If you’re planning a cruise on P&O Arvia, there are a few things that can make a big difference to your experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 practical things to know before you board, based on real experience onboard, so you know what to expect and can plan properly.
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10 Things You Need to Know About P&O Arvia
1. The Dining Options Are Extensive
Arvia has a wide range of dining options, from included venues to speciality restaurants. The main dining rooms, Meridian & Zenith, serve breakfast, lunch & dinner, while Horizon Buffet & The Quays give you more casual choices throughout the day.
The Quays is also a useful breakfast option if you want to avoid buffet crowds. You’ll also find 6th Street Diner, which is unique to Arvia, serving all-day breakfast, burgers, ribs, fried chicken & milkshakes.
2. The Olive Grove Has Changed
The Olive Grove was once one of Arvia’s best-known included restaurants, but it changed in 2025 and now feels more like an extension of the main dining offering. The menu is more limited than it used to be, so it is worth knowing that before you board.
It can still be worth trying, but expectations need to be adjusted. This is one of the biggest dining changes returning guests are likely to notice.
3. Arvia Is Very Family Friendly, But There Are New Rules
Arvia is one of the most family-friendly ships in the P&O fleet. There is Splash Valley for younger children, family-friendly cabins, a three-screen cinema, casual dining that works well with children, and plenty of pool space including the SkyDome pool, infinity pools & splash areas.
There are also two changes worth knowing. Children’s club sessions can now be pre-booked before the cruise for a charge of £8.95 per session, and the Crow’s Nest becomes adults-only after 6pm.
If this is your first time on Arvia, see my full guide on what I wish I’d known before cruising, which covers everything from dining and cabins to onboard tips.
4. A Lot Is Included in Your Fare, But Not Everything
Meals in the main dining rooms, Horizon Buffet, The Quays & 6th Street Diner are included in your fare. Water, tea & basic coffee are included too, but soft drinks, alcohol & speciality coffees cost extra unless you buy a drinks package.
One useful thing to know is that P&O includes gratuities in the cruise fare. You will not see a daily service charge added to your onboard account, although some guests still choose to tip staff directly for excellent service.
5. Dress Codes Are Mostly Relaxed
Most evenings on Arvia are smart casual, so dresses, trousers, polo shirts or similar are absolutely fine. Gala Evenings are more formal, with some guests choosing cocktail dresses, evening wear, suits or tuxedos, but it is not as rigid as some first-time cruisers expect.
On a seven-night cruise, there is usually one Gala Evening, while a 14-night cruise often has two. If you do not want to dress up, you can simply eat in more casual venues such as the buffet or The Quays.
6. My Holiday App Is Essential Onboard
My Holiday App is not a downloadable app. It is a web page you access through the ship’s Wi-Fi, and it becomes one of the most useful tools onboard.
You can use it to book dining, shows, excursions & spa treatments, and to check your onboard account. It only works once you are on the ship’s network, so you cannot use it before boarding.
7. Some Cabin Types Need More Thought Than Others
Arvia offers the usual range of inside, sea view, balcony cabins & suites, and most are straightforward to choose between. The cabin type that gets the most discussion is the Conservatory Mini-Suite on Deck 8.
These have a distinctive layout with a conservatory-style space between the bedroom & balcony, but the promenade wraps around outside them. That means people walking past can see in, which some passengers do not mind and others would avoid completely.
8. Sunbeds Can Be Hard To Get on Sea Days
On sea days, sunbeds around the busiest pool areas can be difficult to find. There is a 30-minute rule on reserving loungers, but in practice it is not always enforced consistently.
If you want a quieter option, Deck 8 can be a better place to look. The Retreat is another option if you are happy to pay extra for a more peaceful adults-only space with upgraded loungers & bar service.
9. You Can Do Shore Excursions or Explore Independently
P&O offers a wide range of shore excursions, which are useful if you want transport, structure & the reassurance that the ship will wait if the tour runs late. These can be booked before your cruise or through My Holiday once onboard.
You can also explore independently in many ports, and Arvia itineraries often include places where that works well. The key is to check how far the port is from the main sights and to pay close attention to all-aboard time, especially in ports where the main city is further away.
10. There Is Plenty To Do on Sea Days & in the Evenings
Arvia has a busy entertainment programme, so sea days do not feel short on options. You have live music, quizzes, sport screenings, films in the SkyDome, Ocean Studios cinema, enrichment talks, Mission Control, the Altitude Skywalk, pools, bars, the spa & quieter spaces such as the library.
In the evenings, there are theatre shows, live music, game shows, late-night events in the SkyDome, and venues such as the 710 Club for a more intimate atmosphere. Whether you prefer something lively or something quieter, Arvia gives you plenty of choice.
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If you’re sailing on P&O Cruises, here is my full Arvia Honest Review, including what the experience is really like onboard and whether it’s the right ship for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is P&O Arvia good for families?
Yes. Arvia is one of the most family-friendly ships in the P&O fleet, with children’s facilities, family cabins, casual dining, cinema spaces, pools & activities for different age groups.
Are drinks included on P&O Arvia?
Basic drinks such as water, tea & standard coffee are included. Soft drinks, alcohol & speciality coffees cost extra unless you buy a drinks package.
Are there formal nights on Arvia?
Yes, but they are limited. Most evenings are smart casual, and on Gala Evenings you can dress up more formally if you choose.
Do I need to use My Holiday App onboard?
Yes, it is very useful. You will use it for bookings, daily planning & checking your onboard account during the cruise.
Are Conservatory Mini-Suites on Arvia private?
Not fully. Because the promenade passes outside them, other passengers can see into the conservatory area as they walk by.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise on P&O Arvia more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard.
I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Staying Connected at Sea
If you don’t want to rely entirely on the ship’s Wi-Fi, another option is a cruise eSIM.
Saily has recently launched cruise eSIM plans that provide mobile data both at sea and in supported ports. Depending on your itinerary and how you use your phone, this could be a convenient alternative for messaging, maps and general internet browsing.
You can check the latest plans and coverage here: Saily Cruise Esim
Use code SOLOTRAVEL10 to receive 10% off your purchase.
Affiliate disclosure: This section contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I haven’t personally tested Saily’s cruise eSIM yet, so please check the latest coverage, data allowances and device compatibility before purchasing.