MS Arcadia

MS "Arcadia" is a British cruise liner, the second largest in the P&O Cruises fleet. She was built by the Fincantieri company of Italy in a period of just twenty months. She was launched in April 2005 and named by Dame Kelly Holmes. An earlier ship of the same name is now operating as the "Ocean Village".

"Arcadia" was ordered by Holland America Line in 2000 as their fifth Vista-class vessel. In 2003 she was allocated to Cunard Line to become their MS|Queen Victoria. Shortly before her launch the decision was made to transfer the ship to the P&O Cruises fleet. As a result, "Arcadia" has a Cunard-style funnel and mast similar to those found on the "QE2" and the RMS|Queen Mary 2 instead of the traditional P&O-style funnel found on the purpose built MV|Oriana|1995 and MV|Aurora.

Propulsion

"Arcadia" uses the Azipod system which is an azimuthing electric propulsion drive where the propulsion motor is installed inside a submerged azimuthing (unlimited 360 degrees) pod and coupled directly to an extremely short propeller shaft. The variable speed electric (AC/AC) drive produces smooth torque over the entire speed range including zero speed. The Azipod propulsion system gives the ship outstanding manoeuvring capabilities. It allows full turns at high speed with a radius of less than a ship length. Almost equal speed can be achieved ahead and astern. Rudders as well as stern thrusters are obsolete if an Azipod propulsion is installed astern as it is capable of providing full thrust in all directions by setting the unit's direction angle simply with the vessel's steering control. The Azipod unit has no mechanical propulsion coupling as electric power is provided by a cable connection only, from the diesel-electric generators ("Arcadia" has six) to the electric motor installed in the gondola directly behind the propeller. "Arcadia" has two ABB Azipods.

Interesting facts

*"Arcadia" is home to some 3000 works of modern British art
*"Arcadia" travelled a total of 105,196 miles (91,335 nautical miles) during her maiden season
*At 285 metres in length, "Arcadia" is 17 metres longer than Tower Bridge
*An image of the ship was used on promotional material (posters and website) for the 2006 film "Poseidon".

Facilities

On board the ship boasts:
* 11 Passenger decks
* Three-deck atrium
* 14 bars
* Main (Meridian) restaurant on two levels, 24-hour food court (The Belvedere), two further restaurants (The Orchid & Arcadian Rhodes), poolside grill (Neptune) and coffee bar (Caffe Vivo)
* One outdoor pool, one indoor pool with retracting roof and seven Jacuzzis (two of which are for exclusive use of the ship's company)
* Three-tier theatre The Palladium
* The Globe - intimate cabaret lounge
* Monte Carlo Casino
* Electra Nightclub
* Library
* Observation lounge Crows Nest
* Internet Cyb@centre
* spa and hair beauty salon
* Relaxation lounge and art gallery
* 14 passenger lifts, including four glass lifts on the exterior of the ship, two to port and two to starboard

Future refit

Arcadia's next scheduled refit is for a 24-day period from 26 November to 20 December 2008. She will to undergo a major refit to the stern, with several cabins added. [cite web |url=http://www.pocruises.com/pdf/arcadiaj824onwards.pdf |title="Arcadia" Deck Plans after November 2008 refit |accessdate=2008-01-23 |format=pdf |publisher=P&O Cruises ] Similar rear superstructure remodelling has already been carried out on two of Holland America Line's Vista class vessels, with the other two following in 2008 and 2009.

References

External links

* [http://www.pocruises.com/arcadia/index.aspx P&O Cruises Arcadia]
* [http://www.pocruises.com/webcams/arcadia.aspx Arcadia's webcam]
* [http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/PO-Arcadia2005-1.html Postcards of Arcadia]
* [http://www.abb.com/global/abbzh/abbzh251.nsf!OpenDatabase&db=/global/seitp/seitp161.nsf&v=17E96&e=us&m=100A&c=D9B2B9B6EF1F600CC1256FDF003B2929 ABB Azipod® Propulsion]