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Arvia is all about luxury. Swim-up bars, infinity pools and the retractable SkyDome. Take some time out in The Retreat, a private deck where you can relax in style. If you're looking for excitement, Keel and Cow offers a gastropub experience out on the high seas, while The Club House becomes the party centre of the ship at night.
We took the Friday Tui flight from Gatwick at 11.10 and arrived in Barbados around 4pm local time. The flight took 8.5 hours and was pleasant with inflight entertainment and free drinks throughout the flight. Food was ok with lunch served around 1pm and a snack 90 mins before landing. The luggage was taken straight from the plane to the ship and we were able to board coaches straight away and were on the ship by 5pm although luggage did not arrive until around 8pm. You can still go into dinner in the clothes you arrived in they are quite relaxed on changeover dates. Our inside cabin was well situated although it was compact in size with limited access around the Queen Sized double bed. The only frustrating issue we had was the clothes wardrobe which you normally have a rail that goes left to right, in our room it went from front to back and I was told that out of 21 inside cabins this was the only room with that format. I would suggest you avoid if you are choosing this room on a Select fare as I think you will be disappointed. The Steward was very good and maintained our room well. A kettle, tea coffee milk and sugar in the room and an air dryer. The shower is reasonably powerful with shower gel and hair shampoo supplied. Most nights we dined in Zenith and as most of our meal times in there was 6pm we got served promptly. I honestly think that the food has got better on this cruise since our last time on Arvia but I would avoid a well done steak as it will be like shoe leather. We ate in the Olive grove a couple of times and was a bit disappointed that the Mediterranean menu which is now very limited but you also get the standard MDR menu which balances things out. Also on Black Tie nights only the MDR menu is available. The Ribs were ok in the American diner , similar to harvester. The ship was full and it was interesting to see the rush for sunbeds on sea days . I kid you not that there were people sitting next to the infinity pool at 5.50am. I went and got a coffee at 6am then at 6.45 I grabbed my towels and headed for the Beachcomber area. Half the beds on both sides were either reserved or occupied (if you cant beat em join em). The guys don’t normally put the beds out until 7am so it was a case of help yourself. Its £20 for suncreams on board and toiletries are expensive. On Ventura and Azura I was able to use the sauna free of charge, on this ship its £49 to use the spa for 2.5 hrs. Beer prices were similar to bar prices at home , a pint of Birra Moretti £6.25 and a 500ml bottle of Old Peculiar £5.50 , diet coke £3.25. A small glass of Malbec around £7.50. Cocktails £8.50. There used to be some good shows on P&O ships performed by the Headliners team but now there seems to be more acts flown in to perform. The two female Violinists Electra were ok particularly the first couple of classic tunes but went a bit samey with the rest of the show. Being Adams , a Brian Adams tribute who also did a second show tribute to Sting was good with the Brian Adams tribute but I felt his performance of Sting was average. In the dome we had a performance called X totally bonkers but fun for 30 mins. There was some acrobatics in the Atrium for variety, a pianist in the Crows nest. Day of Departure. This starts off in the morning with you having to do a face to face meeting with customs on board the ship in the lounge on deck 8 in our case at 8.10am. Only one person needs to attend with both cruise cards and both passports. Even with a 50yd queue at the door the process only took 15minutes from starting in line. We then had to meet at 2.20 pm in the Headliners theatre to wait for our coach which we boarded at 2.40 and around 30 mins to the airport. The flight back was delayed about 90 mins first due to catering delays then when we were on the plane a couple was refused boarding due to a medical issue possibly due to not having fitness to fly documentation. This meant their luggage had to be found and removed from the aircraft on a flight with over 300 people on board. A bit of turbulence on the way back which took 7hrs 30 mins(tail wind) and arrived at Gatwick at around 7am local time. The other thing that happened was the main Terminal building for the return flight was closed and we had to board through the Concorde Museum area . The coffee in here is awful and pricey at 21 Barbados dollars for 2. All things considered we had a good holiday on Arvia and would definitely sail on her again. We enjoyed the quizzes and the company in Brodies and hi to David, Marie, Malcolm and Bev.
This was our 1st time on Arvia and was impressed with the cleanliness of the ship considering the size.We had a balcony cabin on deck 9 midship near the laundry which was perfect.Cabin was great and after doing over 60 cruises this was the first shower to have a sliding door instead of a curtain.Only complaints were the amount of cushions on settee which were just an obstacle.I also missed the biscuits that were absent due to cutbacks I suppose,another first.We only went to the main restaurant twice as it was quite hectic and service was slow.Tried all the other restaurants except Sindu and have to say the food was excellent in all of them.We spent a lot of our time in casino area as they had the best drinks selection on board.We were unfortunately held up in Barbados for 3 days and missed 3 ports due to TUI refusing to fly into Caribbean airspace although Norse airways managed to do it.We all got a letter from P&O at end of cruise to claim for this but I’ve tried with my insurer Urban Jungle and got nothing.On sea days people wear putting towels out at 6-30 in the morning all over the ship,we saw them from our cabin and at 9-00am it was nearly impossible to get beds anywhere near a pool which brings me to my biggest complaint.Every pool on ship had kids in them,Their feckless parents sat around drinking while kids jumped and dived into pool with no one supervising them.If there was a kids club on this ship it must have been empty,We were going down in lift from 16 th floor along with a guy with 2kids,the older one pressed every button and all the dad could say to him was”What are you like” with a stupid grin on his face,I can’t understand why they weren’t in school anyway.The other big disappointment was the entertainment,of the few times we’ve sailed with P&O this was the worst.There were two stand up comedians and they were terrible,two magicians were poor as well.I usually love the ships dancers but the shows at sky dome each night was the same routine with different costumes.Some of main stage singers were ok,just not my music to be fair.I’d already pre booked same cruise for next Xmas and new year which takes in my birthday and will definitely enjoy it but will definitely be looking for adults only cruise after that.
I travelled as part of a large family and friends group over Christmas and New Year - 25 of us in total, ranging from 4 years up to 78 years of age. This was my 2nd P&O Cruise. Flights and Embarkation - I loved how the whole package is handled by P&O, with flights, transfers and baggage handling being all arranged - drop your bags at the airport and see them in your stateroom. After a long flight, it was amazing to walk onto a waiting transfer and be whisked to the ship. We were onboard in under an hour from disembarking. Having cruised in the Caribbean from the US, it was great to not need to take a forced overnight hotel stay beforehand. First impressions of Arvia itself really impressed me. The ship felt like a brand new ship, very nice decor and clean throughout. We had a balcony stateroom for 4 people, 2 adults and 2 children (Queen bed sofa bed with a pullman bunkbed above). The room was a decent size, as was the balcony. I missed having bedside draws for additional storage. Public Areas - Pools etc: The ship has so many hot tubs around multiple decks. Swimming pool wise, there are 4 (one adult only), so at times the pools were busy - as expected being a family oriented date. The "inside pool" worked well and I can imagine this being a great addition on a colder itinerary. On sea days, it was harder to find a sun - lounger in the best areas, near pools/bars. I have never been on a cruise where this is any different. However P&O actively were moving towels and bags off of beds which were not being used for an extended period of time and tagging the bed to advise where to find the bags etc that were removed. Dining - We dined in a most of the venues on board, from included to paid for options. I felt there was a good mix of traditional British food and world cuisine. They use a virtual queueing system as well as being able to walk up and wait. I recommend using the app over walk up and wait, it saved a lot of hassle and we never waited longer than 20 minutes for a table. I really enjoyed the included options - it did not feel like the quality had been reduced to push you towards the paid options which I felt like some other cruise lines are guilty of. The Main Dining Room menu had a good range of options which changed daily, as well as favourites like steak available every day. The buffet offered a good range of options for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The Quays is a great addition to grab somerthing quick without having to head up to the upper decks. The paid for/speciality restaurants offered a good mix of options and were well priced for the food on offer. We had great meals in Green & Co, The Glass House and The Keel and Cow. Christmas Dinner was a bit of a let down - it was clear that it was a mammoth effort to serve the whole ship across 2 sittings and I think they did the best that they could. Bars - There are a lot of bars on board and it was never really an issue to find a seat somewhere. I LOVED Andersons and the range of cocktails and speciality drinks available here. The pool bars were fairly busy and it did take time to get used to the ordering system where you have to place your order with one person and wait for your drink to be made - sometimes there was confusion when more than one person was waiting for the same drink. As the cruise went on, although I hated the ordering system, I dont think it was actually slower than the traditional order from one person and they make your drink. Kids Club - Our children loved the kids clubs. They offered a good program of activities and arranged a brilliant nativity which the children performed in the Theatre on Xmas day which was lovely to watch. The staff were really engaged and were attentive.
Accommodation is a crucial part of every holiday. From a simple space to lay your head, to something a little more luxurious – everyone has their own style. We've got a range of accommodation on our ships to suit all travellers.
A world of culinary delights
On Arvia, we cater to every craving. From family favourites to world-class cuisines inspired by your voyage, with so many restaurants included in the price like 6th Street Diner or The Chef's Table, you'll be spoilt for choice. There are also chic speciality restaurants for those who want that wow-factor dining experience.
Speciality restaurants - Indulge yourself in an extra-special culinary crusade - with exquisite menus and exceptional service - for a little extra.
Included restaurants - With so many delicious dining options already included in your holiday price, you'll be spoilt for choice at any time of the day.
Dazzling entertainment day and night
Experience world-class entertainment on Arvia. From big-name acts to dazzling acrobats, there's a show, performance or activity to suit everyone. Laugh, sing and dance under the retractable SkyDome, catch captivating performances in the Grand Atrium or enjoy live music and have a drink in the 710 club.
Your serene sanctuary at sea
Unwind and recharge in Arvia's serene spaces. Treat yourself to a luxurious pampering session at the Oasis Spa, or find peace under the open sky at The Retreat. With a hair and beauty salon for a fresh new look and plenty of quiet corners to relax with a book or a view, there's a haven of relaxation on board Arvia for everyone.
Adventurers of all ages set sail on Arvia, there's endless family fun with various activities for everyone. From daytime excitement to evening entertainment, enjoy splash zones, adventure parks, climbing walls, interactive games and dedicated kids' clubs. Families create memories that last a lifetime on Arvia.
Adventurers of all ages set sail on Arvia, there's endless family fun with various activities for everyone. From daytime excitement to evening entertainment, enjoy splash zones, adventure parks, climbing walls, interactive games and dedicated kids' clubs. Families create memories that last a lifetime on Arvia.
