This is where it all begins - the gangway
to board P&O Arcadia.
Straight away, the pure class of the ship hits you. Attention to detail is incredible.
This is the old original Arcadia bell, outside the 'Arcadian Rhodes'
restaurant.
Entrance to Arcadian Rhodes, more of this later.
The first time you see one of these ships corridors,
it takes your breath away (and more modern ships have
MUCH longer ones.)
You're never far from a bar or food on these ships.
A beautiful day in Southampton as we await departure.
The view forward, you can see the QE2 in her private dock ahead.
There was always a sailaway band to play you off.
CAST OFF!!!
The journey begins.
Sailing towards the open sea on a perfect day.
The QE2, in all her majesty
I don't know who this was, but I DO know that faraway look.
It says it all - we're on HOLIDAY!
Open sea.
Arcadia's signature, as we power out to sea, and onwards to Norway.
The decks are a great place to walk and keep fit.
(Also, to walk off all the gourmet food you'll be eating).
There's always some little quiet corner to sit, look and contemplate.
The first night, we were treated to a cookery demonstration by the galley team.
Their skills, not just in cookery, but in amazing presentation, we showcased.
Head chef oversees.
Mussels.
Of course, there were tastings a-plenty!
Sweets we would be getting in the restaurant throughout the cruise were
displayed to whet our appetites.
They say we eat with our eyes first.
All fruit - so delicate and attractive.
Thai fishcakes
Fruit people.
The ice sculptures - the first I'd ever seen.
They wouldn't be the last.
You were actually encouraged to go overboard (not literally).
Little touches all around the ship made it a floating art gallery.
If you love the sea, which I do, you just NEVER get tired
of looking at it.
I spent many a happy hour on deck.
At all times, and by preference.
Lazing, as we headed North.
The first formal night. This is not a requirement, but I for one
see it as all part of the experience.
The captain addresses us, and welcomes us aboard Arcadia.
More art.
Inside 'Arcadian Rhodes' restaurant.
Soup starter - I know, I know - it looks SO small, but it
packed the most INCREDIBLE flavour of any soup I've ever tasted.
Scallops.
Lamb fillet.
Creme brulee.
Day one was coming to an end as the ship steamed onwards towards our goal.
At sea, there's nothing to block the awesome sunsets.
And there are plenty to be had.
The moon peeps from behind a cloud.
At night, and in inclement weather, the cover is drawn over the swimming pool.
Time for dinner in the Meridian restaurant.
After a really good nights sleep, this was my view at breakfast.
Steaming up Eidfjord towards our dock for the day.
It quite takes your breath away the first time you see this sort of
view at breakfast. Of course, you get used to it :-)
Before long, and after we'd finished breakfast, we were pulling in to Eidfjord.
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