P&O Cruises delays delivery and first cruise of new ship Arvia

P&O Cruises has announced that Arvia will be introduced later than planned, with her first cruise now set for December 21st instead of December 9th.

In a statement, P&O Cruises did not specify a reason for the delay, but hinted that it was due to the ongoing supply chain shortages that have affected shipyards in the wake of COVID-19.

Arvia is P&O Cruises second Excel-class cruise ship and a sister ship to Iona, which debuted in 2020 as the cruise line’s largest ship to date, and its first LNG-powered vessel.

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“We are so sorry, but for reasons beyond our control, we have regrettably taken the decision to cancel Arvia’s first cruise which was scheduled to depart Southampton on 9 December 2022,” P&O said in a statement sent to booked guests.

“Whilst we know this is disappointing, we will not compromise on the high standards of build, interior design and service for which P&O Cruises is known,” the cruise line added.

According to the statement, affected guests will receive a full refund to the original method of payment, in addition to an additional 10 percent Future Cruise Credit.

Arvia is currently in the final stages of construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, and will now sail her maiden voyage on December 23rd.

The cruise will be a 14-night voyage to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, roundtrip from Southampton.Additional port calls include Lisbon, Funchal, Cádiz, Arrecife, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Arvia’s scheduled repositioning to the Southern Caribbean in January is unaffected by the delay to her delivery.

Her Caribbean itineraries will depart from Barbados and St. John’s, on 7- to 14-night roundtrip cruises.

Arvia is designed to operate in warmer climates, with the 5,200-guest vessel equipped with new features that include a unique high ropes experience, as well as a swim-up bar and the SkyDome.

The Arvia will also offer guests over 30 bars and restaurants, an exclusive men’s barber, an enhanced retail space, and three new restaurants created for the ship.

These include Green & Co feat. Mizuhana and 6th Street Diner, as well as The Beach House.