Designed to make the most of the sun, P&O Cruises’ latest ship, Arvia, offers an affordable way to cruise the Caribbean, says Jo Checkley
Known as the ‘sunshine ship’, P&O Cruises’ new Arvia really is a jewel on the ocean. Its name means ‘from the seashore’ in Latin and everything about this mighty 345-metre vessel, which takes 5,200 guests, captures the joy of sailing under the Caribbean’s sunny skies.
Designed to operate in the warmest climates, Arvia makes the most of them with a giant glass retractable roof known as the SkyDome – afirst for cruise ship technology. I was lucky enough to be on board for Arvia’s star-studded naming ceremony off the coast of Barbados in March, when the SkyDome was put to good use and opened to allow guests, including the ship’s godmother, Nicole Scherzinger, to catch the rays.
The traditional smash of a Champagne bottle on the ship’s bow was done by Nicole with a 15-litre bottle of Mount Gay Black Barrel rum instead and Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox introduced a performance by Olly Murs on the beach. And while he (sadly, for me) wasn’t at the launch, P&O Cruises’ music director Gary Barlow is behind Arvia’s 710 Club and has not only curated the playlist but also designed the perfect cocktails to accompany it (and no doubt encourage dancing).
But, glitzy launch and celebrity guests aside, what is it that makes this ship so special? For a start, it’s the activities on offer for all age groups. There’s a thrilling rope walkway 54 metres above the ocean (another first for P&O Cruises) and an immersive experience called Mission Control, a high-tech escape room teens will love. For the little ones, there’s a water play area with lots of shade, and for those after some light-hearted fun, there’s a mini golf course (with practice nets for the more determined golfer).
For adults, there are seven deck bars to choose from including a swim-up version (another first for P&O Cruises) and, while we’re talking numbers, the ship also has five pools and 20 whirlpool spas – 10 of them infinity. The Grand Atrium is at the heart of it all (a great place to get your bearings) with the floor-to-ceiling windows continuing that sunshine feel. There are more than 30 places to eat and drink, including my favourite, The Glass House, which offers tapas created by chef José Pizarro, with an accompanying wine list from TV expert Olly Smith, who often joins cruises. Queen of contemporary Caribbean cooking Shivi Ramoutar delights with her delicious dishes at Taste 360 and The Beach House. There’s also a plant-based and fish restaurant and an American diner, which serves waffles with bourbon mascarpone (delicious!).
