Having sailed on both ships myself, I can honestly say they're both excellent for families and you really can't go wrong with either.  As sister ships in P&O's popular Excel Class, they share many of the same features including the stunning SkyDome, a fantastic range of dining options, excellent entertainment and plenty to keep the whole family happy.

However, there are some key differences that may make one ship a better fit for your holiday.

Quick Verdict

Choose Arvia if:

• You want the newest ship
• You're sailing in the Mediterranean or Caribbean
• You enjoy having lots of dining choices
• Your children would love mini golf and the high ropes course
• You like the idea of a swim-up bar

Choose Iona if:

• You're considering a Norwegian Fjords cruise
• You have sporty children or teenagers who'll make use of the larger sports court
• You prefer the slightly different dining layout

My personal favourite is Arvia, but only by a small margin. I would happily sail on either ship again.

Dining Options

One of the biggest differences between the two ships is the dining layout.

Iona has four main dining rooms - Pearl, Coral, Aqua and Opal. All serve the same menu, but each has its own décor and atmosphere.

Arvia has two larger main dining rooms - Meridian and Zenith - but uses some of the additional space to create more alternative dining venues.

One example is 6th Street Diner, an American-style diner serving favourites such as burgers, hot dogs and shakes. It's a great additional option for families.

The Olive Grove also differs slightly between the ships. On Iona, the venue includes freshly made pizzas from a pizza oven, while Arvia's version has a slightly different Mediterranean focus.

Arvia is also home to Green & Co featuring Mizuhana, a sushi restaurant that was one of the standout dining experiences during my sailing.

In The Quays food court, both ships offer fish and chips and Asian-inspired dishes. However, Iona has a fast-food counter serving burgers and fried chicken, while Arvia offers Roast, famous for its giant Yorkshire puddings filled with traditional roast dinner favourites.

Entertainment and Activities

Both ships offer a huge range of entertainment and activities.

The spectacular SkyDome is one of the highlights of both vessels, providing a pool area during the day and a vibrant entertainment venue in the evenings.

Arvia's SkyDome has a retractable roof, making it particularly well suited to warmer weather itineraries in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Families may also appreciate some of Arvia's additional outdoor attractions, including a high ropes course and mini golf.

Iona, however, has the larger sports court. For active children and teenagers who enjoy football, basketball or other ball games, this can be a real advantage.

Both ships have cinemas, with Iona offering four screens and Arvia three. Arvia also features an escape room experience, providing another fun activity for families and groups.

Pools and Outdoor Spaces

One noticeable difference between the ships is the swim-up bar area.

Arvia features an adults-only swim-up bar, creating a lovely holiday atmosphere on sunny sea days.

On Iona, the same space instead includes a small plunge pool designed for younger guests.

Distilleries at Sea

A unique feature of both ships is their onboard distillery.

Iona is home to a gin distillery, while Arvia has a rum distillery.

Both offer tastings and provide an interesting talking point during your cruise.

So which ship do I prefer?

If I had to choose, I personally prefer Arvia.

The additional dining options, retractable SkyDome roof, high ropes course and family-friendly enhancements give it a slight edge for me. I also think it works particularly well for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises where guests can make the most of the outdoor spaces.

That said, the difference is not huge. Iona remains one of my favourite ships and offers everything that has made the Excel Class so popular with UK cruisers. In fact, some guests prefer Iona's larger sports court and slightly different dining setup.

The good news is that whichever ship you choose, you'll enjoy stylish accommodation, excellent entertainment, a fantastic choice of dining and all the features that have made these two ships among the most popular in the UK cruise market.

If you're trying to decide between Arvia and Iona, I'd be happy to help you compare itineraries, cabin options and prices to find the right fit for your family.

Call or WhatsApp: 01403 473833

anna.murrell@travelcounsellors.com