The trip was good, blessed as it was with lovely Mediterranean weather.
My wife and I had an inside cabin which was clean and the cabin steward was efficient and helpful.
First impressions of Arvia were mixed and we could not decide whether we liked the ship, yet it grew on us.
There is a good range of shops, as my wife discovered.
The cost of on-board photographs I found to be expensive — and smaller in size than I remember from previous cruises.
However, I am not a fan of huge ships, having previously cruised on P&O’s Oriana which I think was just over half the tonnage of Arvia and we would one day like to try Aurora.
However, a plus side of Arvia was that there was plenty of deck space and sun beds, and we preferred the sun deck and the adults-only area towards the front of the ship.
We took out a Classic drinks package when on board but would not do so again due to certain rules and restrictions which I found annoying.
Although the food was generally OK without setting the world alight.
I went against my vow not to try one of the speciality restaurants as I feel I shouldn’t have to pay extra to enjoy “better” food.
Having said that, we dined in Sindhu and I must say it was exccellent.
Looking back, we enjoyed the cruise but I have one pet hate that drives me mad and that is the “relaxed” dress codes.
Myself and my wife make the effort to look smart when dining, as did many passengers, but you get those who don’t care what they look like, dressing as they do in what looks like their work jeans and a T-shirt.
This sounds awfully snobbish but some look like they’d be more at home at a seaside holiday camp.
BAN jeans (and shorts) at evening dinner.
People were even wearing jeans on formal nights.
I was brought up to respect dress codes .
.
.
I just wish others had the same attitude.
After all, wasn’t it part of what cruising was once about? We would like to see more formal nights, as P&O used to have in the good old days.
Sadly, P&O isn’t P&O any more, if those older cruisers out there can understand what I mean.
I fear that most cruise lines are going the same way .
.
.
big ships, pack in the punters and reduce standards.
Or have I got it wrong? Next time, maybe I should pack a pair of jeans.