If you’re planning a cruise on P&O Arvia, these Arvia Mediterranean cruise tips will help you make the most of the ship, the sea days and the ports.
Arvia is a brilliant ship for a Mediterranean cruise, especially if you want to sail from Southampton without flying. You get the ease of a round-trip UK departure, plenty of time onboard, and an itinerary that can include some of Europe’s best cruise ports.
But a Mediterranean cruise on Arvia is not always a slow, relaxing holiday if you don’t plan it properly.
The Med can be hot, busy and port-heavy. Some ports are easy walk-off days, while others need transport, excursions or a proper plan before you sail. Arvia is also a very large ship, so knowing how dining, entertainment, sea days and port mornings work can make a big difference.
I’ve spent two weeks onboard Arvia on a Mediterranean itinerary, and these are the things I’d recommend knowing before you sail.
Watch My Arvia Mediterranean Cruise Tips Video
Before you read the full guide, you can also watch my Arvia Mediterranean cruise tips video where I share the things I learned from sailing this itinerary myself, including port planning, dining, packing and sea days onboard.
Choose the Right Time of Year for an Arvia Mediterranean Cruise
One of the first things to think about is when to sail.
Arvia usually sails to the Mediterranean during the warmer months, and while peak summer sounds tempting, July and August can be very hot in the Med.
This matters because Mediterranean cruises are often sightseeing-heavy. You may be walking around Barcelona, exploring Marseille, travelling from La Spezia to Florence or Pisa, or spending hours outside in full sun.
In places like Florence, Barcelona or Marseille, temperatures can climb into the thirties, and the heat feels much stronger when you’re walking on pavements, queuing for attractions or exploring old towns with limited shade.
If you can, shoulder season is often a better choice.
Late April to early June, or mid-September to October, can be a lovely time to cruise the Mediterranean. The weather is still warm, but sightseeing usually feels more comfortable. Ports can also feel less crowded, which makes a big difference when you’re visiting popular places.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid summer completely. Many people can only travel during school holidays, and Arvia is well set up for families. But if you have flexibility, a slightly cooler month can make the cruise much easier to enjoy.
Know What to Expect Sailing From Southampton
One of the biggest advantages of an Arvia Mediterranean cruise is that you can sail from Southampton.
For UK passengers, this makes the start of the holiday much simpler. There are no airport queues, no luggage limits in the same way, no worrying about flight delays, and no need to fly to Barcelona, Rome or Athens before your cruise begins.
Embarkation in Southampton is usually straightforward. If you’re driving, CPS Parking can make things easy because you pull up at the terminal, hand over your keys, and your luggage is taken from there. Once you’re checked in, you can be onboard fairly quickly and your bags will arrive at your cabin later.
Disembarkation is also much easier than flying home after a cruise. Once your deck or disembarkation group is called, you collect your luggage in the terminal and head home. There are no baggage carousels, passport queues or airport transfers to think about.
That is one of the reasons Arvia works so well for a Mediterranean cruise from the UK.
You get the excitement of a big Med itinerary, but without the stress of flying to meet the ship.
Be Prepared for the Bay of Biscay
Before Arvia reaches the sunshine of the Mediterranean, there is one thing to be aware of.
You’ll cross the Bay of Biscay.
If you’re sailing from Southampton to the Med, you usually cross it on the way out and again on the way back. The Bay of Biscay has a reputation among cruisers, and while it can be completely calm, it can also be lively.
I’ve crossed it several times now, and the experience can vary a lot. Sometimes it has been smooth. Other times, there has definitely been more movement.
Modern ships like Arvia have stabilisers, and most of the time it’s nothing more than a bit of wobble. But if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth being prepared rather than hoping for the best.
Pack whatever you normally use, whether that’s tablets, bands or patches. Keep them somewhere easy to reach rather than buried in your suitcase. It’s also worth keeping your cabin organised on the first night so loose items aren’t sliding around if the ship does start moving.
The upside of sailing from Southampton is that you get sea days at the beginning and end of the cruise. These are perfect for exploring Arvia, getting used to the ship, booking dining, finding your favourite venues and easing into holiday mode before the port days begin.
Understand Which Ports Need Planning
Not every Mediterranean port works in the same way.
This is one of the most important Arvia Mediterranean cruise tips, because some ports are very easy to explore independently, while others need a lot more planning.
Some ports are simple walk-off days. La Coruña, for example, is one of the easiest cruise ports because the ship docks close to the city. You can walk straight into the centre, explore at your own pace, visit the waterfront, wander through the old town, or head towards the Tower of Hercules if you want a longer walk.
Cádiz is another port that can be very easy to explore independently because the ship docks close to the old town.
Other ports need more thought.
Barcelona is fairly manageable, but the cruise terminals are not right in the Gothic Quarter. You’ll usually need a shuttle, taxi or port bus to get closer to the city before exploring on foot, using the Metro or joining a sightseeing bus.
Marseille usually needs a shuttle or transport into the Old Port area. It is not usually a case of stepping off the ship straight into the main city centre.
La Spezia is a bigger planning port. It is often used for Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre or even Portofino, but none of those are right next to the ship. You need to decide whether you want to book a tour, use the train, take a ferry, or keep the day more relaxed.
This is where planning before you sail makes a real difference.
I like to check each port before the cruise and work out which ones are easy DIY days, which ones need transport, and which ones are worth booking an excursion for.
On a Mediterranean cruise, not all ports need to be big sightseeing days. Sometimes the best plan is a simple walking route, a coffee stop, a market, a viewpoint and plenty of time to get back to the ship.
Plan Shore Excursions Carefully
Shore excursions can be really useful on an Arvia Mediterranean cruise, but you don’t need to book one in every port.
The key is knowing when an excursion makes sense.
For long-distance ports, a P&O excursion can be reassuring because if the tour is delayed, the ship will wait. This matters more in ports where you are travelling a long way from the ship, such as La Spezia if you’re heading to Florence or Pisa.
For easier ports, doing it yourself can be cheaper and more flexible. In places like La Coruña, Cádiz or some parts of Barcelona, you may not need a full excursion at all.
The mistake is assuming one approach works for every port.
Before you sail, look at the distance from the ship to the place you actually want to visit. Check how long the transfer takes, how easy it is to get back, and how much buffer time you’ll have before all aboard.
If you’re doing a port independently, I’d always aim to be back near the port earlier than you think you need to be. Mediterranean ports can involve traffic, queues, shuttle waits and unexpected delays.
It’s better to have an hour spare near the ship than to spend the afternoon worrying whether you’ll make it back on time.
Mediterranean Shore Excursions with GetYourGuide
If you’re planning independent port days, GetYourGuide can be useful for comparing shore excursions, walking tours, transfers, food tours and skip-the-line tickets before you sail.
It can be especially helpful in ports where you want more structure than a DIY day, but don’t necessarily want to book a full cruise line excursion.
For an Arvia Mediterranean cruise, you might use it to look at options in places like Barcelona, La Spezia, Florence, Pisa or other sightseeing-heavy ports. It can also be useful for timed-entry attractions that sell out during busy months.
Always check the meeting point, timings and cancellation policy carefully before booking. The most important thing is making sure any tour fits your ship’s time in port and gives you enough room to get back comfortably.
La Spezia: Guided Tour of Florence & Pisa with Bus Transfer
La Spezia: Florence, Pisa w/Leaning Tower & Accademia Option
Guided tour to Santiago de Compostela
Walking tours of La Coruna Old Town
Sagrada Familia Skip The Line Tickets
This section may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Use My Holiday as Soon as You Board
Arvia uses My Holiday for dining, queues, entertainment and onboard planning.
It isn’t an app you download from the app store. It’s a web page you access through the ship’s free Wi-Fi once onboard.
It’s worth connecting to it as soon as you can after boarding. You can use it to check dining availability, join virtual queues, view your plans and manage bookings.
You can also book seats for the Headliners Theatre before you board or through My Holiday once onboard. For popular shows, it’s worth doing this early.
This matters more on Arvia because it is a big ship. Lots of passengers are trying to book similar things, especially on sea days and early evenings.
A little bit of planning at the start can make the rest of the cruise feel much easier.
Plan Breakfast Around Early Port Days
Port mornings can feel busy on Arvia.
If you have an early excursion, it’s worth thinking about breakfast the night before rather than deciding in the morning.
The Horizon buffet usually opens early for continental options, with hot food available later. It is convenient, but on busy port mornings it can get crowded because so many people are trying to eat before heading ashore.
The main dining rooms may also open for breakfast on port days, but you’ll need to check the Horizon daily magazine for the exact times.
If you want to get off the ship quickly, keep breakfast simple. You don’t want to lose time wandering around looking for a table if your tour is leaving soon.
This is especially important for longer port days where you’re heading further from the ship. If you’re travelling to Florence, Pisa, Seville or another major destination, a calm start makes the whole day feel easier.
Pack for Hot Port Days and Cool Evenings Onboard
Packing for an Arvia Mediterranean cruise is slightly different from packing for a simple summer holiday.
You need clothes that work for hot, active port days and cooler evenings onboard.
Mediterranean ports can be very hot, especially in summer. Light, breathable clothing makes a big difference. Comfortable walking shoes are essential because many Med ports involve cobbled streets, hills, steps and long walks.
A refillable water bottle is also worth packing. Arvia has water refill stations around the ship, so it’s easy to fill up before heading ashore.
I’d also pack a light jumper or cardigan for evenings. This might sound strange for a Mediterranean cruise, but the air-conditioning onboard can feel cold, especially in venues like the Headliners Theatre.
There is also a laundrette onboard Arvia, which can be useful on a longer Med cruise. Pack a little detergent if you think you might want to do a mid-cruise wash, or you can buy some onboard.
A travel coffee cup can also be useful if you like taking a drink out on deck in the morning.
Make the Most of Sea Days on Arvia
Sea days on an Arvia Mediterranean cruise are important because the itinerary can be port-heavy once you reach the Med.
They are your chance to enjoy the ship properly.
The thing to know is that sea days can feel busy. Everyone is onboard, and if the weather is good, the main pool decks and popular sunbathing areas fill up quickly.
If you want a poolside sunbed, you’ll usually need to be up early. But you don’t have to spend your whole sea day competing for the busiest areas.
Deck 19 can be a quieter option for sunbathing, and some passengers overlook it. The Sunset Bar area can also be a good place to spend time, especially if you’re happy with seating rather than needing a traditional lounger.
The Retreat is another option if you want an adults-only space and don’t mind paying extra. It has comfier loungers and a calmer feel, which can be appealing on a busy sea day.
Another tip is to use the late afternoon. By around 4pm, lots of passengers start heading back to their cabins to get ready for dinner. If you’re happy with a later sunbathing session, you may find it easier to get a spot.
Sea days are also a good time to try restaurants, explore the ship, have a slower breakfast, watch entertainment, or simply rest between busy ports.
Eat Local and Avoid Tourist Traps
One of the best things about a Mediterranean cruise is the food ashore.
It’s very easy to rush back to the ship for lunch because food onboard is already included. There’s nothing wrong with doing that, especially if you’re keeping costs down. But if your budget allows, try to eat locally at least once or twice during your cruise.
In Barcelona, you might visit La Boqueria market or stop for tapas. In La Coruña, you could sit in a café near Plaza de María Pita. In Palma, you could have seafood near the marina or enjoy a drink after exploring the old town.
Local food is part of the experience.
The main thing I’d avoid is choosing the most obvious restaurant in the busiest square unless you’re happy to pay for the location. Restaurants beside major attractions or right on the main tourist route can be more expensive, and the food is not always the best.
Walk a few streets back and you’ll often find somewhere quieter, better value and more enjoyable.
You don’t have to make every lunch a big meal. Sometimes a coffee, pastry, slice of pizza, tapas plate or local market stop is enough to make the day feel more memorable.
Pace Yourself on a Port-Heavy Itinerary
This is one of the biggest Arvia Mediterranean cruise tips. Pace yourself.
A Mediterranean cruise can be full-on, especially if you have several ports in a row. It is tempting to plan a major excursion every day because the ports are exciting and you don’t want to miss anything.
But if you do that, you may end up exhausted halfway through the cruise. Mix your big days with lighter days.
If you’re doing a long trip from La Spezia to Florence or Pisa, maybe make the next port a slower walk-around day. If you have a busy day in Barcelona, don’t feel like you have to book another full-day excursion immediately afterwards.
Some ports are perfect for a slower pace. La Coruña is easy to explore independently. Cádiz is great for wandering. Palma can be a mix of beach time and old town exploring. Marseille can be a relaxed wander around the Old Port rather than a packed day trying to see everything.
A good Mediterranean cruise is not about ticking off every possible attraction. It’s about enjoying the places you visit without making the whole holiday feel like hard work.
Book Key Attractions in Advance
If there is one attraction you would be really disappointed to miss, book it before you sail.
This is especially important in the Mediterranean because many of the biggest sights use timed tickets or have long queues.
In Barcelona, La Sagrada Família can sell out. In Florence, the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia can be very busy. In Rome, the Vatican Museums and Colosseum need planning. In Athens, the Acropolis can be crowded, especially in summer.
Booking in advance doesn’t mean every minute of your day has to be planned. It just means you protect the part of the day that matters most.
If you’re booking independently, choose flexible or refundable options where possible, because cruise itineraries can change. Ports can be missed, arrival times can shift, and weather can affect plans.
The aim is to be prepared without making the day too rigid.
Arvia Tips That Save Time Onboard
There are also a few small Arvia tips that can make life easier once you’re onboard.
Check the Horizon daily magazine every day. It includes opening times, activities, dining information and any special offers. On embarkation day and sea days, it’s worth looking for dining discounts or lunchtime specials in speciality restaurants.
Ask your cabin steward if you need extras. Depending on availability, they may be able to help with things like ice, lemons, conditioner or moisturiser.
Use the storage properly in your cabin. Suitcases can usually go under the bed, which makes the room feel much bigger. Magnetic hooks are also really useful because cabin walls are magnetic. You can use them for hats, jackets, lanyards or your daily planner.
There are USB ports by the bedside lights on Arvia, which is useful for charging phones overnight.
If you’re in port all day, think ahead before you leave the ship. Take water, sun protection, any medication you need, and a small snack if appropriate. If you’re travelling with children, this can be especially useful when queues, transfers or delays make the day longer than expected.
Little things like this don’t sound exciting, but they can make the cruise feel much smoother.
Final Thoughts on Arvia Mediterranean Cruise Tips
Arvia is a great ship for a Mediterranean cruise, especially if you want to sail from Southampton and avoid flying.
But the best experience comes from knowing how the ship and itinerary work together.
The sea days are a chance to enjoy Arvia properly. The port days need planning, especially when distances are involved. Dining is worth booking early. The Bay of Biscay is worth being prepared for. And the Mediterranean heat, crowds and walking can catch you out if you pack or plan badly.
The key is balance.
Enjoy the ship, but don’t ignore the ports. Plan the big days, but leave space for slower ones. Book the things that really matter, but don’t overfill every hour.
If you do that, an Arvia Mediterranean cruise can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to see this part of Europe from the UK.
Useful Guides for Your Arvia Mediterranean Cruise
If you’re planning your cruise on Arvia, these guides will help with the onboard planning and some of the key ports.
My Arvia Dining Options guide walks through the included and speciality restaurants onboard, including what to book before you sail and what’s worth knowing once you’re onboard.
My P&O Drinks Menu guide is useful if you’re deciding whether to pay as you go, look at a drinks package, or just want an idea of current onboard drink prices before your cruise.
If your Arvia itinerary includes Spain, my Barcelona Cruise Port Guide explains where the ship docks, how to get into the city, and what you can realistically do during a cruise day.
My La Spezia Cruise Port Guide is helpful if you’re deciding between Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre or a more relaxed day closer to the ship.
And if your cruise calls at northern Spain, my La Coruña Cruise Port Guide covers one of the easiest ports to explore independently, with ideas for a relaxed walk-off cruise day.
Arvia Mediterranean Cruise Tips FAQ
Is Arvia good for a Mediterranean cruise?
Yes, Arvia works well for a Mediterranean cruise, especially if you want to sail from Southampton without flying. The ship has plenty of dining, entertainment and outdoor space, and the sea days give you time to enjoy everything onboard before and after the busier port days.
Does Arvia sail to the Mediterranean from Southampton?
Yes, Arvia sails Mediterranean itineraries from Southampton. This is one of the main advantages for UK passengers because you can avoid flights and start your holiday at the cruise terminal.
Do you cross the Bay of Biscay on an Arvia Mediterranean cruise?
Yes, if you sail from Southampton to the Mediterranean on Arvia, you will usually cross the Bay of Biscay on the way out and again on the way back. It can be calm, but it can also be choppy, so it’s worth being prepared if you suffer from seasickness.
What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean on Arvia?
The best time to cruise the Mediterranean on Arvia is often late April to early June or mid-September to October. These months usually offer warm weather without the most intense summer heat and crowds. July and August can still be enjoyable, but port days can feel much hotter and busier.
Do I need to book dining in advance on Arvia?
It’s a good idea to book Arvia dining in advance if there are restaurants you really want to try. Popular venues such as Sindhu, The Keel & Cow, The Epicurean, 6th Street Diner and The Olive Grove can get busy, especially on sea days and popular evening times.
Is My Holiday an app on Arvia?
My Holiday is not a normal app that you download from the app store. It is a web page you access through the ship’s free Wi-Fi once onboard. You can use it for dining, virtual queues, entertainment and checking your plans.
Are Arvia Mediterranean ports easy to do on your own?
Some Arvia Mediterranean ports are easy to do independently, while others need more planning. La Coruña and Cádiz are usually very easy walk-off ports. Barcelona is manageable with transport from the cruise terminal. La Spezia needs more planning if you want to visit Florence, Pisa or Cinque Terre.
What should I pack for an Arvia Mediterranean cruise?
For an Arvia Mediterranean cruise, pack comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle and a light jumper for evenings onboard. The Mediterranean can be hot during the day, but air-conditioning inside the ship can feel cool at night.
Are sea days busy on Arvia?
Sea days on Arvia can feel busy, especially around the main pools and popular sunbathing areas. If you want a poolside lounger, it’s best to go early. Quieter areas such as Deck 19 or later afternoons can be easier if you don’t want the busiest spots.
Should I book shore excursions on an Arvia Mediterranean cruise?
It depends on the port. For long-distance ports or places where transport is more complicated, excursions can be useful. For easy walk-off ports, you may prefer to explore independently. The most important thing is checking distances, timings and your ship’s all aboard time before making plans.