A multi-million-pound refit of P&O Cruises’ Arcadia has been unveiled in time for Christmas.
The 83,000-tonne ship, launched in 2005, has been given new cabins, an extended shopping area, a new restaurant and a transformed Crow’s Nest lounge and bar.
East restaurant, with an Asian fusion menu by Michelin-star chef Atul Kochhar, replaces Orchid on sky deck 11. As on Ventura, the Indonesian menu is influenced by Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine.
The Globe lounge has been closed off to become a late-night dancing venue that won’t disturb other passengers and the shopping area has been extended to offer brands including Givenchy, Gerry Weber and Ted Baker.
The Crow’s Nest lounge and bar has been given new flooring, seating, partition walls, furniture, colour scheme, bespoke lighting, low-level lamps and extended bar.
Among the 24 new cabins on the sun deck are 14 deluxe balconies, four inside cabins, three larger inside double cabins, two single rooms with balcony – the first in P&O Cruises’ fleet – and a mini suite. All cabins will now be fitted with 32in or 40in flat-screen TVs.
Freedom dining has been introduced to the upper tier of the Meridian Restaurant, allowing passengers to turn up at any time between 6.30pm and 9.30pm and dine with whoever they like.
P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: ‘This has been a huge project and a lot of hard work has gone in to make this happen. The outcome is nothing short of outstanding. Arcadia looks incredible.’
The cruise line is also launching a new expensive ad campaign from Boxing Day. Here’s a sneak preview of the ad:
Shipmonk has been shortlisted as best blog in the 2015 Cruise International awards. To vote, please click here (last category)
Please tell us how many passengers can be accommodated on P and O Arcadia?
Many apologies for the late reply – I expect you found the information elsewhere. Arcadia carries 1,952 passengers at normal capacity but can take up to 2,388 maximum.