Inside huge 18-deck cruise ship you can sail around Caribbean on – with 20 restaurants and bars & onboard infinity pools

SITTING patiently in my theatre chair, I eagerly await the lifting of the thick red curtains.

My partner and I are about to watch Take That musical Greatest Days, which is exclusive to P&O cruise liners Iona and Arvia.

7

7

We’re on the latter, and just ten minutes ago we were immersed in a thrilling game of blackjack at the casino, G&Ts in hand.

As a cruise novice, life on board was certainly a stark contrast to my usual back-packing and holiday packages.

Those who have cruised before understand the unique sensation of living in a bubble where every desire is within arm’s reach — and where you can be gambling one minute and watching a West End-style performance the next.

Getting to tick off some of the Caribbean’s tropical islands is just the cherry on top.

The first thing that struck me was the size of the ship, which has capacity for 5,200 guests.

Dazzling and modern, it stands out among the more tired-looking vessels at port.

Our journey began in Antigua, where we enjoyed a pre-cruise stay at the luxurious Hodges Bay Resort.

From there, we sailed between islands, stopping off at St Kitts, Martinique and St Lucia, before concluding our journey with a visit to Barbados.

Our cabin, a Conservatory Mini Suite, had floor-to-ceiling doors that opened on to a balcony.

So even when on board we could soak up serene sea views in private luxury.

We felt a little overwhelmed by all the fun and activities Arvia had to offer, but after racking up 10,000 steps exploring the ship on our first day we had sussed out our favourite spots and must-dos.

There are 18 decks, seven of which are dedicated to dining and entertainment.

There are 30 restaurants and bars on board, as well as four pools — two of which are infinity — and a myriad of entertainment attractions.

On sea days, every sunbed was claimed by 7am, prompting us to make the most of the activities on board — including mini-golf on the top deck, bingo in The Club House, and high-ropes experience Altitude which lets you “walk the plank”.

The SkyDome — a large pool and lounge area with retractable roof in the centre of the ship — was a great spot, though one of many, at which to relax with a cocktail.

From here you can make your way to the designer shopping and duty-free areas, which are only open when the ship is sailing.

There’s also an escape room themed as if on a submarine.

Even with all this, we barely scratched the surface of things to do, missing out on the Ocean Studios cinema and the spa.

But one thing we did learn is that you have to book The Limelight Club quickly.

This dining and entertainment venue — where you can enjoy three-course meals while being serenaded by performers including Gareth Gates, Matt Cardle and Celena Cherry — runs into the early hours and is a popular spot.

Other activities included cooking demon-strations, silent discos, themed quizzes and dance classes.

Brodie’s Sports Bar became a familiar spot, though a game of pool tends to go rather lopsided while at sea.

7

7

7

For a touch of sophistication, Anderson’s bar serves up the ship’s own rum, Golden Tide, and you can view the copper still that produces it while you sip.

If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll spend hours at The Reef, home to a climbing wall and splash zone.

Or sports sorts can enjoy basketball, table tennis, golf nets and more.

To escape the bustling pools, we found relaxation in one of the 20 whirlpools around the perimeter of the ship.

Or for ultimate peace and quiet, it’s worth spending a day at The Retreat, offering shaded cabanas for £60 per person.

When it comes to food, you’re spoilt for choice, too.

Jet skiing

We kept returning to The Quays where fish-and-chips, roast dinners and katsu curry can be eaten in or taken to your room — a bit dangerous if you ask me.

We did have to tear ourselves away from the ship to explore each Caribbean island.

But Arvia ensured we were kept busy on land, too.

Excursions including jet-skiing, hiking, rum-tasting and more can all be booked through the app.

Despite all this, we took the opportunity to do absolutely nothing in Barbados, lying on the white sands of the gorgeous beaches, shaded by the softly swaying palm trees.

P&O Cruises talk about the “O” moment, when you realise, oh yes, cruising is so much more than you expected.

And as the curtains opened for the 10pm show, I realised Arvia had well and truly cast its spell.

The cruise experience was beyond any-thing I’d ever imagined — and I would Take That again.

7