P&O Arvia

Arvia is the sister ship to Iona, which we’ve sailed twice before, and while the layout is familiar, she has her own unique touches: an American Diner, a vegan restaurant, an escape room, adventure golf, a high ropes course, and even a retractable roof over the pool.

Food & Dining

We certainly didn’t go hungry! Between the main dining room, The Quays, Horizon Buffet, Taste 360, Limelight Club, Keel & Cow, Olive Grove, and the 6th Street Diner, there was more choice than we could possibly fit in. Breakfasts were usually in the dining room or the diner — perfect for me as it opened at 10am, just when the other venues were closing.

Entertainment & Activities

From quizzes and virtual race nights to movies, comedians, and singers, there was always something happening. We even saw Chesney Hawkes perform in the Limelight Club. On deck, we tried adventure golf, giant chess, darts, and of course, plenty of competitive Uno!

Formal Nights & Cabin

There were two formal nights, which we enjoyed dressing up for, though plenty of guests chose more casual options. Our balcony cabin was identical to Iona’s — spacious, comfortable, and with plenty of storage.

Ports of Call

• Le Havre: We stayed onboard, enjoying the peace and quiet. Having visited before, and with it being a Sunday, we knew much of the town would be closed.
• Vigo: A lovely surprise! The marina leads straight into a bustling city centre with shops and sightseeing. At 20°C and sunny, it felt odd to see Christmas decorations going up.
• Lisbon: The highlight of the trip. We booked a private two-hour vintage car/tuk-tuk tour, and it was the perfect way to see the city. From monuments and castles to fountains, churches, and stunning viewpoints, our guide kept us entertained and even snapped photos of us in beautiful spots. With 23°C sunshine in October, Lisbon completely won us over — we’ll definitely be back.
• La Coruña: After last year’s cancelled visit, we were glad to finally explore. Despite showers, we enjoyed wandering the city, admiring the beach, and soaking up its history before the heavier rain arrived.

Final Thoughts

Arvia gave us everything we love about cruising — great food, varied entertainment, and memorable ports — with a few new twists to keep things fresh. Lisbon was the standout, but each stop added its own flavour to the journey.

It’s hard to believe that’s our last cruise of the year, but what a way to finish. Roll on 2025!