Cunard's Castoff - How Cunard's Queen Victoria became P&O's Arcadia!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Have you sailed on QV or Arcadia? What one do you prefer?

[@SteveKxyz]

Sailed on QV a few times, and off on Arcadia for second time later this month (......budget). Arcadia doesn't have the flow-through that QV has, and Arcadia atrium a bit piddly. Arcadia "dance floor" is hidden away in The Globe venue, and no Queen's Room for afternoon tea. Arcadia cheaper to sail on than QV........and the latter is $$$$$$ with additional tips and charges everytime you buy anything. I am a bit of a cheapskate.

[@riversword2660]

Never sailed on them (want to sail on a cunard ship some day) but this video was very interesting and I actually never know about this, so thank you for this information

[@GardeningLadybug]

Been on QV. Never tried Arcadia.

[@Eltel5248]

The queen Victoria/Acadia transfer is one of maritimes worst kept secrets

[@morganminpin]

Since around 1990 I've taken transatlantic trips on the QE2, the Queen Victoria, and the Queen Elizabeth, as well as a four-night California cruise on the QM2 and a New England seven-nighter on the Caronia. My QE2 junkets total four. In my opinion the QV is the best of the newer ships (getting upgraded to the second from the top Queen's Grill suite that trip didn't hurt my opinion). My favorite will always be the QE2. Cunard has definitely gone downhill since Carnival bought them, to no one's surprise, but I remain loyal. My next trip will be next Fall on the QM2, New York to Southampton.

[@susanr.562]

As a history buff, it’s fascinating to learn of these changes and rebranding.

[@AcerDyan]

I am booked on P&Os Arcadia for 2025 and I have been on board Queen Victoria in 2019. And Fun fact; I was born on the exact day the queen Mary 2 was completed :P

[@Nikkisixx1968]

I'm booked on the Arcadia in 2025 for a cruise to Iceland.

[@AcerDyan]

@@Nikkisixx1968 ahh that’s amazing, I was thinking of a cruise to Iceland on arcadia in 2025, I believe it was June 27th, instead opted for a shorter Spain and France cruise ahaha

[@lesleyfordham6554]

On the QV currently - as an In Transit guest. Almost adore her. In 'my' 2nd Deck stateroom, and, daily, use the hoist to the main pool. Also, sang in the Guest Choir yesterday.

[@JOHNKIRBY1000]

Cruised on the Arcadia. Loved it. Good bars, speciality restaurants as well as a 2 story main restaurant. Big theatre too and adults only - a huge bonus!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Sounds great 👍

[@andrewthornhill7042]

@JOHNKIRBY1000 Ah, but do you remember the earlier Arcadia (1953-1979)? Now, she was a beauty! I remember her from the early 1970s, and read about her scrapping a few years later.

[@JOHNKIRBY1000]

Yes, I do remember The Arcadia back in the late fifties. No balcony cabins then!!!@@andrewthornhill7042

[@lynnedouglas4065]

Had my 21st on Arcadia 1 in April 1972 1972 from Sydney to Fiji round trip and 6 weeks later sailed from Sydney to Southampton. On the present Arcadia I recently sailed from Sydney to Singapore in 2019 as part of Arcadia 99 night World Cruise and then covid19!!! Great video Chris🙃

[@cruises_only_thanks]

Wow that was really interesting.

[@joanfreestone1707]

I never knew that about the Queen Victoria. I've not done a cruise on the Arcadia but I have cruised on Queen Victoria. I love the Cunard ships. They look so much more elegant than other cruise lines and don't carry many thousands of passengers. Thanks for the interesting video.

[@GardeningLadybug]

This video is fascinating

[@mycruiseviews]

QV was the first ship I sailed on and hooked me on cruising. There is one key design detail however they failed to include….a teak promenade deck! I’m sure this would have been at the top of the must-have options list for Samuel Cunard, being the son of a carpenter and timber merchant! It’s also noticed today for those who prefer renewable resources above inferior petrochemical substitutes.

[@GordonHouston-Smith]

Unfortunately, teak is in very short supply. partly due to political reasons and partly due to deforestation.

[@EmmaCruises]

What a lovely t-shirt, I wore my matching one a couple days ago! ;D

[@RCKodak]

Fantastic and interesting

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Glad you think so!

[@davideddy5877]

CUnard livery is much classier than the cartoon flagged P&O. It would be lovely to see P&O revert to the Orient colours of buff funnel and hull

[@camomiletea6708]

That’s what happens when it ceases to be a shipping line and become a brand with the identity decided by 20 year old social media managers!

[@jameswg13]

I highly disagree here. Its not cartoon flagged at all. They were due an update and the modernised and updated livery reflects what P&O is meant to be as well as standing out. It's possible the funnel colour could return. Cunards livery has had changes over the years but is so synonymous with the brand it doesn't need changing

[@davideddy5877]

Sorry, you are wrong. P&O's livery is so like so many other ships, all white with a cartoon on the bow. Basically, a nothing.

[@jameswg13]

@davideddy5877 a flag design on the bow. The refresh was done around the time Britannia was going into service, and they wanted to have more of a link to the lines British roots. Most cruise ship hulls are either white still or full of colourful design. The new design is clearer and more noticeable that it is P&O. Not to mention more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The old funnel colour unfortunately did not transfer well on modern ships. It also draws more people in from a marketing perspective for a variety of reasons

[@patriciadalton4545]

It's Union Jack colours What difference does the colour of the funnel make

[@Johnplod]

Once again informative and well presented 👍

[@jamesgilbert9642]

Hi Chris. Great post. I remember this happening. I was a 3/O on Westerdam at the end of her fit out, already afloat next to the dock with Queen Victoria/Arcadia being built.... witnessed the name and funnel colour change!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesgilbert9642]

Thanks Chris. Your post brought back memories! I spent 3 months living there for the final fit out and delivery of Westerdam. The yard's Master of the ship (while Fincantieri still 'owned' the vessel) was a fantastic chap. I spent much of my time there with him checking safety plans of every deck. I remember his office had the walls covered with photos... one of every ship he'd been Captain of for sea trials. A wonderful proud man... "Ive'a been'a Captain of'a the most'a Cruise Ships of any Captain"... he was right! Just imagine how many cruise ships Fincantieri have built and, while he was there, he was the sea trials Master for every one! So, in fairness to him... he was the very first Master of Arcadia (And maybe the actual Queen Vic as well). "ok, I had'a no'a passengers... but I was'a the first Captain. Can you tell the Italian accent attempt :-). Wonderful man. He took me under his wing back then when I was really out of my depth learning about new ship processes. Anyway, I'll leave you in peace. Wonderful memories... thanks so much!

[@nordisk1874]

Nothing can replace the Vistafjord.

[@riversword2660]

Yessir, CARONIA FOREVER!!

[@nordisk1874]

@@riversword2660 the NAL sisters saved Cunard. No QM2 without the merger with NAC in 1983.

[@riversword2660]

ok@@nordisk1874

[@francesm5976]

Fascinating. I had no idea.

[@nigelfinlay5829]

I always love this story 👍

[@bradmoon9574]

Have sailed on Arcadia in 2015 more so for nostalgia having also sailed on Arcadia II in 1962.

[@lindaalderslade2726]

I sailed on Queen Victoria’s actual maiden voyage. I have also sailed several times on Arcadia, the longest trip being 17 nights to Venice. I was aware of Arcadia’s heritage but didn’t know the reason - now I do. My favourite Cunard ship is the QM2. She received a rapturous welcome in Hamburg when I sailed on her. There were thousands of people along the River Elbe catching a glimpse of her and an amazing number of small boats on the river followed us out. No one could tell me why she had this following but I think it could be that Queen Mary was German. When we were shopping in Hamburg, a stranger wanted to buy my husband’s sweatshirt.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Fascinating the reception QM2 received!!

[@charlesrabb5568]

I have only sailed on the QE2 twice. Loved that ship.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

QE2 is still my favourite ❤️ 🛳️

[@db4239]

I had no idea and I've done my share of Cunard trips (Platinum), terrific video and thank you for posting.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

I actually didn't know that. Nice video!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Thank you 🙏

[@paulrowden1957]

I recall seeing the first QV being built at Mageria on a visit to see the building of the Noordam

[@Mariazellerbahn]

I'm still mourning the loss of Arcadia (1988), originally Sitmar FairMajesty. It was a crime scrapping her in 2021 and I'll never, EVER, do another cruise. I hate these new ships.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

She was great as Pacific Pearl.

[@mileshigh1321]

Very interesting! I had no idea! I would love to sail on Queen Victoria!

[@alasdaircook5673]

I did the 2023 world cruise on Arcadia and having been on the QV as well, I could see the similarities The pub was very similar and the Britannia Restaurant being on 2 decks but lacking the grand staircases. Think Sindhu and the East bar are where. the Queens Grill would have been.

[@gerardmackay8909]

Really interesting, great presentation and very personal to me. I’m doing a mini break to Amsterdam 19-23 November on Arcadia then, after an overnight in Southampton, I’m sailing on Cunard QV to the Canaries. So I guess I will get to experience Queen Victorias 1+2 on back to back trips.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Sounds great!

[@patriciadalton4545]

The advantages of sailing with P&O Arcadia Sterling is used no extras added to purchases drinks etc no loyalty taken from account No kids Bigger balconies Spacious seats in theatre Cunard much more expensive

[@Micahswf]

That’s fascinating i had no idea this happened and no never sailed on either ship sadly

[@davidstevensasidewayslook8831]

Cruising is a lovely holiday with style (the British boats that is) The American boats tend to be huge and are no better than a floating holiday camps, hidehi campers. After doing a lot of cruises over a period of 15 years we got bored with the format and now do other vacations in different ways…… we might do another one someday.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

My pleasure!

[@nx9100]

I still say the Cunard cruise ships should be named after old liners (Lusitania, Aquatania, etc), while only true ocean liners carry the Queen title. This would keep the ships names similar (all ending in 'ia'), while ensuring the QM2 remains in a class of her own, positioned above all cruise ships as the one true Queen of the seas...

[@Jayhsia1215]

And don’t forget titanic Britannic and olympic Carpathia

[@KenGoesCruising]

We have sailed on Arcadia many times since her inaugural season. Are you sailing on Queen Anne for her maiden?

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

I am 🎉I’ll be one of the guest speakers aboard 😊

[@ritafreeman3252]

There was another Arcadia cruise ship that have cruised on PO Arcadia back in the 70s in Australia just before it was scraped 🇦🇺 I have done a 21 day Mediterranean cruise on the Queen Victoria in 2017 it is a beautiful ship

[@PolishFerry]

Yard near Venice... And a shot of Gdańsk, Poland. Still, two great and beautiful cities 🙂

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Ohhhhh stock imagery failed me!! Thanks for the comment 🤦‍♂️

[@adamwinter-b9n]

I sailed QV and work on Arcadia and walking around the QV felt just like being at Home very similar layout and deck plans just bit more tired for passengers however the bridge is the biggest difference on Arcadia it feels very cluttered at times where QV a lot more thought has gone into it

[@dwuk99]

Just commented on your Arcadia video with a comparison I have been doing between the two ships- but probably would have been better to have put the comment on this video that I have just rewatched. I haven't really paid much attention to the masts in my two models - so we look into the design a bit more closely. Also is the 'strengthened bow' you mention mostly apparent in the big circular addition at the top of new new QV bow - or is it actually a slightly different shape at water level - will look at photos a bit more carefully.

[@richardloffler2363]

I never knew this despite being on the QV so many times. I am on again from the 1st October and will ask around onboard to see how many Cunard people know. Looking at what you said and with my own knowledge and understanding of the Cunard brand it seems that the Arcadia could never have been what us Cunarders like - it will also be interesting to see how the new Queen Anne measures up to that. Cunarders seem split between the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Victoria - which one do we like best? I prefer the QE, not sure why. The staterooms seem a bit more modern and airy to me, plus rooms such as the Yacht Club seem to be a better design. Anyway, a really interesting video and I shall be sure to talk about this onboard next month

[@jayteeaitch]

I will be sailing on the Cardinal Luminosa next month and amazed at the almost identical appearance to both the Queens in your story Presumably they are from the same stable ?

[@stephenc6648]

I recently took my first ever cruise on Arcadia and there was a day when the two ships were moored next to each other in Malaga. Queen Victoria blocked most views of Arcadia so I had to climb quite high, to Gibralfaro Castle, to get a photo of both. I knew about the shared history and that with certain exceptions they're the same design. Nonetheless, Queen Victoria looks far better and I had to conclude that the main reason is that the Cunard livery just looks smarter.

[@garysimmons4323]

Arcadia is a strange ship, as the layout is unlike any other P&O ship inside. Sadly, the last time we went on it, it seemed very much in need of a full refit. Half new carpets, half original, the covered pool deck was dull, with old furniture and the heating and hot tub were not working on a winter cruise. It felt old. But the MDR is the best in the fleet with it two floors. QV is a beautiful ship inside and is basically a smaller version of the QM2. We crossed the Atlantic on QM2 and Victoria was on route to the UK too, we overtook her with horns blasting, but where QM2 was riding the sea with ease, QV had a lot of movement with big sprays coming off the bow as she hit the larger waves.

[@gunnarhabitz]

Typically I saw the Arcadia arriving in Sydney on the same day as QM2 - and one day both Queen Elizabeth and Arcadia have been in on the same day

[@AlVlogs1603]

It was also supposed to be a Holland America ship before Queen Victoria as it was based on the Vista Class for HALas mentioned.I was on the maiden voyage of Arcadia and have been on her twice since,a perfect size of ship IMHO.Last time I was on the QV Inger Klein Thorhaug (Olsen) was captain and is due to command Queen Anne when launched.

[@paulwhite7107]

The hull was started for Holland America line , she was built as a vista class ship of HAL n

[@FraserAtSea]

Before I cruised Cunard, I didn’t really understand the significance of Arcadia originally being a Cunard ship. Last week, I completed the Panama Canal transit on Queen Elizabeth, and it was AMAZING how similar she was to Arcadia!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Panama Canal - that sounds great!!

[@FraserAtSea]

@@ChrisFrameOfficial oh, I’ve seen nothing like it before - how those ships squeeze through there, I’ll just never be able to understand!

[@abacuscalculator7478]

I never knew

[@dominicbuckley8309]

1:07 The Fincantieri yard near Venice. Or, as the locals call it: Gdansk....

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Ohhhhh stock imagery failed me!! Thanks for the comment 🤦‍♂️

[@hispid1]

In Feb 20203 we were struck by tropical cyclone Gabrielle. P&O Arcadia took refuge from the cyclone in port of Auckland and was our constant "companion" as we evacuated. For actual cruising we prefer Cunard

[@tomburke5311]

I’ve cruised on Arcadia three or four times (a while ago), and enjoyed them. I knew about the transfer from Cunard. I also remember that Arcadia was seen as ‘not quite P&O’ when she joined that fleet! Now she’s regarded as a grand old lady, doing longer and more varied itineraries (along with Aurora) than the rest of the P&O fleet. I’m really not convinced by the ‘fit for Cunard’ stuff you mentioned. QE and QV aren’t even the only ships with that design - there are two Costa ships with the same layout, Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. As for the strengthened bow, well maybe; but Arcadia does a world cruise (or did, for many years) and at least one transatlantic return trip each year, and doesn’t seem to have any problems. So I feel the advantages of QV and QE may be overstated. (Of course I recognise all the plaudits for QM2, a genuine ocean liner.) I once had dinner with Carol Marlow. She held a senior position at Cunard when the first QV was in construction, was instrumental in her transfer to P&O, and then transferred to be MD at P&O. She happened to be sailing back to Southampton on a regular ‘meet the passengers’ trip and quite by chance joined our table for dinner. I have a vague recollection that someone asked her about QV/Arcadia, and IIRC she talked about the need to have all the Cunard flourishes on those ships. No mention of strengthened bows!

[@stubear35]

I saw a news report of her mentioning it. Regardless how strong the bow is, it doesn't change how it's shape and flat bottom handles the sea. Good ol' vomit comet.

[@AmmarVanKorsha]

When I first saw the title of this video, I thought they were sending the Queen Victoria away! Well, they kind of already did.

[@muhammadhanifkurnaen6689]

Did upcoming ms Queen Anne also have strengthen bow compared to original pinnacle class ms koningsdam?

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

I'd heard that was done.

[@barrybyrne7147]

Knew about the change. Arcadia interior very dull, Captain's welcome party on the pool deck because there wasn't a space big enough ... might have improved since we were on her but P&O, oh dear ..

[@DavidAdkins78]

She seems similar to Carnival's Spirit class.

[@phillipparsons8930]

So glad Cunard dropped Arcadia. Its interiors today don't come close to the Cunard standards.

[@Cal900]

Whats in the space on Arcada where the queens room is on QV?

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

She doesn’t have an equivalent space. That was one of the driving factors behind the redesign for QV(2).

[@Cal900]

Hi, sorry maybe it was porrly phrased, what is actually in that space on Arcada where the ballroom is on QV? Is it for example cabins or another bar?@@ChrisFrameOfficial

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Ahhh it’s The Globe on Deck 2 and shops on Deck 3.

[@Cal900]

@@ChrisFrameOfficial thanks! See you on a canard ship soon. QA trip planned?

[@simonb7715]

I was aware of the change from Cunard to P&O however never new the extent of the design amendments. Must say we've did several Caribbean round trips on Arcadia over the Christmas period and she handle the winter seas. P&O stopped doing that cruise, so we treated ourselves and did QM2 now that was a different class and level of comfort. Would love to try Victoria in the near future.

[@davidbartlett2908]

Are all cruise ships safe from pirates?

[@robertlongo4571]

Wes saioed on Queen

[@colinrush6389]

Very interesting! I've sailed on both. The Arcadia was okay, but the atrium area was small and rather bland - really not what you expect on a modern cruise ship. The dedicated cinema was a nice touch, but so small and always crowded. The theatre also, was very bland and black. It's been ten years since we sailed on her, and I'm told things have changed - I certainly hope so. The Victoria, in contrast, was much grander and more what I would expect on a ship aimed at this market.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

I haven’t been aboard Arcadia in a decade either. Hope to get back to check out the changes.

[@philhounam523]

A little bit of research into Dutch pronunciation needed. Oosterdam (Eastern Dam) pronounced Oh ster dam. Zuiderdam (Southern Dam) pronounced Zowt er dam. Otherwise a good video.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Thanks for the advice 🙏

[@patriciadalton4545]

Arcadia was never used by Cunard they didn't want it so P&O took it That's what we were told in 2007 Thank goodness it went to P&O we have bigger balconies and a lovely theatre with larger seats Spacious dining room and Sterling currency adults only which is brilliant We have sailed on Arcadia several times Aurora and Ventura totalling 35 Will never sail on the huge new ships

[@jimkrause2416]

QV and QE are “reworked” Carnival products in this case HA built at Fincantera. Nothing special. QM2 is the nay true ocean liner left.

[@rodpettet2819]

I had the worst cruise of my life from Valparaiso to Brisbane. When i boarded I noticed many passengers and crew had a cough. They called it the Arcadia cough. It was only a matter of time before I caught it about halfway through the cruise. Oh boy was I ill with some weird virus. I should have been sent to hospital on arrival in Brisbane, but I had a friend collect me and take me home. It was very virulent as she caught it in a 30 min car journey and was very ill for several weeks. Looking back almost 10 years I wonder if this had been one of the Gates Fauci experiments.

[@SewolHoONCE]

Out of nowhere fantasy: replace the aging Sierra Madre in the Spratlys with a surplus cruise/liner ship?!

[@jonathanknight1850]

K

[@jammiedodger7040]

Ocean liners are better.

[@declanmurphy6427]

All cruise ships should be sent to Davy Jones locker and never be replaced!

[@straightmanforever69]

Liesss!!!

[@RCKodak]

Go Google moon landings or spherical earth next. Plenty of facts to rally against! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️