I did not like anything at all about this P&O Cruises, Arcadia ship.
I booked first sitting , a bath and balcony. On arrival there was a bath but I had been UPGRADED to another cabin which had a metal balcony not glass. Then there was a note on the bed to say we had been given second sitting.
I take my autistic son with me on cruises as he especially enjoyes sitting on the balcony and watching the world go by. This gives me some well earned respite.
My son loves getting dressed for dinner and will sit and enjoy the meal with others without intruding or making a nuisance of himself.
However, the second sitting is too late for him and also the show starts around 11pm.
My son is always in bed no later than 10pm.
I tried to obtain help and support from reception but unfortunately they do not have information regarding cabins or meals.
I spoke several times with the restaurant manager to no avail and my son and I ended up eating in self-service for the duration.
The cabin could not be resolved as only one person with her lap-top works 2-6pm but there was always a queue of people waiting to book their next cruise. I waited for one hour whilst others were with a member of staff making bookings and when at last it was my turn the voice said "Gold members next". This went on for days and I tried again with reception and they said they could send her an e-mail. Unfortunately they did not respond.
Therefore the essence of our holiday was ruined. My son was very sad at not wearing his evening clothes and could not understand the balcony either.
I must also add that the food in self service especially in the evenings was uneatable!.
Some evenings it was, fish, shell fish and fish soup.
Another evening roast lamb, with no potatoes or vegetables.
The other dissappointment was the age of the passengers most were well over 80years and so many electrical vehicles! I felt as though I had joined a residential home at sea!
And the decor is so awful that nothing matches, no flowers, no pictures and lots and lots of formica covering everything.
And Reception - what Reception?