The Caribbean region is renowned for its stunning white beaches and clear turquoise waters, but there is much more to explore beyond these picturesque landscapes. In addition to the enchanting islands and beautiful beaches, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture, historical sites, delectable cuisine, and vibrant local celebrations.
Embarking on a P&O Cruises vacation aboard the Arvia, a ship featuring bright and airy spaces along with open-air pools, offers the perfect opportunity to experience the warm and sunny climate of the Caribbean. The journey typically begins in the lively capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, a city teeming with charm and historical significance before setting sail to explore various Caribbean destinations.
Travelers can expect to visit popular spots like St. Lucia and St. Kitts, as well as lesser-known gems such as the unique island of St. Maarten and the serene Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Each day brings a new and breathtaking view to wake up to during the cruise.
P&O Cruises provides a wide array of shore experiences, allowing guests to customize their trip based on their interests. Activities range from snorkeling above a shipwreck and interacting with local marine life off the coast of Barbados to enjoying the famous Oistins Fish Fry street party with delectable seafood, music, and cocktails.
In St. Lucia, travelers can challenge themselves by hiking up the 2,600ft Gros Piton, one of the island’s towering volcanic peaks, for spectacular views of the surroundings. For a more leisurely experience, guests can opt for a scenic train ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway or indulge in a tour of Antigua that includes a sumptuous lobster lunch.
On a P&O Cruises holiday, the journey itself is part of the adventure, especially aboard the captivating Arvia. Known as the “sunshine ship,” Arvia is designed to seamlessly blend the outdoors with the indoors, offering panoramic views of the Caribbean from the light-filled Grand Atrium. The ship’s SkyDome, featuring a retractable glass roof, transforms into a poolside oasis during the day and a lively entertainment venue at night.
Guests aboard Arvia can enjoy a swim in the infinity pool while admiring stunning vistas or explore the diverse dining options available, including the American-style 6th Street Diner, international cuisines at The Quays, and scenic dining at Meridian or Zenith. For a premium dining experience, specialty restaurants like Epicurean, Sindhu, and Green & Co feat. Mizuhana offer unique culinary delights, while The Keel & Cow serves up delicious burgers.
The ship also boasts sophisticated bars such as The Glass House and Crow’s Nest for handcrafted drinks, including a must-try selection of rum cocktails reflecting the Caribbean spirit. Arvia even features the first rum distillery at sea, offering guests the opportunity to sample various rum blends, including the exclusive Golden Tide created in partnership with The Tidal Rum to capture the essence of the region.
In the evenings, guests can choose from a plethora of entertainment options, including live music, magic shows, musicals, comedy acts for adults, and even a silent disco. Additionally, the onboard Ocean Studios cinema complex screens the latest blockbuster movies for guests to enjoy.
For a truly indulgent experience, travelers can unwind at the onboard spa, which includes a sauna, steam rooms, hydrotherapy pool, and a hair and beauty salon for those seeking pampering services. Accommodation options on Arvia range from cozy inside cabins with modern amenities to luxurious suites with optional butler service, balconies, and more.
With P&O Cruises, paradise is elevated to new heights, offering stylish accommodations, delectable cuisine, and a myriad of entertainment options all included in the package. Moreover, guests can enhance their experience with new all-inclusive packages that cover drinks, Wi-Fi, and speciality dining credits, providing exceptional value. The signature service of P&O Cruises ensures a seamless and gratifying experience without the need for tipping.
(*Available at an additional cost)