P&O Arvia vs. Iona: Excel-Class ship comparison

P&O Cruises made a significant leap into the mega-ship era with the introduction of the Excel-class, starting with Iona in 2021 and followed by her sister ship, Arvia, in 2022. Operating at over 184,000 tonnes and powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), these are the largest ships ever built specifically for the British market. While they share the same hull design and basic layout, they are far from identical twins. Choosing between them often comes down to your preferred climate, your appetite for high-tech entertainment, and how you like to spend your days at sea. Both ships sail primarily from Southampton, providing a stress-free transition from the M27 to the deck, yet they cater to slightly different versions of the modern British holiday.

Itineraries and Seasonal Homeports

The most fundamental difference between Arvia and Iona is where they spend their time. P&O Cruises has positioned these ships to master specific regions. Iona is the undisputed queen of the Norwegian Fjords during the summer months. Her design, particularly the SkyDome and the Grand Atrium with its three-deck-high floor-to-ceiling glass, was engineered to bring the outside in, making it ideal for viewing the dramatic cliffs of Geiranger or Olden. In the winter, Iona typically shifts to Atlantic Islands itineraries, visiting Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Madeira.

Arvia, however, was built for the sunshine. During her maiden season, she established a pattern of cruising the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. Unlike Iona, which stays in Europe year-round, Arvia undergoes a transatlantic crossing twice a year to homeport in Barbados or Antigua. While both ships offer 7-night and 14-night durations, Arvia’s Caribbean fly-cruise options provide a tropical alternative that Iona doesn't match. If you are looking for a short break to the Fjords, Iona is your only Excel-class option; if you want a winter escape to the Antilles, Arvia is the choice.

The SkyDome: Two Very Different Spaces

The SkyDome is the architectural centrepiece of both ships, but the experience beneath the glass varies significantly. On Iona, the SkyDome features a fixed roof. It serves as a relaxed poolside space by day and an atmospheric entertainment hub by night, hosting aerial performances and DJ sets. However, because the roof doesn't open, the humidity can occasionally feel high in the height of summer, and it feels very much like an indoor space.

Arvia introduced a retractable roof to the SkyDome. This is a game-changer for Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings, allowing the space to transform into a truly open-air pool deck. Furthermore, Arvia’s SkyDome is home to ‘Mission Control,’ an immersive, multi-sensory escape room experience set on a fictional submarine. While Iona focuses on aerial acrobatics in this space, Arvia leans into high-tech, interactive family entertainment. The presence of the retractable roof means Arvia feels more like a traditional resort ship where sun-worshippers can soak up the rays while still being close to the bars and food outlets.

Dining Innovations and Exclusive Venues

Both ships offer the staple P&O favourites: The Glass House (curated by Olly Smith), Keel & Wheels, and Epicurean. They also share the popular 'Quays' multi-venue dining piazza, which is a significant upgrade over traditional buffets found on older ships like Ventura or Britannia. However, Arvia introduced several exclusive dining concepts that haven't been retrofitted to Iona:

• Green & Co feat. Mizuhana: An Arvia exclusive focusing on plant-based and fish dishes, including a high-end sushi bar. This caters to the growing demand for lighter, contemporary dining.
• 6th Street Diner: Arvia’s American-style diner offers a nostalgic vibe with po'boys, fried chicken, and all-day breakfasts. It is a casual, fun alternative to the main dining room.
• The Olive Grove: While both ships have this Mediterranean venue, Arvia’s version features a slightly evolved menu with a focus on regional specialties from her sun-drenched routes.
• Sindhu: This P&O icon is present on both, but the layout and decor reflect the specific aesthetic of each ship—Iona’s version feels slightly more formal, whereas Arvia’s feels integrated into the vibrant nighttime bustle.

Outdoor Deck Features and Activities

The most visible difference when standing on the top deck is the Altitude area on Arvia. P&O recognised that larger ships need more 'active' zones to compete with the likes of Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises. Arvia features:

• Altitude Skywalk: A high-ropes course 54 metres above the sea. It offers two different routes of varying difficulty.
• Altitude Minigolf: A 9-hole tropical-themed island course located high on Deck 19.
• Altitude Splash Valley: An interactive aquapark for children with water jets and shaded areas.

Iona does not have the ropes course or the same scale of interactive water play, focusing instead on more traditional deck space and infinity pools. The aft of both ships features the stunning Infinity Pool, but Arvia adds a swim-up bar in the SkyDome—a first for the P&O fleet—which reinforces her status as the ultimate 'party in the sun' vessel.

Comparing Cabin Categories and Pricing

In terms of accommodation, the ships are remarkably similar. Both offer the 'Conservatory Mini-Suite,' a hybrid cabin category that features a dedicated lounging area between the bedroom and the balcony. This is ideal for British travellers who want to enjoy the view without the wind chill, particularly on Iona’s Fjord routes. Standard balcony cabins, inside cabins, and suites are virtually identical in size and finish across both vessels.

Pricing typically follows the itinerary rather than the ship itself. A 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Iona might start from £699 per person for an inside cabin. Arvia’s 14-night Mediterranean cruises from Southampton usually start around £1,100 to £1,300 per person. Caribbean fly-cruises on Arvia often command a premium due to the inclusion of flights from London or regional UK airports, with prices typically ranging from £1,400 to £2,200 depending on the season. It is always worth checking at the time of booking, as P&O frequently offers 'Select Price' benefits like extra on-board spend or car parking at Southampton, which can fluctuate between the two ships.

Which Ship Should You Choose?

The choice between Arvia and Iona boils down to your personal holiday style. Iona is arguably the more 'sophisticated' sister, perfect for those who enjoy dramatic landscapes, classic cruising comforts, and the unique atmosphere of the SkyDome during a cool evening in the North Sea. She feels a little more grounded and traditional, despite her massive size.

Arvia is more energetic. The addition of the ropes course, the retractable roof, the escape room, and the swim-up bar makes her the better choice for multi-generational families and those who want a resort-style experience that rivals American lines like Royal Caribbean, but with the familiar British touches (like kettles in cabins and prices in Sterling). If you want to spend your days outdoors being active, Arvia wins; if you want to watch the world go by through spectacular glass walls, Iona is the one for you.