P&O Arvia Cabins to Avoid Before You Book
Here is everything you need to know about the cabin types on P&O’s Arvia.
Arvia Cabins to Avoid: Full Guide to the Worst Cabins on P&O’s Arvia
Arvia is P&O’s newest ship, having entered the fleet in December 2022. She’s very similar to her sister ship Iona, although there are a number small differences.
I loved sailing on Arvia, and found the ship to be very comfortable during my two week cruise around the Caribbean. I was really lucky with my cabin, 11317, which I was allocated after a successful upgrade bid, and had no complaints about it at all.
Although the ship is lovely, there are a few things to consider when booking your cabin. For example, some cabins are known to be overlooked and therefore are less private, while others might experience more noise or be prone to inducing travel sickness.
This simple guide will explain which cabins you should avoid, and which may be more suitable for you, depending on your preferences.
Cabins Under the Pool Deck
This is a spot to look out for if you want to make sure you have a quiet cabin.
Staying underneath the pool deck can result in early morning scraping noises from people who are moving sunbeds around. It’s also possible to experience noise created by pool maintenance and late night activity, as entertainment is frequently hosted by the Skydome pool on deck 16.
This might not be a problem if you’re a heavy sleeper, but if you tend to be sensitive to noise, then you might want to avoid any cabin under the pool deck.
As Arvia has two pools on deck 16, you should avoid any cabins either in the middle or towards the aft of deck 15. Similarly, two additional pools are located on deck 18. While there are only a few cabins located on deck 17, you might want to avoid these if you are a light sleeper.
Best Quiet Alternatives to Pool Deck Cabins
While there are a number of cabins on the deck 16, which also has two of the ship’s pools, this area can be noisy and the rooms are not guaranteed to be quiet.
If you want to be located close by, but also somewhere that’s a bit quieter, then I would recommend booking a cabin on deck 14. Just two decks below, these rooms are close by but much less likely to be noisy.
Forward Cabins to Avoid if You Get Seasick
If you want to avoid seasickness, then it’s recommended that you choose a cabin located towards the middle of the ship and on one of the lower decks. Arvia is an enormous ship, and while her higher decks can have some fantastic views, sometimes it’s worth trading that for a lower cabin if you’re prone to motion sickness.
This is especially relevant if you’re sailing somewhere that is known for its rough weather, such as the North Sea or the Bay of Biscay.
When choosing your cabin on Arvia, go for one that’s in the midship section on decks 4 or 5. These will experience much less movement than the higher cabins at the front, which should reduce your chances of feeling sick.
Obstructed View Cabins on Arvia
These cabins are exactly as they sound - something, like a lifeboat, will be obstructing the view. This usually results in the cabin being slightly cheaper.
Are Obstructed View Cabins Worth It?
If the view from your room isn’t that important to you, then an obstructed view cabin can actually be a great way to save money, as these are usually slightly cheaper.
There are lots of reasons why a cabin might have an obstructed view. Often this is due to the positioning of the life boats, which are stored on the deck. On Arvia, this impacts a number of cabins on decks 5 and 6.
There are sometimes other things that can obstruct the view of a cabin. Many balcony and conservatory cabins on deck 8 of Arvia are obstructed by the promenade deck, which is something that also makes them less private due to people walking past.
Ultimately, it really depends whether you would prefer to make a price saving by booking an obstructed view cabin, or pay slightly more for a better view.
Cabins Near Elevators, Stairwells & Public Areas
If you’re sensitive to noise, then elevators, stairwells and public areas can all have an impact on your ability to get a good night’s sleep. These are all high traffic areas of the ship, making it likely there will be people passing through on a regular basis and increasing the chance of noise.
Again, this is an example of something that might not bother you if you are a heavy sleeper, but for others it could be a dealbreaker.
On the flipside, these cabins can also be really convenient, especially on a large ship like Arvia where it takes a while to get around. If you generally sleep well, then a cabin that’s close to the entertainment or elevators could be a huge plus.
Best Cabins for Peace and Quiet on Arvia
If staying in a quiet cabin is important to you, then you have plenty to choose from on Arvia.
In general, the quietest cabins will be those that are located between other guest rooms, with no public venues either above or below them. Decks 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are all surrounded by cabin only decks, making them a good choice.
Connecting Cabins – Should You Avoid Them?
These are a great option for families or large groups who want to be able connect their two rooms. If you’re not planning on doing this, however, then cabins with connecting doors are probably best avoided.
This is because they generally have reduced sound insulation, making it more likely that you will hear noise from your neighbours. This reduced soundproofing isn’t ideal if you are a couple wanting privacy.
Personally, I would stay away from this type of cabin unless you are planning on using the connecting doors.
Cabins with Overlooked Balconies
My cabin (11317) had a lovely, not overlooked balcony
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time relaxing on your balcony, then you will want to make sure you choose a cabin that has plenty of privacy. This is something that’s really important to me, particularly if I’m on a long trip, or if we’re sailing somewhere really picturesque.
As previously discussed, the balconies on deck 8 are overlooked by the promenade deck, so I would personally avoid these. If you’re after privacy, then make sure you choose a balcony cabin that is on a higher deck.
Accessible Cabins on Arvia – Things to Know
Arvia has a number of accessible cabins onboard for guests who require them. If you use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter then you will need to book one of these rooms, as they have more space for you to manoeuvre around.
These accessible cabins also feature wider cabin doors, wet-room style bathrooms with grab rails and a shower seat, as well as ramped access to the balcony if you have one. There are lots of good reviews of these cabins online, including this one by Georgina from She Might Be Loved, who sailed on Arvia’s sister ship Iona (which is nearly identical).
Partially adapted cabins are also available if you don’t use a mobility device, and feature a wet room and handrails. If you require a profiling bed, then make sure you contact customer services before booking as these are much more limited.
Bear in mind that while there is generally good accessibility throughout the ship, some areas such as the Mission Control escape room, Skywalk and mini golf are not adapted for people with disabilities.
Arvia Cabin Tips Before Booking
Have a look at the deck plan and think about what you want to get out of your cabin. Is privacy the most important thing to you? Do you want to be located close to all of the action, or would you prefer a cabin somewhere quieter?
Inside my balcony cabin: 11317
There are lots of things to consider and booking the best cabin for your needs is essential to ensure you have an enjoyable holiday.
For the most choice, try to book as early as possible when there will be more free cabins to choose from. You can also Google specific cabins to see if anyone has written about or reviewed them - sometimes other cruisers have shared detailed photos which can be really helpful.
In general, avoid cabins that are in noisy areas, such as below entertainment venues, and consider lower, mid-ship cabins if you are prone to seasickness.
Finally, look out for P&O’s upgrade programme which allows you to place bids for upgraded cabins! I actually did this when sailing on Arvia myself, and was able to get myself a balcony cabin for a reduced price.
The opportunity to bid for an upgrade will be sent to you by email at some point on the lead up to your cruise. You will then have the opportunity to make an offer which, if accepted, you will need to pay for within 72 hours.
Bear in mind that you won’t be able to choose the location of your cabin, so think carefully before deciding to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabins on Arvia
Which cabins on Arvia are the noisiest?
The noisiest cabins are likely to be located either underneath entertainment venues, or in high traffic areas, such as those near elevators or bars.
Are forward cabins bad on Arvia?
These cabins are definitely not bad and can have fantastic views! The only reason these might not be suitable are if you suffer from seasickness, as they will experience more movement than the mid-ship cabins.
Are obstructed balconies worth booking?
They are totally worth booking if you’re after a bargain, and don’t mind having a lifeboat or the promenade deck outside your room. If the view matters to you, then stay away from the obstructed balcony cabins.
What is the best deck on Arvia?
This is hard to say, as it really depends on your needs. For me, decks 11,12,13 and 14 are the best decks for cabins due to their location.
Which Arvia cabins are best for seasickness?
If you get seasick, then I would recommend booking a mid-ship cabin on decks 4 or 5, as they will have less movement and feel more stable.
Are there any cabins to avoid on Deck 8/9/10?
I would recommend generally avoiding the balcony cabins and conservatory mini-suites on deck 8, as they are less private due to being overlooked by the promenade deck. I remember walking past these cabins and thinking that I really wouldn’t like to be staying in one!
Decks 9 and 10 are generally safer choices. If you’re a light sleeper, then you may want to avoid the cabins towards the back of deck 9 which are located above the Club House, which often hosts late night entertainment.
Final Verdict: Which Arvia Cabins Should You Avoid?
Arvia doesn’t necessarily have any bad cabins, but there certainly are cabins which may be less desirable depending on your preferences. For example, I personally would not book a balcony cabin on deck 8 as I really don’t like the idea of being overlooked by the promenade deck!
To maximise your success of choosing a great cabin, try to book as early as you can, and if you’re not sure what to choose, then give their office number a call. Their staff are experts and will easily be able to guide you towards your ideal cabin.