P&O Cruises Arvia Cabins (to avoid + to book)

Planning a cruise on P&O’s Arvia? Discover what cabin choices are available and which ones you may want to book and ones to avoid.

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when booking a cruise is what cabin to book. In fact, it can make or break your cruise holiday.

With more and more mega ships coming on the scene, the choice of cabins can be a bit overwhelming. 

Pick the right one and you’ll have a great time. However, if you choose the wrong one, while not a disaster, it can put a dampener on your holiday.

Trust me I’ve been there. I learnt my lesson the hard way after booking the wrong cabin type on Iona when I cruised the Norwegian Fjords.

A friend asked me to help her choose a cabin for a cruise on Arvia so I’ve been pouring over the deck plans and comparing them with my experiences on her sister ship.

Using that information I’ve put together this guide to P&O Arvia cabins, detailing the different types available, ones you may wish to avoid and some tips on how to choose the right cabin for you. 

At a Glance: Arvia Cabins

• There are 2,610 cabins on Arvia, with five different styles
• Cabins you may wish to avoid include ones near entertainment venues and those with obstructed views
• Balcony cabins on deck 8 overlook the promenade rather than directly out to sea

A little bit about Arvia

Arvia joined the P&O fleet at the end of 2022. With a capacity of around 5,200 passengers she is one of the biggest cruise ships ever built for the UK cruise market, knocking Iona off the top spot in the P&O family.

She is one of the cleanest ships at sea, being powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) which lowers any emissions.

As a sister ship to Iona, you could be forgiven thinking you’ve seen it before as they are very similar, however, Arvia has some exciting new features and a new look and feel in some areas onboard.

Arvia will be sailing itineraries around The Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Overview of Cabins

There are 2,610 cabins on Arvia, with five different styles.

• Single (inside and balcony)
• Inside (standard and larger)
• Sea View
• Balcony (standard, deluxe and smaller)
• Suites (family Sea view, conservatory mini-suites, suites)

Each cabin type, except the Sea View, has a few different options within their category.

I’ve listed the single cabins as their own type even though they have both inside and balcony available.

I’m often a solo cruiser and the first thing I usually look for when considering a cabin is if they have any single ones. So I think they probably appeal to their own separate audience and therefore deserve their own category.

Solo cabins aside, occupancy in a cabin is usually two people. However, many cabins can accommodate three or four people. 

The extra sleeping space comes in the form of a sofa bed or a pulldown bed that is stored above the ceiling or behind the cabin wall when not in use.

Single Cabins

• 12 single balcony cabins
• 10 single inside cabins

It is great to see cruise lines recognise there are a lot of solo cruisers out there. I’ve definitely met a lot on the cruises I have taken, both with P&O and other cruise lines. 

Arvia has 22 single cabins. 12 are balcony cabins located toward the aft of the ship on decks 9, 11 and 14. There are four on each deck. 

The remaining 10 are inside cabins dotted about on decks 5, 9 and 12. Though good luck spotting them on the deck plan as their colour code is quite hard to spot!

The cabins are quite narrow with the bathroom off the corridor as you enter the cabin. The bed, which feels slightly larger than a normal single, runs along the cabin wall.

If you have a balcony cabin you will have a great view every morning when you wake as the bed faces the door looking out to sea.

Oddly, there is no nightstand so nowhere to put a glass of water or anything else you may need in the night.

A large TV is on the wall opposite the bed with some narrow shelves in the unit underneath.

Towards the end of the cabin is a desk area with tea and coffee-making facilities and a wardrobe. A fridge and safe take up some of the space in the wardrobe.

While these cabins are quite small, they are perfectly formed and have all the solo traveller needs for a great cruise.

Booking a single cabin

Of course, you don’t have to be a solo cruiser to book these cabins. If you are travelling with relatives who are in their own cabin or maybe you just want some of your own space, these can be a good option. 

As there are so few single cabins they can sell out quickly so I’d recommend booking early if you would like one of these cabins.

Tip: If you are travelling solo, or just need an extra cabin if travelling with friends or family, it is worth pricing up a standard cabin at solo occupancy. This can sometimes be cheaper than booking a single cabin. 

Arvia Inside Cabins

Cabin grades
Standard: PA, PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, SZ
Larger: OA

• 777 standard inside cabins
• 41 larger inside cabins

Arvia’s inside cabins are a great option if you prefer to be out and about exploring the ship and just want somewhere to change and sleep. 

Located on the inside (of course!) they have no windows, so obviously have no natural light. A benefit of this is that you might get a better than usual night of sleep as they are SO dark. Well, unless you are like me and have to keep a small light on just in case….

Another benefit of inside cabins is that they are usually the cheapest cabins available and often offer incredibly good value for money. 

Arvia has 819 inside cabins. 777 of these are standard inside cabins and 41 are larger inside cabins.

Standard inside cabins are mostly rectangular shaped, and are 134 sq. ft. in size. They are located on all guest decks.

Larger inside cabins are located on decks 4, 5, 9, 11 and 14. These are around 190 sq. ft.

I spent a week in a square-shaped inside cabin on Iona and really liked it, however, I don’t think there is really much difference. They both come with the same facilities and amenities. 

Sea View Cabins

Cabin grades: LB, LC, LF

Sea View cabins are worth considering if you would like a sea view but are not too bothered about having a balcony. 

Arvia has 174 Sea View cabins, they are slightly bigger than inside cabins and by all reports feel quite spacious. 

There are two types of this cabin style, one with a window seat and one with just a small alcove.

So, if you like to watch the sea and maybe spot a dolphin or two, the window seat makes a perfect spot for this.

Unfortunately, the deck plans do not indicate which cabins come with the window seat. So it is a little potluck if you get one of these when you book.

If you really want a window seat, it might be worth joining the Arvia P&O Cruises group on Facebook where a list is being compiled detailing which Sea View cabins have the window seat and which do not.

Note, these groups are run by fellow cruise enthusiasts. As always you need to keep your wits about you on social media but they can be a great way to get some more information, photos and insight into different cabins.

Arvia Balcony Cabins

If you are anything like me, when you think of a cruise you probably imagine kicking back and relaxing on your balcony while enjoying the view.

With 1,496 balcony cabins on Arvia, you can do all that and more if you choose one of these cabins. 

There are three different types of balcony cabins.

• smaller
• standard
• deluxe

In addition, balconies can also be found on the 12 single cabins and on all the suites (except the two family view suites).

It’s a little difficult to say what the best balcony cabins on Arvia are as everyone’s requirement are different. However, with a few options available you should be able to find the right one for you.

Smaller Balcony Cabins

Cabin grades: GZ, QZ

There are 42 smaller balcony cabins on Arvia. They are located on decks 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

With no sofa, these cabins have a smaller footprint than the standard and deluxe cabins.

You still get all the other amenities and facilities though. This includes the super comfortable bed, which can be set up in a queen or twin configuration, wardrobes and a desk area with a small fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities.

They also have the same stylish bathroom, with plenty of storage, a great shower and a well-lit mirror.

Depending on whether you are a light packer or a bring the kitchen sink type of traveller, you may find a little lack of storage in these cabins. There is plenty of hanging space and a few shelves in the wardrobe but no drawers.

If you are keen to have a balcony but don’t really need a sofa in the main cabin area, these cabins are a good option to consider. 

They may be a little smaller than the other balcony cabins available but they’ll probably be a bit cheaper. Money to save for another cruise!

Standard Balcony Cabins 

Cabin grades: GA, GB, GC, GD, GE, GF

The vast majority of cabins on Arvia are standard balcony cabins. There are 1,334 of them, accounting for over half of the cabins on the ship.

These cabins are located on decks 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 17. There are also some on the promenade (8) and Lido decks (16).

Standard balcony cabins come with all the features you’d expect. A queen bed, which can be configured as a twin, a desk area and a sofa. Many of the cabins can accommodate three or four people. Additional beds come in the form of a single sofa bed or a pulldown bed.

One thing to note if considering one of these cabins is that not all balconies are equal. Most cabins have a good-sized balcony, around 20 sq. ft. However, some have more or less space. If you would prefer more space look out for cabins that have an extended balcony space due to their position on the ship.

Cabins on deck five have balconies that are built into the hull of the ship. Due to this they are sheltered balconies and being close to the water, have a storm door which will be used in rough seas. They are quite small with just enough room for two chairs and a table.

Cabins on deck 16 have shaded balconies due the overhang.

Deluxe Balcony Cabins 

Cabin grades: EA, EB, ED, EE, EF

Arvia has 120 deluxe balcony cabins. They are located on decks 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15. There are also some on the promenade deck (8) and lido decks (16).

These cabins are very similar to the standard balcony cabins but have a larger footprint. Reading through many reviews of this cabin style, they all seem to suggest that the cabins are slightly longer than the standard ones.

The furniture, fixtures and fittings are the same, with the addition of a small table and two chairs. However, there is more floor space to move around. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, the extra space these cabins offer may be worth considering.

Arvia Accessible Cabins

Arvia has a number of accessible cabins. These cabins have wide doorways, large floor space, wet-style bathrooms with grab rails, a pulldown shower seat and a ramp allowing access to the balcony.

There are 29 fully accessible cabins. This includes one suite, four deluxe balcony cabins, 20 balcony cabins and four Sea View cabins.

There are also 21 partially accessible cabins which are all inside cabins.

24 cabins are ambulant accessible, 20 of these are balcony cabins and the remaining four are Sea View cabins.

Visit P&O Cruises’ website for further information on accessible cabins and access around their ships.

Suites

Conservatory Mini-Suites

Cabin Grades: CV, CW, CY, CZ

First introduced on Iona, Conservatory Mini-Suites are a new cabin concept that sits halfway between a standard balcony cabin and a suite. 

As you might expect by the name, they have a conservatory-like area between the main cabin and the balcony. You can use this area to relax and take in the sea views without having to be outside.

It is also quite handy to have an area you can use without disturbing your travelling companion, particularly if you wake up before them.

There are 95 of these cabins on Arvia, located across decks eight and nine. 

As they are not full suites, you don’t get all the perks that normally come with a suite.

Suites

Cabin grades: B4, B5, B6

There are 26 suits on Arvia, including two family suites. They are located on decks 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15. The two family suites are on the promenade deck (8).

Suites come with a living/lounge area, whirlpool bath, bathrobes and slippers and a larger dressing area. They also have a coffee machine and fresh fruit is delivered daily. Other benefits include the VIP treatment such as priority boarding and a butler service.

Forward suites are located at the front of the ship. They offer great views and easy access to facilities like the Crow’s Nest and The Epicurean. Due to their location, they have steel-fronted balconies and access may be restricted during rough weather.

Aft suites are located at the rear of the ship. As well as spectacular wake views, they allow easy access to the Sunset Bar and Infinity Pool and Bar.

Family Sea View Suites

Cabin Grade: BA

There are two family Sea View suites on Arvia. These are both located at the front of the ship on deck eight, the promenade deck.

As the name suggests they are a good option for families. They can accommodate up to four people, with the additional beds being a single sofa bed and a pulldown bed.

While the cabin is considered a suite, it is really one large room. There is no separation between the lounge area and the sleeping area. This does make the cabin feel very open and spacious.

In the lounge area, there is a unit with a small fridge, a kettle and teabags and coffee sachets. Next to the double bed is a desk which has a Bose speaker and a Nespresso coffee machine on top.

There is no balcony with these cabins. So, if you are travelling with young children it takes away the worry a balcony may bring. Instead, there are several large windows which make it feel a little like a Sea View cabin.

However, being on the promenade deck does mean you will have fellow guests walking past your windows. They have tinted glass so no one can see in but it is something to be aware of if you are considering this type of cabin.

One other thing to be aware of is that although they are called family suites, they are at the opposite end of the ship to the children’s club, night nursery and also the Horizon buffet. So, be prepared for a bit of a walk if you book these cabins and want to use the facilities for children.

Arvia Cabins to Avoid

I always feel a bit bad when writing about cabins to avoid as I don’t really think there are any that are SO bad that no one should ever book them. 

That said, on all cruise ships there are some cabins you may want to think twice about booking. However, this very much depends on your requirements for a cabin, the type of holiday you are hoping to have and whether you are a light sleeper or a night owl.

Cabins on Deck 8 (unless you know what you are booking)

I doubt there has been a cruise ship deck talked about so much or caused so much debate amongst UK cruisers as deck 8 on Iona. 

The infamous promenade deck has returned on Arvia. Cabins located here, which include Conservatory mini-suites and some of the smaller, standard and deluxe balcony cabins all have balconies that look out onto the deck.

They are more like a patio rather than a balcony. While the cabins themselves are not bad and are in a fantastic location for the facilities on decks six to eight, the balcony can be a bit disappointing if are not aware of what you are getting.

So, if you like a balcony you can sit on and enjoy the view, these are cabins to avoid on Arvia.

Balcony Cabins on Deck 5

While we are on the subject of balconies not being quite what you might expect, you may wish to steer clear of cabins on deck 5.

Cut out of the hull of the ship, they have sheltered balconies which means they are covered. They are also quite small, with just enough space for two chairs and a small table but nothing more. 

You are also very close to the sea. This is great if you like to sit and watch the sea. However, in bad weather or rough seas, a storm door will be closed over the balcony door, turning your cabin into a Sea View one. 

They are not bad cabins or balconies by any means but on my last cruise on Iona, I met a few people who were disappointed as they were not expecting a balcony like that.

I stayed in one of these balcony cabins on Iona myself and really liked it; however, they are probably not for everyone. 

Cabins above the Headliners Theatre

P&O put on some great theatre shows on their ships. So, if shows are your thing, you can expect a great night on Arvia. 

Although you might not think that if you have a cabin near or directly above the theatre.

Shows are often performed two or three times a night and can go on quite late. There are also sometimes rehearsals in the afternoon.  

So, if you like to go to bed early, are a light sleeper or like an afternoon nap, it’s probably best to avoid these cabins.

Cabins underneath The 710 Club

With a great band, fabulous cocktails and a relaxed vibe, The 710 Club is one of the most popular spots on Iona. I expect this is the same on Arvia.

While you are always guaranteed a great night at the 710 Club, if you have a cabin directly underneath you may not think that. A fellow guest I met on Iona had to move cabins on the first night of the cruise due to the noise from the club. 

There are usually four shows a night and each lasts around 45 minutes. The final set is at 12.15am. If you are a night owl, you’ll probably be in the club most nights. A light sleeper? Then best to book a cabin in a different area.

Cabins above The Club House

By day The Club House on Arvia is a lounge used for events such as talks and family activities. At night it is transformed into an entertainment venue with live music, comedian shows and DJ sets.

Cabins directly above The Club House may be affected by noise. The party here can go long into the small hours. So, if you like an early night it might be best to steer clear of cabins in this area.

However, if you like dancing the night away, you’ll probably be in The Club House so it will be less of a potential issue.

Cabins under the Sky Dome

The SkyDome is an another multi-purpose space on Arvia. It is a great spot during the day to relax by the pool or enjoy the warm weather. In the evening it becomes the backdrop to some spectacular shows and live music performances.

If you have a cabin directly underneath the SkyDome, you may hear chairs being moved around during the day and noise from the shows in the evening. Occasionally, there may also be testing and rehearsals for the shows.

Cabins underneath Horizon Restaurant

If you like to take a snack back to your cabin, it is very handy to be located near the Horizon Restaurant.

Open pretty much all day, you can easily find yourself popping in multiple times. Whether that is for a bite to eat, a bit of cake for afternoon tea, or to finish off the evening at the late-night buffet (perhaps that last one is just me…)

Cabins on the deck underneath run the risk of a little noise disturbance throughout the day. Setting up the food stations, chairs being scraped along the floor and people being heavy-footed (or maybe wearing stilettos) as they walk around are all sounds you may hear if you are sensitive to noise.

Cabins near the Infinity Pool and Bar

Imagine sailing around The Caribbean and having a dip in the pool before swimming up to the bar for a cocktail. Well you don’t need to imagine on Arvia. You can do just that with the addition of a glamorous swim-up bar to the infinity pool on deck 16.

This is a popular spot so you may wish to dodge cabins underneath. Potential noise issues include the scraping of sun loungers and chairs as well as any evening events that might be held here.

Cabins above the Sunset Bar

The Sunset Bar on the promenade deck is a great place for a drink and to enjoy some wake views.

Aft cabins can also provide some spectacular views. However, the decks immediately above the may be affected by noise from the bar and the two whirlpools.

Cabins on deck 9 in particular look over the bar and its canopy. While you will be looking over people rather than them looking up, you may feel a little exposed here. If you like to take photos, you’ll also find it might be a little difficult to get shots without the bar in. All that said, the views will likely make up for any issues but something to consider.

Obstructed balconies

Some of the cabins on the promenade deck (8) are marked as having an obstructed view. However, this is not in the way you might think.

Often obstructed views are due to things like the ship’s equipment or lifeboats. On Arvia it is due to the position of the whirlpools.

A few of the cabins have whirlpools directly in front of them. This blocks the view across the promenade deck and out to sea. You may also be disturbed by the noise from the whirlpools (and maybe the people in them).

If you like a clear view from your balcony you should stay away from these cabins.

Overlooked Balconies

Depending on the location of the cabin you may find the balcony is overlooked by cabins above, next door or from the promenade deck.

If you like your privacy then it might be best to look for a cabin that is not marked as having a visible balcony.

Forward Cabins (right at the front of the ship)

Forward cabins right at the front of the ship can give amazing views. However, it is worth noting a few things if you are considering one of these cabins. 

Instead of a clear or frosted glass panel, these cabins are steel fronted. If you have a cabin on deck eight, you may find people hanging around in front of you during the sail in and out of port. 

It can get quite breezy here too and in the case of bad weather access to the balcony might be restricted. 

Spectacular views will probably make up for any issues but these are all things to keep in mind if considering this location for your cabin.

Cabins to avoid if you get seasick

If you get seasick or fear you might, then you should avoid cabins at the front and aft of the ship. These areas feel more movement than midship. As do the higher decks so aim for a cabin low down near the water where possible.

This should help to reduce the risk of having your cruise ruined by feeling unwell most of the time.

Choosing a Cabin on Arvia

If you are considering a cruise on Arvia, it is well worth having a look at the deck plans and thinking about the type of cruise holiday you would like before you book.

Things to consider when deciding what type of cabin is right for you include…

• do you have lots of port stops and expect to be off the ship for a large part of those days?
• will you be out and about exploring all the ship’s facilities most of the time?
• do you enjoy taking in the sea views from your balcony?
• will you be using the late-night venues or having early nights?
• do you want easy access to a particular area of the ship?
• can you put up with a little noise or would it spoil your holiday?
• do you suffer from motion or sea sickness?

The Last Word

Choosing a cruise cabin doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as perhaps it might look at first glance. Being clear on what you want and don’t want from a cabin will help you choose the perfect one for your holiday.

With Arvia’s cabins ranging from luxurious suites to comfortable inside cabins, there really is a cabin for everyone on P&O Cruises’ newest ship.

More on Arvia

• 11 things to look out for on Arvia
• Arvia Conservatory Mini-Suites: what are they and should you book them?