P&O Cruises: Arvia Restaurants and Bars

Planning a cruise on Arvia? Discover all the dining options and places to drink onboard P&O’s newest ship.

It’s often said that one of the best things about cruising is the dining experience. Whether you would like a fancy meal, something quick and easy, or a snack around the pool, you are usually spoilt for choice.

P&O Cruises’ newest ship, Arvia is no exception. With over 30 places to eat, drink and snack, the biggest problem will be choosing which one to dine or enjoy a drink in during your cruise.

As well as many of P&O Cruises’ much loved venues, two new dining options have been created exclusively for Arvia, an all-American diner and a plant-based restaurant.

I’ve used some photos from Iona to give you an idea of what the restaurants like and chatted to a few friends that have already cruised on Arvia. I’ll update once I’ve had the chance to experience the new dining options myself.

At a Glance: Restaurants on Arvia

Whether you want a quick bite to eat or to sit down and enjoy an evening meal, there is a dining venue on Arvia for you.

• 6th Street Diner
• Green & Co feat. Mizhuana
• Horizon Restaurant (the buffet)
• Main dining rooms – Meridian and Zenith
• Taste 360
• The Beach House
• The Chef’s Table
• The Epicurean
• The Glasshouse and Cellar Door
• The Keel and Cow
• The Limelight Club
• The Quays
• The Olive Grove
• Sindhu

Dining Options on P&O Arvia (for breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Breakfast options

It’s said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and on Arvia there are plenty of options to start the day off right.

The Horizon Restaurant is a self-serve buffet with a wide range of choices including toast, cooked breakfast options and lots of muffins and pastries. Tea, coffee and fruit juice are also available.

If you like a more relaxing breakfast, the main dining rooms offers a sit-down service with choices such as avocado on toast, eggs benedict, kippers and salmon.

The Quays is also a great place for breakfast and seemed to be a bit of a secret on Iona. Each of the food stands serve different food choices including omelettes, cooked breakfast items, pancakes and waffles. All seem freshly made while you wait. There is also a small buffet with cereals and pastries.

If you are staying in a suite, you have a few more options with The Epicurean, The Glasshouse and Sindhu available for you to breakfast in.

Room (or should that be cabin) service is also available so you can enjoy a light breakfast while taking in the sea views on your balcony. There is an extra cost for this.

Lunch choices

The best place to eat for lunch will very much depend on whether it is a port or sea day and your own plans for the day.

If you will be spending the day relaxing around the pool or on deck, you’ll probably not want to move far. Taste 360 which serves pizzas, burgers and hotdogs in the SkyDome or the Horizon Restaurant are good choices for days like this.

For a leisurely lunch (well you are on holiday after all), a couple of the main dining rooms are usually open. You can check which ones and the opening hours in the daily newsletter which will be left in your cabin post box each night.

Other places you can get lunch include The Keel and Cow, The Olive Grove and The Glasshouse.

Dinner venues

You would probably need to do a month-long cruise to get around all the options for dinner on Arvia. There is an incredibly wide range of choice, so regardless of your evening plans you’ll be able find a suitable dining venue.

If you have had a busy day on shore and just want to grab something quickly, the Horizon Restaurant or The Quays is a good place to head to.

For a more relaxed dinner, the main dining rooms or one of the speciality restaurants give you a choice of food and cuisines.

Or if you would like to make an occasion of the evening, you can experience some fine dining in The Epicurean or enjoy some entertainment along with your meal in The Limelight Club.

Freedom dining on Arvia

One of things people sometimes say to me when telling me why a cruise is not for them, is that they don’t want to be restricted to a set time to eat each evening.

Well, on Arvia that is something you don’t have to worry about.

All the main dining rooms offer Freedom Dining. This means you have the flexibility to eat at a time and venue that you choose.

There is no assigned dining room or table and you don’t have a set time to dine.

You have complete control over when you wish to dine. Well, as long as there is space in the dining room you choose. Occasionally, you may have to join a queue or take a pager until a table becomes free. However, this usually isn’t too long a wait.

After a few days, you’ll be able to get a feel for when the busy times are and can plan your evening accordingly. Just make sure you build in any potential wait times, particularly if you plan to see a show.

If you do have a short wait, it can be a good excuse to have a pre dinner drink or two in one of the stunning bars on Arvia.

Freedom Dining is a great option to have as it allows you to plan your evening as you wish.

Restaurants included on Arvia as part of your fare

Most of the places to eat on board are included in your cruise fare, so there is no need to pay extra if you don’t want to.

Included in your cruise fare

• Main dining rooms – Meridian and Zenith
• Horizon Restaurant (the buffet)
• Taste 360
• The Chef’s Table
• The Quays
• The Olive Grove (a couple of items have a supplement but the majority of the menu is included)
• 6th Street Diner

However, if you would like to make your cruise extra memorable or have a special occasion to celebrate there are a few speciality restaurants to choose from. These are not included in your cruise fare and extra charges apply. The amount varies per venue.

• The Beach House
• The Epicurean
• The Glasshouse and Cellar Door
• Green & Co feat. Mizhuana
• The Keel and Cow
• The Limelight
• Sindhu

Overview of Arvia’s Restaurants

Main dining rooms

(Deck 6 & 7, Aft)

There are two main dining rooms on Arvia, Zenith on deck 6 and Meridian on deck 7. The dining rooms are interlinked by a staircase making it seem like one large restaurant over two floors. Located at the aft, you can enjoy spectacular sea views while dining.

Both restaurants offer freedom dining meaning you can eat when you like. They also serve the same five-course menu in the evening. So, once you’ve found your favourite one you don’t have to worry about missing out on menu options in the other restaurants.

They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At breakfast, you have the choice of a continental or hot breakfast. The continental option includes cereals, toast, pancakes, pastries and fruit. Healthy choices such as porridge, muesli and granola are also available.

The hot breakfast includes eggs any way you like (boiled, poached or scrambled), bacon, baked beans, grilled mushrooms, hash browns, kippers, smoked haddock, salmon and tomato.

Lunch menus consist of salads, sandwiches and a few more substantial options.

For dinner, a three-course menu of British classics is offered. Dishes often include steak, grilled salmon and a roast dinner.

Horizon Restaurant

(Deck 16 – Lido, Midship)

If you prefer your dining to be a little more informal, the Horizon Restaurant (the buffet!) is a great choice.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is a wide range of food available. There is also a late-night buffet if you fancy a midnight snack.

The little ones are not forgotten here either with a children’s tea served at 5pm.

For those with dietary requirements, the menu card above each dish highlights allergy information including the ingredients contained and if it is gluten-free.

It can get quite busy here so expect the occasional queue. However, there are multiple serving stations so it won’t take long to pick up some food.

There is a huge seating area and many tables have sea views. Like the buffet serving area, it can get very busy. I usually find it best to head to the far ends of the seating area where there often more free tables.

Taste 360

(Deck 16 – Lido, Midship)

If you are spending the day by the pool or on deck you may not want to move too far to grab some food. Taste 360 is a poolside eatery that serves burgers, hotdogs and oven-baked pizzas. On Iona, there was a constant stream of food coming out so it was fresh and didn’t sit around for long. An easy and tasty option on a sea day.

The Chef’s Table

(Deck 16 – Lido, Midship)

Make Celebration night that extra special by dining at The Chef’s Table.

A section of the Horizon buffet is taken over and given a slightly new look with tablecloths, fully set dining tables and waiter service.

The menu for this night has been exclusively designed by P&O Cruises Food Hero Marco Pierre White and paired with wines recommended by Olly Smith.

I ate at The Chef’s Table on Iona and it was easily the best meal I had all week and would highly recommend it.

Best of all this is included in your cruise fare. It is very popular so make sure you book as soon as you can otherwise you may miss out.

Tip: If you are unable to book via ‘My Holiday’ onboard ask reception to reserve you a table.

The Olive Grove

(Deck 6 – Gala, Mid Aft)

The Olive Grove is a Mediterranean style restaurant that was first introduced on Iona. Featuring a menu inspired by regional dishes meals include Greek mezze, Moroccan lamb tagine and of course plenty of pasta and pizza.

An exclusive menu from P&O Cruises Food Hero, José Pizarro is served here on Celebration Night.

This restaurant makes a nice change from Horizon and the main dining rooms. The food is fabulous and most of the items are included in your cruise fare.

A small charge applies to a couple of choices but those are easily avoided hence why I’ve added to the included in your cruise fare section. I’ve eaten there five times over my two cruises on Iona and never had to pay extra.

Tip: If you’d like to eat here one evening book as soon as you can. Evening bookings seem to fill up much quicker than lunchtime ones.

The Quays

(Deck 8 – Promenade deck, Mid Aft)

First introduced on Iona, The Quays is a food court-like area with stands serving different foods including fish and chips. On Arvia it has been expanded to include a carvery.

There is also a small buffet area which has self-serve food including muesli, smoothies, muffins, pastries, side salads, afternoon cakes and desserts depending on the time of day.

Food served at the stands seems to be freshly made so it’s not sitting around for long, if at all. The Quays are great option if you want a quick-ish bit to eat but don’t fancy the buffet.

The food stands are

Fusion

Asian-inspired dishes such as noodles and curries

Hook Line & Vinegar

That British favourite of fish and chips.

Roast Carvery

Reinventing the Sunday lunch, the Roast Carvery serves up a range of roasted meats with all the trimmings.

A large seating area runs alongside the food stands and if you are sailing in warm destinations, there is also some seating on deck.

Tip: Breakfast here is a cross between the buffet and the main dining room. For example, you can get omelettes freshly made while also choosing cooked breakfast foods from a buffet-style stand. If you don’t fancy the formality of the main dining rooms but want to avoid the Horizon Restaurant this is a great alternative.

If you have cruised on Iona, you might be wondering where the Boardwalk Diner is. This seems to have been replaced by the Roast Carvery. However, if you are looking for a burger, the new 6th Street Diner is the place to go.

Read more | Avoid choosing a bad cabin on Arvia with my guide on which cabins to steer clear of and tips on how to choose the right cabin.

6th Street Diner

(Deck 6 – Parade, Mid Aft)

New to Arvia, the 6th Street Diner is an American-style dinner that is open for breakfast, brunch and dinner.

With its super cool design, retro seating and even a jukebox, this is a popular place to grab some food and listen to a tune.

The menu includes steak, waffles and sweet treats and you will be given some coins to use in the jukebox.

View a sample menu for the 6th Street Diner

Arvia restaurants with an extra charge

Arvia has several speciality restaurants that come with an extra charge. You can comfortably eat onboard without using these during your cruise.

However, with many different cuisines covered they do make a nice change from the included venues so are well worth considering for a night or two.

The Beach House

(Deck 16 – Lido, Midship)

Taking over a section of the Horizon buffet each night, The Beach House is a bit like an informal pop-up restaurant.

P&O have collaborated with Shivi Ramoutar to create a menu packed with meals inspired by the destinations on Arvia’s itineraries. Expect to see lot of Caribbean, Mediterranean and South American flavours here, with dishes including steaks, ribs, burgers, hanging kebabs and sharing plates. Think gorgeous comfort food with a difference.

Just make sure you save room for the amazing desserts.

The Epicurean

(Deck 17, Forward)

Fine dining venue, The Epicurean, is a firm favourite with regular P&O cruisers so it’s no surprise to see it back on Arvia.

With its elegant setting, spectacular sea views and exceptional service, The Epicurean provides a night to remember. So, if you have a special occasion to celebrate during your cruise it is worth considering splashing out for the evening.

Menus are a mix of classic fine dining and the best of British. Starters include choices such as scallops, roasted red pepper parfait and seasonal soups. Mains on offer include lobster, beef fillet and prime grills.

You’ll want to save room for dessert too with crumbles, tarts and cheesecakes available.

Some dishes are prepared in front of you in a bit of culinary theatre making the night even more memorable.

The Glasshouse

(Deck 7 – Parade, Midship)

A tapas and wine restaurant, The Glasshouse is the perfect place for a light bite washed down with an expertly paired drink.

Open for lunch and dinner, its location in The Grand Atrium provides sea views while you dine and if you time it right some dare devil aerial performances.

The menu has been created by P&O’s Food Hero, José Pizarro with wines selected by Food Hero Olly Smith. Dishes include grilled whole tiger prawns, mango, chilli and garlic salsa, lamb cutlets and tuna tartare with an avocado, tomato and chilli dressing.

Green & Co feat. Mizhuana

Exclusive to Arvia is Green & Co feat. Mizhuana, a super stylish restaurant serving up a fish and plant-based menu.

With a sushi bar overlooking the chef’s working area, you’ll be able to watch your meal being prepared. The dining area provides sea views to accompany your meal.

View a sample menu for Green & Co feat. Mizhuana.

The Keel and Cow

(Deck 8 – Promenade, Midship)

A popular addition on Iona, The Keel and Cow makes a welcome return on Arvia.

Located in The Grand Atrium, the gastropub serves pie and mash, dry-aged steaks and burgers alongside a wide range of craft and bottled beers.

The Limelight Club

(Deck 6 – Gala, Mid Forward)

An adult only restaurant and entertainment venue, The Limelight Club combines a three-course meal with some great entertainment from some UK stars.

This is a popular spot on other P&O ships and has limited capacity so book early to make sure you get in.

Once the show and dinner experience had ended, the club is open to all and the house band usually do a couple of late-night sets.

Sindhu

(Deck 8 – Promenade, Midship)

A favourite for regular P&O cruisers, Sindhu serves up contemporary Indian cuisine but with a British twist.

Other eateries on Arvia

Grab and Go

(Deck 16 – Lido, Aft)

The idea behind Grab and Go is that you can take ready to eat salads and sandwiches. However, since Arvia and Iona have been in service this has not been used. Maybe one day!

Ripples

(Deck 8 – Promenade, Midship)

Arvia’s Gelateria, Ripples, is a partnership with Snowflake Luxury Gelato and serves up an amazing selection of gelato cones, lollies, sundaes and cakes. Flavours include rum & raisin gelato and a special Caribbean-inspired sundae.

Tea and coffee by Costa Coffee are also served here.

Sundaes

(Deck 16 – Lido, Midship)

Located in the SkyDome, Sundaes provides a chance to cool down with a gelato cone on a hot sunny day by the pool or on deck. Flavours available include vanilla, salted caramel and chocolate.

You can also pick up a hot drink here from Costa Coffee.

Vista

(Deck 6 – Gala, Midship)

There aren’t many things better than sitting with a cuppa enjoying some sea views and the Vista Cafe is a great spot for this.

Located in the Grand Atrium with windows that span three decks, you can easily lose time here taking in the ocean vista or even just people watching. It’s the hub of the ship.

Open early to late, Costa Coffee, Teapigs tea and lots of sweet treats and cakes are served here.

Bars on Arvia

With seven deck bars and more than a few indoor venues, you’ll easily find a great spot for a drink on Arvia. Whether you want to sip a cocktail by the pool or enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink, there will be a bar for you.

Amber Lounge

(Deck 6 – Gala, Midship)

The glamorous Amber Lounge serves up expertly crafted cocktails against a backdrop of stunning sea views. Located in The Grand Atrium you’ll be able to catch live entertainment and aerial artists doing their thing here all while sipping a drink.

Anderson’s Bar

(Deck 6 – Gala, Midship)

Small and cosy, Anderson’s is an intimate bar that is a nice spot for a quiet drink during the day, a quick pre-dinner drink or a nightcap before bed.

The drinks menu is made up of craft rums and gins including some made onboard.

Yes really.

Arvia has its own onboard distillery which will make rum in the winter and gin in the summer. You can try these in cocktails and drinks served in the bars across the ship. You’ll also be able to buy a bottle to take home as a reminder of your cruise.

Beachcomber Bar

(Deck 18, Forward)

Overlooking the only pool at the front of the ship, the Beachcomber Bar is the perfect spot on a sunny day. There is a lot of seating in this area with circular wooden benches around the pool and plenty of sun loungers to relax on. If the sun gets too much, or the weather is not that great, there are shaded and covered areas available too.

A wide range of beer, wine and cocktails are served here.

Brodie’s

(Deck 7 – Parade, Mid Forward)

Brodie’s is P&O’s British-style pub. With a menu including British and International beers, real ale, ciders and pub snacks, it is a popular and sociable spot.

There are a few TV dotted around, often showing football or national events. Quizzes are also held here during the day.

Club House

(Deck 8 – Promenade, Aft)

Located at the back of deck eight, the Club House is a huge modern lounge-style area.

During the day, it is home to family entertainment, game shows and guest speakers.

In the evening, it turns into Arvia’s late-night venue and comes alive with music and comedy. With house band ‘Pulse’ and DJ sets you can dance long into the night here.

There is a full bar with a wide selection of drinks.

Crows Nest

(Deck 17, Forward)

As you might expect with that name, The Crow’s Nest is an elegant bar located at the front of the ship. During the day it is a quiet and relaxing spot while at night it turns into a late-night lounge complete with live pianists.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the lounge provides some of the best views from the ship. It is a wonderful spot to sip a classic cocktail and take in the ocean views.

Crystal Bar

(Deck 16 – Lido, Midship)

Tucked away between the Horizon Restaurant and the SkyDome pool you’ll find the Crystal Bar. Offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, it is one of three bars in the SkyDome.

Infinity Bar

(Deck 16 – Lido, Aft)

New to Arvia, the Infinity Bar is a swim-up bar linked to an infinity pool at the back of the ship. This is a popular spot with its Instagram-worthy setting and sea views.

At night, the entertainment is cranked up with live music and silent discos.

On the two decks above you’ll find whirlpools and another pool so there should be plenty of space to enjoy a drink, catch some sun and soak up the views.

Keel and Cow

(Deck 8 – Promenade, Midship)

Arvia’s gastropub serves up craft and bottle beers alongside hearty pub food.

Laguna Bar (and sundaes)

(Deck 6 – Lido Deck, Midship)

A poolside bar in the SkyDome that serves a wide range of drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic – throughout the day and into the evening.

Sindhu Bar

(Deck 8 – Promenade, Midship)

A stylish bar in P&O Cruises’ popular Indian restaurant.

Sky Bar

(Deck 17, Midship)

Tucked away on the upper level of the SkyDome, the SkyBar is the perfect place to grab a drink before the evening’s entertainment. Get there early to grab a seat, as it gets busy as show time approaches.

Sunset Bar

(Deck 8 – Promenade, Aft)

With lots of seating, two whirlpools and gorgeous wake views, the Sunset Bar is possibly one of the best spots on the ship. It serves a wide range of drinks and cocktails. Hot drinks from Costa Coffee are also served here.

Tip: Head here to enjoy sail away with a cocktail in hand and stunning wake views.

Panorama Bar

(Deck 18 – Panorama, Aft)

Located by the jogging track and underneath the sports court, the Panorama Bar is the perfect location to cool down after a game of football or round of mini golf. If that sounds too strenuous, you may prefer to sit in the infinity pool while sipping a cocktail.

The 710 Club

(Deck 6 – Gala, Midship)

A late night lounge showcasing up and coming talent. The bar menu includes stylish cocktails – including some fabulous non-alcoholic ones.

The Last Word

P&O Cruises raised the bar with the dining experiences on Iona and they have done it again on Arvia.

With the addition of a couple of new options, there really is something for everyone. The biggest issue I can see is deciding where to eat and trying to fit them all in on a cruise. I suspect you’ll end having to book another cruise to get round them all!

You may also like…

• 11 things to look out for on Arvia
• Arvia cabins to avoid and tips for booking the right cabin
• Cruising the Norwegian Fjords on Iona