Arcadia passenger questions P&O’s intentions

Messages of disappointment continue to reach St Helena Online regarding the failure of P&O Cruises to allow passengers ashore in “millpond” conditions when the Arcadia called at the island in April 2012.
The latest is from Diana Rainham, of Essex, UK, in response to coverage of the debacle. She writes:
“I was on the Arcadia and we were told previously that the communications were poor. The rumours were going round the ship were that St Helena was a ‘touch and go’ situation. The passengers were warned that any high waves would mean that we wouldn’t go ashore.
“Our view from the ship was not of high waves. There were a lot of elderly passengers but also a lot of middle-aged 35- to 50-year-olds, and the crew and entertainment staff were mainly in their 20s.
“The Arcadia used tenders to dock at Bali when the sea was the same if not more wavey.
“A lot of the passengers were very unappy with the situation. P&O should not have advertised St Helena as a port of call if they had no intention to dock there.
“I am so gutted I missed the chance to visit the beautiful island, have a drink in the Consulate, the Standard and the White Horse, buy some stamps and maybe even attempt Jacob’s Ladder.”
P&O Cruises have ignored previous requests to acknowledge the losses and inconvenience suffered by islanders. Another request will be made.