P&O Unveils The Arvia’s Grand Atrium

P&O Cruises has introduced details of the Arvia’s centrepiece the Grand Atrium, with widescreen ocean views.

The Grand Atrium is at the heart of the Arvia. It will host a full program of live events, including aerial performances and entertainment, with local buskers, pop-up talks, magicians and performers.

P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: “With its elegant design, warm tones and beautiful custom-made elements, the Grand Atrium on board Arvia will provide guests with the perfect backdrop to their holiday photos. The design has made the most of the magical effect of light at different times of the day, so whether guests want to enjoy a morning coffee or evening drink, the Grand Atrium will provide the most spectacular backdrop.”

Spanning three decks, each level will offer guests a place to dine, socialise or relax, balancing larger sociable areas with more intimate spaces.

At the Grand Atrium, guests will enjoy the Amber Lounge to sample cocktails, The Keel & Cow for meals, and the Glass House to eat dishes paired with wines.

The Arvia will join the P&O Cruises fleet in December 2022, with a maiden voyage to the Canary Islands, followed by a winter season in the Caribbean.

P&O Cruises fleet will return to full service

P&O Britannia in the Caribbean, photo credit Spacejunkie

Arcadia will depart on a Canary Islands sailing on Sunday (27 March), restoring the line to its six-ship fleet – with seventh vessel Arvia joining P&O’s ranks in December.

The LNG-powered ship will sail its maiden voyage to the Canaries followed by a winter season in the Caribbean out of Barbados.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said the return of Arcadia marked “an important milestone” for the company “one certainly cause for celebration”. 

“Britannia and Azura have had a very successful season in the Caribbean from Barbados and Iona has spent her maiden winter months in the Canary Islands and northern Europe and will soon head up to the spectacular Norwegian fjords for the summer of scenic cruising and thrilling adventures,” said Ludlow.

“It is evident that our guests are reassured by the steps we have taken to protect their health and wellbeing and that they are delighted to be back on board reigniting their passion for travel.”

St. Kitts’ Cruise Ports See Busiest Week Since 2020

P&O Britannia in St. Kitts with 2 Oasis Class ships and the Celebrity Edge, Photo credit Spacejunkie2

This week will be the busiest in terms of cruise travel for St. Kitts since the island reopened its borders to international visitors.

According to a press release, 21 cruise ships will have arrived by the end of the week across the island’s four ports: Port Zante, Basseterre Harbour, Deep Water Harbour and South Friar’s Bay.

The ships arriving include the Enchanted Princess, Seabourn Ovation, Viking Sea, Allure of the Seas, and the third visit of the Explorer of the Seas. Dec. 16 marked the first day with five ships in port, St. Kitts Tourism Authority wrote.

“This week comes as an optimistic sign that the cruising industry is making an unstoppable comeback in St. Kitts. We see the number of ship arrivals growing weekly,” said the Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports, Lindsay F.P. Grant. “Our commitment to safety paired with our exceptional tours and on-island experiences are driving high demand for the destination on cruise itineraries, and we expect this to continue well into 2022.”

This record number of ship arrivals comes in conjunction with changes to the destination’s arrival requirements. As of Dec. 11, Port Zante is completely free-flow, enabling cruise passengers to seamlessly integrate into the federation and providing nationals and residents with access to the port. Travel Approved tours, attractions, restaurants and bars are now open to all fully vaccinated travellers, nationals and residents.

“This busy cruise week shows that demand for our destination continues to grow,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “The reduced travel restrictions make it easier for cruise and international air travellers to engage their senses and seamlessly immerse themselves in our quintessential Caribbean escape.”

After pausing cruise travel when borders closed in March 2020, St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed back its first ships last July. Since then, the twin-island federation has hosted a steady increase in ship arrivals and has allowed passengers to explore the destination via “Travel Approved” tours and attraction sites.