The Arvia is a sister ship to the Iona luxury cruise ship. Credit: P&O Cruises.
The Arvia features a 970m² retractable SkyDome roof. Credit: P&O Cruises.
The decks 16 and 18 feature a swim-up bar in addition to an infinity pool. Credit: P&O Cruises.
The construction of the Arvia commenced with the cutting of the first steel in February 2021. Credit: P&O Cruises.

The Arvia cruise ship is the fourth ship in cruise operator P&O Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships built by Meyer Werft.

The vessel is also the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excel-class luxury cruise ship for the cruise line. The first steel was cut for the vessel in February 2021.

Meyer Werft delivered Arvia in December 2022 and the ship entered service during the same month, joining its sister ship Iona, which entered service in May 2021.

Arvia cruise ship design and technical specifications

Arvia, which means ‘from the seashore’, is optimally tailored to the preferences of British passengers. The new-build is structurally similar to the Iona cruise ship, which is the biggest cruise ship ever constructed for the UK market.

The Arvia cruise ship measures approximately 344.5m in length with a moulded breadth of 42m. With a gross weight of 184,700 tonnes (t), the ship provides accommodation for up to 5,200 passengers and 1,762 crew. It has 20 total decks with 16 guest decks and 2,659 passenger cabins.

The hull design of the vessel can minimise drag and is equipped with the latest energy-efficient technology on board.

Dining facilities

The Arvia cruise ship features a unique blend of new bars and 20 restaurants with dining facilities in addition to fleet favourites and iconic Iona foodie experiences.

The 6th Street Diner on deck six offers all-American eats complemented by a big-flavour menu of Stateside favourites. It features modern-retro seating, atmospheric lighting, and a jukebox.

The Quays, a multivenue dining piazza, is located on deck eight with fine culinary treats such as Roast Carvery, which reinvents the classic Sunday roast with a range of meats. Deck six also houses the Green & Co’s, which offers fish and plant-based dishes and sushi.

Anderson’s Bar on deck six offers a boutique gin and rum distillery. The deck also accommodates Sunset Bar, which features cooling sun canopies, whirlpools and a laid-back atmosphere, including swinging seats and live DJ sets. Amber Lounge on the same deck in the Grand Atrium hosts dramatic ocean vistas, aerial artists, and live entertainment.

The Infinity Pool and Bar and Panorama Pool & Bar on decks 16 and 18 feature a swim-up bar in addition to an infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake.

Entertainment facilities on board Arvia cruise ship

A 970m² retractable SkyDome glass roof is the special entertainment feature of the cruise ship. Located on decks 16 and 17, SkyDome includes SeaScreen, which offers both blockbuster movies and classic movie singalongs.

The SkyDome is also used for cocktail parties, live music, late-night DJ sets under the stars, cookery demonstrations, family shows, game shows, and interviews.

The guests can also enjoy family shows in the two-tier Headliner’s Theatre and family-movie matinee in a multiscreen boutique cinema Ocean Studios.

Deck 19 offers two navigational courses, an Altitude Skywalk high-ropes adventure feature and Altitude Minigolf 54m above the ocean. The Altitude Sports Arena and a water theme park-based Altitude Splash Valley are also available.

Retail and wellness offerings on the Arvia

The retail section of the cruise ship includes The Avenue on deck eight with more than 1,300m² of shopping space.

The Oasis Spa and Health Club on decks five and six feature two VIP Couple Suites furnished with a hammam and steam room, a therapeutic cool room, a restorative salt sauna, and Kneipp Walk.

Propulsion

The cruise ship is powered by a 61,760kW, eco-friendly LNG drive system with a propulsion power of 37MW. The LNG-powered propulsion system enables the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

Contractors involved

Design company PRECIOSA in partnership with Jestico + Whiles provided lighting installation services for the ship.