As I mentioned in an earlier entry, in addition to having the QE2 crossing booked, we have also booked for a cruise (13 nights) at the end of July 2005 on the new P&O ship "Arcadia" (that comes into service in April 20005. The ship will be an adults only ship - so no screaming kids hogging the pool (hooray!).
Other than the fact that P&O and Cunard are owned by the same company (Carnival), the other fact is that the "Arcadia" was originally intended for Cunard. Then it was swapped to become a P&O ship and one that P&O had on order was set aside to become a Cunard ship (which will come into service in 2006 and be called "Victoria").
I have found out from reading various sites etc, that the "Arcadia" is based on a well proven design (called Vista Class) and Carnival alreday has a number in their Holland America line.
According to a posting the reason for the change from Cunard to P&O was: (MINKE) "Yes it is a vista class hull, but is not the exact same as a HAL vista class ship. More crowded for a start & that is why Cunard did not want her, 60 extra cabins ie 120 people & no large suites! Also extra oriental bar/restaaurant up around the funnel, would not like to eat up there in bay of Biscay!"
The P&O Press release announcing all of this read: "P&O CRUISES ANNOUNCES BUILDING OF A NEW SHIP, Britain’s leading cruise line expands its fleet to five ships.
P&O Cruises, Britain’s leading cruise line, has announced that it will take delivery in April 2005 of a new vessel, Arcadia, the largest cruise ship to be purpose-built for the UK market. The 85,000 ton, 1,968 bed Arcadia, is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice in Italy. Having originally been ordered on behalf of sister company Cunard Line to cruise regularly from Southampton as Queen Victoria, the ship has been designed to offer a premium British experience and is best suited to operating under the P&O Cruises brand.
Purpose-built for Britain and proudly flying the red ensign, Arcadia moves the P&O Cruises brand further forward in continuing to bring the best in cruise ship innovation to the British audience. 868 of her 984 passenger cabins have a sea view, with 677 of these having a private balcony, more than on any other UK-based ship. Of her 67 suites and mini-suites, the most lavish feature a Jacuzzi on the balcony.
In addition to her stunning galleried main dining room, Arcadia will offer a range of alternative culinary experiences including a gourmet restaurant, a 24-hour food court, Indian and Oriental menus, a patisserie and poolside dining under the stars. In keeping with the latest lifestyle trends, Arcadia’s extensive Spa will include a thermal suite with aromatic steam rooms, dry float suite and a hydrotherapy pool. Arcadia will also feature P&O Cruises’ innovative new Easy Like a Sunday concept, which allows passengers to chill out in the most civilised surroundings.
Underlining P&O Cruises’ reputation for combining innovation with the finest cruising tradition, Arcadia will feature a series of signature rooms including the Crow’s Nest observation lounge, a West End-style theatre and classic British pub.
Arcadia will be designated a ship exclusively for adults, a style of cruising unique to P&O Cruises, with families continuing to be extremely well served by other ships in the fleet."
