(PR Event with P&O Cruises - see disclaimer)
With P&O Cruises Iona finally sailing the Norwegian Fjords, the countdown is on for her sister ship to join the fleet later this year. Arriving in December 2022, P&O Cruises Arvia will sail from Southampton for a series of fourteen night holidays visiting popular ports in Italy, Spain and France before heading to the Caribbean sunshine. From October 2023, Arvia will then sail her first full season of Caribbean fly/cruise holidays from the home port of Barbados until the end of March 2024.
Like Iona, Arvia is another Excel Class cruise ship with even more freedom, innovation and variety than ever before and will also be powered by liquefied natural gas; which will significantly reduce carbon emissions. Responsible travel is so important as we take care of our planet.
It's a really exciting time for the cruise industry especially after being hit so hard during the pandemic so here are five things you need to know about P&O Cruises' new ship Arvia.
Cruising for many is about the food and what better way to celebrate the Caribbean than with celebrity chef Shivi Ramoutar. Shivi is renowned for her contemporary Caribbean cooking and will bring her vibrant dishes to Arvia with an exclusive selection of dishes at Taste 360 and The Beach House. Passionate about bold flavours, colourful ingredients and authentic Caribbean food - it's a joyful partnership to be truly excited about.
For Arvia, Tidal Rum will join P&O Cruises for a one of a kind partnership to create an island-inspired rum for the ship's Caribbean adventures. The careful blend of cask-aged rums from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic has a rich, golden smoothness that is infused with savoury truffle flavours from pepper dulse which are foraged from the shores of Jersey. It's quite something and not like any rum I've tried before - smooth, warming and delicious. What an exciting partnership!
Sky high activities full of fun
Forming part of the new top deck, Altitude is a collection of fun, action-packed activities. Discover a high ropes experience, tropical-themed mini golf and a water splash zone! Altitude Minigolf will include water hazards, tiki huts, hippos and night-time illuminations while Altitude Splash Valley will be a cooling aqua zone for all the family with water jets, shaded areas and ocean views. You'll also experience Altitude Skywalk which is set 54 metres above the ocean and is the company's first-ever high ropes experience with varying courses to suit all abilities.
First Escape Room Experience Mission Control
New and exclusive to Arvia, Mission Control will be the cruise line's first multi-sensory escape room. The new experience is set underwater on board a fictional submarine Arvia II, with a series of challenging, mind-stimulating live-action puzzles. The “expedition” is led by fictional Dr Ryan and has multiple storylines, suitable for all ages, with a film-like plot of twists and turns including motion simulation.
See the world in widescreen
A newer addition to the Excel Class ships, Arvia will also feature a SkyDome allowing you to soak up the Caribbean sunshine under the gorgeous retractable glass roof. The area will have something for everyone from day until nightfall - from delicious dining and spellbinding entertainment to bars, a pool and plenty of loungers for relaxing and making memories with friends and family.
What are you most looking forward to on Arvia?
Arvia maiden, Canary Islands, 14 nights, £1,449pp - P&O Cruises is offering a 14-night cruise on Arvia for £1,449 per person for an inside cabin. Departing Dec 9, 2022, the price includes kids' clubs, full board meals and entertainment. Departing from and returning to Southampton ports of call are Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Cadiz and Lisbon.
To book go to www.pocruises.com or see a trusted travel agent.
