The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre- or post cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
DAY 531 Oct 2023
Home to one of Europe’s most famous beaches as well as an abundance of historic architecture and natural beauty, Las Palmas is much more than just a place for fun in the sun. Hike the breath-taking Bandama Caldera crater, discover the interactive Elder Museum of Science and Technology, or for those just looking to relax, grab a lounger and top up your tan on the beach, or visit the high-end boutiques and shop until you drop.
Things to do in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria:
Bandama Caldera
The epic Caldera de Bandama is a volcanic crater stretching 1,000 metres in diameter. Thanks to the observation platform you can enjoy the sweeping views from the top, or – for the brave – take the adventurous hike down into the crater itself.
Casa de Colon
This excellent, informative museum – and originally Christopher Cloumbus’ house before he embarked upon his travels - is dedicated to the history of the famous explorer. Visitors will find his personal possessions, drawings, diaries and a portrait, as well as two talkative macaws.
Elder Museum of Science and Technology
Specialising in hands-on interaction, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology features weird and wonderful scientific exhibits. With four floors of content, you’ll find everything from physics to biology, art to engineering and even a planetarium.
Las Canteras
Among Europe’s most famous city beaches is Las Canteras, a golden-sandy beach with calm waters perfect for swimming and year-round warm weather. Spend the day snorkelling, sunbathing and swimming before filling up for dinner at the restaurants and bars.
Las Palmas Cathedral
Considered the most important monument of Canarian religious architecture, Cathedral of Santa Ana features Gothic, neoclassical and Baroque styles of architecture. Inside, you’ll find more stunning examples of expert craftsmanship as well as a tower from which you’ll see stunning views.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
DAY 2217 Nov 2023
The capital of the southern Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. A sun-filled paradise, Philipsburg is perfect for making the most of the golden sandy beaches and crystal blue sea. One quirk of the city is the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit - a must for any Star Wars fans!
Things to do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten:
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
This unexpected treasure in the Caribbean is an absolute must for movie fanatics and science-fiction enthusiasts. Showcasing the history of Nick Malley, who created Yoda from Star Wars, this museum boasts memorabilia from the franchise, such as scripts, storyboards and props.
Great Bay Beach
Enjoy a relaxing walk along Great Bay Beach - a popular attraction within the town, with beautiful white sand, a vibrant boardwalk and an array of ships, restaurants and more on its shore.
The Rusty Parrot
Feel transported back in time, to the time of the pirates at this fun attraction. From hearing true stories of pirates’ escapades to state-of-the-art multimedia displays, this family-friendly attraction is a unique experience in Phillipsburg.
Flight departs
DAY 23
What's included
Included
Entertainment
Choose from a variety of things to entertain yourself including restaurants, bars, theatre, pools and much more.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.
P&O having a no tipping policy. Since May 2019 they removed the automatic daily service charge so you no longer have to worry about tips onboard.
Flights
Fly from a variety of UK airports including London Airports. You will have a luggage allowance of between 18 - 23 kg (depending on airline). A shuttle bus will take you from the airport to your ship.
Onboard spend *
Free onboard spending money when booking a select price P&O cruise which can be spent in onboard shops, on spa treatments, speciality dining & more!
Port taxes & fees
No suprises. All port fees and taxes are included in the price
*Included depending on the fare selected.
Extras
Drinks
Included with meals are some soft drinks, teas and coffees but the majority of drinks are extra. You can buy individual drinks at the bar or one of the packages below.
Ultimate drinks package£39.99 per day
Non-alcholic drinks package£19.99 per day
Kids drinks packages£7.99 per day
Ultimate Drinks Package
£39.95 per day
With the Ultimate drinks package you can enjoy pretty much anything you fancy. Nearly every drink is included for a fixed price per day. Can also be paid for with on-board spending money.
How to book
You can add these packages to your booking by visiting the cruise line's website, logging into your Manage My Booking/Cruise Personaliser, and paying the cruise line directly for them.
Included
Soft drinks, mocktails and 500ml bottles of water
Primo Costa coffees, teas and hot chocolates
Beers, cocktails, single-measure spirits and wines by the glass up to £6.95
Kids enjoy unlimited draught soft drinks, selected juices and primo hot chocolates
20% discount on drinks above £6.95, bottles of wine, large bottles of water, canned and bottled soft drinks, juices and smoothies
Excluded
Any drink over £6.95 as listed on our menus
Bottles of wine, spirits, or any items from our on-board shops
Large bottles of water (750ml & 1.5L), canned and bottled premium soft drinks, juices and smoothies
Drinks from room service, mini-bar, self-service or vending machines
Any drinks featured in other programmes or promotions (on-board specials, events such as wine tastings, cocktail masterclasses, buckets of beer, buy one get one free offers etc)
Double measures of spirits
Important information
Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package. Sharing of packages is not permitted
Only available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise
Strictly non-refundable or transferable once purchased on board
Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages per 24-hour period (6am to 6am)
Only one drink at a time may be ordered (minimum 15-minute wait between orders)
You must be over 18 (21 in USA and UAE waters)
All bottles and cans will be served opened
Non-alcoholic drinks package
£19.95 per day
A wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including poolside mocktails, Costa Coffee, draught soft drinks, selected juices, hot chocolates and teapigs™ teas.
How to book
You can add these packages to your booking by visiting the cruise line's website, logging into your Manage My Booking/Cruise Personaliser, and paying the cruise line directly for them.
Primo Costa coffees, teapigs™ teas, hot chocolates
Small bottled water (500ml only)
20% discount on the following items: large bottles of water, canned and bottled premium soft drinks and juices
Excluded
Large bottles of water (750ml & 1.5L), canned and bottled premium soft drinks, juices and smoothies
Large/medio sized coffees and hot chocolate
Items offered in shops on board
Drinks from room service, mini-bar, self-service or vending machines
Any drinks featured in other programmes or promotions (on-board specials, events such as wine tastings, cocktail masterclasses, buckets of beer, buy one get one free offers etc)
All alcoholic beverages
Important information
Large bottles of water (750ml & 1.5L), canned and bottled premium soft drinks, juices and smoothies
Large/medio sized coffees and hot chocolate
Items offered in shops on board
Drinks from room service, mini-bar, self-service or vending machines
Any drinks featured in other programmes or promotions (on-board specials, events such as wine tastings, cocktail masterclasses, buckets of beer, buy one get one free offers etc)
All alcoholic beverages
Children’s drinks package
£7.95 per person per day
Don’t worry about the kids going thirsty with unlimited fruit juices, lemonade, cola, and hot chocolates.
How to book
You can add these packages to your booking by visiting the cruise line's website, logging into your Manage My Booking/Cruise Personaliser, and paying the cruise line directly for them.
Included
Unlimited draught soft drinks, such as lemonade and cola
Selected juices
Primo/small hot chocolates
Excluded
Bottles of water, canned and bottled premium soft drinks, juices and smoothies
Large/medio sized hot chocolate
Items offered in shops on board
Drinks from room service, mini-bar, self-service or vending machines
Any drinks featured in other programmes or promotions (on-board specials, events such as masterclasses, buy one get one free offers etc)
Important information
Each child assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package. Sharing is not permitted
Only available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise
Strictly not refundable or transferable once purchased on board
Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages per 24-hour period (6am to 6am)
Only one drink at a time may be ordered (minimum 15-minute wait between orders)
Pepsi products are served on draught in the majority of venues, no substitutions
Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package. Sharing is not permitted
Only available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise
Only one drink at a time may be ordered (minimum 15-minute wait between orders)
All bottles and cans will be served opened
Strictly not refundable or transferable once purchased on board
All bottles and cans will be served opened
Wifi
To browse the internet you can either pay-as-you-go or buy a Wi-Fi package for the duration of your trip. See the packages below.
Essential Wi-fi packageFrom £12 per day
Ultimate Wi-fi packageFrom £18 per day
Essential Wifi Package
£12 per day with cruise plan or £18 per day
This is the straightforward option that offers you all your internet essentials. Best for web browsing, email, social media, texts and images (no videos)
How to book
Wifi packages are available to purchase via your MyCruise account. Alternatively, once you’re on board, simply use the free Wi-Fi to access “internet.pocruises.com” and follow the easy on-screen instructions.
Disclaimer
Internet plans are satellite reception permitting. The prices shown are per day, based on one plan. You may use multiple devices on one plan, but you can only use a single device at any one time. If you wish to use multiple devices simultaneously, you will need to buy additional plans. Discounts are available for multi-device plans and plans on cruises of 16 nights or more in duration.
Ultimate Wifi Package
from £18 per day with cruise plan or £24 per day
This is the straightforward option that offers you all your internet essentials. Best for web browsing, email, social media, texts and images (no videos)
How to book
Wifi packages are available to purchase via your MyCruise account. Alternatively, once you’re on board, simply use the free Wi-Fi to access “internet.pocruises.com” and follow the easy on-screen instructions.
Disclaimer
Internet plans are satellite reception permitting. The prices shown are per day, based on one plan. You may use multiple devices on one plan, but you can only use a single device at any one time. If you wish to use multiple devices simultaneously, you will need to buy additional plans. Discounts are available for multi-device plans and plans on cruises of 16 nights or more in duration.
Excursions
P&O offer a fantastic range of shore excursions. You can see which excursions are available after booking the cruise via your P&O account. Alternatively, check out our partner Venture Ashore.
Specialty Dining
Specialty restaurants allow travellers to enhance their dining experience during the cruise. This is a great way to add variety to your holiday or celebrate a special occasion. You can pay for meals in the special dining restaurants onboard.
Parking
Please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add this to your package. An approximate cost for parking is between £12 - £20 per day.
Transfers (home ↔ airport/port)
We can help organize flights, coach transfers, taxis etc to make your life easier. Please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package.
Insurance
Have the peace of mind that you're covered. Contact us after you have made the booking if you would like us to add this to your package.
Visa
Visas are not provided by us or the cruise operator. Visas and other travel documents have to be obtained by the individual passengers prior to sailing.
Customer reviews for Arvia
4.4
Based on 46 reviews
Cabin
4.7
Service
4.7
Excursions
3.8
Dining
4.4
Activities
4.2
Value for money
4.7
Entertainment
4.3
Main reason for booking this P&O cruise was to see Gary Barlow which we managed to do and he was fantastic and well worth it! The other live entertainment was fabulous too; we love live music and all the venues on Arvia were lovely places to see all the artists perform. We would recommend P&O cruises to all our family and friends.
couple
10+ cruisesConservatory Mini-suite
16 May 2023
Lovely holiday with immaculate cleanliness everywhere. As much or as little as you want to do onboard. Friendly, helpful staff.
couple
10+ cruisesStandard Balcony
12 May 2023
Enjoyed the holiday. The ship was comfortable, although a bit busy at meal times. But it was nice having a new ship. We were lucky with such good weather.
couple
10+ cruisesDeluxe Balcony
10 May 2023
Lovely ship, everything we could ask for. Staff offered great service, food was excellent, everything was perfect.
Select Fare promotion, Free Extra spend amount varies depending on sailing & cabin grade booked, Low deposit is available on selected sailings.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.