CRUISE SHIP: P&O Arvia, what guests can expect

The P&O Arvia, a flagship of P&O Cruises’ Excel class, offers guests a contemporary and family-friendly cruise experience with a focus on diverse dining and entertainment. Launched in 2022, this 5,200-passenger vessel blends innovative design, spacious venues, and engaging activities, appealing to travellers seeking a lively and relaxed journey.

Guests aboard P&O Arvia can anticipate a lively, carefree cruise suitable for families and adults alike. The ship’s diverse dining, from Mediterranean fare to sushi, caters to all tastes, while its entertainment, including theatre shows and high ropes, engages a broad audience. Spacious cabins, eco-friendly design with LNG power, and a dedicated crew create a relaxed experience.

The 1,800-person crew fosters a warm, attentive atmosphere, with English as the primary language. The all-inclusive fare covers most dining, soft drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless experience. The Oasis Spa on Deck 6 offers a thermal suite with saunas, a hydrotherapy pool, and treatments like massages. The gym provides Technogym equipment and fitness classes like yoga. The Avenue shopping arcade sells luxury goods, and Anderson’s Bar hosts gin-tasting masterclasses. Suite guests enjoy priority services and exclusive access to The Retreat, an adults-only sundeck.

Reception Areas: Bright and Welcoming

The Grand Atrium, spanning decks 6 to 8 with floor-to-ceiling windows, accommodates guests with a light-filled, modern design. Serving as the ship’s social hub, it connects to restaurants, bars, and the Amber Lounge for live music. The 24-hour reception desk provides efficient support for excursion bookings and onboard queries. The My Holiday app offers digital guidance for dining and activities .

Dining: Diverse and Gourmet

Arvia’s 30-plus dining venues, with over 10 included in the fare, offer a range of culinary experiences. Meridian and Zenith Restaurants, on decks 6 and 7, serve five-course English and international menus. The Olive Grove delivers Mediterranean dishes like paella, while 6th Street Diner offers American classics with a jukebox. Green & Co feat. Mizuhana provides plant-based and sushi options. The Quays food hall features street food like fish and chips, and The Horizon buffet serves casual meals. Specialty venues like Sindhu’s Indian fusion and The Keel & Cow steakhouse incur a surcharge. Complimentary soft drinks, juices, and afternoon tea are included, with 24-hour room service available.

Entertainment: Dynamic and Varied

The Headliners Theatre, across decks 6 and 7, hosts musicals like Greatest Days, featuring Take That’s music. The SkyDome, with a retractable roof, transforms from a pool area by day to a venue for acrobatic shows and DJ sets by night. The Limelight Club offers adult-only cabaret dinners, and the 710 Club provides live music. The Altitude Skywalk, a 54-metre-high ropes course, and Altitude Minigolf cater to adventurers. Ocean Studios, a four-screen cinema, screens films, while Mission Control offers an escape room experience. The Splash Valley aqua zone and kids’ clubs entertain younger guests.

Accommodation: Spacious and Modern

Arvia’s 2,610 staterooms across 15 guest decks include inside cabins (101-213 square feet), sea view cabins, balcony cabins, and suites. Conservatory Mini-Suites, at 274 square feet, feature a lounge area with floor-to-ceiling glass leading to private balconies. B4 and B5 Suites, around 400 square feet, offer marble bathrooms with whirlpool baths, butler service, and 112-square-foot balconies. All cabins include air conditioning, smart TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and The White Company toiletries. Suite guests enjoy priority boarding, daily canapés, and access to exclusive dining at The Epicurean.