Live On Board Arvia K316

[DamianG]

18th August

 

Just after 3am Michelle and I were woken up again with the gushing water noises followed by some kind of tap, valve or hose being turned on then shut off loudly. This time Michelle went out on the balcony and looked up to see the infinity pool being refilled. Surely we are not the only cabin to be disturbed by this noise in the early hours, especially as we are on deck 10 so there are 4 decks between us and the infinity pool on deck 16. Also, I find it highly unlikely that we are the only cabin to ever report such a noise from the aft cabins on all the Arvia cruises to date. The fact that this has happened 3 times on our cruise, yet the lady on reception said that she was not aware of what it could possibly be, makes me feel like we just got a disingenuous response when we reported it. We always choose aft cabins whenever possible and have never had an issue like this before, even on Iona. To me, it feels like another example of how Arvia is mismanaged (same as it is with the dining situation).

 

Despite the disturbance I still got up early with the intention of using the launderette when it opened at 8am. When I got there I was surprised to find all 6 machines already full, and even more surprisingly several driers on the go (so clearly passengers had ignored the notice of the operating hours and been in well before 8am). One lady was there already ironing some clothes and when I called in to try my luck again an hour or so later she was still there.

 

Michelle and I went to the MDR for one last round of Eggs Benedict. We left Kyle sleeping with the do not disturb sign on the cabin door (as we had agreed with him the night before in case you are wondering). Michelle’s Eggs Benedict with 2 rashers of bacon order was served with 2 Cumberland sausages instead. The waiter looked dumbfounded when we pointed out the mistake, and initially he was going to place a new order but we decided to just swap plates and I had them instead (not the worst sausages ever but I’m still not keen). All 4 eggs were perfectly cooked, “Which was nice” (another Fast Show reference), as it should be but a first for us on this cruise.

 

Later Michelle took Kyle to the Quays for his pancake and maple syrup breakfast while I got the tea and latte from Vistas. The previous evening Captain Brown had warned us that the ship may sway from side to side up to 1 degree and that was apparent straight away. The sea was more lively than it had been on this cruise to date but nowhere near bad enough for me to reach for my Metoclopramide tablets or for sick bags to be deployed near the staircases. Mum later reported that she was really feeling it but as a first time cruiser this wasn’t that surprising. Michelle and I both think that the side to side swaying is more to do with the height of the ship than anything else but maybe someone with more nautical knowledge will correct me on that one.

 

It had been wet overnight and a grey morning. The sun had broken through and the sunny starboard side of the promenade deck had quickly dried whereas the port side was still soaked. We still preferred to sit in the shade of the starboard side and Michelle and Kyle had a hot tub to themselves. I joined them and it was the first time I’d been in one on the promenade deck. As soon as I got seated Kyle switched on the whirlpool function and somehow it immediately took my breath away. I started coughing and had to stand up to try catch my breath in some fresher air with it taking me a few minutes to recover. It was completely unexpected and I can only put it down to the humidity in the glass enclosure around the tub, since the only other one I’d been in aft was open thus getting in more fresh air. So I’m a promenade deck hot tub lightweight but I’ll be better prepared next time.

 

We didn’t do anything exciting in the afternoon. The reality of our last 2 days on board had kicked in so we pretty much just lazed around after packing a few items. I picked up some Gavi di Gavi late afternoon and the only thing interesting to report was the appearance of a very wide cargo ship following our wake in the distance. It looked a real beast and was pumping out a lot of smoke, and we had a good laugh when it was close enough for us to read the MSC logo on the side, given that we will be sailing with them for the first time next year.

 

I’d not really felt hungry earlier so had skipped lunch bar a few of Kyle’s leftover fries. Michelle took Kyle to the Quays for some snacks late afternoon then reported back that today’s attempt to divert passengers away from the MDRs on formal night was to offer Tex-Mex food. I therefore fluked having the best of both by having a burrito, empanada, and chicken fajita with rice around 5pm. All that wasn’t as substantial as it may sound and easily kept me going until dinner later.

 

Despite our lazy afternoon we were still late meeting everyone else in the Atrium pre-dinner. I had to return to the cabin to pick up my glasses and on my return had the not so genius idea of using the Atrium steps to get down from deck 8 to 6. The Atrium was absolutely packed for formal night and so many passengers were having photographs on the staircases that it was impossible to use them so I had to double back. We were still on time for our usual booking at Meridian and once seated Oswin was quickly on hand to greet us.

 

An Amuse-Bouche was served pre-starters and none of us noticed that Michelle’s mum’s stroller hadn’t been folded up and moved away from the table. We all knew about it when a waiter tripped over it but somehow he managed not to launch the full tray of Amuse-Bouches across the MDR. Thank goodness but ironically no one liked them anyway and we certainly couldn’t identify the ingredients between us. Eventually I asked Oswin and he advised that it constituted Mango, Pineapple, Ginger (so that was the chewy bits) and chilli flakes. He then asked did I like it and when I just said “No” he walked away laughing.

 

For starter I chose Smoked and Cured Fish. I knew I wouldn’t like Creamed Smoked Mackerel with Horseradish Mayonnaise (mainly because of the Horseradish) so I got that one out of the way then enjoyed Gravlax Tartare and lastly Roulade of Smoked Salmon and Cornish Crab. Michelle enjoyed Buttered Asparagus with a soft Poached Hen’s Egg cooked to perfection. Her mum chose that as a main and it was basically served with double everything.

 

Michelle had Cream of Cauliflower soup (very thick but good) and I had Bouillabaisse, fishy as you would expect but a little salty for my taste and I wouldn’t choose it again. I was slightly surprised that Cream of Cauliflower Soup was on the “Marco Recommends” side of the menu rather than the Bouillabaisse. We both had Grilled Duo of Lamb and Beef Fillets accompanied by Pont Neuf Potatoes, Roasted Vine Tomatoes (which none of us ate) and Madeira Jus. The menu didn’t mentioned roasted root vegetables but they were on the plate again. The lamb was good and though the beef was tender I would have preferred it a little rarer as it was bordering on a liver taste if that makes sense. That’s what popped into my head anyway.

 

I finished with Trio of Chocolate which I really enjoyed, even if the third part of the trio was just a smear across the plate. I don’t know, one minute they’re offering gammon, egg, pineapple, and chips as a fine dining main course then their presenting a dessert with a smear for appearances. Different chefs and kitchen departments I guess. Michelle had Baked Blueberry Souffle which was really good even if the accompanying Spiced Blueberry Compote had escaped out of its ramekin on the journey from the kitchen and made it’s own attempt at a designer smear across the plate.

 

After dinner we went to the Crow’s Nest which was busy as you would expect on a formal night. Throughout the evening I only noticed a handful of gentlemen not in tuxedos or suits and it was the same in the Crow’s Nest so well done gents. As usual the cards came out and I followed Leeds United’s Friday night match along with the comments from friends back home. We were robbed by the way.

 

We left the Crow’s Nest and decided to walk all the way aft on deck 16 before the descent to deck 10. We passed through the Horizon Buffet and yet again it was very busy. We looked at the infinity pool which was still full (water that is, not passengers) and the swim up bar which was empty. We also looked at the other infinity pool higher up near the Panorama Pool & Bar (18). It was all very tranquil and still surprisingly warm. I’d been getting quite sleepy in the Crow’s Nest but the walk and fresh air had definitely woken me up. It made no difference once were back in the cabin and I was straight asleep as usual.

[DamianG]

 

Edited August 19, 2023 by DamianG

[DamianG]

 

 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2023 by DamianG

[DamianG]

 

Edited August 19, 2023 by DamianG

[DamianG]

This sort of thing really annoys me, just dumped on the aft staircase. Sheer laziness & ignorance.

 

[DamianG]

Michelle & Kyle checking out the seats outside Sindhu. I would have liked to sit here one evening but it never happened. 
 

[DamianG]

Mum & sister’s deck 4 cabin. You can actually hear the sea as we cruise along. 
 

[DamianG]

Todays Quays Fusion offering, Prawn & Coconut Thai Green Curry. 
 

[DamianG]

Sad times (those aren’t ours by the way, how many cases can one cabin have?).

 

Edited August 19, 2023 by DamianG

[zap99]

22 minutes ago, DamianG said:

Todays Quays Fusion offering, Prawn & Coconut Thai Green Curry. 
 

Foods all looking good. We could survive on that.😊

[Angel57]

42 minutes ago, DamianG said:

This sort of thing really annoys me, just dumped on the aft staircase. Sheer laziness & ignorance.

 

Lazy indeed. I hope glasses were plastic as so dangerous for anyone with sight difficulties. What is wrong with people?

[TigerB]

2 hours ago, DamianG said:

Despite the disturbance I still got up early with the intention of using the launderette when it opened at 8am. When I got there I was surprised to find all 6 machines already full, and even more surprisingly several driers on the go (so clearly passengers had ignored the notice of the operating hours and been in well before 8am). One lady was there already ironing some clothes and when I called in to try my luck again an hour or so later she was still there.

 

I'm probably preaching to the converted here, but you did know that the launderettes on 9 and 11 are in the same location, and with about the same number of machines?

[DamianG]

19 minutes ago, TigerB said:

 

I'm probably preaching to the converted here, but you did know that the launderettes on 9 and 11 are in the same location, and with about the same number of machines?

 

and there is even a launderette on deck 16 though it only has 4 machines....

 

I'll get m'coat.

[Windsurfboy]

Good food today , loved look of Thai curry and the blueberry souffle  , did they taste as good as they looked.

 

How easy is it to get into Quays fusion at lunch?

[TigerB]

5 minutes ago, DamianG said:

 

and there is even a launderette on deck 16 though it only has 4 machines....

 

I'll get m'coat.

 

I see that in your search for launderette nirvana you've been all over the ship.🤣

 

When we were on deck 15 mid-forward on Arvia in April, and on Iona in June, I would pop up the flight of stairs to use that one. It was easier to get to and had more machines and ironing boards than the one on deck 15.  I just didn't understand why the one on deck 15 is so small, despite that deck having many more cabins than deck 16. 

[TigerB]

5 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

How easy is it to get into Quays fusion at lunch?

 

It's a servery, so just walk up and get what you want

[Helenk1234]

2 hours ago, DamianG said:

This sort of thing really annoys me, just dumped on the aft staircase. Sheer laziness & ignorance.

 

We experienced 4 empty glasses left in a lift. Morons.

[GSPG]

2 hours ago, DamianG said:

This sort of thing really annoys me, just dumped on the aft staircase. Sheer laziness & ignorance.

 

On week 2, on our Arvia cruise on the 9th July the lifts had glasses and food strewn across them on every night and drunk pint glasses of coke left on hand sanitiser stations.

[GSPG]

2 hours ago, DamianG said:

Michelle & Kyle checking out the seats outside Sindhu. I would have liked to sit here one evening but it never happened. 
 

You were lucky to get in these seats, around 30 teenagers took over this area in the evenings before moving to other areas of the ship. But this was their favourite hang out!

[Helenk1234]

6 hours ago, DamianG said:

Todays Quays Fusion offering, Prawn & Coconut Thai Green Curry. 
 

Food there better than the Olive Grove. Hubby ordered the Beef - it is pure gristle and bone.

[DamianG]

5 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

Good food today , loved look of Thai curry and the blueberry souffle  , did they taste as good as they looked.

 

How easy is it to get into Quays fusion at lunch?

There always seems to be a big queue for fish & chips (even then the longest I’ve waited is less than 10 minutes) but not for Fusion or Roast Dinners. 
 

In terms of tables & seating there always seems to be the most room furthest away from the serving hatches opposite Sindhu (with the added bonus of it being the first port of call for drinks waiters).

 

 

[DamianG]

5 hours ago, TigerB said:

 

I see that in your search for launderette nirvana you've been all over the ship.🤣

 

When we were on deck 15 mid-forward on Arvia in April, and on Iona in June, I would pop up the flight of stairs to use that one. It was easier to get to and had more machines and ironing boards than the one on deck 15.  I just didn't understand why the one on deck 15 is so small, despite that deck having many more cabins than deck 16. 

Ironing is so yesterday, we’ve used this for the first time last 2 weeks on board & though we suspected it would be just a gimmick it works. I ironed a shirt first night, rest of the time just sprayed them & hung them up to dry. 
 

Best regards

Damian 

9th Dan, Washing (working towards 10th Dan)
 

Edited August 19, 2023 by DamianG

[DamianG]

19^th August

 

A decent night’s sleep and though I was awake early we didn’t actually get up until after 9am. We went to the Quays which was pretty busy. I got in the queue for cooked breakfast and a slim chap in front of me built the most impressive plateful with fried eggs, scrambled eggs, sausages, several rashers of bacon, beans, mushrooms, 4 hash browns and some fried bread. The Quays plates are weirdly shaped, sort of wonky as if they’ve curled up like a frisbee left out in the hot sun. With this is mind his breakfast plate arrangement was a masterpiece.

 

After breakfast we got our usual tea and latte except that this time we made our order at Ripples. That doesn’t open until 10:30am so clearly we were having a leisurely morning. This also had the added bonus that our cabin had actually been refreshed by the time we got back after breakfast, only the 2^nd time this has happened all cruise.

 

My sister called late morning to arrange some more hot tub time with Kyle. He’s really enjoyed her company on this cruise and it’s made such a positive difference. We walked round the promenade deck on the shady port side but all the tubs were occupied so we ended up on the roasting hot starboard side. Mum and sister arrived then not long after Michelle’s mum and dad turned up unexpectedly but fortunately we were able to stake a claim for 5 seats. It was roasting hot but none of the 3 seniors had a hat between them so Michelle and I trekked up to deck 10 to her parents cabin then down to deck 4 to mum and sisters. In particular we noted the sound of the waves in the latter cabin low down close to the sea. With hindsight we could have taken videos of all 3 of our very different cabins then created some kind of comparison YouTube production but I doubt that any advertiser would be interested in our amateur efforts anytime soon.

 

So much for our hat provisions as Michelle’s parents lasted about 20 minutes before bailing out then not long after mum and I moved to the shady port side (which seemed cold by comparison though it wasn’t really). We sat outside the Quays so I was able to easily go get mum a cup of tea which she appreciated. Our hot tubbers lasted around 30 minutes more then came to find us. Kyle was shivering on the cold side so we got him dried off and changed on the promenade deck. Michelle preferred to return to the cabin to do the same (she didn’t fancy trying to change in public with me holding a towel around her, can’t think why) while Kyle and I went straight into the Quays for lunch. The Fusion section were offering a Prawn and Coconut Thai Green Curry so I got Kyle a portion of that and a back up of the Katsu Chicken Curry. I had every intention of eating one or the other but whilst I was queueing up the fish and chips were calling out to me so when Michelle returned we ended up with 2 curries and 2 portions of fish and chips on the table as Kyle said that he wanted to try that as well. We certainly had a weird fusion lunch of our own with everyone trying a bit of everything. I’m not sure about the flavour combinations but what I can definitely tell you is that Coeur de Mont Sauvignon Blanc (available from Sindhu, my 2^nd favourite bar on board) goes with everything. Michelle went to get some desserts (Lemon Drizzle Cake and a pot of trifle) but I was stuffed already. Kyle went off with his grandma (my mum) to be absolutely spoiled in the onboard shop with the last of her onboard credit and then some. Michelle and I waited in the Quays and I got another round in (how else were we going to pass the time?).

 

After enjoying our drinks we went back to the cabin and as I had 1 wash tablet left I decided to do a final trip to the launderette. In particular my formal night shirt needed a wash (does anyone else overheat in a suit or tuxedo on formal night or is that just me? Then again, this ship is by far the hottest I’ve ever been on. Maybe they have turned down the air con to save a few pennies as has been suggested on other reviews. There I go again, more tangents than a circle this thread).

 

I went to the launderette on our deck 10 but yet again every machine was in use. Bear with me here but I like how the older P&O ships have a name for each deck as well as a number. My favourite is Devanha deck mainly because of how the posh lady announcing the floors in the lifts calls it out (though it would be even better if she said “Devanha Deck, Darling”). Anyway I’ve decided that deck 10 on Arvia should be the Widow Twankey deck as a tribute to the keen washers occupying the cabins on that floor on this cruise (and yes, I include myself before you point the finger). Same as a few days previously I tried my luck on deck 11 and that particular launderette was an oasis of free machines (5 out of 6). For anyone still interested I chose machine A, not least because it was the furthest away from the swinging door entrance where unsurprisingly passengers don’t know the difference between push and pull, so you are always potentially in the firing line if using machine F. Or maybe they can’t read, or even maybe they can’t be bothered (so tempted to use a stronger word there). Yeah, yeah, I really need to get out more. I blame cabin fever. Incidentally, I absent mindedly turned right out of the launderette and walked all the way down the corridor on deck 11 aft. Luckily my brain kicked in just before I tried to unlock the cabin door for 11742.

 

Once I’d found the right cabin I dropped off the laundry bag then went back down the Keel and Cow for a last round of Gavi di Gavi. I returned our empty plastic glasses as always and the barman thanked me then asked “2 Gavi?” I replied “Yes please, but I’d better join the queue” which made him laugh and stopped everyone else stood there from looking daggers at me. It’s poor for us that they only serve that particular wine in one venue (as far as I am aware) but I’ve had top class service in there every time so that offsets it a little.

 

After packing we barely had time to enjoy the drinks in the cabin as Kyle had arranged to go out slightly earlier, primarily as Michelle’s parents had also arranged to take him to the shop to buy something. It was a bit of a rush but we made the scheduled time (funny how the only time we ever do that is when Kyle has something specifically arranged especially for him). While he was shopping we had pre-dinner drinks in Andersons before moving on to the Meridian.

 

Our regular table is aft next to the large windows and there was a low sun getting in Michelle’s mum’s eyes. Michelle gently tried pulling a blind but quickly realised that they were fixed. They asked the waiter if the blinds could be pulled down a little and we then all watched on as someone adjusted all the blinds remotely in unison. They only stayed down a few minutes before moving back up again so maybe someone else asked to see the sunset.

 

Michelle and I both chose Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls as a starter, small but tasty. For main Sweet and Sour Chicken was an option so we both decided to go all in on a P&O Saturday night take away. However, Garlic and Brandy Sauteed Tiger Prawns also appealed so we got Kyle to request that as a starter with the idea being that if it looked good we could order a second main in due course. When it came out it was a starter sized portion anyway which Kyle didn’t like so we shared it instead. It was nice enough but no need for another portion for either of us. The Sweet and Sour Chicken was lovely by the way. Michelle had Cherry Cheesecake for dessert (bit stodgy) and I had Tuscan Coffee and Hazelnut Cake (bit cakey and couldn’t taste the coffee at all). After dinner we said our goodbyes and I got Kyle to hand Oswin an envelope with a small tip in it as we thought he had definitely gone “above and beyond” for us.

 

We went back to Andersons one last time but didn’t stay long at all. We’d already agreed to self-disembark with Michelle’s parents and knew that it was going to be a challenge so an early night was in order. Once we were back in the cabin Michelle remembered that we intended to get some bottles of water so Kyle and I went back down to the Club Lounge. It was a Club Anthems theme but Pulse were on a break and it was a shame we didn’t get to see them for one song at least. The music was really loud and I was surprised how many passengers were still out making the most of the last evening on board. I was slightly jealous if I’m honest, good luck to them.

  

 

20^th August

 

We were up super early, had breakfast in the Quays (which wasn’t too busy) then were ready to go at 7:20am. We were lucky to get half our party and one suitcase in the first lift that came along, then 3 suitcases, 2 rucksacks, 2 bags, Michelle, Kyle and I in the next one. Step one completed. It was easy to disembark but a slog across the air bridge and out of the terminal. I then went and picked up the car from Parking4Cruises (on the ball as usual) before driving back to the pick up point to load up. I got a telling off for parking then pulling out to move further forward nearer my passengers (lesson learnt). We were on the road at 7:54am so though it had been hard it was worth it. I just made one navigational error (wrong lane at the Hotel Leonardo junction in Southampton) but after that we had a good run and we were home 12:15pm. Most importantly we were home in plenty of time to pick up the pets at 1:30pm.

 

[DamianG]

 

 

 

 

Edited August 20, 2023 by DamianG

[Presto2]

Welcome home and thanks for the cruise diary. Enjoy your evening meal .. we always enjoy fish and chips infront of the telly. No dressing up and no pager 😀