20th Dec 2024 | 14 nights | P&O Cruises | Arvia
P&O Cruises' second Excel-class ship and follow up to Iona will be named Arvia and debut in December 2022 with a host of new-to-the-line features. Work began on the 184,700-tonne ship at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, in February 2021. Arvia will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Arvia joins her sister ship, Iona, to make the sea the star with her luminous, wide-open spaces. Meaning ‘from the seashore’, her name encapsulates the magic of sailing from different coastlines to new waters and sunshine destinations. Arvia’s unique name reflects the innovative quality of their new Excel class of ships. Her modern and expansive designs offer incredible panoramas from her Grand Atrium, pools, bars and restaurants to her opening SkyDome. So you can drink in the sunshine while gazing out upon glimmering waters and idyllic islands as they emerge on the horizon. From the moment you step on board Arvia, the extraordinary travel experiences begin.
The 5,200-passenger ship is structurally identical to Iona, though Arvia will offer a number of new features and venues. These include a 54m-high ropes course called Altitude Skywalk that will offer two different experiences; a swim-up bar and a new restaurant concept, Green & Co featuring Mizuhana, offering a plant-based and fish menu with a sushi bar.
Arvia will also feature another first for the line: Altitude Minigolf, a nine-hole course located below Altitude Skywalk. The swim-up bar will form part of an infinity pool with uninterrupted wake views. We also know that Arvia will feature the 970-sqm SkyDome that debuts on Iona, to offer a day-to-night venue for relaxing and entertainment, with a pool and stage featuring aerial performances, movies on SeaScreen and theatre productions.
From chilling over milkshakes and tasty all-American favourites at 6th Street Diner to savouring a dinner date complemented by fine wine and flawless service at Epicurean, Arvia boasts a truly varied offering of more than 30 places to eat and drink on board. There’s something to suit every occasion and mood, and to give you flexibility and convenience, you can choose when and where to eat at any of the restaurants.
At Green & Co feat. Mizuhana, P&O Cruises celebrate difference and deliver delicious. Let them take your taste buds on a journey over land and sea as you sample plant-based dishes that will alter perceptions, along with the freshest and most beautiful sushi plates. Joining the line-up of eateries at the sociable dining hub The Quays is newcomer Roast, where you’ll find mouth-watering Sunday lunch meats irresistibly packaged in a jumbo Yorkshire pud. And at 6th Street Diner, grab a seat and take in the spirit of the classic all-American diner. They’ve got great music, ice-cold cocktails and deeelicious soul food, all served up with some good ol’ American hospitality.
Their Local Food Heroes have been working their magic, too. Celebrated Spanish chef José Pizarro brings a taste of sunshine to his special Celebration Night menu at The Olive Grove. On Mediterranean holidays, he also offers a sensational tapas menu at The Glass House and a fiesta of Spanish street food at Taste 360. On Caribbean holidays, you won’t want to miss the queen of Caribbean cooking Shivi Ramoutar’s vibrant flavours at The Beach House (her Jerk Chicken Supreme is a must) and her colourful street eats at Taste 360.
If you like your cocktails with a dash of cool glamour, check out the menu at the Amber Lounge in the Grand Atrium or head to The 710 Club, the live music nightspot created by Music Director Gary Barlow. And at The Limelight Club, wining and dining is served with lashings of A-list entertainment and fabulous live music. For those who want a more tranquil ambience, head for Anderson’s Bar, a traditional venue that houses Arvia’s unique copper still – try some of the artisanal Marabelle gin for the perfect summer cooler in the Med or, during the Caribbean season, the exclusive rum created in partnership with The Tidal Rum.
Like her sister ship Iona, Arvia boasts a mix of dining venues that are unique to P&O Cruises Excel class ships together with all your fleet favourites. Enjoy the perfect gelato hit at Ripples, tuck into The Prime Minister burger at The Keel & Cow or indulge in contemporary Indian sensations at Sindhu – and let’s not forget the best night caps in the Crow’s Nest. For the ultimate holiday vibe, relax and raise a glass in one of the many deck bars, including the unforgettable swim-up bar experience of Infinity Bar.
Arvia will offer a total of 2,614 cabins.
Brits keen to sail with their fellow country people, who want a home-from-home atmosphere
Non-English speakers; late-night partyers or those who want lots of outdoor entertainment options
The line is aimed squarely at Brits, and that's pretty well the only nationality you'll find abroad at any time of year, wherever the ship is based. The demographic varies drastically depending on the type of ship and time of year. The adults-only ships tend to attract couples of 55-years plus; the family-friendly ones will attract families during the holiday periods, and then revert to 55+ couples outside of school holidays. Age will skew lower on the mini-break cruises to Europe and the Channel Islands. P&O Cruises is also aimed squarely at Middle England -- it's not upmarket and not "bucket and spade". The line is about as typically British as you can get.
P&O cruisers veer on the side of smart during the evening (not Cunard smart, but certainly not casual or scruffy), with casual during the day -- shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps and flip flops are perfectly acceptable day wear. On Gala nights passengers tend to make an effort and you'll see a range of clothing from ball gowns and black tie to and dark suits and long dresses and heels.
No, though tips are included in the price of the cruise and you won't find the rampant up charging you get on US lines. You'll pay extra for speciality restaurants, adults-only relaxation areas, the spa (treatments and thermal suite access), alcoholic and soft drinks.
P&O Cruises does not go in for adrenaline-filled activities like the US ships, so you won't even find a climbing wall even on the largest ships, let alone simulated skydiving, dodgems or simulated surfing. Daytime activities across the fleet consist of Daily activities range from the old-time favourites such as deck quoits, shuffleboard and table tennis to line dancing and party dance classes plus plenty of quizzes throughout the day including a pub challenge.