4th Jan 2025 | 14 nights | P&O Cruises | Arvia
P&O Cruises' second Excel-class ship, following Iona, is named Arvia and debuted in December 2022, bringing a host of new-to-the-line features. Arvia is 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 captures the magic of sailing from different coastlines to new waters and sunshine destinations. Arvia’s distinctive name reflects the innovative quality of the new Excel class of ships. Her modern and expansive designs provide breathtaking panoramas, from the Grand Atrium, pools, bars, and restaurants to the opening SkyDome. Guests can soak up the sunshine while gazing at glimmering waters and idyllic islands as they appear on the horizon. From the moment you step on board Arvia, extraordinary travel experiences unfold.
The 5,200-passenger ship is structurally identical to Iona, though Arvia offers a number of new features and venues. These include a 54m-high ropes course called Altitude Skywalk, which provides two different experiences; a swim-up bar; and a new restaurant concept, Green & Co featuring Mizuhana, which serves a plant-based and fish menu with a sushi bar.
Arvia also features another first for the line: Altitude Minigolf, a nine-hole course located below Altitude Skywalk. The swim-up bar forms part of an infinity pool with uninterrupted wake views. Additionally, Arvia includes the 970-sqm SkyDome, which debuted on Iona, providing a day-to-night venue for relaxation and entertainment. The SkyDome features a pool and stage for aerial performances, movies on SeaScreen, and theatre productions.
From chilling over milkshakes and classic all-American favourites at 6th Street Diner to enjoying a dinner date enhanced by fine wine and flawless service at Epicurean, Arvia offers a truly varied selection of more than 30 places to eat and drink on board. There’s something to suit every occasion and mood. For flexibility and convenience, you choose when and where to dine at any of the restaurants.
At Green & Co feat. Mizuhana, P&O Cruises celebrate difference and serve delicious dishes. They take your taste buds on a journey across land and sea, offering plant-based creations that challenge perceptions alongside the freshest, most exquisite sushi plates. Adding to the sociable dining hub at The Quays is newcomer Roast, where you’ll find irresistible Sunday lunch meats wrapped in jumbo Yorkshire puddings. Meanwhile, at 6th Street Diner, you can soak in the spirit of a classic all-American diner with great music, ice-cold cocktails, and deeelicious soul food served with authentic American hospitality.
Their Local Food Heroes work their magic, too. Celebrated Spanish chef José Pizarro brings sunshine to The Olive Grove with his special Celebration Night menu. On Mediterranean holidays, he also presents a sensational tapas menu at The Glass House and a feast of Spanish street food at Taste 360. On Caribbean holidays, Shivi Ramoutar, the queen of Caribbean cooking, delivers vibrant flavours at The Beach House (don’t miss her Jerk Chicken Supreme) and colourful street eats at Taste 360.
If you love cocktails with a touch of glamour, the Amber Lounge in the Grand Atrium offers a stunning menu, while The 710 Club serves as the ultimate live music nightspot. At The Limelight Club, you can enjoy wining and dining paired with A-list entertainment and fabulous live music. For a quieter atmosphere, Anderson’s Bar provides a traditional venue complete with Arvia’s unique copper still—perfect for sampling the artisanal Marabelle gin in the Mediterranean or exclusive rum created with The Tidal Rum during the Caribbean season.
Like her sister ship Iona, Arvia features a mix of dining venues unique to P&O Cruises' Excel class, along with all your fleet favourites. Treat yourself to the perfect gelato at Ripples, savour The Prime Minister burger at The Keel & Cow, or indulge in contemporary Indian delights at Sindhu. And don’t forget the finest nightcaps at the Crow’s Nest. For the ultimate holiday vibe, unwind and raise a glass at one of the many deck bars, including the unforgettable swim-up Infinity Bar.
Arvia offers 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.