P&O Arvia Deck Plans 2026/27: Best Cabins & Decks
Arvia Aft view at sunset which deck will you choose? Photo credit: P&O Cruises.
By Kathy Taylor | Founder & Editor, Cruise Lowdown | CLIA Cruise Master | Last reviewed: August 2026
Includes the latest 5-berth booking options for Conservatory Mini-Suites and official P&O Arvia layouts.
Planning a cruise on P&O Arvia? Understanding the ship’s layout before you sail can make a huge difference to your holiday. Whether you’re choosing a cabin, looking for the best deck, or simply want to know where everything is, this complete guide to P&O Arvia deck plans explains every passenger deck in detail.
Looking for the best deck on P&O Arvia? This guide highlights the quietest decks, the best cabin locations and the areas to avoid for 2026/2027 using the latest official P&O Cruises deck plans. As an Excel-class sister ship to P&O Iona, Arvia shares a similar layout but has several key differences, including the retractable SkyDome and the open-air Altitude Activity Zone, both designed to make the most of warm-weather cruising.
Using the latest official 2026 deck plans, we’ll take you through each deck from top to bottom, highlighting where you’ll find restaurants, bars, pools, entertainment venues, family areas, the Oasis Spa, shopping and every cabin category. You’ll also discover which decks are best for quiet cabins, easy access to facilities, families and guests who prefer a smoother ride.
Along the way, we’ll help you locate signature venues such as Green & Co and the Altitude Activity Zone, identify the quietest areas of the ship and explain how the layout can influence your onboard experience. Our recommendations are based on independent analysis of the official deck plans, helping you choose the best location for your next cruise.
Kathy Taylor (Cruise Lowdown) on P&O Arvia. Photo: Cruise Lowdown
Why Trust Cruise Lowdown?
Cruise Lowdown is an independent UK cruise magazine dedicated to helping travellers make informed cruise decisions. Every guide is researched, fact-checked and regularly updated to reflect the latest cruise information.
This P&O Arvia deck guide has been reviewed and updated for 2026, including the latest deck layouts, accommodation updates and practical advice to help you choose the right cabin before you book.
- CLIA Cruise Master (2026) accredited cruise specialist
- Independent UK cruise publication
- Regularly updated with the latest ship information
- Practical, unbiased advice based on extensive cruise research and first-hand experience
"Our aim isn't just to show you the deck plans—it's to help you choose the right cabin before you book."
— Kathy Taylor, Founder & Editor, Cruise Lowdown
P&O Arvia Deck Plan: Key Takeaways
Quietest Cabin Decks: Decks 10, 11, 12 and 14 are surrounded by other cabin decks, making them some of the best choices for a quieter stay.
Deck 8 Privacy:Conservatory Mini-Suites on Deck 8 overlook the Promenade Deck, where guests regularly walk past during the day.
Potential Noise Hotspots: Cabins close to the SkyDome or beneath the Altitude Activity Zone may experience more noise, particularly during entertainment and busy daytime periods.
No Deck 13: Like many cruise ships, Arvia skips Deck 13, so passenger decks are numbered 4 to 19.
New for 2026: Selected Conservatory Mini-Suites can now accommodate up to five guests, offering more choice for larger families travelling together.
P&O Arvia Deck Plan: Ship Overview
Before diving into the deck-by-deck guide, it helps to understand how P&O Arvia is organised. As one of the largest ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, Arvia has 15 passenger decks, numbered Decks 4–19, with no Deck 13. Most accommodation is concentrated on the middle decks, while the lower and upper decks contain the majority of the ship’s public spaces.. Public venues are concentrated on the lower and upper decks, while most accommodation is located on the middle decks, helping to separate quieter cabin areas from the ship’s busiest restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
This layout makes choosing the right cabin particularly important. Guests looking for peace and quiet may prefer a cabin surrounded by other accommodation, while those wanting quick access to the SkyDome, pools or dining venues may prefer to stay closer to the public areas. Throughout this guide, we’ll explain what’s on each deck and highlight the best locations for different types of cruisers.
Choosing the right deck can have a real impact on your cruise experience, and this guide is designed to help you make the best decision before you book.
This guide is ideal if you are:
booking your first Arvia cruise
choosing between two cabins
travelling with children
looking for a quiet cabin
prone to seasickness
wanting the best balcony views
Whether you’re sailing for the first time or returning to Arvia, our independently researched deck-by-deck guide will help you find your way around the ship and choose the perfect location for your next holiday.
P&O Arvia “At a Glance”
P&O Arvia Deck Plans: What’s on Each Deck?
With 18 passenger-accessible decks, P&O Arvia is designed to make it easy to move between restaurants, entertainment, pools and accommodation. Public venues are concentrated on the lower, middle and upper decks, while most cabins are located on the decks in between, helping to separate busy social areas from quieter accommodation.
The heart of the ship is the impressive SkyDome on Deck 18, with its retractable glass roof, swimming pool, stage and relaxed seating areas. Lower down, you’ll find the Grand Atrium, theatre, shopping, bars and many of Arvia’s signature restaurants, while the upper decks are dedicated to outdoor leisure, family fun and spectacular sea views.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find on each passenger deck before we explore them in detail.
P&O Arvia Deck Plans: What's on Each Deck?
Upper Decks on Arvia
This is where you will find much of the outdoor space including pools and extensive sunbathing areas.
Deck 19: Sky Deck
Vibe: Active outdoor family entertainment and open-air sunbathing.
Key Venues: Altitude Sports Arena, Altitude Skywalk (high-ropes course), and Altitude Minigolf.
Cabins: None.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Note that this deck consists of separate elevated sports and activity zones rather than one single continuous walking track.
Deck 18: Panorama Deck
Vibe: High-altitude relaxation and resort-style family fun.
Key Venues: The Retreat, Beachcomber Pool & Bar, Panorama Pool & Bar, Splash Valley, Infinity whirlpools, Golf nets, Jogging track.
Cabins: None.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Central lifts get very busy after afternoon pool sessions.
Deck 17: Sun Deck
Vibe: Panoramic adult lounging paired with daytime kids' clubs.
Key Venues: The Crow’s Nest, Epicurean, Sky Bar,The Reef reception (kids clubs): Surfers,Scubas, Splashers, Nursery/Night Nursery, outdoor deck games, outdoor sun deck
Cabins: A small selection of Forward and Aft cabins, including Inside, Sea-View, and standard Balcony layouts.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Cabins situated far aft on Deck 17 sit directly beneath the heavy infrastructure of the Altitude Sports Arena, making them prone to daytime thumping noises according to some reports.
Deck 16: Lido Deck
Vibe: Main high-traffic, indoor-outdoor social hub.
Key Venues: SkyDome Pool, Infinity Pool, Horizon Restaurant, The Beach House, Taste 360, Crystal Bar, Laguna Bar & Sundaes, Infinity Bar, launderette
Cabins: Selection of forward cabins.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Evening noise from the aft Panorama Swim-Up Bar can affect Deck 15 balconies below.
Main Accommodation Decks
Whilst there are some cabins and suites on Decks 16 and 17, the main accommodation decks are Decks 9 - 15. There are further cabins on Deck 8 (Promenade Deck) and Decks 4 & 5.
Deck 15:
Vibe: Primary passenger cabin level
Key Venues: None.
Cabins: Extensive range of cabins
Cruise Lowdown Tip: in my opinion High-risk noise zone. Avoid mid-ship (under SkyDome stage) and mid-aft (under Horizon Buffet kitchens).
Deck 14:
Vibe: Quiet, residential "cabin-only" deck.
Key Venues: Mid-ship self-service launderette.
Cabins: Extensive selection of Inside, Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, and luxury forward and aft Suites.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Deck 14 is one of our preferred accommodation decks because cabins are surrounded predominantly by other accommodation, rather than major public venues.
Deck 12:
Vibe: Highly stable, quiet residential deck.
Key Venues: Mid-ship self-service launderette.
Cabins: Pure residential layout offering Inside, Sea-View, Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, and Suite accommodations.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: This deck is excellent for passengers prone to motion sickness, as mid-ship cabins on this level experience less movement compared to the higher sun decks.
Deck 11:
Vibe: Calm, uncrowded accommodation floor.
Key Venues: Mid-ship self-service launderette.
Cabins: Full passenger cabin deck containing Inside, Single Balconies, standard Balconies, and top-tier Suites.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Look closely at the forward layout on this deck if travelling solo; it houses some of the highly sought-after Category QZ Single Balcony cabins.
Deck 10:
Vibe: Peaceful, quiet residential sweet spot.
Key Venues: Mid-ship self-service launderette.
Cabins: Pure passenger layout consisting of Inside, Sea-View, standard Balcony, and expansive Suite variations.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Sitting far above the lower public venues and well below the bustling pool decks, this is one of the most reliable decks on the ship to enjoy an uninterrupted night's sleep.
Deck 9:
Vibe: Premium cabin level with unique architectural floor plan advantages.
Key Venues: Mid-ship self-service launderette.
Cabins: Conservatory Mini-Suites, Inside, Sea View and Balcony accommodation, including dedicated Single cabins.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Check the forward-to-mid section of Deck 9 on the deck plans. Because the hull flares out visually below this deck, the standard balconies here often have a much deeper balcony of those on higher levels in same category.
Deck 8: Promenade Deck
P&O Arvia Deck 8 Promenade Deck
Vibe: Wide outdoor walkways, immersive entertainment, and al fresco dining.
Key Venues: The half-mile outdoor Promenade walking track with outdoor dining, Sindhu and Sindhu Bar, Keel & Cow, Green & Co featuring Mizuhana, The Quays, The Club House and Sunset Bar.
Cabins: Lower row of Conservatory Mini-Suites and a selection of Family Sea View Suites.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: Deck 8 Conservatory Mini-Suites are alongside the Promenade, so passengers using the walkway can see towards the cabin and balcony area. If privacy is important, check the exact cabin position before booking.
Deck 7: Parade Deck
Vibe: High-energy evening entertainment, premium shopping, and social bars.
Key Venues: Zenith Restaurant, Grand shopping in The Avenue, Reception, Loyalty & Cruise Sales, photo gallery, Shore Excursions, Casino, Brodies pub, The Glass House, and the Headliners Theatre.
Cabins: None.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: This is a pure entertainment tier. It is the best place to head for pre-dinner drinks and glamorous evening cocktail sessions.
Deck 6 Gala Deck:
Vibe: Main show lounges, American dining, and cinematic entertainment.
Key Venues: Headliners Theatre (lower level), 6th Street Diner (Arvia's exclusive all-American eatery), The Olive Grove, Mission Control, Ocean Studios cinema, the Limelight Club supper-club, The 710 Club, Anderson's Bar, The Amber Lounge, Vistas Cafe Bar and the Aft-located Meridian Restaurant.
Cabins: None.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: As the primary entertainment deck, expect high traffic from 6:00 PM onwards. The 6th Street Diner, situated in a high-traffic area, is popular with families; booking early is recommended.
Deck 5:
P&O Arvia Deck 5
Vibe: The central heartbeat of the ship’s interior layout.
Key Venues: Oasis Gym & Thermal Suite, Treatment Rooms, Studio, Oasis Spa, Art Gallery.
Cabins: Substantial number of cabins, including standard Inside and Category SZ Single Inside cabins.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: The single inside cabins tucked right behind the Oasis Spa entry corridors on this deck are exceptionally quiet and feature virtually no daytime corridor foot traffic.
Deck 4:
P&O Arvia Deck 4
Vibe: Lowest accommodation deck, with a selection of Inside and Sea View cabins
Key Venues: The port-day gangway embarkation doors.
Cabins: A collection of low-motion Inside and Oceanview (Sea-View) passenger staterooms.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: This is the lowest cabin deck on the ship. If you struggle severely with sea sickness, book a mid-ship room on this level; being close to the ship's central axis drastically minimizes structural pitching and rolling.
🛑 P&O Arvia Cabins to Avoid
Choosing the right cabin on Arvia isn’t simply about picking the highest deck or the best view. The position of your cabin in relation to busy public areas can make a difference, particularly if you are a light sleeper or prefer a peaceful balcony.
Cabins beneath busy public areas
Deck 15 is worth checking carefully before booking. It contains a large amount of accommodation directly below areas of the Lido Deck, including the SkyDome, pools and other busy public spaces. Depending on the exact cabin position, you may hear activity from above, particularly during busy daytime periods or when venues are being prepared or cleaned.
This doesn’t mean every Deck 15 cabin will be noisy. The exact position matters, so check the deck above your chosen cabin rather than rejecting the entire deck.
💡 How to Pick a Safe Cabin on Deck 15
If you prefer Deck 15, check the exact cabin against the Deck 16 layout before booking. Cabins positioned beneath other accommodation are generally preferable to those directly beneath busy public areas. The deck plan is the best way to identify what is immediately above your chosen cabin.
Promenade-facing cabins on Deck 8
Some Deck 8 Conservatory Mini-suites overlook the Promenade Deck. These cabins have an unusual layout and can offer excellent accommodation, but their position means passengers using the promenade can see towards the cabin and balcony area.
P&O’s current deck plan specifically identifies cabins on the Promenade Deck and notes that some balconies are visible from the Promenade.
If privacy is important to you, look carefully at the individual cabin position before booking.
Cabins with obstructed or restricted views
Don’t assume that every balcony or Sea View cabin has an uninterrupted ocean view. P&O’s deck plan identifies cabins with obstructed views, as well as cabins where balconies may be shaded or visible from above, neighbouring balconies and/or the Promenade Deck.
If the view is important to you, always check the specific cabin number rather than relying solely on the cabin grade.
Forward cabins and the bridge
P&O notes that balconies in the forward section of Arvia can be overlooked by the bridge. If privacy is important, this is another reason to check the exact cabin location before booking.
Forward cabins can also experience more movement in rough seas than cabins closer to midships. If you are particularly sensitive to ship movement, a midship cabin on a lower or middle accommodation deck may be a better choice.
Our advice
There isn’t one deck that every passenger should avoid. The best approach is to look at the exact cabin position on the latest P&O deck plan and check what is directly above, below and around it.
For the quietest possible location, we generally favour cabins surrounded by other accommodation rather than cabins immediately beside or below busy public areas. Midship locations can also be a good choice if you want to minimise the effects of ship movement.
Always check the individual cabin number before booking. P&O’s deck plans use symbols to identify obstructed views, shaded balconies, Promenade visibility, interconnecting cabins and other features that can make one cabin different from another in the same grade.
The Best Decks and Cabins to Book on P&O Arvia
There is no single “best” deck on P&O Arvia for everyone. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise a quiet cabin, easy access to the ship’s facilities, a good balcony or reduced movement at sea.
For a combination of quiet surroundings, convenient location and a smoother ride, we favour the middle accommodation decks, particularly Decks 10, 11, 12 and 14. These decks are predominantly accommodation, with cabins above and below, keeping you further away from the ship’s busiest public areas.
Best for a Quiet Cabin: Decks 10, 11, 12 and 14
If peace and quiet are your priority, these are among the best decks to consider. They are primarily accommodation decks, rather than being directly adjacent to major restaurants, theatres, pools or entertainment venues.
For the best chance of a peaceful night’s sleep, look for a midship cabin surrounded by other cabins, rather than one immediately below or above a busy public area.
P&O itself recommends a lower, centrally located cabin for guests looking for a quieter location with less movement.
Best for Less Movement: Lower and Midship Cabins
If you are prone to feeling the movement of the ship, a lower-deck, centrally located cabin is generally the best choice. P&O specifically recommends this type of location for guests looking for less movement.
On Arvia, this makes the lower and middle accommodation decks worth considering, particularly around the midship area.
Best for Balcony Choice: Decks 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15
Arvia has balcony cabins across several decks. P&O’s current deck plan lists Deluxe Balcony cabins on the Promenade Deck and Decks 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15, with standard and smaller balcony cabins also available on several other decks.
For the best combination of balcony and a quieter location, we’d favour a midship balcony on Decks 9–14, checking the individual cabin on the deck plan before booking.
Best for a Larger Balcony: Check the Individual Cabin
Don’t assume every balcony on the same deck is identical. Arvia’s deck plan identifies balconies that are shaded, visible from above or neighbouring balconies, steel-fronted or otherwise different from standard balconies. It also identifies cabins with obstructed views.
If the balcony itself is important to you, check the exact cabin number rather than choosing solely by cabin grade.
Best for Families: Conservatory Mini-suites
Arvia has a selection of Conservatory Mini-suites, located on the Promenade Deck and Deck 9. P&O has also introduced a selection of five-berth Conservatory Mini-suites, available on Arvia from sailings beginning in July 2026. These cabins have a fixed double bed, a pull-down single bed and a double sofa bed.
For families of up to five, these provide an option that allows everyone to stay together, although P&O recommends checking the dimensions of the individual cabin because sizes can vary.
Note Early booking recommended as these are much sought-after cabins.
Best for Solo Travellers: Decks 9, 11 and 14
Arvia has single Balcony cabins on Decks 9, 11 and 14, while single Inside cabins are available on Decks 5, 8, 9, 12 and 14.
For solo travellers who want their own outdoor space, the single Balcony cabins on Decks 9, 11 and 14 are therefore the ones to look for.
Best Overall Choice
For most passengers, our first choice would be a midship cabin on Deck 10, 11, 12 or 14, provided the individual cabin is not directly beside a lift, public area or other potential source of noise.
These decks offer a particularly good balance of quiet surroundings, central positioning and access to the rest of the ship.
Cruise Lowdown verdict: Don’t choose a cabin by deck number alone. Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred deck, check the exact cabin on P&O’s latest deck plan. The symbols can reveal obstructed views, shaded balconies, Promenade visibility, interconnecting doors and other features that can make two cabins in the same grade quite different.
Conservatory Mini-Suites and New 5-Berth Layouts
🛋️ What is a P&O Cruises Conservatory Mini-Suite?
Exclusive to P&O Cruises’ Excel-class ships (Arvia and Iona), the Conservatory Mini-Suite is a specialised premium cabin tier designed to offer an indoor-outdoor living concept.
Instead of a traditional layout where the cabin door opens directly onto an open-air balcony, these rooms insert a dedicated lounge area (the "conservatory") between the main bedroom and the outdoor balcony. It features:
An lounge sofa with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
An extra set of folding glass doors that can isolate the conservatory from the main cabin body.
Premium cabin perks including The White Company upgraded luxury toiletries, included bathrobes, and a personal Espresso coffee machine.
Where are the Conservatory Mini-suites on Arvia?
The current P&O deck plan shows Conservatory Mini-suites on:
* Deck 8 – Promenade Deck
* Deck 9
The Deck 8 cabins are particularly distinctive because they are positioned alongside the Promenade Deck. P&O’s deck plan specifically identifies cabins on this deck as being visible from the Promenade, so they are worth considering carefully if privacy is important to you.
Deck 9 offers another selection of Conservatory Mini-suites without the same Promenade-level positioning, making these worth considering if you like the extra living space but would prefer to be further removed from the outdoor walkway.
Five-berth Conservatory Mini-suites (cabin numbers)
For 2026, P&O has introduced a limited number of five-berth Conservatory Mini-suites on Arvia, giving families of five the option of staying together in one cabin, subject to availability. P&O currently lists 15 five-berth Arvia cabins:
Deck 8: 8237, 8238, 8303, 8310, 8311, 8318 and 8319
Deck 9: 9606, 9611, 9614, 9617, 9618, 9626, 9629 and 9630. (P&O Cruises)
The five-berth configuration comprises a fixed double bed, a pull-down single bed and a double sofa bed. P&O advises that the cabins vary, so it is worth checking the individual cabin details before booking.
Are Conservatory Mini-suites worth booking?
If you enjoy having a separate area between your bedroom and balcony, they can be an excellent choice. P&O lists them at approximately 274 square feet, including the conservatory-style space, although individual cabins can vary.
For couples, the additional space can make the cabin feel considerably more spacious than a standard balcony cabin. For families, the new five-berth options provide a particularly useful alternative to booking two cabins with the bonus of extra outdoor space for children to play.
Cruise Lowdown tip: If you’re considering a Deck 8 Conservatory Mini-suite, check the exact cabin on the deck plan before booking. The Promenade position means that privacy is different from a conventional balcony cabin, with passengers walking outside. If privacy is a priority, a Deck 9 Conservatory Mini-suite may be the better choice.
5-Berth Conservatory Mini-Suites: The Lowdown
Arvia has 15 Conservatory Mini-Suites that can accommodate up to five guests, using an existing cabin layout rather than a larger cabin footprint.
- Fixed double bed – can be configured as twins where applicable
- Double sofa bed
- Pull-down single bed
- Cot option – a cot can be used as the fifth berth when travelling with an infant
Our advice: Five people can share these cabins, but check the individual cabin dimensions and sleeping arrangement before booking, particularly if all five guests are adults.
The Bedding Infrastructure
It is critical to note that Arvia has not undergone a physical refit or cabin renovation to achieve this. The structural dimensions and storage footprint of the rooms remain entirely unchanged from their original 4-berth designs. Instead, P&O has updated their booking configurations to maximize the existing structural bedding layouts:
Beds 1 & 2: The standard fixed double bed (which can be split into two single twin configurations).
Beds 3 & 4: The main interior cabin sofa, which converts directly into a double sofa bed.
Bed 5: A single pull-down Pullman berth that lowers from the cabin ceiling.
Infant Exception: Unlike the 5-berth setups on Britannia, Arvia’s 5-berth Conservatory Mini-Suites can accommodate a travel cot as the 5th berth option if travelling with an infant.
🔍 Location and The Deck 8 vs. Deck 9 Dilemma
Conservatory Mini-Suites are located strictly across two specific decks on Arvia: Deck 8 (Promenade Deck)and Deck 9 (Sea Deck). Despite having identical interior dimensions, their structural positioning creates vastly different experiences regarding privacy and safety.
Deck 8 or Deck 9? Our Pick
Deck 8: The Promenade Deck location gives these Conservatory Mini-Suites a distinctive position, but passengers using the Promenade can be close to the cabin and balcony area. Check the exact cabin if privacy matters to you.
Deck 9: One deck higher and away from the Promenade, making it our preferred choice if you want a Conservatory Mini-Suite with a more conventional balcony setting.
Cruise Lowdown verdict: If two otherwise similar cabins are available at a similar price, we'd choose Deck 9 for greater privacy.
🛑 Deck 8 Mini-Suites
Privacy Vibe: Low – Passersby walking the Promenade track can look straight in at eye level.
Balcony Type: Flush deck level with a wooden access gate opening onto the public deck walkway.
Sea Views: Distant views looking across the wide Promenade track first.
Noise Profile: Higher risk from early morning walkers and open-deck strollers.
💎 Deck 9 Mini-Suites
Privacy Vibe: High – Elevated safely one deck higher, breaking the line of sight from passersby.
Balcony Type: Traditional overhanging cantilevered balcony with solid glass structures.
Sea Views: Direct down-and-out open ocean vistas clear of the deck canopy below.
Noise Profile: Quiet residential buffer zone well away from public foot traffic.
The Pricing Trap: 5-Berth Cabin vs. Interconnecting Rooms
Before locking in a 5-berth Conservatory booking, check the deck plan for interconnecting standard balcony or outside cabins. Booking two standard interconnecting rooms often comes out cheaper or price-matched while providing your family with two full bathrooms, twice the wardrobe storage, and significantly more privacy.
Single Cabins (Solo Cruisers Guide)
P&O Arvia Solo Cabins: Dedicated Single Accommodation
Unlike older cruise ships that hid solo cabins away in dark, windowless interior corners, Arvia was designed from the drawing board to cater to solo travellers. The ship features 22 dedicated single cabins distributed across multiple accommodation decks.
Crucially, booking one of these dedicated single rooms completely eliminates the dreaded single supplement fee, meaning solo cruisers only pay for the exact space they occupy.
Single Cabin Types and Deck Layouts
Solo travellers on Arvia can choose between two distinct cabin categories depending on their budget and preference for natural light.
1. Single Inside Cabins (Category SZ)
Where to find them: Positioned across Deck 5, Deck 8, Deck 9, Deck 12 and Deck 14.
The Layout: These rooms feature a comfortable single bed, a compact wardrobe, a flat-screen television, and a full en-suite wet room style bathroom.
The Best Position: The single inside cabins on Deck 5 are highly recommended. They sit in a quiet pocket tucked just behind the Oasis Spa treatment rooms, providing a peaceful environment with minimal corridor foot traffic.
2. Single Balcony Cabins (Category QZ)
Where to find them: Located on the forward port and starboard flanks of Deck 9, Deck 11 and Deck 14.
The Layout: These are essentially scaled-down versions of standard balcony cabins. They feature a single bed configuration and a private, fully realized outdoor balcony area complete with two chairs and a drinks table.
The Best Position: Target the single balconies on Deck 11 or Deck 14. These positions place you within a pure residential "cabin sandwich" layer, keeping you well away from any public venue noise while offering elevated, expansive sea views.
The Solo Cruiser Trap: Standard Cabins for Sole Occupancy
If the 22 dedicated single cabins sell out, P&O Cruises will allow solo travellers to book standard double inside, sea-view, or balcony cabins for sole occupancy.
However, you must check the fine print and pricing structure before proceeding. Booking a standard double room as a solo traveller on Arvia usually triggers a single supplement penalty of up to 100%, effectively forcing you to pay double the cruise fare to secure the room. Always cross-reference the official deck plans early to lock down a true SZ or QZ category cabin to protect your holiday budget.
P&O Arvia Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no Deck 13 on P&O Arvia?
Like almost all ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, Arvia does not have a Deck 13 due to long-standing maritime superstition surrounding the number 13. The deck numbering jumps directly from Deck 12 (C Deck) up to Deck 14 (Riviera Deck). If your cabin is assigned to Deck 14, remember that your room is physically located on the 13th structural tier of the vessel.
Where are the designated smoking areas located on Arvia's deck plans?
Smoking - including electronic cigarettes and vapes - is strictly prohibited inside all cabins, on private cabin balconies, and within internal public spaces. Failing to follow this policy will result in heavy daily cleaning fines and potential removal from the vessel.
Instead, passengers must use the designated outdoor smoking zones clearly marked on the open decks:
Deck 8 (Promenade Deck): Starboard side, located midway along the outdoor walking track.
Deck 16 (Lido Deck): Starboard side forward, just outside the glass entrance doors to the SkyDome.
Deck 18 (Panorama Deck): Starboard side aft near the Bar de Mar and mid-ship lift pool exit.
How many lift banks does Arvia have and which is the busiest?
Arvia features three major passenger lift columns distributed across the deck blueprint: Forward, Mid-ship, and Aft, containing 22 smart elevators in total.
The Mid-ship lift bank is the most congested zone on the ship. Because it handles the primary vertical traffic flow down into the three-deck Grand Atrium hub (Decks 5, 6, and 7) and straight up into the Horizon Buffet and SkyDome (Deck 16), wait times can become severe during peak dining hours and embarkation day. If you have mobility limitations or prefer fewer crowd delays, target a cabin positioned closer to the Forward or Aft lift columns.
Where is the Medical Centre located on board?
The Medical Centre is situated at the very bottom of the passenger layout on Deck 4 (Gala Deck) forward. It can be accessed quickly via the forward lift bank or forward stairwell.
The facility is fully staffed by British-registered doctors and nurses to handle minor ailments as well as maritime medical emergencies. Note that access to this deck corridor is occasionally restricted during port days when the area is utilized for gangway operations.
Which decks feature the self-service launderettes?
Arvia features eight complimentary self-service launderettes spread mid-ship across the main accommodation levels:
Decks 4 & 5 (Gala & Plaza Decks)
Decks 9 & 10 (Sea & A Decks)
Decks 11 & 12 (B & C Decks)
Decks 14 & 15 (Riviera & Marina Decks)
Washing machines, tumble dryers, irons, and ironing boards are free to use, but you will need to bring your own washing powder or purchase sheets on board. These rooms are locked overnight (typically closing at 10:00 PM) to protect nearby cabins from operational noise.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Are there any formal nights on Arvia, and where do they happen?
Yes, Arvia proudly upholds the traditional cruise Celebration Nights (Black Tie evenings). As a general rule, a 7-night cruise features one formal night, while standard 14-night Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries feature between two and four Black Tie nights.
The main dress code rules apply after 6:00 PM across the formal-inclusive zones, which include the Zenith and Meridian Main Dining Rooms (Decks 5 and 6), The Epicurean (Deck 17), and the Grand Atrium bars. The Horizon Buffet on Deck 16 remains completely casual every night of the cruise if you prefer to bypass dressing up.
Is P&O Arvia bigger than Iona?
While both vessels are built to the exact same Excel-class blueprint dimensions (345 metres long with 18 passenger decks), Arvia is marginally heavier than Iona by gross tonnage (184,700 tons vs. 184,089 tons).
The primary layout difference is environmental: Iona features a fixed glass dome built for colder northern European itineraries, whereas Arvia features a fully motorised retractable roof SkyDome designed to open up during warmer Caribbean and Mediterranean seasons.
Can you wear shorts in the restaurants at night on Arvia?
It depends entirely on the venue. After 6:00 PM, smart tailored shorts are permitted in casual evening dining venues, which on Arvia includes the Horizon Buffet, 6th Street Diner, The Beach House, The Glass House, and The Olive Grove.
However, shorts of any kind - including high-end tailored shorts - are strictly banned after 6:00 PM inside the main formal dining rooms (Meridian and Zenith) and specialty restaurants like Sindhu and The Epicurean. For more detail see my Comprehensive Guide to P&O Dress Codes.
Which cabins have overlooked balconies on the Arvia deck plan?
There are two main areas where your balcony privacy can be compromised by the ship’s structure:
The Bridge Overlook: Standard balcony cabins located on the far-forward sections of Decks 9 through 14 can be easily overlooked by officers working on the overhanging navigation bridge wings.
The Promenade Overlook: All Conservatory Mini-Suites and standard balconies located along Deck 8sit directly flush against the public outdoor walking track, allowing passing passengers a direct, eye-level view straight into your outdoor and indoor seating areas.
Does P&O Arvia charge for tips and gratuities?
No, tipping is neither required nor expected on board Arvia. P&O Cruises automatically includes all crew gratuities and service charges directly within your initial booking fare. The price you see on your account statement for drinks, spa treatments, or specialty dining is the final price you pay, with no surprise service percentages tacked on at checkout.
The Lowdown
Final Verdict: Is Arvia the Right Ship for You?
Arvia is a phenomenal choice if you love contemporary, resort-style cruising, innovative dining concepts like Green & Co, and high-energy outdoor activities. Because she was designed specifically for warm-weather itineraries, her layout shines when the retractable SkyDome is wide open to the Caribbean sun or Mediterranean breezes.
However, because she carries over 5,200 passengers at standard occupancy, picking the wrong stateroom can lead to a frustrating experience with noise, crowds, or a complete lack of privacy.
Cruising Lowdown’s Top Booking Rules
To ensure your holiday is memorable for the right reasons, keep these three golden layout rules in mind when finalizing your booking:
Prioritise the "Cabin Sandwich": If you are a light sleeper, do not gamble on a Saver fare where P&O allocates your room. Pay the extra premium to select your exact cabin on Decks 10, 11, 12, or 14 to guarantee you are insulated by carpeted residential cabins above and below.
Weigh Up the Conservatory Trade-Off: The Conservatory Mini-Suites offer a brilliant extra layout layer for families, especially with the new 5-berth booking allocations. However, if privacy matters to you, avoid Deck 8 entirely and strictly book your Conservatory Mini-Suite on Deck 9.
Check the Overhangs: If you love sunbathing on your own private balcony, look closely at the deck plan for structural overhangs from the Lido deck or the bridge wings, which can severely restrict the amount of direct sunlight your balcony receives.
Further reading: