First impressions

Arcadia at Ocean Terminal, Southampton with Shieldhall in foreground

 

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Palladium Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 1 Leaving Southampton sunny 22C sea calm

Easy journey to Southampton, Barry's taxi up the pier, WightRyder, First Great Western Train and taxi to Ocean Terminal. Boarded at 11 45: a record. We hardly had time to raid the free magazine racks before we were called to board! Nice buffet lunch then a hectic afternoon exploring ship - which we think like.

Captain seems a humourous fellow. Announcing our departure he said he had sent the Chief Engineer down to the engine room with the keys to start the engines

Wonderful sailaway in brilliant sunshine with clear views and Aurora followed us down Southampton Water and then took a path much closer to the Isle of Wight than us and overtook us as we passed Ryde Pier: never seen that before! We have 913 nautical miles to Lisbon over two days and three nights so only a gentle 15 or so knots is needed: maybe Aurora is in more of a hurry!

Time for dinner as we pass Seaview and we are relieved that our dinner companions seem very friendly and easy to talk. One couple were married on Saturday and the wife(57) is a talkative Canadian and the husband an older Yorkshireman. They seem to have hardly seen each other before getting married! It has taken 2 years for her to get a visa. Last Thursday their Beko washing up machine caught fire while they were out and their house and his wardrobe, including his wedding suit, were smoke damaged. The dry cleaners opened specially to dry clean his entire wardrobe. Luckily her dress was elsewhere! Coincidentally both the husbands of our dinner companions are leg amputees so lots of conversation about how they manage. The newly wed had lost both his legs below the knee due to complications caused by diabetes and the other lost all of one leg when his milk float was hit by a lorry.

Day 2 and 3 At Sea Mainly Sunny 18C day 2 and overcast 17C day 3 sea calm both days!

Our usual at sea routine, with swims, walking around and lazing! Trying not to eat too much and IG is very smug that she has not eaten any puds at lunch: IB is a little less good but has swum more to allow for this indulgence. Looking forward to Lisbon tomorrow when we have booked a transfer to Estoril.

We have now had plenty of time to explore Arcadia and compare it to its sister ships Queen Victoria and Elizabeth. Although the same basic structure they are very different inside. The decor on Arcadia is much more contemporary with bright colours rather then the classic wood finish of the Queens: on balance we prefer the more sombre Queens. Arcadia has a covered (sliding so it can open) main pool which isa great plus point and more lounging area around. The Palladium Theatre on Arcadia is as spacious as the Queens but we prefer Arcadia's layout without the boxes and glass screens which can interrupt the views.

The central atrium is much nicer and more open on the Queens as are the shops. So we like Arcadia but prefer the Queens.