Overview

Designed for adults-only, Arcadia is sophisticated and fresh. Her understated elegance is highlighted by a multi-million-dollar art collection that showcases modern British artists. P&O's first new ship in a decade, Arcadia was built on Holland America Line's Vista-class platform (indeed, she was destined to be a Holland America Ship until Carnival Corporation acquired P&O), yet with modifications to suit British tastes. Refined, yet lively, a British Victorian-style pub hosts darts, karaoke, talent shows, dancing, and sports viewing. Arcadian Rhodes, the extra-charge specialty restaurant, is the creation of Gary Rhodes, one of Britain's most popular contemporary chefs.

There's plenty of sunning and swimming space outside and a lavish spa with a large thalassotherapy pool and thermal suite that features wet, dry, and aromatic treatments as well as gently heated loungers facing floor-to-ceiling windows. It wouldn't be a British ship without a pub, which isn't too "authentic," but serves up favorite ales and bitters. Other interiors are a mix of contemporary and traditional style -- a library with writing desks, cozy bars for evening cocktails, a huge showroom for production shows, a cinema, and the Crow's Nest observation lounge with views forward and to both sides.

Restaurants

With P&O's Dining Choice program, passengers have a variety of meal options. Breakfast and lunch are open seating in the main dining room. For dinner, the dining room is traditional -- called Club Dining -- with an assigned table in one of two seatings; Freedom Dining, with open seating, is offered only in the buffet-style Belvedere food court. Two specialty restaurants serve dinner nightly and lunch on sea days; they require reservations, and there is an extra charge. The buffet restaurant is open 24-hours a day; an outdoor grill is another option for fast lunches and light snacks. Outdoor barbecues and special buffet lunches are offered on certain days. Room service is available, but there is a charge.

Accommodations

All cabins and suites are tastefully decorated, although the colors tend to be somewhat bland. All have adequate storage space in closets and drawers and feature a vanity/desk, flat-screen TV, personal safe, hair-dryer, refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, and telephone. Outside cabins with balconies and other larger standard inside and outside cabins also have a small seating area with sofa. Mini-suites and suites have larger sitting areas, balconies, a trouser press, ironing boards, DVD players, whirlpool tubs, and a separate shower. In addition, full-suite bathrooms have dual sinks and a dressing area. Suite occupants enjoy the added services of a butler. Thirty cabins are wheelchair accessible.