Arcadia's Multi Million Pound Refit.

Good Day Everyone,

I am doing my best to keep up with requests for information and photos etc. Angus Staff Chief Engineer is now a proud Father of a baby girl so our Congratulations to Angus and Jackie on the birth of Megan.


Many of you have requested photos and information on the recent three weeks of refurbishment in the Lloydwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. During the multi-million pound refit a new aft section of 34 staterooms was added, along with a 30-seat boutique cinema, called The Screening Room. Please bear in mind that these photographs were taken in December so the skies are rather overcast.

This was Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are delighted with her new look and enhanced features. Arcadia is a very successful child free ship and the work we have done has added to her contemporary charm and will continue to surprise and delight our passengers.

A new section of staterooms with private balconies has been added to the aft end of the ship. This has resulted in the creation of an enlarged deck area and enhanced entertainment venue around the already popular Aquarius Pool. To further enhance this area, a larger and more stylish, new bar has been created, much to the delight of our Bar Staff! They have much more space for their stock and it is now a pleasure to work behind this bar.

New Stateroom section being lifted into place

Aquarius bar

A further new feature for passengers is a 30-seat boutique cinema, creating a dedicated space for showing films on board. The cinema, known as The Screening Room has been added in place of the existing Cyb@Study - computer workstations will now be available within the Horizon Suite and Library and wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board.

The Screening Room

The photo gallery has been revamped with more space and privacy given for portrait sittings and the addition of equipment for passengers to download images from their own cameras to be printed directly on board.

The Photo gallery

New portrait area – there is a demand for more unusual high quality photography.

Increased photography area with Photo Now Kiosks

Further refurbishment has taken place throughout the ship, with new carpets, soft furnishings and upholstery added in areas including the Spinnaker Bar, Neptune Pool and passenger cabins.

Spinnaker bar – the Christmas Decorations have gone now!

Neptune pool - with the new beds that you all asked for. Also the swimming pools have been completely refurbished.

New teak furniture enhances open deck space and a sprung wooden floor in the gym will improve delivery of exercise classes.

New sprung wooden floor in the gym

This will keep you all going in the meantime - I am off now to host at the Portunus Gold Tier Lunch! All arrangements in place for our Egypt calls and the travelling Egyptian Immigration Officer has been so helpful to us therefore the Ship will be more or less 'clear' for passengers and crew to go ashore on arrival Port Said - see the trouble we go to to ensure a smooth journey.

Bye for now,

James.

'New Year - out with the old in with the new - get your spring cleaning done now! Clear your clutter and you will clear your mind!'