Memoirs

Many Australians fondly remember P&O's second Arcadia, which was launched in the UK in 1953. During her 25 years of service, this Arcadia carried more than 430,000 passengers around the world, including thousands of UK immigrants travelling to their new home land of Australia. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents the UK P&O Cruises' operations in Australia, said the cruise line was keen to build on the history of Arcadia and its passengers and celebrate the latest ship's arrival with a passenger reunion event.

“After World War II, more than one million Britons sailed to Australia as part of the largest planned mass migration in history and most of these came on P&O ships, including Arcadia,” Ms Sherry said. “There are so many Australians whose families originally sailed to Australia to begin a new life on Arcadia, and we would love to hear those wonderful stories of family history, and share their memories. People make friends for life on a cruise ship and some even meet the love of their life so we are sure there are plenty of stories to tell.”

Here are a selection of wonderful stories and photos about the liner voyages between 1953 and 1970 which carried immigrants from the UK to Australia.

“Arcadia, that beautiful white ship which brought my Mum, my brother and me to Sydney in 1958” Ann

“A group of us [Australians] travelled to the UK in 1956 for 18 months, of which the passage on the Arcadia was undoubtedly the highlight. We still find time to get together twice a year to talk over the good old days on Arcadia.” Les

“I recall the wonderful meals for both Christmas and New Year – sumptuous banquets!” Heather

“I had an old Scottish aunt who came to Australia on board Arcadia and developed such a soft spot for her that she refused to travel on any other vessel.” Ian

“One further wonderful memory of our trip on Arcadia was the spectacular entry and cruise down Sydney harbour...no doubt emotionally charged as well as awesome as we were returning to family and friends not seen for 12 months.” Ian

“The Arcadia provided delicious meals, great company, fascinating ports, wonderful entertainment and days of lazing on deck looking at the ocean.” Gail

“1964 was really the beginning of a special and happy long union to the woman I met at the Dining table, first night on board Arcadia. Two years later, Love blossomed into marriage. Arcadia is a very special "Love Boat" for us. Allen

“Arcadia introduced me to those wonderful P&O curries for lunch. I recall we used to line up early outside the dining room where we could feel the air-conditioning seeping under the doors.” Stella

“One of my fondest memories on board Arcadia was when we passed the Kilauea volcano [near Hawaii], which had erupted a few days before the ship arrived. We could still see the glow of red lava around the area at the top. It was absolutely breathtaking to see, as I was in my early 20's. Sandra

“I will never forget my favourite ship, and the new Arcadia will have a lot to live up to!” Chris

“I still remember all the old P&O liners with great affection, but especially Arcadia as she represented the beginning of some of the best years in my life.” Mary

“We departed London in 1960 on board Arcadia for Australia. The entertainment on the ship was fabulous with Gala Nights special events for young people. Approaching Fremantle and my journey’s end I wished the Arcadia could sail on forever as life on board had been so fantastic.” Frederick

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