Greetings,
I enjoyed a superb dinner in The Orchid last evening as a guest of some very regular passengers.
A very busy day today with lots of activities going on and lots of business for me to attend to with staff etc. We woke up in a force 7 to 8 went down to a 5 to 6 wind force and now back to 7 to 8. The cruise ship is handling like a dream - almost as if she loves to have the chance to surf through the mighty ocean. There is a special wonder in seeing the big waves roar as Arcadia makes her way home. There is a sense of revive that only a day at sea can deliver.
It is all going from a Virtual Bridge Tour, Celebrity Guest Speaker Rosie Stancer - Ice Maiden, Solo to the North Pole, Cohocoholics Buffet (a chocolate lovers paradise - food eaten on board ship has not calorie content!!!), Digital Photo Basics, Snowball Jackpot Bingo, Farewell Ball, and many other activities..............including a Golf Putting School.
The highlight this evening is the special 'Chaine des Rotisseurs' Dinner - a gastronomic experience not to be missed and a parade of our 109 Chefs in the Galley Brigade - now that is a sight to behold all under the leadership of our Executive Chef Mr Haydn Davis. Passengers also got the chance to see Arcadia's Galley today with a walk though in the afternoon. They are always amazed at the cleanliness and design. Millions of pounds worth with of Stainless Steel! This evening's dinner is real challenge for the Galley Brigade with the movement of the ship - which is normal at this time of year, also to keep the army of Waiters on an even footing with the plates - not to mention the wine. This will be the last evening for reserved dinner table companions to get together in a formal atmosphere with all their finery on display as they will be packing their cases tomorrow.
Bye for now,
James.
'Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm'
P Syrus
The Rock of Gibraltar!
Hello!
After a smooth nights sailing against the currents we woke up to a beautiful sunny morning with the Rock of Gibraltar in sight. This has got the day off to a good start - blue skies and sunshine bring everything and everyone to life! Gibraltar is experiencing a building boom and no matter where you look you can see new high rise apartment blocks going up. Every since they pedestrianised the Main Street the shop fronts have got more glamorous - up market and many more designer names on the high street. This is a little part of Britain abroad and there are bill board every when advertising British Fish and Chips and all day Breakfasts!! Not to mention the many public houses. Lots of shopping bags and clinking of bottles! Everyone likes to think they have got a bargain and that last minute gift for the neighbour who is minding the house......
As Arcadia let go the ropes for this final port of call, the aft deck by the Aquarius Pool was packed for the Great British Sail away with the Union Jacks waving in the air, in competition with the Neptune Pool BBQ which was also in full swing. The Entertainments Team were out in force leading the dancing and cheering. Nothing better than being part of a large crowd singing and cheering. I expect many a one will be taking a siesta this afternoon! However if our daily newspaper the 'Horizon' is anything to go by passengers will be spoiled for choice as it is full of numerous and varied activities. Two sea days ahead now before we reach our home port of Southampton - nothing beats life on the high seas!
Bye for now,
James.
'It is no use to wait until your ship to come in unless you have sent one out'
Belgian Proverb
ARCADIA - Jewels of the Mediterranean - at sea
Good Day Everyone,
Well Alan Stuart was a blast last evening in The Palladium and everyone had a great laugh - people just need to laugh more these days and the best of it is they are laughing at themselves! Alan is also a fine singer and gave everyone a night to remember. Many passengers have seen him before but still come back time and again for his quick wit and star performance.
Waking up this morning we knew we were on a moving platform! Arcadia handles very well and we were in a force 8. The Captain made a broadcast at 0900 hours to update us all on the weather and the day ahead and to ask us to take care when moving around the cruise ship. I had a busy morning with an Executive Committee Meeting where the Senior Officers meet to discuss important business relating to the running of the ship, followed by my own Seniors 'Ten minutes huddle at ten', then an Inspection of the Main Deck 2 Galley accompanied by my Deputy F&B Manager.
Well Alan Stuart was a blast last evening in The Palladium and everyone had a great laugh - people just need to laugh more these days and the best of it is they are laughing at themselves! Alan is also a fine singer and gave everyone a night to remember. Many passengers have seen him before but still come back time and again for his quick wit and star performance.
Waking up this morning we knew we were on a moving platform! Arcadia handles very well and we were in a force 8. The Captain made a broadcast at 0900 hours to update us all on the weather and the day ahead and to ask us to take care when moving around the cruise ship. I had a busy morning with an Executive Committee Meeting where the Senior Officers meet to discuss important business relating to the running of the ship, followed by my own Seniors 'Ten minutes huddle at ten', then an Inspection of the Main Deck 2 Galley accompanied by my Deputy F&B Manager.
There then followed the Gold Tier Lunch hosted by Acadia's Officers - this is exclusive to the passengers who have been awarded Gold Tier Status for their loyalty to P&O Cruises, based on the number of days they have cruised with us. The Staff Captain arranged for two Pakistani Seaman to be in National Costume on the doors and this added to the sense of occasion as passengers had their photograph taken on arrival at the Restaurant. The Grand Piano was playing as people entered The Meridian, clutching a glass of Champagne, and a an army of waiters to show them to their reserved table. This is a very special occasion for our passengers who like to dress up for the occasion. Table shot moments are captured by our Ship's Photographer. All these functions are based on a seating plan so it is not just a case of sitting anywhere, our Loyalty Manager does the seating plan with meticulous effort. Some passengers on my table were coming back to Arcadia for the Grand Voyage on the 5th January 2009 and were just popping home for Christmas! It is amazing just how much time people spend on board a ship. Ship's are like a second home to many.
After lunch I cleared my email and then took part in a film shoot in the Atrium for the film crew on board speaking on what makes Arcadia a big ship with a 'small ship friendly' atmosphere. This is all to do with the team work and camaraderie amongst the ship's company and interaction with our customers. At 1530 the skies are clearing and we can see blue sky in the horizon and the sea is calming down thankfully. Seasoned Cruisers know what to expect in the Med in late October yet it is amazing how first timers and other new to this time of year expect it to be smooth seas and blue skies all the way. There is an element of the cruise holiday which is denied when it is windy,raining and rocky as people cannot enjoy all the outdoor pursuits traditionally associated with cruising such as deck quoits, lying on sun beds sipping the cocktail of the day or simply leaning on the rail gazing out to sea relaxing. Never mind it keeps the indoor activities busy and the Art Auction in the Globe is a hive of activity and The Palladium is packed for the interview with the Headliners Theatre Company who put on the evening production shows. Passengers always like to know what goes on behind the scenes and some insider information so to speak, the tricks of the trade etc. The Captain also had an interview with the Cruise Director mid morning where we have roving reporter which is an opportunity for passengers to ask any questions from the floor. We are now sailing towards Gibraltar and are due to arrive at 0800 hours tomorrow when there will be a mass evacuation of excited shoppers descending on local traders like bees to a honey pot.
There is still lots to do and another full programme of entertainment and dining ahead on board the Indulgent Arcadia. This evening is dress code Formal and there will be a lot of style around and opportunities to have your photograph taken when looking ones best. 'Swinging Sixties Show' will be performed in The Palladium Theatre - what other holiday but a cruise can you enjoy so much west end style entertainment I ask? This is also Black and White night with a Ball in the Globe so all those Strictly Come Dancing Fans will be out in full force - Brucie eat your heart out!! Of course there is the James Bond Night in the Casino along with a 007 quiz in the Rising Sun - the best pub in town. Our Duo Kelly and Stuart have their own following in the Piano Bar which is at the top of the Atrium, and bring to memory lots of the exciting places we have been to like St Peter's in Rome and Palma in Majorca.
Bye for now.
James.
'Those who wish to sing will always find a song'!
ARCADIA - Jewels of the Mediterranean - Palau
Good Day All,
A beautiful sunrise with the stunning scenery of Sardinia in the background. Perfect sea conditions and ideal for a boating operation. It was a quiet start to the day with only those going on Shore Excursions busying themselves with breakfast, rushing for a last minute comfort stop and checking the camera before going ashore. Others were enjoying a leisurely start to the day taking the warmth of the morning sun across the open deck and many lounging on their balconies. By mid morning the clouds were coming over and by noon the rain was pouring down! In true British spirit passengers and ship's company were not put off going ashore. Many just took shelter in the local coffee bars in Palau and chatted with acquaintances.
I was lucky to get ashore for lunch with friends where we enjoyed a light Italian lunch of grilled king prawns, sword fish and a green salad accompanied with a glass of local red wine - occasions like this are always to be treasured. It never ceases to amaze me how the Italians enjoy their lunch eating, drinking and talking at the same time! The locals seem to know every other person and greeting each other with hugs and kisses - even the menfolk! The boating service from the quay to the ship ran smoothly and as it came nearer to sailing time in the late afteroon the sun broke through the clouds for a fine sail away.
We have a P&O Cruises film crew on board capturing shots of life on Arcadia for a new promotion. Passengers have made them very welcome. This evening we have Alan Stewart to look forward to in The Palladium - I was just speaking to him at the Neptune's pool as I was doing my rounds of the ship. He is in fine form and loves to perform on board Arcadia as he is so well received and he loves the west end style of The Palladium Theatre. Alan has appeared at three Royal Variety Performances. There is also a Tropical Party so no doubt there will be a few 'pirates' about.
The Cabin Stewards are all sparkling around the corridors of Arcadia shining like crystals in a Laura Ashley Chandelier!!! They are so good at remembering passenger's names and any special requirements they may have and this is what makes everyone feel so looked after, with attention to detail at every turn. I also met a couple by the pool who are returning to Arcadia for the Christmas Cruise as they don't like airports and so enjoy sailing from Southampton, which has always been a big plus for P&O Cruises with SO many ships and itineraries to choose from.
A day at sea tomorrow with the exclusive Portunus Gold Tier Lunch plus another array of day time activities for our passengers to participate in - there is always so much on offer that one has to choose carefully........!
Must sign off now as I have a cocktail party to attend before dinner.
Bye for now,
James.
'The Days pass happily with me whenever my ship sails'.
Joshua Slocum
A beautiful sunrise with the stunning scenery of Sardinia in the background. Perfect sea conditions and ideal for a boating operation. It was a quiet start to the day with only those going on Shore Excursions busying themselves with breakfast, rushing for a last minute comfort stop and checking the camera before going ashore. Others were enjoying a leisurely start to the day taking the warmth of the morning sun across the open deck and many lounging on their balconies. By mid morning the clouds were coming over and by noon the rain was pouring down! In true British spirit passengers and ship's company were not put off going ashore. Many just took shelter in the local coffee bars in Palau and chatted with acquaintances.
I was lucky to get ashore for lunch with friends where we enjoyed a light Italian lunch of grilled king prawns, sword fish and a green salad accompanied with a glass of local red wine - occasions like this are always to be treasured. It never ceases to amaze me how the Italians enjoy their lunch eating, drinking and talking at the same time! The locals seem to know every other person and greeting each other with hugs and kisses - even the menfolk! The boating service from the quay to the ship ran smoothly and as it came nearer to sailing time in the late afteroon the sun broke through the clouds for a fine sail away.
We have a P&O Cruises film crew on board capturing shots of life on Arcadia for a new promotion. Passengers have made them very welcome. This evening we have Alan Stewart to look forward to in The Palladium - I was just speaking to him at the Neptune's pool as I was doing my rounds of the ship. He is in fine form and loves to perform on board Arcadia as he is so well received and he loves the west end style of The Palladium Theatre. Alan has appeared at three Royal Variety Performances. There is also a Tropical Party so no doubt there will be a few 'pirates' about.
The Cabin Stewards are all sparkling around the corridors of Arcadia shining like crystals in a Laura Ashley Chandelier!!! They are so good at remembering passenger's names and any special requirements they may have and this is what makes everyone feel so looked after, with attention to detail at every turn. I also met a couple by the pool who are returning to Arcadia for the Christmas Cruise as they don't like airports and so enjoy sailing from Southampton, which has always been a big plus for P&O Cruises with SO many ships and itineraries to choose from.
A day at sea tomorrow with the exclusive Portunus Gold Tier Lunch plus another array of day time activities for our passengers to participate in - there is always so much on offer that one has to choose carefully........!
Must sign off now as I have a cocktail party to attend before dinner.
Bye for now,
James.
'The Days pass happily with me whenever my ship sails'.
Joshua Slocum
Greetings from Arcadia
Hello!
Greetings from the P&O Cruises ship Arcadia. We are currently at sea and I am sitting here in the Executive Purser's Office at 2200 hours getting to grips with the blog! I do hope that as the blog gets underway that we have many laughs and good memories to share.
Greetings from the P&O Cruises ship Arcadia. We are currently at sea and I am sitting here in the Executive Purser's Office at 2200 hours getting to grips with the blog! I do hope that as the blog gets underway that we have many laughs and good memories to share.
We have just left Civitavecchia which the ancient port of Rome - all roads lead to Rome! Over 1200 passengers enjoyed wonderful excursions in Italy. The weather was very pleasant for the time of year - not to hot and no rain so ideal for touring. Passengers who stayed on board enjoyed the luxury of having the ship to themselves to relax, snooze and sip a cocktail. The show tonight in The Palladium Theater is 'World Steps' performed by our own Headliners Theatre Company who have just received a standing ovation at their first sitting show - fantastic!! World Steps is a dance show from around the world which ends with 'River Dance' which is just stunning. Passengers are amazed at the energy of our show company have and just love it. Even better when 750 passengers made the effort to attend after a long day- and with the Theatre packed to capacity a sure testament to our production shows! Most likely a quiet night will follow for many to rest up as we cruise overnight on our way to Palau. We will wake up off the coast of Sardinia and the tendering into Palau a gateway to Costa Smeralda.
Good Night!
James
There's a magic in the distance, where the sea-line meets the sky.
Alfred Noyes
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