BRITAIN’S newest cruise ship is to offer a Caribbean maiden season of fly/cruise holidays, P&O announced today.

Arvia, the second ship in the line to be powered by liquified natural gas, will be the “epitome of a sunshine resort” cruise line bosses pledged.

Launching in December 2022, with capacity for 5,200 passengers, she will offer holidays from home port Barbados and from Antigua.

The new Caribbean itineraries, running from January to March 2023, will also feature for the first time La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

La Romana

And there’ll be calls at Curaçao, Martinique, St Kitts, St Lucia and St Maarten.

What’s more, Arvia’s seven and 14-night fly/cruises from the UK will all include an overnight call in Barbados.

Longer 22-night holidays departing from, or returning to, Southampton with UK flights will also be available. 

As previously reported in the blog, Arvia will boast a number of famous firsts including a high ropes attraction 177ft above the sea that will appeal to adrenaline-seeking shipmates.

Arvia’s Altitude Skywalk will offer two courses to cater for those with a head for heights of all ages.

The SkyDome

Other new attractions include a swim-up bar, an infinity pool with uninterrupted views from the stern, and a retractable SkyDome to turn the main pool area into a night-time entertainment venue.

Sister to Iona, which is shortly set to sail UK cruises after her launch was delayed by the pandemic, Arvia is Latin for “from the seashore”.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Arvia holidays, alongside the rest of our winter 2022 season, will be on sale very shortly.

“We cannot wait to bring our newest ship to our glorious home port of Barbados and also to Antigua, which will be a first-time turnaround port for P&O Cruises. 

Antigua

“The Caribbean is the optimal maiden season destination for Arvia – a ship where every facet, including unique retractable roof SkyDome and Altitude Skywalk high ropes, is designed to provide exceptional views of the ocean, seashore and surrounding destinations.

“From the very initial concept Arvia has been created to be the epitome of a sunshine resort, developed to be an ideal way to enjoy the Caribbean’s turquoise waters and white sandy beaches like never before.”

Iona

The news comes just days after P&O reported an “unprecedented” boom in bookings for UK cruises on Iona and Britannia between June and September.

For more information or to book a P&O Cruises holiday call 0345 3 555 111, visit www.pocruises.com or contact a trusted travel agent.