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
The name Arvia means ‘from the seashore.’ P&O Cruisespresident Paul Ludlow said:“Arviawill join Iona as an innovative and future-focused ship offering an outstanding, varied and contemporary holiday. Arviahas been designed to travel to the sunyear-roundand 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 itsrelaxing propertiesand tranquillityand a holiday on Arvia will, indeed,celebrate this and haverelaxation at its heart.The rejuvenatingand restorativequalities of a walk on the beachandinvigoratingsea airwill be reflected in the experiences both on board and on shore as well as the vast space on boardwhich has enabled us to include a number of new and extraordinary features.”
Itineraries
Arvia willoffera Caribbeanmaidenseasonof fly/cruise holidaysfromhome port Barbados andAntigua from January to March 2023. The new Caribbean itineraries will also featureLa Romana intheDominican Republic–amaidenport of call for P&O Cruises; Curaçao;Martinique; St Kitts;St Lucia and St Maarten.
Arvia’sseven and 14-night fly/cruises from the UKalsoall includean overnight call in Barbados.22-night holidaysdepartingfromor returning to Southampton withUKflightsare also available.
Paul Ludlow said: “Arviaholidays, alongside the rest of our winter 2022 season, will be on sale veryshortly. We cannot wait to bring our newest ship to our glorious home port of Barbadosand also toAntigua, whichwill be a first-timeturnaround portfor P&O Cruises.
“The Caribbean is the optimalmaiden seasondestination for Arvia;aship where every facet, includingunique retractable roofSkyDomeand Altitude Skywalk high ropes,is designed to provide exceptional views of theocean, seashore and surroundingdestinations.
“Fromthe very initial conceptArvia has beencreatedto be theepitome of a sunshine resort,developedtobe an ideal way to enjoythe Caribbean’s turquoisewaters 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 choosetwo differentadventurous Altitude Skywalk high rope courseswhile 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 bepart of theon deckexperience.
SkyDomeis a relaxedpool environment by day with dining and entertainment by night, including stunningaerial performances,theatre productionsand blockbustermovies al fresco onSeaScreen.This area will feature the cruise line’s first-ever retractable SkyDome roof.
Arvia Dining
As well as thesecontemporaryentertainment experiencesArvia will feature twelve restaurants joined by eight more casual places to eat.
Green & Co featuringMizuhana,witha plant and fish-led menu, servedin chicand elegant surroundings,has been especially developed for Arvia.Mizuhanasushi barwill bewithin Green & Co, whereguestscan watch expert chefs at work while taking in sea views.Expert food-pairing advice and vibrant co*cktails complete the experience.
Also on boardis6thStreet Diner, informalbyday witha sophisticated night-time vibe,featuringretro seating, atmospheric lighting andjuke box andservingall-Americanflavoursincludingspecialityfried chicken and waffles with bourbon mascarpone.P&O Cruises distinctivesignaturerestaurantsEpicurean, Sindhu, The Glass House, The Keel & Cow and The Olive Grove, already across the fleet, willfeature 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 isthelatest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying thenewesttrendsin travel,diningand entertainment, and willbe theepitome of asunshine resort sailingyear-round to the warmest climates.
“New restaurantGreen & Co featuringMizuhanawill have a plant-led menu reflecting the latest trends invegan, vegetarian andflexitariandining while Altitude Skywalk andSeaScreenwill entertain all ages.”
Theship,345m in length,with16 guest deckswill also be home toOcean Studioscinema,1,300sqm ofshoppingand the Oasis Spa and Health Club.
The Oasis Spa boastsnew treatments exclusive to Arvia –twocouplessuiteseach witha hammam and steam room, a therapeutic cool room, a restorative salt sauna and an invigorating Kneipp Walk which combinesa pebble foot massage withhot andcold watertreatmentsto stimulate circulation and boost vitality.
Similar tosister ship Iona,Arvia will be powered by liquefied natural gas as part of P&O Cruises ongoing commitment to sustainabletravel. Building of the ship isalready underway at the MeyerWerftshipyard in Germany.
More information can be found on the P&O Cruises website.
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