AuroraCruiser08

Can confirm soot issue solved. Nit an issue for us bar one day when the wind was quite cyclonic, steward was straight on it though to clean up.

We had no issues with E741. Balcony is a good size and the view is fantastic. Very limited vibration as well when underway! If it's available I would definitely recommend.

Britannias aft cabins are amazing. We had E741. Brilliant sized balcony no soot either since the canopies have been installed. Only downside is a bit of vibration when the stern thrusters run in heavy wind on port days but no major issue. Definitely recommend over standard side balconies

Will agree with that. Definitely new policy for your reasons above definitely play the lead role. Just to clarify, I'm by no means saying the service the OP received on Arcadia was anywhere near acceptable. The exact opposite not what is to be expected from any place you for a holiday.

I do think comparing P&O to a Travelodge is a bit extreme. Yes there have been cut backs we've noticed it in the three cruises we've done since Covid however it's definitely not the worse cruise company in the mainstream market. The new ships maybe big but do offer may new facilities that offers a very good standard of holiday. The Arvia situation over Christmas was teething problems, like any new ship. Who remembers Aurora's maiden.... Not exactly brilliant... Did it even leave the English Channel. Britannia's maiden had issues onboard too. Friends currently on Arvia say everything is currently going smoothly in terms of the issues reported on the Christmas cruise. The OPs cruise on the other hand does sound like it's got issues and P&O do need to up there game in terms of onboard as people will start to move more to the like of princess. Arcadia does seem to be the issue ship at the moment and I'm sorry to hear of the issues. We experienced none of these on Britannia or Iona in 2022 always had good sized portions, after dinner mints or chocolate or shortbread, quite like the range. Can't blame the entertainment team for not being able to move events inside, venues could have been booked for other things and anyway, who has heard of indoor shuffleboard. Doesn't quite have the same appeal. I think this cruise in particular is the poisoned chalice of P&O itineraries. When we did the same trip on Aurora in 2017 we had to miss Amsterdam all together with an overnight in Zeebrugge (joys🙄). Think it could be time this itinerary is dropped in favor of a Xmas northern lights or something (like Aurora is doing next year). That's just my 5 pence thrown into the mix. Definitely dont compare P&O to a Travelodge, premier inn maybe but not Travelodge. Being fair, if it's that much of an issue there is always Cunard, Saga and Fred but I won't go down that rabbit hole as it's not the point of the OPs post. Hopefully the situation is sorting on Arcadia. Friends joining the worldie in Sydney. Happy Cruising!

That's interesting thank you. There is an exact 2 week gap from when she discharges in Southampton and embarks in Newcastle

Have noticed a gap in Bollete's schedule in a months time. Anyone know why, seems a bit of an odd gap considering the ships already had a period of lay up at the latter part of 2022

He's definitely still around, had him on Iona last Christmas, very good! One of our favorites

If you're booking a ship one it doesn't matter as they will only run during time alongside

Indeed £4,699,500 plus definitely sweetens the pill!

When we were on her in May, our timings were arrive 0900 all aboard 1530

Incorrect, it was scheduled for the 13th. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruisesonarcadia-05jul2022.html So it is an adjustment to the itinerary.

Same here

Can confirm there are free shuttles in all those ports for Select fare guests. Was there in May on Britannia.

When on at both Christmas and May no theme nights just black tie. On all ships apart from Iona currently two per week..