P&O Cruises to name Arvia in world-first beachside event
| 10th December 2022
In a fitting celebration of the seashore, P&O Cruises will officially name its newest ship Arvia in a spectacular beachside ceremony in Barbados on Thursday March 16, 2023.
The event, which will include some of Britain’s most contemporary, popular performers and presenters, will be broadcast live online to a global audience.
Arvia is the cruise line’s innovative and future-focused ship and the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment to offer varied and contemporary holidays.
About Arvia
P&O Arvia's Atrium
The location for its launch is perfect given that the seashore is known for its relaxing qualities of walk on a beach and invigorating sea air, which will be reflected into the experiences both on board and on shore as well as the vast space on board. It has enabled the company to introduce leading features in the cruise industry.
This includes Green & Co’s exquisitely crafted fish and plant-based dishes and sushi, courtesy of Mizuhana. The restaurant will provide the first fun and immersive multi experience at sea. Food and drink pairings will feature heavily in the restaurant to combine food with vibrant cocktails. Guests will be able to dine at the sushi bar and watch the expert sushi chefs at work or be seated at tables to enjoy the views at sea.
Trindad-born chef and author Shivi Ramoutar takes centre stage by joining P&O’s culinary line up as a local food hero as part of its exceptional food and drinks team with Arvia offering more than 30 places to eat and drink.
The queen of contemporary Caribbean cooking will be bringing her flavourful recipes for Arvia’s maiden season in the Caribbean in Winter 2023-24 and will celebrate her passion for the region’s cuisine with an exclusive collection of dishes at Taste 360 and The Beach House.
The company continues the Caribbean theme with an exclusive partnership with Tidal Rum, a unique rum blend especially for Caribbean sailings.
Jersey-based founders of Shorts Boy distillery – owners Ben Clyde-Smith and Harry Coulthard – have introduced their rums on board meaning that P&O is the first to introduce a rum distillery at sea.
Elsewhere, Mission Control is P&O Cruises’ first multi-sensory escape room, a new and unique multimedia immersive experience created exclusively for the ship.
Island life: Jersey-based founders of Shorts Boy distillery, owners Ben Clyde-Smith and Harry Coulthard.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow explains: “We always aim to do things differently, to create stand out and memorable moments for our current and future guests.
“Arvia will spend her first season sailing in the Caribbean so it is fitting that we mark her naming in one of our favourite ports of call with a week of celebratory performances and experiences on board.
“This naming event, which has never been done before, will showcase our extraordinary new ship Arvia, the beauty of Barbados and will include some very special surprises.
“The ship will be positioned off one of the island’s most stunning beaches so the audience at home will be able to see both the striking new interior design of the ship as well as the performances and events taking place on the shore. It will be an unmissable event.”
Queen of P&O Caribbean's cuisine: Chef and author Shivi Ramoutar.
Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, said: “I want to thank P&O Cruises for choosing Barbados as the location for this unique event. Barbados continues to share a rich relationship with our sea and tourism, and the cruise industry has been of vital importance to our island and our economy.”
“I am delighted that Barbados can be that place that continues to bring more “firsts” to the world, and through this beachside ceremony, give thousands of people the opportunity to see a glimpse of what we have to offer to visitors.”
P&O Cruises is Britain’s favourite cruise line, welcoming guests to experience holidays with a blend of discovery, choice, relaxation and exceptional service catered towards British tastes.
The fleet of seven ships each have their own appeal from family friendly or exclusively for adults. With over 200 destinations worldwide, P&O Cruises Itineraries are carefully curated to inspire discovery, and are varied to suit newcomers and experienced guests alike. With a wide choice of holidays from two days to three months there is something for everyone.
The ship also boasts a unique SkyDome with a retractable glass roof and 16 guest decks and will feature the first Altitude Skywalk high ropes experience, the tropical-themed Altitude Minigolf, the Altitude Splash Valley aquazone, an outdoor Sports Arena, swim-up bar and infinity pool. It will also offer guests Ocean Studios cinema, extensive shopping, and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.
Included in the cost of a P&O Cruises holiday
P&O Cruises offers unbeatable value with so much included, including accommodation, full board meals, pools and entertainment (theatre shows, headline performers, live bands, comedy and first run films), as well as supervised round-the-clock complimentary children’s clubs on its family-friendly ships. Shore experiences and drinks can also be pre-purchased in pounds avoiding any currency exchange fluctuations.
Evidently, its a symbol of optimism for the future of the cruise industry as the travel industry sees a new generation recognising the value for money and individuality of a holiday at sea.
You can watch the exciting video of its construction – to whet your appetite for the most exciting build up for the launch of Arvia – in the beautiful island of Barbados!