The best cabins on Arvia for most people are balcony cabins and Conservatory Mini-suites on Decks 9 to 15, midship, where you get a private, unobstructed view, a quiet deck above and below you, and the least motion. The cabins to think twice about are balconies on Deck 8 (they face the open Promenade Deck), cabins directly under the pool and sports decks or over the theatre and restaurants, and the far forward cabins if you are prone to seasickness. Below is a deck-by-deck guide to help you choose with confidence.
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Arvia at a glance
Arvia is P&O Cruises’ newest ship, built by Meyer Werft and in service since December 2022. At around 184,700 gross tonnes she is one of the largest ships sailing from the UK, with roughly 2,650 cabins, up to about 5,200 guests at full occupancy and 16 guest decks. She is LNG-powered and a sister to Iona. In Europe she sails from Southampton, and in winter she is based in the Caribbean.
That size is a good thing for choice, but it also means the difference between a great cabin and an ordinary one can come down to a single deck. It pays to look at the official Arvia deck plans before you book.
Arvia cabin types explained
Inside cabins
Arvia has more inside cabins than any other P&O ship, so they are the easiest category to find and usually the cheapest. Standard insides are compact at around 13 square metres, while the Larger Inside grade gives a little more room. Every cabin has a double bed that can be split into twins, a sofa, a fridge, an interactive TV and tea and coffee facilities. If you mainly use your cabin to sleep and change, an inside on a quiet mid-ship corridor is excellent value.
Sea view cabins
Sea view (outside) cabins are found low down on Decks 4 and 5. They are surprisingly roomy, at around 20 square metres, and offer natural light through a window rather than a balcony. Being close to the waterline, they also tend to feel the ship’s movement less than higher cabins.
Balcony cabins
Balconies make up the bulk of Arvia’s accommodation. Standard balconies are about 16 square metres including a small balcony, while a handful of “smaller balcony” grades are slightly tighter. Deluxe Balconies add noticeable floor space (around 19 square metres) and are a popular step up for longer sailings.
Conservatory Mini-suites
These are a P&O signature and one of the strongest picks on the ship. They sit on Decks 8 and 9 and add a glass-fronted conservatory area between the bedroom and a deeper balcony, giving you a bright extra space to sit in whatever the weather. Curtains can close off the conservatory, which is handy for families with young children who go to bed early. Mini-suite guests get upgraded toiletries and some extra touches. Some Conservatory Mini-suites can now take five guests (see the family section below).
Suites
Arvia has 24 two-room Sky Suites, at around 37 square metres plus a larger balcony, located at the forward and aft ends of Decks 9 to 15. Perks include butler service, a whirlpool bath, complimentary room service, and breakfast in the Epicurean restaurant. There are also two Family Sea View Suites on Deck 8, which sleep four but have no balcony.
Single cabins
Solo travellers can choose from a small number of dedicated single cabins, both inside and balcony versions, spread across several decks. According to deck plan listings, the balcony singles are towards the aft of Decks 9, 11 and 14. They sell out early, so book well ahead and check how the fare is priced for one guest.
Family and connecting cabins
Many inside and balcony cabins sleep three or four using pull-down beds or sofa beds, and plenty have interconnecting doors so a larger family can take two adjoining cabins. From the summer 2026 season P&O also offers five-berth Conservatory Mini-suites on Arvia (15 of them, according to P&O), with a fixed double, a pull-down single and a double sofa bed. These have to be booked by phone or through an agent, not online.
Which cabins to avoid on Arvia
No cabin on Arvia is truly “bad”, but some locations come with trade-offs you should know about before paying for them.
Deck 8 balcony cabins
Deck 8 is the Promenade Deck. Its balcony cabins, including some Conservatory Mini-suites, look out over the walkway where other passengers stroll, so privacy is limited and the sea view can be partly blocked, particularly at the front. If you want a quiet, private balcony, start your search on Deck 9 or higher.
Cabins above the entertainment decks
Decks 6 and 7 hold Arvia’s main public spaces: the Headliners Theatre forward, the Limelight Club, bars around the atrium, the casino and pub area, and several aft restaurants. Cabins on Deck 5 (below) and on parts of Deck 8 (above) can pick up music, late-night noise or the clatter of furniture being moved. Light sleepers should check what is directly above and below their chosen cabin on the deck plan.
Cabins under the pool and sports decks
Deck 16 has the SkyDome, the Lido buffet and the pools, Deck 18 has more pools and sun areas, and Deck 19 has sports and golf. Cabins on Decks 15 and 17 that sit directly beneath these areas may hear sun loungers being dragged early in the morning, footsteps and evening entertainment. Cabins on Deck 16 itself are close to the busiest part of the ship.
Far forward and far aft
Forward cabins feel the most pitching in rough seas, which matters on Bay of Biscay crossings and transatlantic repositioning voyages. Some forward-facing balconies on the higher decks can also be overlooked from the bridge area. Aft cabins tend to feel more vibration from the engines and propulsion, though many people happily accept this for the wake views from aft-facing balconies.
Next to lifts, service areas and launderettes
Being near a lift is convenient on a ship this long, but cabins right beside lift lobbies, crew doors or launderettes get more corridor traffic. A few doors away is usually the sweet spot.
Best cabins on Arvia by traveller type
| Traveller | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Midship balcony or Deluxe Balcony, Decks 9-12 | Private view, quiet neighbours above and below, little motion |
| Families | Conservatory Mini-suite (Deck 9) or connecting balconies | Extra space and the conservatory curtain for early bedtimes |
| Budget | Mid-ship inside cabin on a cabin-only deck | Lowest fare; spend the savings on dining or excursions |
| Prone to seasickness | Low, midship cabin on Decks 4-5 or 9-10 | The centre of the ship moves least |
| Solo travellers | Single balcony cabin | Your own outdoor space without paying for two |
| Special occasions | Sky Suite | Butler service, larger balcony and extra perks |
If you are torn between a standard balcony and a Conservatory Mini-suite, the mini-suite usually earns its price on cooler itineraries such as the Norwegian fjords or the Baltic, where the glass conservatory lets you enjoy the view when it is too chilly to sit outside. In the warm Caribbean or Mediterranean, a well-placed standard balcony may be all you need.
Booking tips: choosing your Arvia cabin
Understand P&O’s fare types
P&O sells three main fares, and they control whether you get to pick your cabin:
- Select Price lets you choose your exact cabin number, has a 15% deposit and gives first priority for upgrades and dining.
- Early Saver is cheaper, but P&O allocates your cabin within the grade you book.
- Saver is cheaper still, but full payment is taken at booking, it is non-refundable, and your cabin can be allocated as late as the day before departure.
If location really matters to you (a light sleeper, a family needing connecting cabins, or someone who gets seasick), Select Price is worth the extra. If you are relaxed about where you end up, a Saver or Early Saver fare can be good value, but accept that you could land on Deck 8 or under the pool deck. Check the current terms on P&O’s prices explained page, as they can change.
More practical tips
- Check above and below. Look at the decks directly above and below any cabin you are considering, not just the cabin itself.
- Book early for the best spots. Single cabins, Sky Suites, five-berth mini-suites and accessible cabins (Arvia has 55 accessible cabins) go first.
- Watch for offers. Fares and upgrade promotions change frequently. Our guide to cruise deals for 2027 explains when to book.
- Ask an agent. A cruise specialist can check cabin locations for you and hold a preferred cabin while you decide.
Comparing lines? Our guide to the best cabins on Marella cruise ships takes a similar approach for another UK favourite.
If you are comparing ships, our Enchanted Princess cabin guide covers the best and worst rooms on another big modern ship.
Sailing on an older P&O ship instead? See the best and worst cabins on Azura.
Sailing on Arvia’s sister instead? See our guide to P&O Iona cabins to avoid and the best cabins to book.
FAQs
What is the best deck for a balcony on Arvia?
Decks 9 to 12 midship are generally the best all-round choice. They are above the Promenade Deck, well below the pools and sports areas, and in the most stable part of the ship.
Are Conservatory Mini-suites worth it on Arvia?
For many guests, yes. The conservatory adds a bright, usable extra space, which is especially welcome on cooler itineraries and for families. Choose one on Deck 9 rather than Deck 8 if privacy matters to you.
Does Arvia have single cabins?
Yes. Arvia has a small number of dedicated single cabins, with both inside and balcony versions. They are popular, so book early and check the solo pricing at the time of booking.
Can I choose my cabin number on a P&O Saver fare?
No. On Saver and Early Saver fares P&O allocates your cabin. Only the Select Price fare lets you pick a specific cabin number.