Jet ski off into the Sunset: My Unforgettable Caribbean Cruise Experience
Setting Sail on a Dream: Exploring the Caribbean aboard the Arvia Cruise Ship
SITTING patiently in my theatre chair, I eagerly await the lifting of the thick red curtains.
Luxury on the High Seas: Aboard the Arvia Cruise Ship
My partner and I are about to watch Take That musical Greatest Days, which is exclusive to P&O cruise liners Iona and Arvia.
Antigua Adventures: Starting the Journey in Style
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.
Unveiling the Allure of the Caribbean: Exploring Tropical Paradise
As a cruise novice, life on board was certainly a stark contrast to my usual back-packing and holiday packages.
Sailing Through Paradise: Island-Hopping in the Caribbean
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.
Cruising in Style: Secrets of the Arvia Cruise Ship
Getting to tick off some of the Caribbean’s tropical islands is just the cherry on top.
The Magnificent Arvia: A Floating Paradise
The first thing that struck me was the size of the ship, which has capacity for 5,200 guests.
Luxurious Escapes: From Antigua to Barbados
Dazzling and modern, it stands out among the more tired-looking vessels at port.
Sky-high Luxury: Aboard the Arvia’s Conservatory Mini Suite
Our journey began in Antigua, where we enjoyed a pre-cruise stay at the luxurious Hodges Bay Resort.
Onboard Adventures: Exploring the Ship From Bow to Stern
From there, we sailed between islands, stopping off at St Kitts, Martinique, and St Lucia, before concluding our journey with a visit to Barbados.
Sunsets and Serenity: The Ultimate Cruise Experience
Our cabin, a Conservatory Mini Suite, had floor-to-ceiling doors that opened onto a balcony.
Cruise Delights: Soaking Up the Sun and Sea
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 favorite spots and must-dos.
Seaside Serenity: Relaxation and Adventure Aboard the Arvia Cruise Ship
There are 18 decks, seven of which are dedicated to dining and entertainment.
Entertainment Extravaganza: Aboard the Arvia Cruise Ship
There are 30 restaurants and bars on board, as well as four pools — two of which are infinity — and a myriad of entertainment attractions.
Living the High Life: Unraveling the Secrets of the Arvia
On sea days, every sunbed was claimed by 7 am, prompting us to make the most of the activities on board — including mini-golf on the top deck, bingo in The Club House, and high-ropes experience Altitude which lets you “walk the plank.”
A Taste of Adventure: Exploring the Arvia’s Entertainment Options
The SkyDome — a large pool and lounge area with a retractable roof in the center of the ship — was a great spot, though one of many, at which to relax with a cocktail.
Hitting the High Seas: Aboard the Arvia’s Entertainment Venues
From here, you can make your way to the designer shopping and duty-free areas, which are only open when the ship is sailing.
Underwater Excitement: Exploring the Depths of the Arvia
There’s also an escape room themed as if on a submarine.
Endless Entertainment: Discovering the Heart of the Arvia
Even with all this, we barely scratched the surface of things to do, missing out on the Ocean Studios cinema and the spa.
Gourmet Delights: Indulging in the Finest Cuisine
But one thing we did learn is that you have to book The Limelight Club quickly.
Musical Magic: Experiencing the Arvia’s Entertainment
This dining and entertainment venue — where you can enjoy three-course meals while being serenaded by performers including Gareth Gates, Matt Cardle, and Celena Cherry — runs into the early hours and is a popular spot.
A Feast for the Senses: Exploring the Culinary Delights of the Arvia
Other activities included cooking demonstrations, silent discos, themed quizzes, and dance classes.
Sports and Spirits: Unwinding Aboard the Arvia
Brodie’s Sports Bar became a familiar spot, though a game of pool tends to go rather lopsided while at sea.
Unveiling the Wonders of the Caribbean Sea: Aboard the Arvia
For a touch of sophistication, Anderson’s bar serves up the ship’s own rum, Golden Tide, and you can view the copper still that produces it while you sip.
Fun in the Sun: Entertainment Galore Aboard the Arvia
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll spend hours at The Reef, home to a climbing wall and splash zone.
Relaxation and Adventure: Aboard the Arvia
Or sports sorts can enjoy basketball, table tennis, golf nets, and more.
Whirlpools and Wonder: Unwinding Aboard the Arvia
To escape the bustling pools, we found relaxation in one of the 20 whirlpools around the perimeter of the ship.
Cruising in Style: Aboard the Arvia Cruise Ship
Or for the ultimate peace and quiet, it’s worth spending a day at The Retreat, offering shaded cabanas for £60 per person.
Culinary Delights: Indulging in the Finest Cuisine Aboard the Arvia
When it comes to food, you’re spoiled for choice, too.
Caribbean Experiences: Exploring Paradise with Arvia
We kept returning to The Quays where fish-and-chips, roast dinners, and katsu curry can be eaten in or taken to your room — a bit dangerous if you ask me.
Unveiling the Allure of the Caribbean: Exploring Tropical Paradise
We did have to tear ourselves away from the ship to explore each Caribbean island.
Excursions and Experiences: Adventures Await with Arvia
But Arvia ensured we were kept busy on land, too.
Island Paradise: Relaxation and Adventure in Barbados
Excursions including jet-skiing, hiking, rum-tasting, and more can all be booked through the app.
Unforgettable Moments: The Magic of the Arvia Cruise Experience
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.
Cruising Dreams: Unfolding the Joys of a Caribbean Adventure
P&O Cruises talk about the “O” moment when you realize, oh yes, cruising is so much more than you expected.
Unforgettable Memories: Experiencing the Unique Allure of the Arvia Cruise Ship
And as the curtains opened for the 10 pm show, I realized Arvia had well and truly cast its spell.
An Enchanting Journey: Reflections on my Cruise Experience
The cruise experience was beyond anything I’d ever imagined — and I would Take That again.
Caribbean Bliss: Booking Your Dream Arvia Cruise
GO: Caribbean
SAILING THERE: A seven-night Caribbean cruise on Arvia costs from £1,119 per person, departing from Barbados on November 23 and calling at Martinique, St Kitts, Tortola, St Maarten, and Antigua.
A Cruising Adventure Awaits: Explore the Caribbean With Arvia
The price includes round-trip flights from selected UK airports, children’s clubs, and full-board meals and entertainment. For more details, see pocruises.com.