Iberian Peninsula September 2014

We have just returned from our 12 day cruise around Portugal & Spain and thoroughly enjoyed it even though we have visited most locations on previous cruises. However, there is always something new to see or visit especially if you book a trip which we did for Lisbon and Malaga.

This was the first time we had sailed on the Arcadia and we consider it the best P&O ship we have been on. We paticularily liked the retractable roof over the swimming pool and the abundance of sun bathing areas. Although the ship was nearly fully booked we never experienced crowding or queues. As usual the service and attention to detail was first rate.

On the down side we were disappointed with the food in the Atul Kochhar restaurant but I suspect other people would rave about it as it is personal choice.. It also seemed strange not to have a large atrium area. Finally we were very surprised to learn when we were on board there was a charge for using the shuttle bus which was ?œ3.00 per person each way. I did not see this mentioned anywhere previously. Unlike the restrictions on smoking on balconeys which I have suggested each time I have sailed with P & O. This is a very welcome change for us as we spend hours on our balconey and it is so much better not to smelling cigarret smoke while relaxing.

We would not hesitate to book on the Arcadia again.