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P&O Arvia Guide: Cabins, Dining, Entertainment & Tips
P&O's newest and most exciting ship — everything you need to know about Arvia before you book.
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Everything you need to know about P&O's newest and most innovative cruise ship. From the retractable SkyDome to Michelin-starred dining, Arvia is the jewel of the fleet.
In This Guide
Ship Overview — Arvia at a Glance
Launched in December 2022, P&O Arvia is the newest and largest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet. She's an Excel-class vessel — the same class as her sister ship Iona — and was designed from the ground up for British holidaymakers. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), she's also one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships afloat.
Pro tip
Arvia sails from Southampton for European itineraries — meaning no flights needed for UK passengers. For Caribbean cruises in winter, she operates fly-cruise itineraries from Barbados.
What Makes Arvia Special
Arvia isn't just another big ship — she's packed with genuine innovations that set her apart from every other vessel in the UK cruise market. Here are the headline features:
- № 01
SkyDome
A retractable glass roof over the main pool deck — unique to Arvia and Iona. Pool by day, open-air entertainment venue by night. Rain or shine, you're covered (literally).
- № 02
Glass-Floor Infinity Pool
Arvia's top-deck infinity pool features a transparent glass floor, letting you swim while looking down at the decks below. A first for any P&O ship and a genuine showstopper.
- № 03
Swim-Up Bar
The first swim-up bar on any P&O ship. Swim to the bar, order a cocktail, and sip it in the pool. It's exactly as good as it sounds.
- № 04
Altitude Skywalk
A high-ropes course and zip-wire suspended 53 metres above the ocean, running along the side of the ship. Not for the faint-hearted, but unforgettable.
- № 05
LNG-Powered
Arvia runs on liquefied natural gas — the cleanest large-scale marine fuel available. Significantly lower emissions of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
- № 06
App-First Experience
The MyHoliday app is central to the Arvia experience — book restaurants, order drinks, check your schedule, and complete digital check-in before you even board.
Pro tip
The SkyDome is at its most magical in the evening when it transforms into an open-air party venue. Grab a spot early for the best views during themed party nights.
Cabin Categories on Arvia
Arvia offers five main cabin types to suit every budget and preference. From cosy inside cabins to luxurious suites, there's a perfect option for everyone. Prices shown are the cheapest we've found in our current data — check live Arvia sailings for up-to-date pricing.
For a deeper dive into cabin types across all cruise lines, see our Cruise Cabin Types Explained guide.
Inside
From £549 pp
Cosy interior cabins offering great value. Perfect for those who spend most of their time exploring the ship and ashore.
- Twin or double bed configuration
- En-suite bathroom with shower
- TV, safe, and tea/coffee making
- Nightly turndown service
- 16 sq m average
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers & solo cruisers
Sea View
Enjoy natural daylight and ocean views through a large porthole or picture window. A step up from inside without the balcony premium.
- Large picture window or porthole
- Twin or double bed configuration
- En-suite bathroom with shower
- TV, safe, and tea/coffee making
- 17 sq m average
Best for: Couples wanting natural light on a budget
Balcony
From £579 pp
Your own private outdoor space with table and chairs — the most popular cabin type on Arvia. Wake up, open the doors, and breathe in the sea air.
- Private balcony with furniture
- Floor-to-ceiling glass doors
- Twin or double bed configuration
- En-suite with shower
- Bathrobe and slippers
- 20 sq m + balcony
Best for: Most cruisers — the sweet spot of value and experience
Conservatory Mini-Suite
Unique to P&O — a glass-fronted conservatory area with day bed, plus a separate bedroom. The best of inside and outside combined.
- Glass-fronted conservatory with day bed
- Separate sleeping area
- Enhanced bathroom amenities
- Priority boarding and dining
- Welcome sparkling wine
- 28 sq m average
Best for: Couples who want something special without suite prices
Suite
From £769 pp
The finest way to experience Arvia. Spacious suites with separate living areas, premium amenities, and exclusive suite benefits throughout the ship.
- Separate living and sleeping areas
- Large private balcony
- Whirlpool bath and walk-in shower
- Priority embarkation and dining
- Complimentary room service breakfast
- Butler service on select suites
- 40–65 sq m + balcony
Best for: Special occasions & luxury seekers
Pro tip
The Conservatory Mini-Suite is unique to P&O and offers incredible value — you get a separate living space with a glass conservatory area for significantly less than a full suite. Book early as they sell out fast. Learn more about cabin types →
Dining & Restaurants on Arvia
Arvia takes P&O dining to a new level with 8+ restaurants covering everything from Michelin-starred Indian to plant-based cuisine. Two restaurants are included in your fare; the rest are pay-extra speciality venues (typically £15–40 per person).
For more on cruise dining across all lines, see our Cruise Dining Guide.
IncludedRestaurants Included in Your Fare
Freedom Dining
British & International
Arvia's main dining rooms offer flexible Freedom Dining — eat when you want, where you want, with no fixed table or sitting. Multi-course menus change nightly.
No fixed sittings — total flexibility
Horizon
Buffet & International
The main buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, themed evenings, and panoramic ocean views. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Open almost all day with live cooking stations
£ Extra CostSpeciality Restaurants (Pay Extra)
The Glass House
Wine Bar & Tapas
Curated by wine expert Olly Smith, pairing small plates and sharing boards with exceptional wines from around the world. A sophisticated evening out.
Olly Smith's curated wine pairings
Sindhu
Indian Fine Dining
Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar's signature Indian restaurant. Refined curries, tandoori dishes, and inventive fusion plates in an elegant setting.
Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar
The Keel & Cow
Steakhouse & Grill
Premium steaks, seafood platters, and classic grills. The go-to venue for a special evening with perfectly cooked cuts and an extensive cocktail list.
Premium aged steaks & seafood
Green & Co
Plant-Based & Vegan
P&O's dedicated plant-based restaurant — a first at sea. Creative vegan and vegetarian dishes that even meat-lovers rave about.
First dedicated vegan restaurant at sea for P&O
6th Street Diner
American Diner
Classic American comfort food — burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and loaded fries in a retro-styled diner. Fun and casual.
Retro American vibes & milkshakes
The Quays
Pub Grub & Gastropub
British pub classics done well — fish and chips, pies, Sunday roasts, and craft beers. The most relaxed dining venue on board.
Classic British pub food & craft ales
Pro tip
Book speciality restaurants through the MyHoliday app as soon as booking opens — popular venues like Sindhu and The Glass House fill up fast. Consider a drinks package if you plan to dine at The Glass House — the wine pairings are the highlight and included drinks make them better value.
Entertainment & Activities
From West End-quality shows to adrenaline-pumping adventures, Arvia offers an incredible range of entertainment — most of it included in your fare. See our Cruise Entertainment Guide for how P&O compares to other lines.
Shows
IncludedHeadliners Theatre
A 900-seat theatre with West End-calibre production shows, comedians, magicians, and guest performers every evening.
Live Music
Included710 Club
Intimate live music venue with jazz, soul, rock, and acoustic sets. Named after P&O's founding year of 1837 (reversed).
Pool & Events
IncludedSkyDome
Unique retractable glass roof covering the main pool. By day it's the pool deck, by night it transforms into an open-air entertainment venue with DJs and parties.
Adventure
Extra £Altitude Skywalk
High ropes and zip-wire course suspended over the side of the ship, 53 metres above the ocean. Arvia's most thrilling experience.
Cinema
IncludedOcean Studios
A full cinema showing the latest blockbusters, family films, and classics on a giant screen with surround sound.
Games
Extra £Escape Room
Work as a team to solve puzzles and escape within the time limit. Multiple themed rooms with varying difficulty levels.
Sports
IncludedSports Arena
Multi-use sports court for football, basketball, cricket, and more. Also hosts deck parties and outdoor fitness classes.
Technology
Extra £Virtual Reality
Cutting-edge VR experiences — from rollercoasters to deep-sea diving to space exploration. Fun for all ages.
Pro tip
The Altitude Skywalk is Arvia's most unique thrill — book it for a port day when the ship is docked for the calmest experience, or a sea day for maximum drama. Slots fill up quickly, so book via the MyHoliday app on day one.
Pools & Outdoor Spaces
Arvia was designed for outdoor living, with multiple pool areas catering to families, adults, and thrill-seekers alike. The SkyDome means you can enjoy the pool deck even when the British weather doesn't cooperate.
SkyDome Pool
The main pool deck under the retractable glass roof. Comfortable all year round — open in good weather, covered when it's not. Loungers, hot tubs, and the main bar are all here.
Infinity Pool
Arvia's stunning top-deck infinity pool with a transparent glass floor — swim and look down at the deck below. A genuine wow moment and perfect for photos.
Swim-Up Bar
The first swim-up bar on any P&O ship. Swim to the bar, order a cocktail, and enjoy it in the water. Best enjoyed on a Caribbean sailing with the sun on your face.
Aqua Park
Waterslides and splash zones for children and families. The perfect way for kids to burn off energy while parents relax nearby. Height restrictions apply.
The Oasis
An adults-only sundeck retreat away from the main pool areas. Quieter, calmer, and more relaxed — with comfortable loungers and a dedicated bar. Over-18s only.
Hot Tubs
Multiple whirlpool hot tubs spread across the ship, including in the SkyDome area and near the Oasis. Some have ocean views that are particularly stunning at sunset.
Pro tip
For the best sunbathing spots, head to The Oasis (adults-only) early in the morning to claim a lounger. On sea days, the main SkyDome pool gets very busy by mid-morning. The Infinity Pool area is often less crowded and has the best views.
Family Features & Kids on Arvia
Arvia is one of the best ships in the UK market for families. With age-specific clubs, waterslides, family dining, and a huge range of activities, children of all ages are well catered for. Read our full Cruising with Kids Guide for more.
Kids Clubs by Age Group
2–4 years
Splashers
Soft play, storytelling, arts and crafts, and supervised splash time. Parent stays with child.
5–8 years
Surfers
Active fun with sports, treasure hunts, games, creative sessions, and themed parties. Drop-off available.
9–12 years
H2O
Gaming tournaments, science experiments, sports competitions, and social events. Independent drop-off.
13–17 years
Teens
Their own hang-out zone with gaming, movies, social events, and pool parties. Cool and age-appropriate.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Aqua Park with waterslides — no extra charge
- Ocean Studios cinema showing family films daily
- Family cabins sleeping 3–4 with interconnecting options
- Kids eat free in the buffet and main dining rooms
- Sports Arena for football, basketball & cricket
- VR experiences suitable for all ages
- Evening kids club so parents can enjoy dinner out
- Family-friendly pool hours at the SkyDome
Pro tip
P&O kids clubs are included in the fare with no extra charge. The evening session (typically 6pm–10pm) is a lifesaver for parents wanting a quiet dinner at a speciality restaurant. Book your restaurant for the same evening and drop the kids off first.
Destinations & Itineraries
Arvia sails a diverse range of itineraries throughout the year, from Caribbean island-hopping in winter to Mediterranean explorations in summer. Here are the main routes:
Caribbean
Arvia's winter home — sailing from Barbados to stunning islands including St Lucia, Antigua, St Kitts, and Grenada. Warm weather guaranteed.
- Duration
- 7–14 nights
- Best months
- Nov – Apr
Mediterranean
Sailing from Southampton to Spain, Italy, France, and beyond. Port-intensive itineraries with stunning coastal scenery and rich culture.
- Duration
- 7–14 nights
- Best months
- May – Oct
Canary Islands
A shorter sunshine escape from Southampton. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Madeira offer guaranteed warmth without the long flight.
- Duration
- 10–14 nights
- Best months
- Oct – Mar
Norwegian Fjords
Dramatic scenery of towering fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls. Sailing from Southampton through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
- Duration
- 7 nights
- Best months
- May – Sep
Short Breaks
2–5 night taster cruises from Southampton — perfect for first-timers or a quick getaway. Destinations include Bruges, Amsterdam, or simply at sea.
- Duration
- 2–5 nights
- Best months
- Year-round
Pro tip
Caribbean fly-cruise itineraries from Barbados typically offer the best value per night on Arvia. For those wanting to avoid flights, Canary Islands cruises from Southampton offer guaranteed winter sunshine without leaving the UK. See our guide to finding cheap cruises →
Live Arvia Sailings & Prices
Real-time pricing for upcoming Arvia cruises, sorted by price. All prices are per person and based on the cheapest available cabin type. Click any sailing for full details, cabin breakdown, and price history.
Best Value Arvia Sailing
Germany, 5 Nights — Short Breaks, 5 nights departing 15 Oct 2028. From £549 per person (£110/night).
Arvia · Short Breaks
Germany, 5 Nights
- Sails
- 15 Oct 2028
- Nights
- 5
- /night
- £110
From Southampton
Arvia · Western Europe
Spain And France, 7 Nights
- Sails
- 1 Oct 2028
- Nights
- 7
- /night
- £86
From Southampton
Arvia · Western Europe
Spain And France, 7 Nights
- Sails
- 15 Oct 2027
- Nights
- 7
- /night
- £86
From Southampton
Arvia · Western Europe
Spain And France, 7 Nights
- Sails
- 30 May 2027
- Nights
- 7
- /night
- £86
From Southampton
Arvia · Western Europe
Spain And France, 7 Nights
- Sails
- 8 Oct 2028
- Nights
- 7
- /night
- £86
From Southampton
Arvia · Western Europe
Spain And France, 7 Nights
- Sails
- 24 Sept 2028
- Nights
- 7
- /night
- £86
From Southampton
Arvia · Western Europe
Spain And France, 7 Nights
- Sails
- 23 May 2027
- Nights
- 7
- /night
- £87
From Southampton
Arvia · Norwegian Fjords, Iceland
Norwegian Fjords, 7 Nights
- Sails
- 5 Sept 2027
- Nights
- 7
- /night
- £90
From Southampton
Pro tip
Prices change frequently — use FareTide to track Arvia sailings and spot price drops. The Price Drops page shows recent reductions, and our Best Time to Book guide explains when prices are typically lowest.
Arvia vs Iona — Sister Ship Comparison
Arvia and Iona are both Excel-class ships — the same size, same LNG power, very similar layouts. But there are some key differences worth knowing. If you've sailed on one, the other will feel familiar but with its own personality.
| Feature | Arvia | Iona |
|---|---|---|
| Year Launched | 2022 | 2020 |
| Gross Tonnage | 184,700 GT | 184,700 GT |
| Guest Capacity | 5,200 | 5,200 |
| Fuel Type | LNG | LNG |
| SkyDome | ✓ | ✓ |
| Glass-Floor Infinity Pool | ✓ | ✗ |
| Swim-Up Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Altitude Skywalk | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sindhu (Indian Restaurant) | ✓ | ✓ |
| The Glass House | ✓ | ✓ |
| 6th Street Diner | ✓ (Updated) | ✓ |
| Iona's Still (Gin Distillery) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Green & Co (Vegan) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Conservatory Mini-Suites | ✓ | ✓ |
Live Price Comparison
Arvia
£549
cheapest from · 5n Short Breaks
avg £89/night
Iona
£369
cheapest from · 5n Short Breaks
avg £68/night
The bottom line: Arvia and Iona are 95% identical. Arvia is slightly newer and benefits from lessons learned on Iona — small refinements to dining venues, entertainment spaces, and cabin layouts. Iona has the edge with her gin distillery (Iona's Still). Choose based on itinerary and price rather than the ship itself — you'll have a fantastic time on either.
Pro tip
If you're flexible on dates, compare Arvia and Iona prices for similar itineraries — you can sometimes save hundreds by choosing the other sister ship on a different sailing date. Search both ships on FareTide →
Arvia vs Cunard Ships
P&O and Cunard are both owned by Carnival Corporation and sail from Southampton, but they offer very different experiences. Choosing between them comes down to the kind of holiday you want. For a full comparison, see our Cunard vs P&O Guide.
| Feature | Arvia (P&O) | Cunard (QM2, QA, QV) |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Modern, casual, family-friendly | Traditional, elegant, refined |
| Dress Code | No formal nights — casual throughout | Formal Gala nights (black tie/cocktail) |
| Target Audience | Families, first-timers, casual cruisers | Older demographics, special occasions |
| Dining Style | Freedom Dining (eat when you want) | Fixed sittings (Britannia Restaurant) |
| Kids Clubs | Extensive — 4 age groups | Limited — seasonal & smaller |
| Entertainment | DJs, parties, SkyDome events | Ballroom, lectures, afternoon tea |
| Ship Size | 184,700 GT (5,200 guests) | QM2: 148,528 GT (2,691 guests) |
| Innovation | SkyDome, VR, Altitude Skywalk | Planetarium (QM2), heritage focus |
| Value | Generally more affordable | Premium pricing, more included |
| Launched | 2022 (newest P&O ship) | QM2: 2004, QA: 2022, QV: 2007 |
The bottom line: Choose Arvia if you want a modern, casual, family-friendly holiday with lots of innovation and variety. Choose Cunard if you prefer traditional elegance, formal evenings, and a more refined atmosphere. Both are excellent — they're just different flavours of cruising from Southampton.
Who Is Arvia Best For?
Arvia caters to a wide audience, but some groups will get even more out of the experience. Here's who we think Arvia is perfect for:
Families with Children
Arvia is one of the best family cruise ships in the UK market. Age-appropriate kids clubs, Aqua Park waterslides, family cabins, and a huge range of activities mean everyone's entertained.
- Splashers (2–4), Surfers (5–8), Teens clubs
- Aqua Park with waterslides
- Family-friendly dining options
- Ocean Studios cinema
- Sports Arena & VR experiences
Foodies & Wine Lovers
With 8+ restaurants including Michelin-starred Sindhu, Olly Smith's Glass House, and the UK's first dedicated vegan restaurant at sea, Arvia is a floating food festival.
- Atul Kochhar's Sindhu
- Olly Smith's Glass House wine bar
- Green & Co plant-based dining
- Freedom Dining flexibility
- Speciality coffee at The Quays
First-Time Cruisers
Modern, casual, and packed with variety — Arvia is the perfect introduction to cruising. No formal nights, no stuffy traditions, just a brilliant holiday at sea.
- Casual dress code throughout
- MyHoliday app for easy navigation
- Something for every taste & budget
- Short breaks available as a taster
- Sailing from Southampton — no flights needed
Tech & Innovation Fans
As P&O's newest ship, Arvia showcases the latest in cruise technology — from the retractable SkyDome roof to VR experiences, the glass-floor infinity pool, and app-based everything.
- SkyDome retractable roof
- Glass-floor infinity pool
- VR & escape room experiences
- LNG-powered for sustainability
- App-based ordering & booking
Sun-Seekers & Pool Lovers
Multiple pool areas, a swim-up bar, the Oasis adult-only sundeck, and the SkyDome that keeps the weather out but lets the sun in — Arvia was built for pool days.
- SkyDome pool with retractable roof
- Infinity Pool with glass floor
- Swim-up bar
- Oasis adults-only sundeck
- Aqua Park waterslides
Couples & Romantics
From intimate dinners at Sindhu to sunset cocktails at the swim-up bar, Arvia offers plenty of romantic moments. Upgrade to a Conservatory Mini-Suite for something truly special.
- Conservatory Mini-Suite cabins
- Fine dining for two at Sindhu
- Oasis adults-only retreat
- Live music at 710 Club
- Sunset views from the Sky Bar
Tips & What to Know Before You Sail
First time on Arvia? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your cruise — from packing to onboard etiquette to getting the best deals.
Dress Code — Casual & Relaxed
Arvia has no formal nights. During the day, casual wear including shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear (around pool areas) is perfectly fine. In the evening, the dress code is smart casual — think nice jeans, chinos, summer dresses, or collared shirts. You won't need a dinner jacket or gown.
Some guests do dress up for fun on "Evening Chic" nights — it's entirely optional.
MyHoliday App — Download Before You Cruise
The MyHoliday app is essential for Arvia. Use it to complete check-in before you arrive (saves hours on embarkation day), book restaurants and entertainment, view the daily schedule, order drinks to your location, and manage your onboard account.
Download it at least a week before your cruise and complete the digital check-in process.
Best Cabin Locations
Mid-ship cabins (Decks 8–12) offer the smoothest ride with less motion. Higher decks give better views but slightly more movement in rough seas. Avoid cabins directly below the SkyDome pool deck (Deck 16) or above nightlife venues if you're a light sleeper.
Aft (rear) balcony cabins are highly prized for their larger balconies and wake views — book early.
What's Included in Your Fare
Included
- Main dining rooms & buffet
- All entertainment & shows
- Kids clubs
- Pools & hot tubs
- Sports Arena & gym
- Ocean Studios cinema
- Room service (basic menu)
- 24-hour tea & coffee
Extra Cost
- Speciality restaurants (£15–40pp)
- Alcoholic drinks & cocktails
- Spa & wellness treatments
- Altitude Skywalk
- Escape Room
- VR experiences
- Wi-Fi packages
- Shore excursions
Drinks Packages
P&O offers several drinks packages — from a basic soft drinks package to an all-inclusive alcoholic package. Whether they're worth it depends on how much you drink. Generally, if you have 5+ alcoholic drinks per day, the package pays for itself.
Read our Drinks Packages Guide →Booking Tips for the Best Price
Arvia prices fluctuate significantly. Early booking (12+ months ahead) often secures the best cabin selection, while last-minute deals (4–8 weeks out) can offer substantial savings — especially on less popular dates. Use FareTide to track prices and spot drops.
Pro tip
Complete your online check-in on the MyHoliday app at least 48 hours before sailing. On embarkation day, aim to arrive at Southampton in the first boarding slot — you'll have less queuing, lunch will be less crowded, and you can explore the ship before the rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from UK cruisers considering P&O Arvia.
Is P&O Arvia good for families with children?
Absolutely. Arvia is one of the best family ships in the UK market. There are age-specific kids clubs (Splashers for 2–4s, Surfers for 5–8s, H2O for 9–12s, and Teens for 13–17s), the Aqua Park with waterslides, a cinema, VR experiences, sports arena, and plenty of family-friendly dining. Many families choose Arvia over fly-cruise options because it sails from Southampton — no flights needed.
How does Arvia compare to Royal Caribbean ships?
Arvia is P&O's answer to the mega-ship concept. At 184,700 GT she's large but not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. The key difference is the audience: Arvia is designed for the UK market with British dining, entertainment, and cultural sensibilities. There's no rock-climbing wall or surf simulator, but you get the SkyDome, Altitude Skywalk, and a more refined food and drink offering. Pricing is often more competitive, especially when you factor in sailing from Southampton.
What is the SkyDome on Arvia?
The SkyDome is a pool and entertainment space covered by a retractable glass roof — unique to Arvia and her sister ship Iona. During the day it's the main pool area (great when the weather isn't perfect), and at night it transforms into an entertainment venue with DJs, themed parties, and live performances under the stars.
Is there a dress code on P&O Arvia?
Arvia has a relaxed, casual dress code. There are no formal nights. During the day, swimwear and casual clothes are fine around the pool areas. In the evenings, smart casual is the norm in restaurants — think nice jeans or chinos with a collared shirt. You won't need a dinner jacket or evening gown unless you want to dress up for fun.
What is Freedom Dining on Arvia?
Freedom Dining means there are no fixed dining times or table assignments. You turn up at the main dining room whenever you like during the opening hours, and you're seated at an available table. This gives you complete flexibility to eat early, late, or whenever suits your plans for the day.
Is the food on Arvia any good?
The food on Arvia is widely regarded as excellent, especially for a mass-market cruise ship. The speciality restaurants (Sindhu, The Glass House, Keel & Cow) are genuinely impressive, and even the included main dining and buffet have been significantly improved compared to older P&O ships. Green & Co, the plant-based restaurant, has been a particular hit even with non-vegans.
What is a Conservatory Mini-Suite?
A Conservatory Mini-Suite is a cabin type unique to P&O's newer ships. It features a glass-fronted conservatory area with a day bed, plus a separate sleeping area. You get enhanced amenities, priority boarding, and welcome sparkling wine. It's a brilliant middle ground between a standard balcony cabin and a full suite — more space and special touches without the suite price tag.
Does Arvia sail from Southampton?
Yes — Arvia sails from Southampton for most of her European itineraries (Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Norwegian Fjords, and short breaks). For Caribbean cruises in winter, she typically operates fly-cruise itineraries from Barbados, with P&O arranging the flights. Southampton departures mean no flying — a big draw for UK cruisers.
Is Arvia environmentally friendly?
Arvia is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is currently the cleanest marine fuel available. LNG produces significantly lower emissions of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to traditional marine diesel. P&O has also implemented shore power connectivity, advanced waste management, and energy-efficient systems throughout the ship.
How much does an Arvia cruise cost?
Prices vary significantly depending on cabin type, destination, and time of year. Short breaks can start from around £300 per person for an inside cabin, while a 14-night Caribbean fly-cruise in a balcony cabin might be £1,500–2,500 per person. The best way to find current prices is to check our live pricing above or browse the latest Arvia sailings on FareTide.
What's the difference between Arvia and Iona?
Arvia and Iona are sister ships — both Excel-class, both LNG-powered, both around 184,700 GT. The key differences: Arvia is newer (2022 vs 2020), has a glass-floor infinity pool that Iona doesn't, a revamped 6th Street Diner, and some updated entertainment spaces. Iona has a gin distillery (Iona's still) that Arvia doesn't. In practice, the experience is very similar — if you love one, you'll love the other.
Can I use the MyHoliday app on Arvia?
Yes — the MyHoliday app is essential on Arvia. You can use it to check in before you board, view the daily schedule, book restaurants and entertainment, order drinks to your location, view your onboard account, and even chat with other guests in your group. Download it before you cruise and complete the check-in process to speed up embarkation day.
Pro tip
Still have questions? Our Cabin Types Guide, Dining Guide, and Entertainment Guide go into even more depth on these topics across all cruise lines.
Ready to sail on P&O Arvia?
Browse live Arvia sailings with real-time prices, track price drops, and find the perfect cruise for your next holiday.
Further reading
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