If you’re planning your first cruise on P&O Arvia, there are a few things that can make a real difference to your experience. From booking dining early to understanding how the ship works, these are the practical tips that will save you time, money, and frustration.
Here are the most important things to know before you board P&O Arvia, based on real experience onboard.
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Book Dining, Excursions and Spa Early
Speciality restaurants like Sindhu, Keel & Cow and Green & Co fill up quickly, especially on sea days. The same applies to spa treatments and popular shore excursions.
Bookings usually open around two weeks before your cruise, and it’s worth securing the key things you want straight away. If you leave it too late, availability becomes limited, particularly for evening dining slots.
Included dining venues like the Sixth Street Diner and Olive Grove are also very popular. Some availability opens before the cruise, but many passengers book as soon as they board, so options can disappear quickly.
That said, don’t assume everything is gone. Once onboard, check the My Holiday system regularly. Cancellations do happen, and you can often pick up last-minute slots or join virtual queues for included venues.
Dining is one of the biggest parts of your cruise, so I’d recommend this next: P&O Arvia Dining Options
Use the My Holiday App System Properly
Despite the name, My Holiday App isn’t a downloadable app. It’s a web page you access onboard using the ship’s WiFi.
This is where you manage almost everything, including dining bookings, entertainment, excursions, and your daily schedule. It effectively replaces a traditional cruise app.
One thing that makes a difference is logging in as soon as you board. Many passengers start booking immediately, especially for dining, so waiting even a few hours can limit your options.
If you prefer a more flexible approach, you can also use it to check which venues are busy and join virtual queues instead of booking in advance. This works well for places like the Sixth Street Diner and some main dining rooms.
Book Shows and Entertainment Early
Popular venues like the 710 Club and Headliners Theatre on P&O Arvia can fill up quickly, particularly on sea days or evenings after formal night.
Entertainment bookings typically open before the cruise, so it’s worth reserving shows early if there’s something specific you want to see.
If you don’t manage to get a booking, it’s still worth turning up just before the show starts, as there are usually no-shows and unused seats released at the last minute.
For Ocean Studios cinema, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Once the lights go down, it becomes difficult to find available seating.
Think Carefully About the Drinks Package
Drinks on P&O Arvia are reasonably priced compared to some cruise lines, so the drinks package isn’t always good value unless you’re consistently having multiple drinks throughout the day.
Many people assume the package will save money, but in reality, it depends on your drinking habits. Cocktails, coffees, and soft drinks can add up, but not always enough to justify the daily cost.
If you’re unsure, wait until day two before deciding. By then, you’ll have a clearer idea of how much you’re actually drinking and whether the package makes sense.
You’re also allowed to bring a limited amount of your own alcohol onboard, which can help reduce overall spend.
You can also view the current P&O drinks menu here:
And I explain exactly how the P&O Drinks Package works in this video:
Use the Free Dining Options Properly
There are plenty of included dining options on P&O Arvia, and some are easy to overlook if you focus only on speciality restaurants.
The Olive Grove and Sixth Street Diner both offer changing menus, so they’re worth visiting more than once during your cruise rather than treating them as one-time visits.
Main dining rooms and the buffet often serve dishes similar to speciality restaurants, including curries and themed nights, which means you don’t always need to pay extra for places like Sindhu.
Another thing to be aware of is portion sizes in some venues. For example, afternoon tea options like Ripples can be large enough to share, which helps reduce unnecessary spending.
Plan Your Shore Days Carefully
It’s worth downloading port guides before your cruise so you understand each destination in advance, including distances, transport options, and how much you can realistically fit into the day.
Independent tours and taxis are often cheaper than cruise line excursions, and in many ports they are easy to arrange.
However, the key trade-off is risk. If something goes wrong on an independent trip, the ship won’t wait. Cruise line excursions offer that protection, which can be worth it in more complex ports.
If you prefer a simpler option, organised tours can remove the stress of planning and logistics.
If you want to plan your ports on your P&O Arvia cruise in more detail, you can browse all of my cruise port guides here: Cruise Port Guides
How to Get Around P&O Arvia Easily
P&O Arvia is a large ship, and getting lost on the first day is normal, especially when moving between decks that don’t always connect directly.
Spending time exploring early on helps you understand how everything links together and saves time later in the cruise.
Helpful navigation tips:
- Lift colours: blue forward, white midship, red aft
- Cabin numbers: odd starboard, even port
- Corridor artwork: sunrise means forward, sunset means aft
There are also interactive maps near lifts showing the best routes, and a star button in lifts that takes you directly to the correct deck for disembarkation in port..
Make the Most of Cabin Storage
Storage on P&O Arvia is more limited than some other ships, so using the space properly makes a noticeable difference.
Suitcases fit under the bed, which frees up floor space and keeps the cabin more organised.
There are also small details that are easy to miss, such as USB charging ports under the bedside lights.
If you like to stay organised, collapsible storage boxes or simple organisers can help make better use of wardrobe space, especially on longer cruises.
Bring a Refillable Bottle and Travel Mug
Water in your cabin isn’t included, and buying bottled water throughout the cruise can quickly add up over a week or longer.
A refillable bottle allows you to use the free water stations around the ship, particularly near pools and public areas.
If you drink coffee regularly, a travel mug is also useful. It means you can take drinks with you instead of returning to cafés or bars repeatedly.
Pack for Evenings and Practical Use
There’s usually one formal night per week, so it’s worth checking your itinerary and packing accordingly.
One thing that’s easy to overlook is how cold indoor areas can feel in the evenings, especially in venues like the Headliners Theatre where air conditioning is strong.
Bringing a light jumper or extra layer makes a difference, particularly if you plan to spend time watching shows.
If you intend to use the self-service laundrettes, remember to bring your own detergent, as it isn’t provided onboard.
Use the Horizon Daily Schedule
Each day, you’ll receive the Horizon magazine in your cabin, listing activities, entertainment, and events happening across the ship. Instead of carrying it around, a simple approach is to take a photo on your phone so you can check it throughout the day.
There are also internal phones near stairwells, which are useful if you’re travelling with others and need to coordinate plans onboard.
Find Quieter Sunbathing Areas
On sea days, sunbeds around the main pools are in high demand, and it’s common for passengers to reserve them early in the morning.
If you want a quieter experience, there are several alternatives that are often overlooked:
- Deck 19 tends to be less crowded
- The Sunset Bar has seating and hot tubs with fewer people
- The Crow’s Nest offers a quieter indoor option
Timing also makes a difference. Many passengers head inside around 4pm to get ready for dinner, which makes it easier to find available sunbeds later in the afternoon.
Choose Pool Times Carefully
The SkyDome pool is the busiest area on the ship, particularly during sea days and the Infinity Pool on Deck 16 if you have warm weather.
If you want a quieter experience, the best time to go is early in the morning before breakfast.
Another effective approach is using the pools on port days, when most passengers are ashore. This often gives you access to much quieter spaces, including areas like the infinity pool.
Look Out for Dining and Spa Deals
There are often discounts available on embarkation day and during lunchtime for speciality restaurants.
Green & Co offers good value with its fixed-price menu, and The Beach House is another reasonably priced option compared to higher-end venues.
Spa offers are also advertised daily in the Horizon magazine, so it’s worth checking regularly if you’re interested in treatments.
Ask the Crew for Extras
Cabin stewards can provide more than many passengers realise.
You can request items like ice, extra pillows, or additional toiletries such as conditioner and moisturiser.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, it’s worth mentioning it. In some cases, the crew may provide small complimentary extras such as decorations or treats.
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.
P&O Arvia FAQs
When can you book dining on P&O Arvia?
Dining and entertainment usually open around two weeks before your cruise.
Is the drinks package worth it on P&O Arvia?
It depends on how much you drink. Many people find it better to wait until day two before deciding.
Is P&O Arvia easy to get around?
It can feel confusing at first, but once you understand the colour-coded lifts and layout, it becomes much easier.
Is a P&O Arvia Cruise Worth It?
Arvia is a modern, feature-rich ship with a lot of choice, but getting the most out of it depends on how you plan your cruise.
It’s a good fit if you:
• Like variety in dining and entertainment
• Are happy to plan ahead and use booking systems
• Want a lively, resort-style cruise experience
It may be less suitable if you:
• Prefer smaller, quieter ships
• Don’t want to pre-book activities
• Find busy environments frustrating
Understanding how the ship works before you board makes a noticeable difference to your overall experience.
Related Guides
• P&O Arvia : 10 Useful Things You Need to Know
• P&O Drinks Package Explained
If you’re sailing on P&O Cruises, I’ve also shared my full P&O Arvia Honest Review, including what the experience is really like onboard and whether it’s the right ship for you. P&O Arvia Honest Review
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise 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.