3 Nights on P&O Arcadia - is a short cruise WORTH it?

[@jn7812]

A refreshingly honest video. Thanks Jamie.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@scruff520]

Thank you Jamie, great video, totally understand your frustrations with the bars being told to sit down then others just going to the bars and being served before you, also the miscommunication at the ports for transfers, seems to be the norm now with P&O, such a shame. Take care both of you xx

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s a real shame - people often talk about better service on the smaller ships but our experience has been the opposite!

[@natasha8966]

I’m going on Arcadia in September for a month can’t wait it’s nice to see the ship before I get on.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍

[@suelelievre5513]

You are so amusing! I love watching your adventures. OMG, that brioche!!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Nom nom nom

[@FraserAtSea]

Watching this before driving to Southampton to board a 3-nighter in Aurora - perfect timing!

[@tinawebber8223]

Fraser I hope you have a great time on Aurora, this is our next ship on our list to try…

[@lucysmum1895]

Fraser, hope you’ll make it to Bruges this time. Please say hello to Paul and Carole from Lucy as well. Just seen ParoDJ’s Margaritaville vid. I’m counting on you to take me there. June

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@tinysmallfryskitchen8610]

We were filming Arcadia from aboard the Iona Deck 8 as we went past. it’s funny you two are a big part of the reason we were on our first cruise and why we picked Iona and Norway.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Love this ❤️

[@berniehanrahan5701]

As I'm watching this you have reached 27,000, huge congratulations and I don't think it will be too long till you reach 28,000 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You are correct! How awesome?!

[@wendyjones2351]

Hi Jamie fantastic video shame about the poor service in parts and some areas could do with a clean a 3 nighters looks good I'm doing a 4 nighter in October 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks 👍

[@alisonwilliams4079]

On one now on Aurora having an absolute blast. Silent disco has changed my life 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Awesome 🙌

[@sal8454]

My first silent disco was on Iona last Friday, madness! 😂

[@siblacklockhughes612]

We were on Iona waving at you! Southampton was the best weather we had all cruise!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It was a beautiful day

[@emmap1259]

We were on-board Arcadia also waving at you, #P&O friends 🖐

[@PostcardAndAPint]

Well you had us at adults only! Wow the sun sunshines in Southampton! Who knew! Oo P&O drinks and drinks packages - that's not controversial last week! 🤣. Looks a lovely ship. We love a wooden prom deck. Great to see Iona. Gotta love a champagne upgrade! Bad times breakfast! We'd be happy with those daily activities. Service does seem to be an issue on this ship. The theatre is lovely. We bloody loved Sindhu! You're a maniac eating that 🌶️. Bloody hell the sun shines in Bruges too! Didn't recongnise it! When we did that canal tour all we saw was umbrellas!! Ah that's the same tour guide we had! Top cruise Hamie and Matthew. 🍻

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Cheers 🍻

[@historylover13]

Thanks for your vlog - I have booked the 2025 100-day worldwide cruise on Arcadia and I hope that I haven't made a mistake. Your review of the ship makes me a bit anxious, but I appreciate your honesty.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I think it will be very different for a world cruise

[@cat_whiten8334]

Thankyou for confirming my decision that I’ll never go on this ship. Feel sorry for the passengers for a poor service and sorry for the overwhelmed understaffed crew.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks for your comments

[@louiseatkinson4287]

Hi Jamie, thank you so much for all your amazing videos. I started watching them at the start of the euros and think I've seen every one. The most entertaining viewing for me. Could I ask a question?? I'm thinking of booking first ever cruise just a short one. Southampton to Zeebruge its a cunard ship. Someone told me there's lots of stag/hen parties on these short ones,probably not true 😅😅😅. Have you seen this?? Can't imagine it. Is the sea rough round the Bay of Biscay? I'm one of.those people you'd see running round the walking loop and in the gym 😅😅😅😅. Thanks for listening. I've done hundreds of ferry crossings over the years so have been on.the sea 🌊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Short cruises tend to have groups, yes, but never been a problem for me. Have you seen my vlogs sailing the bay of Biscay - have done it so many times and been fine

[@louiseatkinson4287]

@TravelBlogJamie aww thanks so much for reply Jamie will look for that 😊

[@brianmcewan4838]

Great video Jamie. Yes, there’s definitely an invisibility phenomenon at bars, certainly the ones I’ve been to. It’s a real bug bear of mine when trying to get served, cannot get eye contact with bar staff and someone appears next to me and gets served instantly!!😮

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It drives me mad lol 😂

[@christo-t7e]

On the Ventura a few week ago sometimes the bar staff would say" it may take a while " over a basic drink , then it never took a while at all and was average waiting time . Couldn’t work out why they were saying that often .

[@Nozanne123]

Watch it poor Jamie lots of issues but it do not stop you keep going on and keep put a smile on your face and always keep calm go Jamie

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@HenryWallace-uo6qj]

I enjoyed your vlog Jamie it was very well presented. Thank you.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@lisagoodenough1760]

Great vlog, never heard of an anchored sea day, saves on fuel I suppose. Looking forward to your MSC vlog xx

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🙏🙏🙏

[@stevetaylor5844]

Hi Jamie, very honest video, I was on the same cruise so felt the same about some of your comments. We spoke to you a couple of times on the cruise😊. I thought the time at anchor was a waste of time, I would rather pay a bit more and go to a french port.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes it’s seemed a bit of a waste to me too!

[@stephenbuckley727]

we enjoy your vlogs very much, very informative ... keep up your good work 👏

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ClaireD-bg8lu]

Thanks Jamie - fab and entertaining video as always. X

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🙏🙏👍

[@Edwardmcdonald-du4zd]

Jamie i just to thank you for your fantastic videos they really pick me up after a bad tiring day . I love how you nickname your suitcases and I your toilet song. Thank you again xx

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Welcome 🙏

[@lucindapillow9686]

Having just spent 99 nights on Arcadia, 3 would defo not be enough! Lovely to see her again, and spotting crew I met. But very wistful at the same time... now it's almost as if the worldie didn't happen!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@jackieaudus9829]

The buns in that bakery are massive and taste Divine !!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

The best

[@davehannigan1788]

Great review. Was thinking of trying P&O but feels like we should stay with Marella tbh given the poor service you experienced at times.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It wasn’t the best of cruise experiences 😩

[@Jammy14751]

Glad to see you still respond to comments! 🎉🎉

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I always respond to comments!

[@suecameron3124]

Jamie, we were on Iona did you see us waving 😉 You love your ice coffee and I would like to share my pain this cruise...the whole glass was filled with very large ice cubes and on top was crushed ice as well..Those ice cubes were so large they never even melted 🤭I let this go twice then asked for no big ice cubes please, hmmm they just filled the glass with the smaller ice, virtually NO coffee at all in that glass, Also we actually ran out of digestives lunch time on day 3, can you imagine no digestives to have with the cheese... they then started putting this horrid looking fruit bread out with the cream crackers....How can they not have had enough digestives for a 7 day cruise 🤔 .....Apart from these two issues it was a bloody fantastic cruise... We should have come on your cruise instead...

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh I think yours was probably much better lol 😂

[@nadi275]

A great variety of activities 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@mariavano9616]

You're fortunate living by that port -- so many ships and voyages to choose from! I've been reading recently that many people (not sure of nationalities, didn't really think about it, although it does have a lot to do with it sometimes) are putting newer P&O cruises up there with Cunard and higher-tier ships. Do you find that as well? I'm sure it varies based on ship and voyage, but.... although the Arcadia and three-night doesn't seem to fit that bill!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Well, not fortunate, I chose to live here lol The 2 new P&O ships are great but I can’t compare to Cunard - totally different ships, audience and overall experience

[@KateS1172]

Baby River is so cute!!!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

He’s beautiful 😍

[@natayacourteny3525]

Seem like the port transport issues are getting worse. When we were in one of our Spanish ports on p&o last year so many people were left stranded because of it. People had to walk almost an hour back to the terminal. This was on Arvia in may. Seems like p&o are on the downhill recently. Not looking forward to our cruise in December anymore… however going on anthem of the seas in September and super excited. I watched your video on royal Caribbean a while back and really excited. Just hope they are good with dietary requirements.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Have fun on RCI

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

Have never heard of an “At Anchor” sea day before this video! I have previously really enjoyed both a 5- and 4-night cruise, but I think 3-nights would be too short for me as we are not close to Southampton and it is a long way to go for such a short time. If I was closer, then why not, if you can squeeze in a cheeky little cruise!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, living close by is a real help!

[@lindaedge6674]

A really great vlog as ever Jamie . Arcadia does need a refit in some areas as you’ve said , disappointing about service but as you also said not enough staff 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s true - lacking in staff and experienced staff in places

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Here’s the big one 😉

[@tonynewman1694]

We have been anchored in the crows nest a few times great vlog 🤣🤣

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’ve heard 😉

[@tonynewman1694]

@@TravelBlogJamie 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tinawebber8223]

We loved this ship!! Was there some issues, yes! A very smelly cabin, fixed each day but the smells came back every night. But we enjoyed the ship, the crew, found only a couple of times issues in the bun fight buffet, definitely not worse than any other buffets though. Yes she is in need of a refit , would we cruise on this ship again most definitely!! We chose this ship after your Christmas review and as you said to us, this ship was our kind of ship 🚢 so thank you 😊 for the great vlogs and hopefully we will bump into you both again soon 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@frenchietj]

Luved the vlog Jamie you made us laugh right through it. Amanda luved all the Indian food she said she would share with you

[@TravelBlogJamie]

She’s a keeper

[@frenchietj]

@@TravelBlogJamie she is 25th wedding anniversary 6th October. We are staying at the Wiremill Felbridge Surrey that night luvly place. If you and Matthew would like 2 come down and vlog it’s 10 mins from Gatwick

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@frenchietj very kind of you indeed

[@john07973]

Good vid 👍🏻 P&O need to P45 those responsible for manning levels, untold queueing, waiting for service etc is unacceptable. They're taking the Mickey charging £49 pp for the bus to Brugge. I have happy memories staying in Blankenberge & getting lagered up as a 20 year old HND student on an "educational tour" to Belgium and Holland, happy days 🍺

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@janajames3865]

We always get the same trouble getting served, I have no idea what suddenly makes us invisible? I've had servers say they will be back, take the next table's order, then never come back for ours 😯

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Ha! It always seems to happen to us too and I don’t know why!!!

[@justarandomkid672]

I recommend Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell, I went on Sunday :)

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh right

[@robertcreacall638]

Looks delicious Jamie my brother and I had meals at Belevere Buffet during our voyage from Sydney to Hong Kong in 2018 Arcadia was a great ship

[@TravelBlogJamie]

The Indian themed buffet was great

[@valerie-my3jh]

Very interesting video Jamie 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🙏🙏🙏

[@emmap1259]

We took the Cruise Express transport to Brugge, wasn't a pleasant experience with the 45min wait and having to queue over the sewage drain, put me off my Belgium waffles!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Is it about £25?

[@emmap1259]

@@TravelBlogJamie That's exactly right 👍

[@natasha8966]

I had that many times on Iona everybody getting served but me can be a bit frustrating

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I am not a fan of waiting an age for a drink on holiday

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

Time to update the menus for dinner. Like you said, we’ve seen this a lot

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, same old for a long while now

[@Mazza240]

After watching this, it’s a definite no from me for Arcadia. Looking forward to seeing you on discovery in July. Is Mafoo coming too?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s a work trip for me

[@SkyJones-fz9vi]

is Matthew playing with his food bless him? Looks like you too having fun and I like the room and you’ve got your own room down now is that on All po

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@andyjones8926]

Great vlog Jamie. Wish you could get maffoo to talk more. We think he’s really funny

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I can’t get Maffoo to do anything he doesn’t want to do!

[@susanrossiter6766]

Very short cruises are fine if that’s what you want, and is also a taster for those thinking of a longer cruise. Personally I see them as just a ‘booze cruise’ ! Popular with hen / stag / birthday / anniversaries etc. Have been on several but out of choice wouldn’t choice one.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@SherylMottram]

Do you have a set ritual getting on a ship, Jamie? Some people say they only step on to a ship with their right foot 1st, I saw you stepped on Left foot 1st x

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Not at all

[@worthingboomer5161]

My next door neighbour was performing on board on that cruise, as a stand in for a Pulse band member. He played keyboards and sang. He had also done the previous 7 day cruise. His wife was on board for a first time for the three days, they described it as ‘Booze Cruise’ with loads of drunks and fights. Not a bit like the the previous 7 day cruise.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I didn’t see any fights at all or loads of drunks. The service was very mixed though.

[@jonhandle]

We had breakfast in meridian all 3 days it was great and they served hash browns

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Well you saw the line was back to the bars when we went

[@KirstyG64]

Piss up and brewery springs to mind!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@EuroDC1990]

Incredible theatre and pools but this definitely confirms she's just not the ship for me. I'd love to do the occasional three night cruise but travelling to Southampton for such a short one makes it hardly worth it. I really do with that they'd offer northern Europe, Fjords and Baltic cruises from somewhere like Newcastle to make them more accessible for us Northerners.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks for your comments

[@sl64642]

Watching your videos out of order. Good grief what appalling service you experienced in this trip. You did so well to keep calm and carry on

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It wasn’t great was it?!

[@angelacox-martin2789]

Always so enjoyable to watch but the ship and service were poor :( x

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you 🙏

[@donnabendell7688]

Wow deff not going on this ship. Sitting waiting for drinks is a no no. I’d complain all the time

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I get so irritated by it

[@TheSpanishChannel]

❤❤❤

[@TravelBlogJamie]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@tommurphy6342]

Pringle song doing my head in...clue requred...mrrr

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Ain’t no clues in this game

[@SkyJones-fz9vi]

The torture chamber looks terrifying but fun😅

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It is!

[@cerimcculloch898]

Excellent review. No wonder you are within spitting distance of 27k followers. Not that either of us would spit obvs 😅

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh I hope you’re not a spitter Ceri 😂

[@cerimcculloch898]

@@TravelBlogJamie I plead the 5th...

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@cerimcculloch898 lol 😂

[@KateS1172]

The cabin looks quite spacious!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It is indeed

[@wigman6079]

Thks...one ship i will not be goin on.looks like i never do a p.o cruise. When you say party did a royal caribbean cruise 10 years ago 2daynow that was a party ship.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@sal8454]

49 nickers for a bus!! Having a laugh

[@TravelBlogJamie]

That’s why we didn’t do it

[@SkyJones-fz9vi]

The torture chamber did look disgusting and horrifying, not fan. I’ve thought it be fun but it didn’t look fun. It looked terrifying. I’m glad I wasn’t around those days.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I mean it’s optional 😂

[@KateS1172]

I cannot ever eat a spec of chilli!!!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hehehe I love it

[@ryanharris4964]

Arcadia innit 😂😂😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

😉

[@hobsonp67]

Disgraceful service levels P&O. I have 2 cruise booked for next year. I continue toybook with see videos like this I will cancel and reboook a cruise with Fred Olson who know how to treat their passangers

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I looove Fred Olsen

[@s.l.taylor4057]

I like shower curtains!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@TheHendoncat]

P&O looks shocking …the state of that buffet …yuk

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Not a great breakfast but Indian themed eve v nice

[@KateS1172]

How ridonculous! I find the practice of saving deck chairs and not using them so selfish. They should only be allowed 10-15 minutes as a maximum! Grrr!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I mean, the weather wasn’t all that either 😂

[@s.l.taylor4057]

These ships are just too big! I could not stand waiting and waiting and…

[@TravelBlogJamie]

This is a mid sized ship, for anyone wondering - I’ve had less waiting on larger ships

[@singingbuddhakaraoke]

P&O definitely hasnt improved then since lockdown...Food looks awful and entertainment looks pathetic...Ambassador and Princess both far exceed whats on offer here...

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh I disliked ambassador - one of my worst ever cruises

[@singingbuddhakaraoke]

@@TravelBlogJamie yeah I know but for me one of the best

[@tonynewman1694]

I did it again Brittany spears

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You know your Spears

[@tommurphy6342]

@@TravelBlogJamie What?!No way!?

[@remorossi5487]

P@O o dear paying for food that is rubbish no afternoon tea no grab and go next it will be room only you want food you Will have to pay for it 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🧐

[@Bears69]

Wouldn't go on a short trip again, seemed to be full of hen parties & other levels of drunks.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@cruiseforever1281]

Beautiful ship. Sad your experience was ruined by staff shortages. 🫶

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Liiiiiines 😫