P&O’s cruise ship, Arcadia has visited Zayed Port for the first time. Presented with a traditional plaque to commemorate her maiden visit, the ship stayed for a full day, arriving early morning on Friday 3 April and leaving early morning on Saturday.
The ship was welcomed with a traditional Emirati welcome, with Ayala dancers along the quayside, a falconer and his falcon ready to pose with the cruise passengers and ladies cooking traditional Emirati food for the visitors to try. A delegation from Abu Dhabi Ports led by Noura Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi Ports Cruise Manager, boarded the ship to meet Captain Trevor Robert Lane, and to present him with the traditional maiden call plaque.
Arcadia is a mid-sized cruise ship carrying around 2000 passengers, (mostly British) and almost 1000 crew. P&O describes the ship as offering a relaxed pace, stylish surrounding and more than a hint of extravagance. The ship is equipped with different restaurants, an expansive spa with thermal suite and hydro-therapy pool, an art gallery, a three-tiered theatre and cinema. Aradia started her voyage in Southampton, UK and arrived in Abu Dhabi from Bombay, India and her next stop was Dubai.