P&O Cruises Arcadia is currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment, during which a total of 34 new staterooms will be added. The refit is being done in the Lloydwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. Arcadia arrived in the yard on 26 November and will return to Southampton on 20 December 2008.
P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “This is Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are taking the opportunity to enhance and improve the features of this already very successful child free ship.
“The work that we are undertaking will add to Arcadia’s contemporary charm and she will emerge with even more facilities to surprise and delight her passengers.”
A new section of staterooms with private balconies will be added to the aft end of the ship. This will result in the creation of an enlarged deck area around the already popular Aquarius Pool. To further enhance this area, a larger and more stylish, new bar has been created.
A further new feature for passengers will be a 30-seat boutique cinema, creating a dedicated space for showing films on board. The cinema will be added in place of the existing Cyb@Study – wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board
The photo gallery is to be 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.
Further refurbishment is taking place throughout the ship, with new carpets, soft furnishings and upholstery added in areas including the Spinnaker Bar, Neptune Pool and passenger cabins. New teak furniture will enhance open deck space and a sprung wooden floor in the gym will improve delivery of exercise classes.
The refit is taking place in Arcadia’s fourth year of service, just weeks before she embarks on her maiden 101 night Grand Voyage. The first passengers to sail on the new look Arcadia will be departing on a 16 night Mediterranean cruise from Southampton on 20 December 2008.
