If you’re trying to work out the best Arvia breakfast options before your cruise, the good news is that there’s plenty of choice. The more important question is which of those options are actually worth using, which ones get busy, and where you’ll get the best start to your day. That matters more than the number of venues.
Breakfast is one of the easiest meals to get wrong on a ship like Arvia. Turn up at the wrong place at the wrong time and you’ll be dealing with queues, noise, and a rushed start. Choose the right venue, and it can be one of the most relaxed parts of your day onboard.
I’ve cruised on Arvia myself and tried these options in practice. This guide focuses on how breakfast actually works onboard, where to go depending on your plans for the day, and what each venue is really like rather than what it sounds like on paper. You can also download the full Arvia breakfast menus, including main dining room, 6th Street Diner, Epicurean and room service, in the free PDF below.
For a full breakdown of all dining options across the ship, you can also read my main Arvia dining options guide, which covers lunch, dinner and specialty restaurants in more detail.
Arvia Dining Options: Full Video Guide
For a complete overview of Arvia dining options, including all restaurants and how they work onboard, watch my full video guide below.
Where to Eat Breakfast on Arvia?
Arvia has a mix of sit-down, casual and quick breakfast options, and they suit very different types of mornings. The main dining rooms offer a slower, more traditional start.
The Quays gives you the best balance between quality and convenience. The Horizon buffet is the earliest and quickest option but also the busiest.
Room service is a quieter alternative if you want to stay in your cabin. There is also a late breakfast and brunch option at 6th Street Diner, and a more premium experience at Epicurean if you’re in a suite or manage to get a table.
The key is not just knowing what exists, but choosing the right option for the day you’ve got planned.
Main Dining Room Breakfast: Meridian, Zenith and Olive Grove
If you prefer a sit-down breakfast with table service, the main dining rooms are still one of the most reliable options on Arvia. This includes Meridian and Zenith, and more recently The Olive Grove has also been used for breakfast.
Breakfast is typically served from 7:30 to 9:00 on port days and from 8:00 to 9:30 on sea days. That timing makes these restaurants better suited to slower mornings rather than early excursions. If you need to be off the ship quickly, you may find other options more practical.
The menu is the standard P&O Cruises breakfast you’ll find across the fleet. It includes pastries, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, a full English, smoked haddock, omelettes and eggs benedict. It’s not designed to be inventive, but it doesn’t need to be. The strength of the main dining rooms at breakfast is not the menu itself, it’s the experience. You’re seated at a table, your food is brought to you, and you’re not dealing with the crowds or carrying trays around.
One of the recent changes on Arvia is that The Olive Grove is now used as an additional breakfast venue. In practice, this doesn’t create a different experience or a new menu. It serves exactly the same breakfast as Meridian and Zenith. What it does do is increase capacity, which helps spread passengers out and makes it easier to get a table during busy periods. It’s best to think of it as a third main dining room rather than a separate option.
If your priority is a calmer, more traditional start to the day, this is one of the most dependable ways to have breakfast on Arvia.
The Quays: The Best Breakfast Option on Arvia
If there is one breakfast venue on Arvia that consistently works well, it’s The Quays on Deck 8.
This is not the most formal option, but it’s the one that gets the balance right between food quality, speed, layout and atmosphere. That matters on a ship this size.
The Quays opening times for breakfast are usually around 7:30am to 10:30am, which gives you a wider window than the main dining rooms
At breakfast, The Quays is split across different serving areas rather than one long buffet line. You have Hook, Line and Vinegar, which in the mornings serves items like pancakes and waffles. The Asian Fusion counter is used for made-to-order omelettes and eggs. The Roast Carvery section is where you’ll find the main cooked breakfast items like bacon, sausages, eggs and hash browns. Just around the corner, there’s also a separate area for lighter options such as fruit, cereal, pastries, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice.
That layout makes a noticeable difference. Instead of everyone queuing in the same place, people spread out across the different counters. Even at busier times, it feels more manageable than the Horizon buffet.
What really lifts The Quays above the other breakfast options is the seating. Inside, it’s already easier to use than the buffet, but just outside the doors there is outdoor seating overlooking the promenade. This is one of the best places to have breakfast on the ship. It’s quieter, you get fresh air and sea views, and it completely changes the feel of the meal compared to eating inside a busy venue.
In terms of how to use it, The Quays works for almost any type of morning. It’s quick enough if you’re heading ashore, but also relaxed enough if you want to take your time. If you’re trying to avoid the busiest parts of the ship in the morning, this is the most reliable option.
Horizon Buffet: Quick, Early and Busy
The Horizon buffet is the most obvious breakfast choice on Arvia, and for that reason it’s also the busiest.
It opens from 6:30am until 11:00am, making it the earliest and one of the longest-running breakfast options on the ship. That makes it a practical choice if you have an early excursion or a slower start to the day.
You’ll find the standard buffet selection, including eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, toast, cereal, fruit, juice and coffee. It does what you expect, but it doesn’t stand out. One thing that still catches people out is that there’s no omelette station here, which feels like a gap compared to other ships.
The main issue with the buffet is not the food itself, it’s the experience. At peak times, especially on sea days, it can feel crowded and noisy. Finding a table can take longer than you expect, and the whole process can feel more functional than enjoyable.
If you use it early, it works much better. If you turn up later expecting a relaxed breakfast, it’s one of the weaker options onboard. That’s why it’s best seen as a practical choice rather than the best one.
Room Service Breakfast: Quiet but Limited
Room service breakfast on Arvia is a simple, quieter alternative if you don’t want to leave your cabin first thing.
There’s a small charge of around two pounds fifty, and you’ll need to fill in the order card the night before and hang it outside your door before the cut-off time. It’s not something you can decide on in the moment.
The menu is continental only, so you’re looking at pastries, cereal, fruit, juice and hot drinks rather than a full cooked breakfast. It’s important to be realistic about that.
Where it works well is on sea days, especially if you have a balcony cabin. Having breakfast delivered and sitting outside with a coffee is one of the more relaxed ways to start the day on Arvia. It’s also useful if you simply want to avoid crowds and ease into the morning.
You can see the full room service breakfast options in the downloadable PDF below.
6th Street Diner: Late Breakfast and Brunch
The 6th Street Diner offers something slightly different because it doesn’t operate as a traditional breakfast venue. Instead, it serves a late breakfast and brunch from around 10:00 through to 14:00.
This is a good option if you’re not rushing off the ship and you’ve had a slower start to the day. It’s not somewhere you go first thing in the morning, but it fills the gap between breakfast and lunch.
The style is American diner, with dishes like waffles, loaded fries and ribs, and the menu rotates so you may see different options during your cruise. It’s included in your fare, but it’s also one of the venues that fills up quickly. You’ll usually need to book or join the virtual queue, and it’s not something to leave until you’re already hungry.
In terms of how to use it, this works best on sea days or late port days when you’re not following a fixed schedule. It’s not a core breakfast option, but it’s a useful alternative if you want something more substantial later in the morning. The full menu are included in the PDF so you can see exactly what’s available.
Epicurean Breakfast: The Quiet Upgrade
Epicurean offers the most premium breakfast experience on Arvia, but it’s not something most passengers will use every day.
For suite guests, breakfast here is included as part of the suite benefits. It’s a quieter, more refined setting with table service and a higher-end a la carte menu. Compared to the main dining rooms, it feels more relaxed and more exclusive.
Non-suite guests may also be able to eat here for a small cover charge, usually in the region of eight to ten pounds, but this is not guaranteed. It’s not something you typically book in advance. The most practical way to approach it is to go to Epicurean in the morning and ask if they are accepting non-suite guests that day.
Breakfast is usually served between around 07:00 and 09:00, although access for non-suite guests may be limited to certain times. Availability depends on how busy the restaurant is and how many suite guests are using it.
This is best seen as an occasional upgrade rather than a core breakfast option. If you manage to get a table, it’s one of the calmest and most polished ways to start the day on Arvia. If not, the main dining rooms and The Quays are still strong alternatives.
What Has Changed with Breakfast on Arvia
There have been a couple of changes to breakfast on Arvia that are worth knowing before you sail.
The first is that Keel and Cow no longer offers breakfast. This used to be a paid option that many guests enjoyed, but it’s been removed. If you’ve seen older content mentioning it, that information is now out of date.
The second change is the use of The Olive Grove as an additional breakfast venue. As mentioned earlier, this increases capacity but doesn’t add variety, as the menu is the same as the main dining rooms.
These changes don’t dramatically alter how breakfast works on Arvia, but they do affect where you might choose to go.
What Time Is Breakfast on Arvia ?
Breakfast times vary slightly depending on the venue and whether you’re on a sea day or a port day.
The Horizon buffet opens earliest, usually from around 6:30am. The main dining rooms typically open from 7:30 on port days and 8:00 on sea days. But check the Horizon Magazine daily for opening times. The Quays is open from 07:30 am. 6th Street Diner begins serving from around 10:00 for brunch, and Epicurean runs from 7:00 am until 09:00am , particularly for suite guests.
The key thing to understand is that the earlier you go, the quieter the experience tends to be. Later in the morning, especially on sea days, most venues become noticeably busier.
Is Breakfast Free on Arvia?
Most breakfast options on Arvia are included in your cruise fare. This includes the main dining rooms, The Quays, the Horizon buffet and 6th Street Diner.
Room service carries a small surcharge, and Epicurean breakfast is included for suite guests but may require a fee for others if available.
In practical terms, you can easily go through your entire cruise without paying extra for breakfast.
Download the Arvia Breakfast Menus (Free PDF)
You can download the full Arvia breakfast menus below, including the main dining room menus, The Quays, 6th Street Diner menu, Epicurean breakfast options and room service selections.
This is the easiest way to see exactly what’s available before you sail and plan where you want to eat on different days.
Useful Guides for Your Arvia Cruise
If you’re planning your dining across the whole cruise, it helps to look beyond just breakfast and understand how the rest of the day works on Arvia.
You can read my full Arvia dining options guide for a complete breakdown of all restaurants onboard, including what’s included, what costs extra, and how the different venues fit together across the cruise.
For the rest of the day, I’ve also created detailed guides with full menus for each meal. My Arvia lunch guide covers where to eat during the day, including The Quays, the main dining rooms, Taste 360 and 6th Street Diner, along with practical tips on avoiding the busiest times.
My Arvia dinner guide focuses on the main dining rooms, Freedom Dining, and the best ways to manage queues using My Holiday, as well as when it’s worth using casual options instead.
If you’re considering paying extra, my Arvia speciality dining guide breaks down each restaurant, including Sindhu, Epicurean, The Beach House and others, with menus and clear guidance on what’s actually worth the cost.
You can also read my P&O drinks package guide, which explains what’s included, what costs extra and whether it’s worth it depending on how you plan to use the ship.
If you’re still deciding whether Arvia is right for you, my guide on choosing the best P&O ship compares the different ships in the fleet and helps you decide which one suits your style of cruise.
FAQs: Arvia Breakfast Options
What is the best place for breakfast on Arvia?
The Quays is the most reliable all-round option. It offers good food, a better layout than the buffet and outdoor seating, which makes a noticeable difference to the overall experience.
What time does breakfast start on Arvia?
The earliest option is the Horizon buffet, which usually opens around 6:30am. Other venues open later depending on the day.
Can you get breakfast in your cabin on Arvia?
Yes, room service breakfast is available for a small charge. It’s continental only and must be ordered the night before using the door card system.
Is breakfast included on Arvia?
Yes, most breakfast options are included, including the main dining rooms, The Quays, the Horizon buffet and 6th Street Diner.
Do you need to book breakfast on Arvia?
Most breakfast venues do not require booking. The exception is 6th Street Diner, which may require booking or joining a virtual queue. Epicurean breakfast may also require checking availability in person.
Is the Horizon buffet the best breakfast option on Arvia?
The Horizon buffet is the quickest and earliest option, but it’s also the busiest. For a better overall experience, The Quays or the main dining rooms are usually better choices.
Can non-suite guests eat breakfast at Epicurean on Arvia?
Sometimes, but it’s not guaranteed. The best approach is to go to the restaurant in the morning and ask if they are accepting non-suite guests that day.
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.