P&O Cruises replace Gary Rhodes with Marco Pierre White

P&O Cruises has caused anger from passengers over the company’s decision to replace Gary Rhodes restaurants with Marco Pierre White

Gary Rhodes has had his name associated with P&O Cruises since 2005 and the restaurants proved a massive hit with loyal passengers. Fine dining restaurant Arcadian Rhodes was installed in 2005 onboard Arcadia and Oriana Rhodes opened in 2006 onboard Oriana.

It has come to light however that later this year when both ships enter dry-dock for refits that both restaurants will be removed and replaced with restaurants run by Hell’s Kitchen star Marco Pierre White.

Scores of disappointed Gary Rhodes fans have leapt to his defence on one of the cruise line’s web forums, with some suggesting they should begin a campaign and petition to keep him aboard.

One passenger feared it could mark a drop in standards of cruise catering: “Take this to its logical conclusion – how long before evening meals will only be available on a self-service basis?”

Rhodes has reacted with surprise at the company’s decision and admitted he had also received numerous letters and emails from disappointed fans. He said: “After more than five fantastic years with P&O Cruises, I am disappointed that P&O wish to no longer continue with Rhodes restaurants on board their Arcadia and Oriana ships. However, this is a decision taken by P&O who wish to introduce a different dining concept.”

Marco Pierre White already has a restaurant on the line’s super ship Ventura and cafés on Oceana and Aurora. The new Adonia has Marco’s new concept Ocean Grill.

Carol Marlow, managing director of P&O Cruises, says the decision has been down to customer feedback.

She said: “We’ve done some research among our passengers and found that they’re interested in something which is a different sort of concept than that in the main restaurant.”