so I didn't get any as we had to go into dinner.

Another lovely meal tonight I had the starter of duck breast (delicious thin slices) and Dan had egg mayonnaise, then he and Derek and Sandra had gazpacho soup. For mains I had turkey and stuffing and little sausages and Dan had beef in ale. I loved the stuffing it was really nice only thing was the roasties weren't to my liking but then I like them really really crispy which probably isn't good for everyone. I had bread and butter pudding for afters and this was really disappointing I made Dan taste it and he agreed with me it just tasted like scrambled egg something went wrong there. Didn't matter as I wasn't exactly hungry lol. Dan had sorbet.

The show tonight was pianotainment and didn't appeal to us so we skipped it and took £5 each to the casino to play slots. We drank Long Island Beach Teas and one of these was enough it was very very strong and Dan won £20 on video poker which was excellent. We generally had a good laugh.

Later we went for late night snacks and it was pretty choppy about now so we were at the indoor pool Neptune and we watched the water sloshing about a bit.

Was a nice day today only thing we would have liked was some sort of activity like an art or drawing class.



20 June 2013 – Andalsnes

Today we were at Andalsnes and we started off with a nice early breakfast Dan had omlette and I had fry up.

We had a walk into the town of Andalsnes and a look around but didn't stay long as our feet were hurting after walking around the ship so much which shows how lazy we are at home.

We got back on the ship and did a bit of washing and chilled out in the hot tub. After whilst our washing was drying we had a bit of lunch Dan had ratatouille and I had tuna and then later some lime pickle and popadoms.
We went by the Aquarius pool after and found two sun loungers just as the weather was lovely. We had 2 cocktails of the day and I asked about an ice cream but they said these were only available at the other pool. Just after that a man came round selling ice creams and I had a lovely mangnum then we laid back and enjoyed the weather. We had beautiful views either side of us with mountains and lush greenery.

We popped to the internet area and I quickly checked my emails and checked in with family then we decided to pop to afternoon tea but we couldn't eat much as it was so close to our dinner time. I had a crumpet and a little cake ad Dan had a sandwich and a cake. We were sat with a larger group and another couple.

We got ready for dinner tonight it was smart casual dress code. Dan looked lovely in his chinos and blazer and so did everyone else we saw. It was Dereks birthday tonight so we had got him a card and there were balloons above the table.

For dinner tonight I had chicken ceaser to start, Dan had prawn cocktail. Then I had steak again and Dan had prawn stroganoff. For pudding I had cheesecake which was lush and Dan had banana and caramel with rum cake which he loved. Then all the waiters came and sang to Derek and he had a cake which we all had with our coffee and after he asked if he could take us for a cocktail to celebrate his birthday.

We found a nice area at the spinmaker bar and enjoyed a quiet drink and a chat surprised with how much we had in common. We spent most of the night there.

Then it was time for late night snack tradition and watching the waves that were really swelling. Then we headed to bed to a very creaky room.

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Silver_Shiney
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#19

Post by Silver_Shiney »

I've not been on Arcadia but reading your reports, I feel almost as though I'm there with you! Keep 'em coming!
Alan

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Meg 50
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#20

Post by Meg 50 »

bellybee wrote:
We did find it one day but being on a 1st seating for dinner thought it was far too late. We think they should do two seatings one early and one late afternoon
the way round that is to skip lunch!
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#21

Post by Silver_Shiney »

what - and miss a meal you've paid for?? :sarcasm:
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Meg 50
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#22

Post by Meg 50 »

but you've paid for afternoon tea......
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Susan Watt
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#23

Post by Susan Watt »

So to list must have meals

1) Breakfast

2) Elevensies

3) Lunch

4) Afternoon tea

5) Dinner

6) Supper with or without Horlicks

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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#24

Post by Silver_Shiney »

Susan - you forgot to list various snacks!
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jay-ell71
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Re: Arcadia J306 - fjords 1st time cruiser report

#25

Post by jay-ell71 »

Re Porridge -- You are quite right, it is made with water. :(

Roasties ----- I have never quite understood, but the potatoes are not roasted in the traditional way, and they are never crispy. :crazy:
Jay

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