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Arvia Cruise Ship, UK

Meyer Werft delivered Arvia in December 2022, with the ship entering service the same month.

Project Type

Cruise ship

Passenger Capacity

Construction started.

February 2021

Delivery Data

December 2022

P&O Cruises

The Arvia cruise ship is the fourth ship in cruise operator P&O Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships built by Meyer Werft.

The vessel is also the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excel-class luxury cruise ship for the cruise line. The first steel was cut for the vessel in February 2021.

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Meyer Werft delivered Arvia in December 2022 and the ship entered service during the same month, joining its sister ship Iona, which entered service in May 2021.

Arvia cruise ship design and technical specifications

Arvia, which means ‘from the seashore’, is optimally tailored to the preferences of British passengers. The new-build is structurally similar to the Iona cruise ship , which is the biggest cruise ship ever constructed for the UK market.

The Arvia cruise ship measures approximately 344.5m in length with a moulded breadth of 42m. With a gross weight of 184,700 tonnes (t), the ship provides accommodation for up to 5,200 passengers and 1,762 crew. It has 20 total decks with 16 guest decks and 2,659 passenger cabins.

The hull design of the vessel can minimise drag and is equipped with the latest energy-efficient technology on board.

Dining facilities

The Arvia cruise ship features a unique blend of new bars and 20 restaurants with dining facilities in addition to fleet favourites and iconic Iona foodie experiences.

The 6th Street Diner on deck six offers all-American eats complemented by a big-flavour menu of Stateside favourites. It features modern-retro seating, atmospheric lighting, and a jukebox.

The Quays, a multivenue dining piazza, is located on deck eight with fine culinary treats such as Roast Carvery, which reinvents the classic Sunday roast with a range of meats. Deck six also houses the Green & Co’s, which offers fish and plant-based dishes and sushi.

Anderson’s Bar on deck six offers a boutique gin and rum distillery. The deck also accommodates Sunset Bar, which features cooling sun canopies, whirlpools and a laid-back atmosphere, including swinging seats and live DJ sets. Amber Lounge on the same deck in the Grand Atrium hosts dramatic ocean vistas, aerial artists, and live entertainment.

The Infinity Pool and Bar and Panorama Pool & Bar on decks 16 and 18 feature a swim-up bar in addition to an infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake.

Entertainment facilities on board Arvia cruise ship

A 970m ²  retractable SkyDome glass roof is the special entertainment feature of the cruise ship . Located on decks 16 and 17, SkyDome includes SeaScreen, which offers both blockbuster movies and classic movie singalongs.

The SkyDome is also used for cocktail parties, live music, late-night DJ sets under the stars, cookery demonstrations, family shows, game shows, and interviews.

The guests can also enjoy family shows in the two-tier Headliner’s Theatre and family-movie matinee in a multiscreen boutique cinema Ocean Studios.

Deck 19 offers two navigational courses, an Altitude Skywalk high-ropes adventure feature and Altitude Minigolf 54m above the ocean. The Altitude Sports Arena and a water theme park-based Altitude Splash Valley are also available.

Retail and wellness offerings on the Arvia

The retail section of the cruise ship includes The Avenue on deck eight with more than 1,300m² of shopping space.

The Oasis Spa and Health Club on decks five and six feature two VIP Couple Suites furnished with a hammam and steam room, a therapeutic cool room, a restorative salt sauna, and Kneipp Walk.

The cruise ship is powered by a 61,760kW, eco-friendly LNG drive system with a propulsion power of 37MW. The LNG-powered propulsion system enables the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

Contractors involved

Design company PRECIOSA in partnership with Jestico + Whiles provided lighting installation services for the ship.

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Sister for Iona and P&O Cruises’ new flagship

Alan Moorhouse looks at the main features of the new cruise ship Arvia, the latest ship from Meyer Werft to join the fleet of P&O Cruises.

P&O Cruises’ lates cruise ship Arvia, the company’s new flagship, was named in March 2023 at a beachside ceremony in Barbados, which also featured British musician Ed Sheeran.

Arvia (Yard no S716), which means ‘from the seashore’, was laid down on 15 February 2022. She is the second Excellence class ship and follows near sister Iona, being completed at the Meyer Werft shipyard, Papenburg, Germany.

The ship was floated out of Meyer’s Building Dock No.2 on 27 August 2022, and completed at the outfitting quay before a stern-first Ems passage, followed by finishing works at Eemshaven, trials in the North Sea, and a formal handover at Bremerhaven on 15 December 2022.

The original maiden voyage scheduled for December 2022 was cancelled and the ship sailed for the Caribbean via Southampton after a Canary Islands cruise departing on 23 December. The ship returned to Southampton on 2 April for her European season.

Arvia is in the same general class as Costa Cruises’ pair Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana; AIDA Cruises’ sisters AIDACosma and AIDANova; and Carnival’s Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. The soon to be delivered Carnival Jubilee completes the set. All were constructed either at Meyer Turku or Papenburg.

The latest new ship provides an opportunity to look back at other significant P&O ships and events that have shaped the famous company’s past.

Founded in 1837 by Brodie McGhie Willcox and Arthur Anderson with the charter of the 206-ton William Fawcett operated by Captain Richard Bourne, P&O has been a major force in British shipping for over 185 years.

Much of this history is displayed on board Arvia, and illustrations and information panels are displayed aboard other ships in the current P&O fleet. Key ships in the past, notably in the immediate post-war era, include the liners Oriana (1959/41,910gt); Canberra (1961/45,270gt), often referred to as the ‘Great White Whale’ after her involvement in the 1982 Falklands Campaign; Orsova (1953/29,790gt); and Arcadia (1954 29,734gt).

P&O Cruises, as a distinct entity, emerged in 1977 as cruising became a popular travel experience. In 2003 P&O Cruises became part of the Carnival group and subsequently underwent an image change, with the famous yellow hull colouring being replaced by blue funnels and Union flag hull art.

Management of the P&O Carnival brand is currently the responsibility of President Paul Ludlow. A P&O Australia brand was also established.

Arvia, like her sister Iona, is 184,700gt and measures 345m in length. She is LNG-powered and has MAK Caterpillar engines with an output of 74MW (99,236hp), giving a top speed of 22 knots.

The $950 million ship can accommodate 5,206 passengers in 2,610 cabins and the crew complement is 1,762. Passenger accommodation is located in the forward sections of Decks 8, 16 and 17 and on Decks 9 to 15. The public areas are on Decks 4 and 5, and deck 16 upwards.

Impressive features

Arvia shares many features, internally and externally, with Iona. The Crow’s Nest, the Horizon Buffet, Limelight Lounge and Headliners theatre are key interior public spaces which share many similarities.

One of the main differences is the Magrodome retractable roof on Arvia, enclosing decks 16, 17 and 18. This structure, which is an evolution of Iona’s fixed Skydome, is a creation of designer Martin Francis. It is intended to provide a light open air top deck to facilitate shows and musical performances in both cold and warm climates.

The 970m2 retractable Magrodome over the pool lido area and sea screen weighs 156 tons. Other differences between the two ships include the Mission Control Escape Room, the Swim Up Bar, the Altitude Experience, and the new Mizuhana and 6th Street restaurants, as well as extended freestyle dining opportunities.

The focal point of Arvia is the Grand Atrium, which rises upwards from deck 6. The main entertainment venues are the Headliners Theatre (decks 6 and 7), the main show lounge featuring shows and musicals, the Sunset Bar and Clubhouse, Limelight Club, Andersons and the 710 Club (deck 6). The Crow’s Nest with forward observation views is on deck 17. The Oasis Spa is on deck 6, the Medical Centre is on deck 3, and the Casino and the Avenue shopping arcade are on deck 7.

Dining opportunities

Dining opportunities are specifically aimed at the British market and feature the cuisine of international chefs Shivi Ramoutar and Jose Pizzaro, with a focus on Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. The main dining venues are the Zenith Restaurant (deck 7), Meridian Restaurant (deck 6), Olive Grove, 6th Street Diner, and casual dining in the Horizon all-day buffet (deck 16).

Speciality restaurants include Sindhu, Taste 360 and Epicurean. Other drinking and dining venues include the Keel and Cow gastro pub and the Hook and Vinegar seafood takeaway. The upper open decks include the main pool and lido areas, sports area, Beachcombers pool, and infinity pool with adjacent bars.

P&O Cruises fleet

With the addition of the new Arvia, the current P&O Cruises fleet comprises seven ships:

• Arvia (2022)
• Aurora (2000/76,152gt)
• Arcadia (2005/84,342gt)
• Ventura (2008/116,017gt)
• Azura (2010/115,055gt)
• Britannia (2015/143,730gt)
• Iona (2021/184,089gt)

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Gross tonnage, guest capacity.

Launched in 2022, the MS Arvia stands as a pinnacle of innovation in the Excellence-class of cruise ships, under the proud banner of P&O Cruises. Her inaugural voyage brilliantly blended the contemporary with tradition, heralding a new era for the British cruise market. The largest ship ever commissioned by P&O Cruises, Arvia can host up to 5,200 guests, supported by a dedicated crew of 1,800. Across its impressive 16 decks, the ship sets a new benchmark for cruise ship design and passenger experience with its exhaustive range of dining and entertainment options.

The Arvia stands out with its extensive collection of more than 30 bars and restaurants, accommodating diverse preferences. Particularly notable are its Freedom Dining options in the two main dining rooms and the two theme-based venues, the 6th Street Diner and The Olive Grove, which offer a unique ambiance without extra fees for selected dishes. This is a distinctive feature compared to its sister ship, Iona. For those seeking a culinary adventure, specialty dining experiences like the Keel & Cow gastropub, the Sindhu Indian restaurant, and the fine dining Epicurean are must-visits. The ship's communal areas, especially the Grand Atrium with its three-story glass walls, create a bright and inviting heart for the ship. Additionally, its ropes course and adventure golf provide exhilarating activities for guests.

Arvia tends to attract a younger audience with its innovative amenities, vibrant nightlife, and novel dining options, making it popular among first-time cruisers, largely from the UK. The onboard atmosphere strikes a perfect balance of dynamism and relaxation, making it ideal for solo travelers, young couples, and families seeking a versatile multi-generational holiday experience.

In comparison with its fleetmates and others in its class, Arvia dazzles with its unique offerings and innovative designs. Though it has fewer main dining rooms than Iona, its exclusive themed restaurants and the first rum distillery at sea significantly enhance its culinary landscape. However, it's important to be aware that popular spots can get crowded during peak times, which may affect the overall guest experience.

In summary, the MS Arvia is an exceptional option for those looking to indulge in a harmonious blend of modern luxuries and the cherished hallmarks of traditional cruising. With a vast selection of activities, dining choices, and accommodations to cater to various preferences and budgets, it signifies a bold step into the future of cruise vacations, all the while preserving the elegance and high standards that P&O Cruises is known for. Whether you're an experienced cruiser or setting sail for the first time, Arvia promises a memorable voyage across the waves.

• Sister ship to Iona with unique attractions like top deck mini-golf and high-ropes course.
• Retractable roof in the SkyDome allows for an extra outdoor swimming pool experience.
• Offers a variety of included dining options, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
• First rum distillery at sea, offering unique beverages depending on the cruise region.
• Congestion and early crowding at the top deck's wake pool area due to popularity of amenities.
• Limited number of main dining rooms compared to sister ship, potentially affecting seating flexibility.
• Some balcony cabins on Deck 8 have privacy concerns due to proximity to the wraparound promenade.
• Heavy demand for specialty dining and activities requires early booking, limiting spontaneity.
• Book sun beds near the Beachcomber pool or on Deck 8 for quieter relaxation spots away from crowds.
• Reserve specialty dining and high-demand activities like the high-ropes course as soon as possible.
• Use the My Holiday app to join virtual queues for dining, often quicker than pre-booking.
• Attend themed dining nights or tastings (e.g., rum-blending classes) for unique onboard experiences.
• Explore Deck 8's Promenade for hot tubs and a quieter space, plus easy access to The Quays food court.
• Join Fitsteps classes for a fun and energetic workout that's free and suitable for all fitness levels.
• Take advantage of the Night Nursery for peaceful adult evenings, knowing your children are supervised.
• Opt for Conservatory Mini-Suites for a flexible living space with private outdoor access.
• For privacy concerns, avoid balcony cabins on Deck 8 and consider higher decks or inside cabins.
• Explore the ship early in your cruise to discover less crowded spots and hidden gems.

The Cruise Blogger | Cruise Blog

Unpacking the myths about cruise holidays. Tried and tested cruising advice from a thirty-something former officer's wife.

Your guide to the newest P&O Cruises ship Arvia, including Caribbean sailings

On 22nd February, the first piece of steel was cut for the newest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet – Arvia. The 184,700-tonne sister to ship to Iona, is being built in Papenburg, Germany. She is due to join the fleet in December 2022, and will be the cruise line’s second LNG powered Excel class ship.

The name Arvia means ‘from the seashore.’ P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Arvia will join Iona as an innovative and future-focused ship offering an outstanding, varied and contemporary holiday. Arvia has been designed to travel to the sun year-round and to maximise views of the ocean and the seashore from everywhere on board, so it seemed a very fitting name and one which will reflect the experience for guests on board. 

“The seashore is known for its relaxing properties and tranquillity and a holiday on Arvia will, indeed, celebrate this and have relaxation at its heart. The rejuvenating and restorative qualities of a walk on the beach and invigorating sea air will be reflected in the experiences both on board and on shore as well as the vast space on board which has enabled us to include a number of new and extraordinary features.”

Itineraries

Arvia will offer a Caribbean maiden season of fly/cruise holidays from home port Barbados and Antigua from January to March 2023.  The new Caribbean itineraries will also feature La Romana in the Dominican Republic – a maiden port of call for P&O Cruises; Curaçao; Martinique; St Kitts; St Lucia and St Maarten. 

Arvia’s seven and 14-night fly/cruises from the UK also all include an overnight call in Barbados. 22-night holidays departing from or returning to Southampton with UK flights are also available.  

Paul Ludlow said: “Arvia holidays, alongside the rest of our winter 2022 season, will be on sale very shortly. We cannot wait to bring our newest ship to our glorious home port of Barbados and also to Antigua, which will be a first-time turnaround port for P&O Cruises.  

“The Caribbean is the optimal maiden season destination for Arvia; a ship where every facet, including unique retractable roof SkyDome and Altitude Skywalk high ropes, is designed to provide exceptional views of the ocean, seashore and surrounding destinations. 

“From the very initial concept Arvia has been created to be the epitome of a sunshine resort, developed to be an ideal way to enjoy the Caribbean’s turquoise waters and white sandy beaches like never before.” 

Arvia’s attractions

P&O Cruises released series of images describing Arvia as the “epitome of a sunshine resort.”

Designed to appeal to all ages, guests will be able to choose two different adventurous Altitude Skywalk high rope courses while 54m above the ocean. Altitude Minigolf comprising of nine mini golf challenges, another P&O Cruises first, will be located below Altitude Skywalk. 

A swim-up bar and stunning infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake will also be part of the on deck experience. 

SkyDome is a relaxed pool environment by day with dining and entertainment by night, including stunning aerial performances, theatre productions and blockbuster movies al fresco on SeaScreen. This area will feature the cruise line’s first-ever retractable SkyDome roof.

Arvia Dining

As well as these contemporary entertainment experiences Arvia will feature twelve restaurants joined by eight more casual places to eat. 

Green & Co featuring Mizuhana, with a plant and fish-led menu, served in chic and elegant surroundings, has been especially developed for Arvia.  Mizuhana sushi bar will be within Green & Co, where guests can watch expert chefs at work while taking in sea views. Expert food-pairing advice and vibrant cocktails complete the experience.    

Also on board is 6 th  Street Diner, informal by day with a sophisticated night-time vibe, featuring retro seating, atmospheric lighting and juke box and serving all-American flavours including speciality fried chicken and waffles with bourbon mascarpone. P&O Cruises distinctive signature restaurants Epicurean, Sindhu, The Glass House, The Keel & Cow and The Olive Grove, already across the fleet, will feature on Arvia. 

Arvia Accommodation

It looks like the accommodation on board Arvia will be similar to Iona’s, with conservatory style suites and modern, stylish furnishings. You can find a selection of stateroom images below.

Paul Ludlow, said: “Arvia is the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment, and will be the epitome of a sunshine resort sailing year-round to the warmest climates. 

“New restaurant Green & Co featuring Mizuhana will have a plant-led menu reflecting the latest trends in vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian dining while Altitude Skywalk and SeaScreen will entertain all ages.” 

The ship, 345m in length, with 16 guest decks will also be home to Ocean Studios cinema, 1,300sqm of shopping and the Oasis Spa and Health Club. 

The Oasis Spa boasts new treatments exclusive to Arvia – two couples suites each with a hammam and steam room, a therapeutic cool room, a restorative salt sauna and an invigorating Kneipp Walk which combines a pebble foot massage with hot and cold water treatments to stimulate circulation and boost vitality.  

Similar to sister ship Iona, Arvia will be powered by liquefied natural gas as part of P&O Cruises ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. Building of the ship is already underway at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. 

More information can be found on the P&O Cruises website.

One comment

Well I am on the maiden Christmas Southampton to Canaries, what an absolutely appalling mess, Christmas ruined for 1000’s quite literally, summed up with Captain’s thought for the day over the tannoy on Boxing Day, in a derogatory tone “before you criticise anyone you should try walking a mile in their shoes” he did apologise on tannoy the following day, too little too late, I have a huge list of issues, stand up and be counted and make it right!!!!!

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Cruise ship review: Arvia

Author: Kaye Holland

Published on: 11 January 2023

Updated on: 26 June 2024

Iona's eagerly-anticipated sister ship, Arvia, has arrived and World of Cruising was one of the first onboard.

Arvia, the new 5,200-passenger ship from P&O Cruises, has departed Southampton on a 15-day voyage to Bridgetown, Barbados – via Tenerife, the Antilles, St Lucia and Grenada. Passengers can enjoy the luxurious swim-up bar, infinity pool, immersive simulation escape room, and Altitude Skywalk ropewalk experience onboard the sister ship to Iona. The 185,000-tonne, 345m-long Excel-class ship is P&O Cruises' second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology to date, and the second largest ship ever built for UK cruisers. P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: "Arvia embodies the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment, and is the epitome of a sunshine resort sailing year-round to the warmest climates. "It takes its sister ship Iona’s design aesthetic and general arrangement but provides new and exciting outside and inside spaces which make the most of Arvia’s deployment to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean ." World of Cruising’s Kaye Holland spent a day onboard P&O Cruises' sunshine ship before she set sail for her first season in the Caribbean. Here's her verdict.

Style & character P&O Cruises bills itself as being proudly British and this is evident onboard Arvia – from the giant Union Flag on its bow to Brodies, the traditional pub found on the Parade deck, the kettles and PG Tips tea bags in the cabins, and £2 million pound collection of contemporary British art. But while the Britishness is important, and P&O has unashamedly focused on the fact that it is a British cruise line, the heart of the ship is the Grand Atrium. Expect a dramatic white marble central staircase, framed by metal champagne-coloured ribbons.

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Cabins Cabins are bright and breezy – think sand and stone-hued walls punctuated with ocean blue furnishings – and over half of the 2,659 cabins have a private balcony. To truly treat yourself, book one of the super-sized Aft and Forward suites which come with a personal butler. The conservatory mini-suites, best described as halfway between a balcony cabin and a suite, which debuted on Iona are also onboard. Pleasingly, there is also a good mix of single-occupancy cabins for solo travellers and accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities.

Food & drink Board with an appetite: there are 30 venues in which to eat and drink. Two main dining rooms – Meridian and Zenith – are included in the price, as are a selection of informal outlets. New speciality offerings, for which you must pay extra, are Green & Co featuring Mizuhana – where the emphasis is on a plant-led menu. Other highlights? The established P&O outlet Glass House which reappears serving a tapas menu by José Pizarro and a wine list curated by Olly Smith, the buzzy Keel and Cow gastro-pub, the Mediterranean-themed Olive Grove, and 6th Street Diner. The latter, which is included in the price, is all about American indulgence: think buffalo wings, club sandwiches, and Mississippi mud pies. .

On the drink’s front, don’t miss Anderson’s Bar where, on Caribbean sailings, you’ll find the first rum distillery at sea.

Service and facilities Boredom is not an option on board Arvia – you could spend your entire voyage at sea and still not manage to do or sample everything on offer. Case in point? There’s a large spa featuring a cold room and a salt sauna, impressive gym with sea views, four swimming pools including an infinity pool, Mission Control – an immersive experience that combines an escape game with multimedia simulation and a live-action story 'to create a thrilling underwater challenge' – the first-ever high-ropes experience at sea, Altitude Skywalk, and an array of kids clubs that have been split into age groups for starters… Service was friendly and well meaning, although the WiFi proved patchy when I was on board.

Entertainment and excursions When it comes to entertainment, Arvia – meaning "from the seashore" in Latin – really comes into its own. The vessel features P&O Cruises' first-ever zone with a retractable roof, 'SkyDome' – a daytime pool environment that transforms into a dining and entertainment space where passengers can enjoy jaw-dropping aerial performances, theatre productions and blockbuster movies al fresco. On Arvia, there’s also entertainment (think DJs and live music sets) in the Grand Atrium, Amber Lounge and Sunset Bar although the standout remains the 710 Club which was introduced on Iona and is overseen by pop superstar Gary Barlow. This intimate club – it can accommodate 90 passengers – is the place to catch not only the Take That singer, who will perform on several cruises, but up-and-coming musical talent.

Get on board Arvia is operating a programme of 7, 14, 15 and 16-night cruises around the Caribbean from either Barbados (Bridgetown) or Antigua (St John) until summer 2023 when she will offer a programme of 14-night sailings in the Mediterranean.

Passenger capacity: 5,200

Number of cabins: 2,659

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Kaye is a London-based wordsmith who has written for a range of publications including The Times , The Independent , The I , Culture Trip , The Sun , and ABTA among others. In June 2022, Kaye joined the Real Response Media where she looks – together with Lucy Abbott – after the World of Cruising website. Want to get in touch? Kaye can be reached at: [email protected]

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P&o ‘arvia’: see inside britain’s biggest cruise ship.

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The P&O cruise ship Arvia is based in Southampton for much of the year and carries mostly British ... [+] vacationers to the Mediterranean.

If you think you knew Britain’s P&O Cruises, think again. The recently-launched ‘Excel class’ ships Iona and Arvia rival some of the world’s biggest cruise ships for activities, while retaining the very British experience that the line is known for.

Part of the Carnival Corporation, which also includes Cunard, Holland America, Seabourn, and Carnival itself, P&O Cruises sails with a predominantly British guest list from Southampton, England, but also operates some fly-cruises.

Introducing ‘Arvia’

The newest P&O cruise ship, Arvia , has a similar physical design as the line’s last ship, Iona . But whereas Iona was built for colder climate cruising, Arvia is very much designed for warmer weather, spending most of the year touring the Mediterranean with a short winter season in the Caribbean.

The impressive three-storey atrium of Arvia from P&O Cruises features lots of public seating, bars, ... [+] restaurants, and a flexible performance space.

The standard passenger capacity of 5,200 guests puts it in the larger category of cruise ships, although it's still notably smaller than newer ships, such as the MSC World Europa , as well as many ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, including the upcoming Icon of the Seas .

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As with all large vessels, that stated capacity of 5,200 is based on double occupancy of rooms. So during the summer, when many children stay in the same room as their parents, the actual number of people onboard can be up to 1,000 more.

Add in up to 1,800 crew, and Arvia functions as a small city with a population of up to 8,000 people.

P&O Arvia features a wraparound outdoor promenade on deck 8, a feature less common on big ships ... [+] nowadays.

Although some bigger ships visit the U.K. and even cruise from there, Arvia is the biggest cruise ship presently operated by a British-focused cruise line and is based for most of the year in Southampton, Britain’s busiest cruise port. Here’s what you can expect on board.

Guest Accommodation

Other than its size, the first striking feature of Arvia is the high number of balcony cabins.

There are many balcony cabins on Arvia.

These range from suites with butler service, inclusive room service, whirlpool bath, and an exclusive breakfast restaurant, through to value-focused inside cabins.

For those traveling alone or couples without children on shorter cruises, an inside cabin can be a great value way to experience Arvia . There’s plenty of storage space, especially for a shorter cruise.

Balcony cabins on P&O Arvia also feature a sofa.

For solo travelers, there are a handful of smaller, single cabins, in addition to the option to pay a single occupancy fee on a regular cabin.

As such a new ship, there are some modern touches in all cabins. Although power sockets (typically 2 x U.K. outlets and 1 x EU outlet) are only available at the desk, the bedside lights contain a USB-A outlet on the base, ideal for charging your smartphone overnight.

Inside cabins on P&O Arvia are a good value accommodation option. They can be configured with a ... [+] double or twin beds.

There’s also a handy nightlight by the bathroom door that is controllable from the bedside switches. The shower is spacious for a cruise ship and the cubicle door swings both ways, a useful feature.

Entertainment On ‘Arvia’

The most eye-catching entertainment feature aboard Arvia is definitely the SkyDome, a flexible space with a retractable roof on Decks 16 and 17.

The evening shows in Arvia's SkyDome were always popular.

By day, the dome functions as the ship’s main pool area, with deckchairs, table service from three bars, and movies played on the big screen. By night, the dome transforms into an entertainment venue for concerts and energetic live shows.

The nighttime entertainment continues down on the main decks, where you’ll find the Headliners Theater. Entertainment here includes lively variety shows by the ship’s resident theater company, as well as performances from visiting artists.

Evening entertainment is repeated several times in the Headliners Theater to allow more guests to ... [+] watch.

Most shows are repeated several times usually over two nights to allow everyone onboard the chance to see them.

At the other end of the ship, the Club House is a show lounge used for everything from bingo and guest speakers through to live music from the house band in the evenings.

In addition to the main theater and SkyDome, there is the Limelight cabaret club and the intimate 710 club, together with live music in various bars around the ship.

The onboard pub is popular for live sporting events.

Being a British ship, there is of course also a pub with an expanded beer menu, regular pub quizzes, and live sport when satellite reception permits. There’s no shortage of things to do in the evenings on Arvia.

There’s also plenty of outdoor space, including the Beachcomber adults-only bar and pool on Deck 18 and a private retreat, accessible for suite guests or by paying an additional fee.

One of the infinity pools on Arvia.

Various infinity pools and hot tubs are dotted around these open decks, including a swim-up bar behind the buffet on Deck 16.

While Arvia lacks the brash water parks and daredevil slides of the biggest cruise ships at sea, there are some modern attractions that will suit younger guests. From a rope climbing course at the very top of the ship to an escape room, casino, and even a three-screen cinema, Arvia is packed with things to do no matter what type of cruise you enjoy.

Dining And Bars

There are many dining options on Arvia , of which several are included for all guests. In addition to the two main dining rooms and buffet restaurant, there is a food hall inspired concept named The Quays and a grab-and-go poolside fast food outlet in the SkyDome.

There is a daily carvery in 'The Quays' food hall, as well as in the buffet restaurant.

Unsurprisingly given P&O’s predominantly British guests , The Quays features one counter devoted to fish and chips, and one focused on roast meat and Yorkshire puddings. Small salads and desserts are also available throughout the opening hours. Outside seating increases capacity significantly when the weather is good.

Also available for free, although booking is required, is the Mediterranean restaurant Olive Grove and, new on Arvia , the Americana-packed 6th Street Diner complete with jukebox and souvenir pins for sale.

The 6th Street Diner is one of the most popular alternate dining venues on Arvia.

It can be difficult to secure a booking in the latter for dinner, but it’s also open for a late breakfast and brunch most days.

With so much choice, there’s no need to pay for any dining on Arvia . But there are several options available should you wish to try something different, and the prices are reasonable when compared to premium restaurants on many other lines.

The Keel and Cow steakhouse offers excellent quality cuts from around £15 ($18) and superb value mains such as blackened spatchcocked chicken for just £6.50 ($8).

'Taco trio' from the Beach House on Arvia.

The value approach to premium dining continues at Caribbean and Latin American themed ‘The Beach House’, where a £9.50 ($11.50) cover charge opens up a three-course menu packed with flavor. The Indian-themed ‘Sindhu’ and the vegan-friendly ‘Green & Co’ are among the other speciality restaurants.

For those looking to celebrate, Epicurean offers premium afternoon tea followed by true fine dining in the evenings.

Arvia bars all offer P&O’s own brand gin and rum, made in the onboard distillery. The best place to try this is in the gin bar Anderson’s, ideally placed for a pre- or post-dinner tipple.

Anderson's is a speciality gin bar near the main dining rooms on Arvia.

There are many other bars throughout the ship including several in the atrium and three in and around the SkyDome.

At the front of the ship on Deck 17, the Crow’s Nest is a typical cruise ship observation lounge that morphs into a sophisticated piano and cocktail bar in the evenings. It’s one of the few places onboard other than the main dining rooms where the ‘gala night’ dress code is enforced.

Costa coffee is served from early in the morning at ‘Vistas’ coffee bar in the airy atrium, but the coffee menu is also available from all other bars throughout the day.

Is ‘Arvia’ For Everyone?

For families, groups of friends, and couples of all ages, Arvia is a statement ship that really does offer something for everyone. However, there are a few things to be aware of before booking a cruise.

Sunset Bar on deck 8 is one of several outdoor bars on Arvia.

Those who prefer a more traditional approach to cruising will still find everything they are used to on Arvia, but it’s sheer size may be off-putting especially to those used to the older, smaller ships in the P&O fleet.

The ship is excellent from an accessibility standpoint, but those with limited mobility may still find frustration with the elevators at busy times. Consider carefully your preferred location of cabin before booking.

P&O Cruises are in process of moving to an app-based booking system for restaurants and entertainment, which frustrates some guests who prefer to disconnect on vacation.

Finally, on such a big ship, demand can be high for restaurants at peak times and popular shows, so long waits must sometimes be expected. If you’re a creature of habit on a cruise, you may do better to consider a smaller ship.

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Arvia Decks and Cabins

• Click here for ALL
• Large Interior
• Seaview (Oceanview)
• Smaller Balcony
• Deluxe Balcony
• Conservatory Mini-Suite
• Family Seaview Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabins Check

Built in 2022, the P&O Cruises UK Arvia cruise ship weighs 185K tons and has 2610 staterooms for up to 6264 passengers served by 1762 crew . There are 18 passenger decks, 11 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 29 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Arvia showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

P&O Cruises UK Arvia

LIVE SHIP TRACKING

STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

Floor Diagram Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 24 Cabins Cabin: 400 sqft (38 m 2 ) Balcony: 112 sqft (11 m 2 )

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 Accessible Info [+/-]

More info [+/-], deck locations, stateroom cabin features, stateroom cabin perks, family seaview suite.

Floor Diagram Seaview Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 2 Cabins Cabin: 330 sqft (31 m 2 )

CONSERVATORY MINI-SUITE

Floor Diagram Conservatoy Mini

Sleeps up to: 4 95 Cabins Cabin: 254 sqft (24 m 2 ) Balcony: 20 sqft (2 m 2 )

DELUXE BALCONY

Floor Diagram Deluxe Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 120 Cabins Cabin: 209 sqft (20 m 2 ) Balcony: 20 sqft (2 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 1334 Cabins Cabin: 170 sqft (16 m 2 ) Balcony: 20 sqft (2 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Important Size Information

Smaller balcony.

Floor Diagram Smaller Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 42 Cabins Cabin: 150 sqft (14 m 2 ) Balcony: 20 sqft (2 m 2 )

SEAVIEW (OCEANVIEW)

Floor Diagram Seaview Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 4 174 Cabins Cabin: 210 sqft (20 m 2 )

LARGE INTERIOR

Floor Diagram Large Interior

Sleeps up to: 4 42 Cabins Cabin: 190 sqft (18 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Interior

Sleeps up to: 4 777 Cabins Cabin: 134 sqft (13 m 2 )

Arvia Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Arvia Quick Stats

Big picture arvia decks.

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Arvia Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• Arvia DECK DRAG
• Arvia Cabin Check

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

Ship Specifications

City St Johns

City Bridgetown

City Southampton

Arvia itineraries, 14 night mediterranean, 13 night mediterranean, 9 night western europe, 4 night short break, 15 night caribbean, 22 night caribbean, 14 night caribbean, 7 night caribbean, p&o cruises fleet.

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Arvia deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Arvia deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by P&O UK (P&O Cruises) deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Arvia cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Arvia staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

MS Arvia (2022-built) is P&O UK fleet 's newest and largest cruise ship (second unit from Carnival Corporation 's Excellence-class), with sistership P&O Iona (2021).

P&O Arvia cruise ship deck plan shows 18 decks (16 passenger-accessible, 11 with cabins), a total of 2610 staterooms for 5204 passengers (max capacity is 6264) served by 1762 staff-crew. The boat has 20 dining venues (12 restaurants plus 8 food bars, including 10 breakfast-serving, 8 coffee-serving, 5 Afternoon Tea-serving, 9 specialty restaurants, 4 MDRs/dining rooms), 12 bars and lounges, shopping space 1300 m2 (14000 ft2), 4 swimming pools (1 indoor, 3 outdoor/2 Infinity), 18x outdoor Jacuzzis (whirlpool hot tubs/6x Infinity Whirlpools), SkyDome (retractable glass-roof covering the Pool Deck), 13 entertainment venues (including adults-only), kids-dedicated zones (indoor-outdoor facilities), 22 elevators (passenger lifts located forward-midship-aft).

The boat has 8 laundrettes (self-service laundry rooms for passengers) located midship on decks 4-5-9-10-11-12-14-15.

The liner's design was developed in collaboration with renowned maritime companies and interior design firms, including Meyer Werft (German shipbuilder), Jestico+Whiles ( London -based hospitality design studio), Richmond International (London-based hotel architecture), Partner Ship Design ( Hamburg -based maritime architecture specialist with several Carnival Corporation projects - including AIDA, Costa, P&O, Carnival).

Deck layouts

Deck 03 - hospital, deck 04 - cabins, deck 05 - cabins-spa, deck 06 - gala-dining, deck 07 - parade-lobby-shops-casino, deck 08 - cabins-promenade-escape room, deck 09 - cabins, deck 10 - cabins, deck 11 - cabins, deck 12 - cabins, deck 14 - cabins, deck 15 - cabins, deck 16 - cabins-skydome-lido-pools-bridge, deck 17 - cabins-sundeck-kids-teens, deck 18 - panorama-pools-beachcomber-retreat, deck 19 - sports-golf.

Arvia deck plans are property of P&O UK (P&O Cruises) . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.