Arvia vs Iona: Seven Differences Between P&O Cruises’ Sister Ships

What sets Arvia and Iona apart?

P&O Cruises is renowned for its blend of family-friendly and adult-only ships, offering a distinctively British cruising experience. Two of their most discerning vessels, Arvia and Iona, are celebrated by many seasoned cruisers as embodying P&O Cruises’ beloved way of cruising best. 

Arvia and Iona, catered to young families as well as couples, have been described as being specifically designed to ‘invite the outdoors' and share many similarities, features and amenities. However, there are some key differences between the two sparkling ships. 

So, if you’re planning your next cruise holiday and deciding which of these Excel Class ships to sail on, we’ve put together a handy guide to explain in detail some of the marked differences between these two P&O Cruises ships. 

1. A cruise ship pool rarity

On both ships, there are several places where you can lounge in turquoise waters and enjoy the spectacular passing land or ocean scenery, from the infinity pools and whirlpools on deck to the pools protected from the elements under the ships’ impressive SkyDomes.  

However, Arvia offers a rarely sighted cruise ship feature – a swim-up bar! There are 12 water seats to perch on, as well as more places to chill out and sip a cocktail around the pool edge. 

It’s the perfect place to while away the hours in port or at sea. 

2. Spectacular SkyDome

Both Iona and Arvia house a spectacular glass-roofed SkyDome on board. Under the twinkle of this glass roof, there are a whole host of activities for you to enjoy, whether it’s relaxing by the pool during the day, being mesmerised by incredible aerial acrobatics in their immersive evening shows or snuggling down to enjoy a movie at their onboard cinema. 

After the sun goes down, SkyDome transforms once again to offer dancing, DJ sets and cocktail parties under the stars. The difference with the SkyDome on Arvia is its retractable roof, providing a little cooling relief when amidst the heat of the Caribbean or Mediterranean sun.

3. Diversity in dining

Both P&O Cruises Excel ships offer ‘freedom dining’, so there are no restrictions on when to dine, and there’s plenty of choice of tasty cuisine to savour too – as there are more than thirty places to eat and drink! From traditional and comforting fish and chips at The Quays and gastropub favourites like juicy spatchcock chicken or hearty beefburgers at The Keel & Cow, to the Asian aromas of Sindhu, there’s a flavour for every guest. 

Arvia brings new additions to the dining options, including the all-America 6th Street Diner and the plant- and fish-focused menu of Green & Co., which showcases expert sushi courtesy of Mizuhana. 

4. Activities onboard

Arvia offers some exciting new P&O Cruises activities in addition to those seen on its sister ship, Iona. For those that love the thrill of an adrenaline rush, there’s ‘Altitude Skywalk’, a high ropes course that allows you to traverse a route suspended 54 metres above the ocean. 

For an equally fun but more sedate experience, you can try out Arvia’s tropical island-themed, nine-hole mini-golf course, an addition to the sporting activities found on both ships that include table tennis, football and basketball. Also exclusive to Arvia is Mission Control, a multi-sensory escape room experience that features a fictional underwater submarine adventure.

5. New levels of serenity at the spa

Iona offers an array of spa and wellness facilities that ensure you are utterly relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated on your cruise holiday. Relax in the thermal suite, with its sauna, sensory steam room and experiential showers or unwind in the hydrotherapy pool. 

The ship also boasts a full range of beauty and spa treatments to allow you to feel your ultimate best. However, Arvia has a few more amenities in addition to these offerings. 

There are two VIP Couple Suites with a hammam and steam room, a therapeutic cool room, a restorative salt sauna and an invigorating pebble foot massage that combines hot- and cold-water treatments to stimulate circulation.

6. A similarly green outlook

Appreciating the need for more climate-friendly cruises, the team building Arvia designed her to be powered by liquefied natural gas, just like her sister ship Iona making them both among the world’s greenest ships.

7. Immersive itineraries

Arvia currently splits her time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. In the winters, she and her passengers soak up the winter sun exploring the tranquil islands of Barbados, St Kitts, and St Lucia, among other Caribbean destinations. 

In the summer, Arvia sails on all kinds of itineraries, predominantly from the popular British port Southampton, to incredible Mediterranean destinations, such as Italy, Spain and France. 

Iona’s current sailing patterns largely involve cruises (but may be subject to change) from Southampton to Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords in spring and summer and Spain and Portugal, and the Canary Islands in the autumn and winter. Itineraries usually start and end in her home port of Southampton.