True Devonian

Slightly off topic, but personally I would never put a bag of any description on a table. Bags are likely to have been on dirty surfaces and floors, even toilet floors, and other similar unhygienic places. For this reason I do not feel it appropriate to place bags on a table where people put food. Leaving a bag on a chair yes, but not on a table please.

We were also on this cruise and the only port we missed was Bermuda which meant one sea day to La Coruna followed by 9 sea days to Grand Bahama. As we were originally going to leave Bermuda in the morning after an overnight stop this meant only one extra sea day to what was planned. No other ports, including the USA ports, were cancelled and went ahead as per the itinerary.

The OP said that going to the top of the Empire State at night was to be a highlight for him and his wife. Like the OP I would also have been extremely disappointed if I had booked an excursion to include an iconic landmark to then be told during that excursion that what I had considered to be one of the main reasons for booking that excursion, in this case the ESB, wasn't going to happen. Whilst I appreciate that what is important to one person is different to someone else, under the circumstances outlined in the OP's situation I would have done exactly the same. If you are able and prepared to take the risk why wouldn't you? I would add that having been a solo traveller myself I can totally understand why some would not feel safe taking this option but if it is an option at least those who are confident enough could achieve what was important to them.

I was hoping that the loyalty lunch would be a proper meal served in the MDR as not a fan of the buffet concept. Can I ask where the embarkation buffet was served?

People have a choice. Why should P&O pay out when insurance policies will pay out for missed ports. If you don't take out cruise insurance which includes missed ports you have to accept the risk.

Not everybody owns a smart phone and not everyone has confidence in using technology. Even with a smart phone it is a lot easier to read something on paper than on a small screen.

When we were on in June the opening times were published in the Horizon along with the other restaurant opening times.

We have just returned from a cruise on Arcadia and can confirm that hand sanitiser was available at all the entrances to the buffet along with a sink for washing your hands, although it never ceases to amaze me how many people just walk past both.

You and Zap are quite right, and things could not only change on board but countries could also change the rules. We always take masks and sanitiser when going ashore, regularly use sanitiser and have masks just in case.

Has anyone had this resolved yet as my husband received an email as well, but strangely I didn't. We are slightly concerned as we are off to the USA again later this year. We have emailed P&O using the email address kindly provided by Megabear.

Hi Tring. I know this is not the appropriate thread but was just wondering how your cruise went. How was Arcadia and your overall experience.

We also had that banner but it disappeared around the two week mark before our cruise.

Booking entertainment is not required on Arcadia hence the entertainment tab being blank. On the bigger ships where booking is required this will become available two weeks before departure.

Hi scafell. May I ask what embarkation was like at Southampton. We have seen reports of problems with the bigger ships and wondered if there were similar issues with Arcadia, we don't want to have to stand outside for a long time if we arrive earlier than our boarding time. Thank you

Your last suggestion is flawed. What would happen if, on arrival at Southampton, they are asked by Customs did you pack this case yourself? Passengers on cruises and flights are warned not to carry anything for others.