4 P&O Cruises Firsts to Expect From Arvia

The countdown is on to the launch of the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet. Arvia is due to set sail later this year, an Excel class ship and sister to the ever-popular Iona.

Captain Robert Camby will be at the helm, and if you missed our exclusive interview with him, you can read it here.

More and more details are starting to emerge about Arvia, including a number of highlights that will mark a first for P&O Cruises. Here are just some of the features that have never been seen before across the fleet.

Altitude: Sky-High Activities at Sea

Arvia’s top deck isn’t just home to swathes of sun loungers – it’s also where you will find Altitude. Plenty of fun activities await, which are sure to keep every member of the family entertained all-cruise long.

Altitude Minigolf is a nine-hole course complete with all the thrills and spills you’d usually expect to encounter. Water hazards make Arvia’s mini golf course that bit trickier to complete, and cruisers are also promised tiki huts and hippos for good measure. Fancy practising your swing after sunset? No problem! Altitude Minigolf is kitted out with night-time illuminations so the fun can continue after dark.

Another highlight of Arvia’s deck 19 is Altitude Skywalk. The first-ever high ropes experience for P&O Cruises will bring out your competitive side – it sees a series of rope walks scaling 54 metres above sea level. Imagine those views!

See all of Arvia Deck plans here

Lastly, in what’s sure to be a family favourite, Altitude Splash Valley is a great place to cool off. As Arvia sets sail for the Caribbean sunshine during her maiden season, enjoy the shaded areas and refreshing water jets. Bliss.

Bask under Arvia’s retractable SkyDome

Not one to be outdone by her sister, Arvia also includes the ever-popular SkyDome – but on a completely different level. The retractable glass roof helps this hub of the P&O Cruises ship make the transition from day to night with ease.

Arvia’s SkyDome measures 40.96 meters by 34.24 meters and can be opened or closed depending on the weather. Decks 16 and 17 are a great place to chill out during the day, but it’s after nightfall they really come to life. Aerial artists, cookery demonstrations and DJ sets are just some of the entertainment that will be taking place in this part of the ship.

Mission Control: An escape room at sea

Keeping entertained while on board Arvia won’t be difficult, especially as P&O Cruises introduces the first ever escape room to one of their ships. Mission Control sees teams of up to 10 people complete puzzles and challenges under the guidance of the fictional Dr. Melissa Ryan.

There are two storylines to choose from – one is suitable for adults and the other more geared towards offering a family-friendly experience, each lasting an hour. Expect realistic 3D surroundings that take guests to ocean canyons, sunken cities and underwater creatures.

If you haven’t already seen the trailer for this incredible first-at-sea experience for P&O Cruises, you can watch it here.

Discover Arvia’s swim-up bar

Even the drinking experiences on P&O Cruises Arvia have gone up a notch. In a first for the cruise line, guests can enjoy a swim-up bar where you’ll be able to doggy-paddle your way to your favourite tipple The Infinity and Panorama Pool and Bar is located on decks 16 and 18, where you’ll also discover sun loungers, whirlpools and infinity pools.