We flew out of Perth on Boxing Day, West Australia, for this cruise, we thought it would be the best cruise experience with exotic ports of calls and were so eager to experience these. Have cruised for many many years, but this was the worst experience on the high seas we have had. OK so the steering gear didn't want to work but at least we were in Southampton! Glad it wasn't in the middle of the Pacific or Atlantic. Having a problem with certain foods I wrote to P & O months in advance naming items I could not have. We dined in the main dining room so my diet could be accommodated I was given food that I threw up! I felt very vunerable as I wondered what other meals I was going to get a reaction to. Phoned Reception to let them know and was then contacted by a nurse in the Medical Centre by phone. I was told to keep in my Cabin and not go out on the paid Tour of Madeira we had just arrived at! Why we asked? Having told them it was a reaction to food I should not have been given. The reply came back You may have the Norovirus! Great, I asked if I get a reaction to food again and let the Reception know [so the bathroom can be cleaned] I will be treated as some dirty passenger that doesn't wash their hands after going to the loo will I? Yes, came the reply back, you may have the Norovirus! Well what a difference in shipping lines my husband and I thought. Here I was been given food I should not have and I get treated like this. The year before on the Maasdam [Holland America] same thing happened but the doctor at least checked me over and was happy for me to mix with the passengers as she said you haven't the virus. Their medical centre gave me medication to help my digestive system. Not P & O Arcadia, I was not even seen by a member of the medical team!

Then we get to Aruba and my husband was not well, he lost his voice and had a temperature. Turns out a passenger had been let on board the ship with a nasty virus, my guess was at least 50% of the passengers caught this virus. The virus made heavy mucous in the Trachea, so the patient coughs very hard to try to get the mucas up. Husband was put on anti biotics, a week later I had the same infection and same treatment. The virus affected my throat and my well being for the rest of the cruise till we got to Sydney. Why do they let sick people on board and allow them to mix in public areas while infectious? They should be kept in confinement like I was when I didn't have the Norovirus. I have had three lots of antibiotics and my voice is still affected.

Enjoyed the Quiz Night in the Crows Nest though, but it was a bit late at 10.30pm! Read more