Long story short – in 2024 we ended up on a long one! On the biggest
cruise liner in P&O’s fleet!
Cruising the Caribbean on P&O Arvia – Sun, Sea & Serenity
There’s something magical about waking up to the sight of turquoise waters and palm-
fringed islands — and sailing the Caribbean aboard P&O Arvia was the perfect way for us to experience it. From the moment we stepped onboard in Barbados, we knew this would be more than a holiday; it was a floating adventure through paradise.
⚓ First Impressions: Life on Board Arvia
P&O’s Arvia is a modern marvel — light, spacious, and designed to make the most of those endless sea views. Our balcony cabin quickly became a favourite spot for morning coffee as the ship glided smoothly between the islands.
The atmosphere onboard strikes a lovely balance between relaxed and refined. Whether we were lounging by the Infinity Pool, catching a movie under the stars at SkyDome, or
enjoying a sunset cocktail at The Sunset Bar, every moment felt effortlessly indulgent.
And the food — what a treat! From fine dining at Epicurean to the laid-back Caribbean
flavours at The Beach House, every meal was a highlight. We couldn’t resist the pancakes at 6th Street Diner, either — easily the best at sea!
💎 Island-Hopping Adventures
St. Lucia – The Heart of Natural Beauty
Towering Pitons, lush rainforests, and the warmest smiles. We took a catamaran tour and
snorkelled in crystal-clear coves beneath the majestic peaks.
St. Maarten – Culture, Colour & Caribbean Charm
A mix of Dutch and French influences makes St. Maarten unique. Watching planes swoop
over Maho Beach was unforgettable, and the island’s shopping scene was a nice bonus.
Antigua – 365 Beaches of Bliss
With a beach for every day of the year, Antigua is paradise for sun lovers. We spent a lazy
afternoon on Dickenson Bay, enjoying the calm turquoise sea and a cool rum punch.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands – Views & Vibes
Winding mountain roads led us to breathtaking viewpoints before descending to Cane
Garden Bay for a beachside lunch and local music.
Dominica – The Nature Island
Dominica’s rainforest trails and waterfalls are stunning. We hiked through lush greenery to a secluded pool where we swam beneath a cascading waterfall — pure serenity.
💎 Evenings at Sea – Entertainment & Elegance
As the sun set each evening, Arvia came alive with entertainment. From dazzling theatre
shows to live jazz, comedy, and late-night movies, there was always something to enjoy.
Our favourite moments were the quiet ones — sitting under the stars on the top deck,
cocktail in hand, listening to the waves as the ship sailed on into the night.
💎 Back to Barbados – Ending in Paradise
Our journey came full circle as we returned to Barbados, where our adventure had begun. We spent our final day exploring Bridgetown’s colourful markets and relaxing at Carlisle
Bay, swimming one last time in those inviting Caribbean waters before saying goodbye to Arvia.
💎 Final Thoughts
Our Caribbean cruise on P&O Arvia was everything we’d dreamed of — a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and discovery. Every sunrise brought a new adventure, and every island
left a piece of itself in our hearts.
If you’re dreaming of white sands, vibrant culture, and the freedom of the open sea, Arvia
might just be your perfect escape.
✈️ Quick Cruise Facts
- Cruise Line: P&O Cruises
- Ship: Arvia
- Duration: 14 nights
- Embarkation & Disembarkation Port: Barbados
- Islands Visited: St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Antigua, Tortola (BVI), Dominica
P.S – We enjoyed it so much we did same cruise exactly 12 months later!!!