Jet skiing in the Caribbean: Take That Musical Greatest Days Review
Jet skiing in the Caribbean
SITTING patiently in my theatre chair, I eagerly await the lifting of the thick red curtains. My partner and I are about to watch Take That musical Greatest Days, which is exclusive to P&O cruise liners Iona and Arvia.
Exploring Antigua: The idyllic beach in Carlisle Bay
We’re on the latter, and just ten minutes ago we were immersed in a thrilling game of blackjack at the casino, G&Ts in hand. As a cruise novice, life on board was certainly a stark contrast to my usual back-packing and holiday packages.
Unveiling St. Kitts: The picturesque island of St Kitts
Those who have cruised before understand the unique sensation of living in a bubble where every desire is within arm’s reach — and where you can be gambling one minute and watching a West End-style performance the next. Getting to tick off some of the Caribbean’s tropical islands is just the cherry on top.
The Luxury of Hodges Bay Resort in Antigua
The first thing that struck me was the size of the ship, which has capacity for 5,200 guests. Dazzling and modern, it stands out among the more tired-looking vessels at port. Our journey began in Antigua, where we enjoyed a pre-cruise stay at the luxurious Hodges Bay Resort.
Adventure in St. Lucia: The fun and activities on Arvia
From there, we sailed between islands, stopping off at St Kitts, Martinique and St Lucia, before concluding our journey with a visit to Barbados. Our cabin, a Conservatory Mini Suite, had floor-to-ceiling doors that opened on to a balcony.
Dining and Entertainment on Arvia: Delights and Must-Dos
We felt a little overwhelmed by all the fun and activities Arvia had to offer, but after racking up 10,000 steps exploring the ship on our first day we had sussed out our favourite spots and must-dos. There are 18 decks, seven of which are dedicated to dining and entertainment.
The Retereat: Peace and serentiy on Arvia
To escape the bustling pools, we found relaxation in one of the 20 whirlpools around the perimeter of the ship. Or for ultimate peace and quiet, it’s worth spending a day at The Retreat, offering shaded cabanas for £60 per person.
Excursions and Relaxation: The Reef and Land Activities
Excursions including jet-skiing, hiking, rum-tasting and more can all be booked through the app. Despite all this, we took the opportunity to do absolutely nothing in Barbados, lying on the white sands of the gorgeous beaches, shaded by the softly swaying palm trees.
The Conclusion: The “O” Moment on Arvia
P&O Cruises talk about the “O” moment, when you realise, oh yes, cruising is so much more than you expected. And as the curtains opened for the 10pm show, I realized Arvia had well and truly cast its spell. The cruise experience was beyond anything I’d ever imagined — and I would Take That again.