Live Report Arvia 14 Nights From Barbados 18th Feb onwards

[davecttr]

3 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Last night we had a great night which sums up why people love to cruise

 

Started with dinner in Mizhuana - superb sushi prepared by a sushi master chef 

 

We tried a flight of sake as well. First time we've tried sake

 

Then cocktails in The Crows Nest whilst listening to a live pianist

 

Followed by theatre show from a brilliant 4 piece ukulele band from Liverpool. These guys were great  and created a great rapport with the audience. They are called Ukebox

 

Then desserts from the Quays.

 

Followed by watching a couple of rock songs from Pulse in The Clubhouse. Great atmosphere in there

 

Headed back to our cabin and in the atrium there was a live musical show with acrobatics at same time!

 

Brilliant night.

 

I said to my wife - you would struggle to find a Hotel anywhere in the world that could offer you all of that in the same evening or anything remotely close tbh

 

Cruising on Arvia is different level to a normal holiday. So many options

I like sushi so will be trying Mizhuana

Who was the pianist in the Crows Nest?

[Britboys]

6 hours ago, solentsam said:

we really like Iona x 3 an Arvia (2 more booked) more bars and eateries nice mix of ages  we are not young both late 60's and been on more than 25 P&0 cruises but this is the way forward to encourage the new cruisers, perhaps we are still young at heart so we really like them, the older ships not seem to have much going for them now not for us anyway

It is understandable the direction P&O are taking in order to attract new customers. Glad you like the new ships. I'll just enjoy the old ones whilst I still have the opportunity... 

[Interestedcruisefan]

5 hours ago, davecttr said:

I like sushi so will be trying Mizhuana

Who was the pianist in the Crows Nest?

Elena Safonova

 

(There are 2 pianists on the boat mainly working in the Amber lounge and crows nest from what I've seen)

 

 The other one is Julia Bihari

[Interestedcruisefan]

8 hours ago, Britboys said:

The new ships are just not my style of cruising and having cruised the Caribbean a couple of times I don't really have any desire to return. I am comfortable with the small ships where I don't have to think about where or what time I am eating, let alone have to consider booking a restaurant or show.

I can see and understand what attracts people to the big ships but they are just not for me.

 

My wife and I like trying the different bars and restaurants. I like planning where we are going. The different themed bars and restaurants tend to offer different cocktails. There's some great cocktails on offer in 710 Club and the bar linked to Sindhu for example

 

And there's so many places on the boat and options to try

 

But I do get your reasoning. It makes sense. 

 

I think most will be wowed by all the choices available

 

When we leave after 2 weeks we honestly won't have tried half the options of things to do

 

I honestly class Arvia as a huge success for P and O. It's going to tick a lot of boxes for so many people and bring a whole new customer base to P and O.

 

IMO

 

Lots of first time cruisers who can't believe the value they are getting here in the Caribbean right now

 

 

 

[Interestedcruisefan]

9 hours ago, Britboys said:

Just a question. Is Brodie's being marketed as an Irish Bar these days?

I've assumed it was an Irish bar. Maybe I've imagined it. Will check later

[Interestedcruisefan]

8 hours ago, solentsam said:

we really like Iona x 3 an Arvia (2 more booked) more bars and eateries nice mix of ages  we are not young both late 60's and been on more than 25 P&0 cruises but this is the way forward to encourage the new cruisers, perhaps we are still young at heart so we really like them, the older ships not seem to have much going for them now not for us anyway

I feel like Arvia works for all ages (providing you are ok planning and booking things  to do when needed)

 

If so you will become able to find various things to do all day and all night (if needed) that involve food you like, drinks you like and entertainment you like

 

We just had an absolutely brilliant day in Antigua jet ski-ing. We saw numerous stunning but relatively small resorts from the jetskis. All with  lovely sunbeds on their beaches. I'm thinking could I really enjoy 2 weeks at one of those resorts using the same restaurants and bar each day. Watching one entertainer at night. 

 

Maybe I could. In fact I'm sure I could. But could it compare to what I get to experience on Arvia?

 

I don't think one resort could get remotely close. And we could have spent half a day on any of those beaches had we wanted to.

 

Ps today's jetski tour was one of the best if not the best cruise day experience we've ever done.

 

Totally exhilarating. Highly highly recommended. We had a 90 minute jetski tour of numerous stunning beaches and coves. Total cost for 2 people 199 US dollars. Plus total 20 us dollars taxi fare both ways.

 

Am I allowed to post links to how to book for anyone interested. We also have contact details to a brilliantly passionate taxi driver called Nancy. Who I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone looking to do a tour of the island or just need a great taxi driver to take them to a beach in Antigua. 

 

Don't want to break any rules by posting contact details though?

 

I think Antigua became our favourite Caribbean Island after today. It's our first visit. What a stunning place (when seen from a jetski at least)

[doog442]

Great write up and I will bookmark this thread for sure as love your positivity. We're re-booked on Arvia next Jan Caribbean after our last minute cancellation. I managed to get an aft cabin on deck 11 with OBC that equated to the booking we just cancelled (that I thought was brilliant value).

 

We stayed in Antigua last October and loved it so much we're booked to go back with friends next October albeit we are in a small intimate AI resort.  It has 365 beaches apparently ! The locals rely on tourism and covid hit them so hard so glad to see the ships back.  

 

The Itinerary you're doing is absolutely brilliant and why we originally booked, no other cruise line can compete in that regard for over 14 nights. 

 

I love your positivity. We use Petes Taxis, again brilliant service from a small family run service. 

[wowzz]

1 hour ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

I feel like Arvia works for all ages (providing you are ok planning and booking things  to do when needed)

 

If so you will become able to find various things to do all day and all night (if needed) that involve food you like, drinks you like and entertainment you like

 

We just had an absolutely brilliant day in Antigua jet ski-ing. We saw numerous stunning but relatively small resorts from the jetskis. All with  lovely sunbeds on their beaches. I'm thinking could I really enjoy 2 weeks at one of those resorts using the same restaurants and bar each day. Watching one entertainer at night. 

 

Maybe I could. In fact I'm sure I could. But could it compare to what I get to experience on Arvia?

 

I don't think one resort could get remotely close. And we could have spent half a day on any of those beaches had we wanted to.

 

Ps today's jetski tour was one of the best if not the best cruise day experience we've ever done.

 

Totally exhilarating. Highly highly recommended. We had a 90 minute jetski tour of numerous stunning beaches and coves. Total cost for 2 people 199 US dollars. Plus total 20 us dollars taxi fare both ways.

 

Am I allowed to post links to how to book for anyone interested. We also have contact details to a brilliantly passionate taxi driver called Nancy. Who I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone looking to do a tour of the island or just need a great taxi driver to take them to a beach in Antigua. 

 

Don't want to break any rules by posting contact details though?

 

I think Antigua became our favourite Caribbean Island after today. It's our first visit. What a stunning place (when seen from a jetski at least)

As I understand them, CC rules allow you to recommend trips, as long as you have actually been on them.

[davecttr]

1 hour ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Elena Safonova

 

(There are 2 pianists on the boat mainly working in the Amber lounge and crows nest from what I've seen)

 

 The other one is Julia Bihari

Excellent, Elena of Safrajazz. I first saw her on Oceana years ago and she was on Iona last year.

[Triggertravel]

Having come of arvia in the last week or so,we found that the ship felt more like being in a boutique hotel,than being on a cruise ship ,no real nautical fixture and fittings if any and it is certainly gearing up for the next cruise generations.it is a beautiful ship and we will certainly go on her again , but as we all know the future of cruising is changing, and sadly the traditions that go with it

[Interestedcruisefan]

Here's a couple of images of Hawksbill Beach number 1 where the jetski 90 minute tour of Antigua beaches and bays  started from

 

We booked the Tour with

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147243-d14855004-Reviews-Real_Paradise_Jet_Ski_Antigua-St_John_s_Saint_John_Parish_Antigua_Antigua_and_Ba.html

 

199 us dollars for two to share a jetski together

 

It was incredible

 

[Interestedcruisefan]

2 hours ago, Triggertravel said:

Having come of arvia in the last week or so,we found that the ship felt more like being in a boutique hotel,than being on a cruise ship ,no real nautical fixture and fittings if any and it is certainly gearing up for the next cruise generations.it is a beautiful ship and we will certainly go on her again , but as we all know the future of cruising is changing, and sadly the traditions that go with it

Old fashioned smaller cruiseships still exist though for those that prefer them

 

It's  inevitable that with  those you will  get less choices of what to do or enjoy on-board and/or get less value for money

 

But they are out there

 

Arvia however I believe is a triumph of a larger ship. 

 

P and O have got so many things right with it in so many ways. Sure if you go looking for negatives you could find some. But they've got the vast majority of things right.

 

And  I suggest 90 per cent of passengers who get to enjoy a cruise on her will be telling their friends to give her a go

 

It's the value for money and options you get for a holiday that other holidays really can't get close to

 

IMO

[Interestedcruisefan]

Last night we had a really great dining experience in the Beach House. It's a special section in the buffet on deck 16 that not many people talk about. Another couple on the boat recommended it to us.

 

I thought I had booked on the app for 6.15pm but when he got there we hadn't booked. My Wi-Fi was a bit iffy at the time I booked tbh.

 

Anyway they still found us a lovely table by the window

 

It's  9 pounds each cover charge to dine here plus some of the options have surcharges

 

I chose the black rock sizzling fillet steak and prawns and my wife the seafood skewer

 

We really enjoyed the meal. I had an incredible chocolate mousse with ginger crumb dessert. So tasty!

 

There's a chocolate fondue sharing dessert as well. But we didn't go for that.

 

Most people around us like us were paying surcharges for the black rocks or the skewers

 

Anyway images below. One of the best meals so far

 

Warning the steak comes barely  sealed and then you cook further to your preference. As you know from previous meal images I like my steaks rare. So I didn't even use the black rock to add any more cooking to this one!!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 26, 2023 by Interestedcruisefan

[Interestedcruisefan]

After the dinner we went to watch the Take That Greatest Day musical in the theatre

 

The theatre was pretty full but everyone has to pre-book on the app which really removes all the stress we used to have to face getting to the theatres at least 30 mins early to make sure we could get seats to watch a show 

 

Now we just turn up 10 mins before. So so much better IMO knowing there will be space

 

HUGE benefit of the app for us.

 

Anyway the show was superb. It's 60 minutes long. Shows the quality of the cast. Who can clearly act well as well as sing and dance well

 

Potentially the best show we've ever seen on a cruise ship and I'm not a big Take That fan although my wife is

 

It's effectively the Take That musical (which my wife has seen before) condensed into 60 minutes

 

Great show. That got a great audience response at the end

 

Another highlight passengers will be telling their friends about when they get home

 

As I say Arvia getting far more right than they get wrong

 

No pics from this sorry

[Interestedcruisefan]

1 hour ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Old fashioned smaller cruiseships still exist though for those that prefer them

 

It's  inevitable that with  those you will  get less choices of what to do or enjoy on-board and/or get less value for money

 

But they are out there

 

Arvia however I believe is a triumph of a larger ship. 

 

P and O have got so many things right with it in so many ways. Sure if you go looking for negatives you could find some. But they've got the vast majority of things right.

 

And  I suggest 90 per cent of passengers who get to enjoy a cruise on her will be telling their friends to give her a go

 

It's the value for money and options you get for a holiday that other holidays really can't get close to

 

IMO

I'm slightly scared Arvia and cruises like this will become so popular as new people tell their friends that prices will start to increase

 

I feel the word will spread very quickly tbh

 

It's hard to follow and improve on holidays like this

 

My wife and I have been talking about  what to do and where to go next February (we are already planning an Alaskan cruise in August to visit our daughter in Canada)

 

We like to visit new places but Arvia in the Caribbean at the incredible price we paid for 2 weeks makes next year's February holiday hard to choose

 

Ps if we didn't have some work booked in the week we get back we would be talking to the guys on the ship about spending another week on board. It's been so good so far

[Interestedcruisefan]

3 hours ago, Triggertravel said:

Having come of arvia in the last week or so,we found that the ship felt more like being in a boutique hotel,than being on a cruise ship ,no real nautical fixture and fittings if any and it is certainly gearing up for the next cruise generations.it is a beautiful ship and we will certainly go on her again , but as we all know the future of cruising is changing, and sadly the traditions that go with it

It's funny because boutique hotels are associated with being small. Obviously the ship is huge. 

 

Yet because of the way it's laid out you never feel like it's huge other than finding places on board in the first week and then when you are off the  ship looking at it from the outside

 

And there are so many places on board that feel like a boutique hotel and/or that a 5 star hotel would be proud to offer

 

Epicurean

The Infinity Pools

The Retreat - although we haven't used this holiday

The Crows Nest with the Pianist

The Cocktail bar seating area next to Sindhu

710 Club

The Atrium

The sushi restaurant

The ice cream parlour

The high end shopping opportunities

The Art gallery

The lectures available

Sindhu

The Patisserie 

The incredible gym and spa treatments available

The state of the art theatre

The state of the art cinema

The kids clubs

The high ropes

The automatic doors everywhere

The state of the art escape room

The entertainment

The options and entertainment on your cabin TV

The incredible views (which change  by the  hour)

A casino!!

A sports bar!!

 

 

All of those immediately spring to mind as being facilities all 5 star hotels would kill for yet most dont actually have! They may have aspects but nowhere near all of them

 

And I've spent silly money at many 5 star and worse hotels in my life that can't come close to this

 

I think of the money we've spent  at Center Parcs as a family. Which is considered reasonably high end for a UK family holiday experience. And I still enjoy to spend with them.

 

Another that comes to mind is Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall where my daughter worked last year. Considered one of the most exclusive family Hotels in UK. Incredibly expensive!! Food no better than Epicurean and often worse tbh. 3 times as expensive. Kids Clubs no comparison to the cruise but considered amongst the best the  UK can offer. Great beach on the doorstep. But can it compare to the Caribbean??

 

Let's not talk about the weather in UK!!

 

Or Hoar Cross Hall Hotel and Spa where we are members.

 

Or any Dubai 5 star hotel offering lots of restaurants and bars. We've done that too several times. Spent ridiculous  ridiculous money on meals no better thAn Epicurean in Dubai.

 

Having a holiday on Arvia is like somehow putting Center Parcs, Watergate Bay Hotel, Hoar Cross Hall, a bling Dubai hotel plus a little bit of Disney or Epcot into a ship together. Significantly improving them in many ways. (I say improve because Arvia has been made recently with the latest advancements in what's available technology wise). Disney and Epcot have offerings many many years old now. They don't  have covid safe doors and toilets etc. They are stuck with  what they designed many years ago by and large)

 

Anyway pick the best from all those venues I mention  above and then transfer to the Caribbean and then reduce the price by approx two thirds despite having to also fly 9 hrs to Barbados first!

 

Lol

 

Seriously it is incredible value for money in comparison

 

We know those places above inside out. They are very very expensive for what you get. Yet still highly sought after by UK clients and yet cannot remotely compare to what you get with Arvia. And people rarely complain about them?

 

Am I wrong?

 

How come we get so many complaints about cruising (including from me at times) when you compare to alternatives out there to spend your money on? With their own limitations yet higher prices?

 

If this holiday had been a let down I would be the first to complain. Trust me.

 

It's so hard to find fault though when so much is so good.

 

The staff work hard on cruise lines. Probably harder than staff at venues mentioned above.

 

Yet they seem happier on a cruise as well. Plus far more of them? Always available. Cleaning the stairs as you walk up and down them. The toilets as you use them. The dining tables are cleared instantly. They are lining up to replenish buffets before they run out of anything, 

 

Any queues on here disappear quickly due to the number of staff. We needed to change some money yesterday at guest services. There's was a long queue but 10 staff working guest services. There would be less staff working a 5 star hotel reception. We queued less than 5 minutes in a long queue

 

Ps the prices for extra food (if you need it) and drinks and cocktails once on board are more like 3 star hotel prices than 5 star hotel prices as well

 

Cocktails at 6.95, 7.95 or 8.95?

 

Quality cocktails made the right way if you choose the right bars on the ship

 

It's double or even treble that price in 5 star hotels. Try buying  a cocktail in a 5 star hotel in London!!

 

It's like Happy Hour all the time on Arvia!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 26, 2023 by Interestedcruisefan

[Interestedcruisefan]

Walking round the ship this morning I forgot a few things from my list 5 star Hotel resorts like  to offer but don't always have

 

18 whirpools

Swim up bar

Distillery

Mini golf and golf nets

Hi-tec kids clubs for multiple agegroups

Outdoor theatre/cinema

24 hr room service

Personal Trainers

 

 

 

 

 

[Beckett]

@InterestedcruisefanThank you so much for all your posts. They've been interesting, informative, and so positive. You are obviously enjoying Arvia immensely and, I think, quite sold on her. How different to the negativity of the earlier experiences those poor people had at Christmas. I am almost persuaded to try her myself now. Do keep on posting and enjoying yourselves. Best wishes. Jane xx

[Britboys]

3 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

I'm slightly scared Arvia and cruises like this will become so popular as new people tell their friends that prices will start to increase...

Assuming that the new ships ships now begin to build their own loyal passenger base then obviously prices will rise. The fact however that there are 5200+ berths to sell every week or two will keep them at a realistic level and allow for plenty of good deals.

[Ardennais]

Arvia sounds amazing!  The only difference I see to Iona is that you say tables are cleared quickly which definitely wasn’t the case during the half term cruise. Is Arvia full at the moment? How many children? 

[Selbourne]

4 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

We like to visit new places but Arvia in the Caribbean at the incredible price we paid for 2 weeks makes next year's February holiday hard to choose

With the tons of free publicity that you are giving P&O, I should think that you might get a free cruise next year! 😂 

 

On a serious note, it’s great to hear that you are having such a fabulous holiday and enjoying Arvia. It’s encouraging to hear that P&O seem to be getting their act together with the big ships, having clearly struggled initially. 
 

The acid test will be how they cope in the summer school holidays when, with most of the upper berths occupied, the passenger numbers will be around 20% more than at present, yet venue capacity and crew numbers will be no different. We are on Iona in August so will see how they cope when ‘stress tested’!

[Interestedcruisefan]

2 hours ago, Ardennais said:

Arvia sounds amazing!  The only difference I see to Iona is that you say tables are cleared quickly which definitely wasn’t the case during the half term cruise. Is Arvia full at the moment? How many children? 

Will try and ask how many are on board

 

Plenty of families on board

[Interestedcruisefan]

1 hour ago, Selbourne said:

With the tons of free publicity that you are giving P&O, I should think that you might get a free cruise next year! 😂 

 

On a serious note, it’s great to hear that you are having such a fabulous holiday and enjoying Arvia. It’s encouraging to hear that P&O seem to be getting their act together with the big ships, having clearly struggled initially. 
 

The acid test will be how they cope in the summer school holidays when, with most of the upper berths occupied, the passenger numbers will be around 20% more than at present, yet venue capacity and crew numbers will be no different. We are on Iona in August so will see how they cope when ‘stress tested’!

Yes that's the next stress test after the opening few weeks challenges they faced

[Britboys]

17 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

I've assumed it was an Irish bar. Maybe I've imagined it. Will check later

I believe it is meant to be a British Pub. As a bit of a cruise ship anorak, I can tell you the bars are named after Brodie McGhie Willcox, one of P&O's founders. He appears to have been born in Belgium to an English father and Scottish mother. The other founder was Arthur Anderson...

Host Sharon will be able to confirm as she is an expert on P&O's heritage.

Edited February 26, 2023 by Britboys

[terrierjohn]

21 minutes ago, Britboys said:

I believe it is meant to be a British Pub. As a bit of a cruise ship anorak, I can tell you the bars are named after Brodie McGhie Willcox, one of P&O's founders. He appears to have been born in Belgium to an English father and Scottish mother. The other founder was Arthur Anderson...

Host Sharon will be able to confirm as she is an expert on P&O's heritage.

I have also read the same info about the reasons for the naming of Anderson's and Brodies.