While the P&O Cruises ship Arcadia was recently in local waters on her maiden around-the-world voyage, I was delighted to have the opportunity to dine on-board with celebrated British chef and restaurateur Gary Rhodes.

Dinner was in Arcadia's premier restaurant, Arcadian Rhodes. Gary spends several weeks each year here designing menus and briefing his chefs and staff on all his requirements.

The decor of Arcadian Rhodes is modern, with wood panelling and beautiful lighting highlighting the numerous works of art adorning the walls. As I dined on an entree of seared red mullet and warm duck confit with a fresh grape butter sauce, followed by a main course of slow-roasted pork with seared tiger prawns and sweet pea butter puree, Gary spoke of his pride in the restaurant, his staff and his admiration for the dishes they produce.

It was clear from our dinner that Gary's passion for contemporary British food has not lessened over the 20 years or so since I first became aware of him. At that time, Gary was one of a group of young chefs reintroducing the British public to their gastronomic heritage with modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

Gary has since become a household name in Britain after hosting top-rating TV programmes such as Masterchef and his own series Rhodes Around Britain. His cooking demonstrations on board the Arcadia attracted a capacity audience to the magnificent three-storey theatre, The Palladium. The day after our dinner, Gary was entertaining an enraptured audience, creating a delightful entree of fresh salmon, followed by roast loin of lamb with tarragon and tomato sauce, and a passionfruit creme brulee to finish.

So much to sample

While Arcadian Rhodes is not to be missed, it's only one of five on-board restaurants. The other fine dining restaurant is the large, two-storey Meridian Restaurant. I was also very impressed by The Orchid, which is beautifully decorated and, being located high up on the ship, offers fantastic panoramic views. With an informal atmosphere, it serves up Japanese, Indian, Thai, Chinese and Indonesian cuisine.

Like all P&O ships, there are too many first-rate attractions to mention - from classical music recitals and films in a cosy screening room to floor shows to bridge in a dedicated cards room, not to mention the impressive library and casino. And few ocean liners can boast external glass lifts overlooking the ocean, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool with retractable glass roof, and their own art gallery.

Arcadia, like the other ships in P&O Cruises' fleet, is stunning, with almost endless opportunities for relaxation and leisure. If you're looking for a family holiday, be aware that Arcadia is one of two ‘child-free' P&O ships. Only passengers 18 years old and over are permitted to travel on-board.

By Barbara Northwood

Get even more on-board magic

Stargazing at sea

Set a course for adventure aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2, where you can discover the secrets of the universe in its spectacular on-board planetarium. Learn about astronomy, solar-system science and geophysics with guest speakers from The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), and go stargazing on deck. It's all part of Cunard's Cultural Insights Enrichment Programme that lets you cruise with academics, former ambassadors and politicians, historians, novelists, and award-winning actors and filmmakers. For details, call 0800 951 200 or visit www.cunardline.com.

Culture vulture

Arts and culture, travel and good living are all part of taking a cruise. Visit Egypt's pyramids, Spain's Alhambra or Italy's galleries and learn about the histories of these unique cultures aboard one of Silversea's luxury vessels. Guest speakers reveal details about sites, so you'll be in-the-know before you get there. Silversea also offers wine and culinary arts cruises, where you can sample celebrated vintage blends, enjoy gourmet dinners and attend interactive cooking classes on the boat, as well as visiting local markets and vineyards on shore. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.

Golf cruise

Golf lovers can cruise the Mediterranean on a small luxury ship, docking to enjoy lazy rounds of golf at the world's top courses. Travel to Europe's finest courses, Valderrama Golf Club on the Costa del Sol and the magnificent Sperone Golf Club in Corsica. Other destinations include the Adriatic, Spain and Morocco, the Greek Islands and Turkey, North America and South Africa, with golf and sightseeing offered at each port of call. Contact your travel agent or visit www.classicgolfcruises.com for details.

To go: Join Arcadia as she embarks on her 2010 World Cruise - a fascinating journey that takes in 23 countries and 34 ports. Prices start from around $6000 per person for a 23-night cruise from Auckland to Hong Kong via Queensland and Malaysia's exotic Kota Kinabalu, starting on February 17, 2010.

For more information, to make a booking or to find out about other P&O Cruises, call 0800 951 200 or visit www.pocruises.com. Alternatively, contact your travel agent.

If that all seems a bit costly, try a shorter cruise closer to home. From about $2000 per person, travel around New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands on the Pacific Sun. To learn more, visit www.pocruises.co.nz.