We hope you enjoy this look at the dining options on P&O Arvia, any questions, please pop them in the comments 😊 Help support our channel by searching for your next P&O cruise through World of Cruising: bit.ly/3SZ7svy

Love listening to people who aren’t chefs trying to explain food it makes me chuckle

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

We’re glad you had a laugh at our expense then lol We don’t take anything too seriously 😂

I just want to say what a great video this was. There wasn’t any annoying music thank god and it was very informative and helpful so thanks guys🙂

@CruiseMonkeys

8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Watching this on a diet for my upcoming cruise. I could go one of each right now 😂 Thanks for sharing

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully it was useful! We’re always dieting between cruises 🤣

Fabulous video........very informative as usual and we are really looking forward now to our 14 days on Arvia in May. We like the format of breaking the reviews down into segments. cheers.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Have a fabulous time on her! 😀

Thank you guys food looks FABULOUS x

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Our pleasure! It was a tough job making sure we tried as much as possible 😂

The Keel and Cow meal looked amazing! 👍

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

So so good!

Fantastic guys, thank you.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@simongreasley8643

Жыл бұрын

@@CruiseMonkeys it’s really helpful that people go to so much trouble to help others.

Thanks for the info lads. Myself and the wife are going on a 13 day Arvia cruise in October and watching your vids on the restaurants and bars have really helped us to plan on what to do over those nights. We have done Azura a couple of times but the Arvia looks like its on a different scale. Our Azura favorites were Sindhu, Epicurean and Glass House and all of those are on Arvia so really looking forward to it. If we have any more questions closer to the time, I will drop you a line in these comments. Keep up the good work. Really helpful and insightful info you provide

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

So glad the videos have been useful! You’ll have a fab time on Arvia! You’ll find your favourites on her, but maybe some new ones too! Been a while since we’ve done Azura, would like to go back on her. Any questions do get in touch! 👍

Thanks a lot lads great overview as usual, the new restaurants sound really good, hopefully my wife will be fit enough, to cruise again this year, though it will be on a smaller ship like, Arcadia. Miss Sindhu like mad hopefully back in there soon.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Awww, we hope so too 🤞 small ships are nice, Aurora being our favourite (and she has Sindhu!) :)

Very informative vid! I am going on arvia in April around the Mediterranean and I am really looking forward to it! It is infact going to be my 1st cruise 😸

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

First cruise? How fab, have fun! Make sure you have a good explore of the ship and try everything :)

Mercifully, I had the wits to watch this video just before lunch so I am not tempted to snack (not that I ever do restrain myself!) Thank you for the video!

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Haha 👍 thanks for watching :)

A great breakdown of the options. It's something I've found on my cruises, especially the quantum class of RCI, there's almost too many to choose from. Unless you're doing a transatlantic which is on the bucket list.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Yes, soo much choice, we guess they want it to be the case so you book longer or come back again :)

Great vlog, thank you

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Thank you ☺️

Love the idea of Roast in the Quays , can’t wait to do the Caribbean on her

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Wish we had longer to try more of the roasts! You’ll have a fab time!

Thanks for really useful advice

@CruiseMonkeys

10 ай бұрын

You’re welcome! Glad you found it useful! Hope you have a fab cruise! 🎉

Thank you great information

@CruiseMonkeys

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching 🙏

Thanks again, loved this... not feeling the Keel & Cow as I'm not a steak/burger lover but really looking forward to the MDR's, Sindhu and Epicurean. The Alaskan snow crab in the chervil custard is the nicest thing I've ever eaten xx

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Ohhh you are in for a treat! So much food good 👍

Don’t know if I’ll ever be able to make it to a P&O cruise as an American, but good to know there are good food options. The breakfast looks really good!

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

You sure can! We have friends Bob & Holly from Innocents Abroad (KZread) who I’m sure will be happy to help they have recently booked a P&O cruise! Be sure to check them out and get in touch ❤️

Ooh. Going on Arvia next Friday- I wasn't planning on going to Sindhu as I don't like Indian food...but after seeing this episode, I'll try to fit it in😋

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Ohh have a fab time and you must try Sindhu, so good, lots of mild dishes and very tasty!

Hi Luke & Gavin, Thanks for showing food choices on Arvia, hopefully try soon 😋 On Iona we just booked each restaurant at the appropriate desk as not technically minded had no problem at all , wish P& O would do away with on line bookings 🤣🤣🤣

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. Yes, that’s always an option which is good, you can also ring the myholiday phone line to book :)

@janemayhew1442

Жыл бұрын

OK thanks ,

Thank u for this video

@jenniferpratt3854

Жыл бұрын

I love cruise food

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video! The food was sooo good 😋

Great video

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Alan!

Thanks guys for your review, lm on arvia July, I loved the olive Grove on iona ( lasagne) was sad it wasn't on menu for arvia but while researching have found there are two menus. menu A, includes lasagne 😁 and baklava 👍

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Have a fab time! Yes they tend to have A & B menus so fingers crossed you get in on the one you want🤞 Have fabulous time! 😀

@blairnumber1

Жыл бұрын

@@CruiseMonkeys do you know how often they change the menus in olive garden and sixth street diner please?

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

From past experience on P&O cruises, they change weekly, usually midweek from memory so on a 7 night cruise you have the option of both A and B menu.

@blairnumber1

Жыл бұрын

@@CruiseMonkeys Thank you

Thanks for the tour.Oh what happened to the table cloths in the Meridian restaurant I would not want to eat there if I am dressed up in my dinner suit or even suit ... gave me works canteen vibes ... I would eat in the upstairs Zenith restaurant which appears to have table cloths

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

We didn’t even notice the lack of cloths… Maybe just temporary a bit like the lack of glasses in the bathrooms even though they had holders 🤣

Do P&O do any drink packages? Great video as always guys ❤

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

They sure do, we cover this in the next video of the series which should have played after this one, if not you can find it at kzread.info/dash/bejne/pqiX0revaardqbw.html :)

Loved the Keel and Cow. Ate in buffet mostly everywhere was booked. Won't be going on Arvia again.

@CruiseMonkeys

8 ай бұрын

Keel and Cow was fab? Oh really, that’s a shame, we never really had an issue on Arvia or Iona, though we do tend to avoid the main school holidays.

14 days in the Med in September. Looking forward to getting that food in me 👍🍺

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Ohhh fantastic 👌

Brilliant and very informative, can I ask though, would you know if any of the restaurants cater for caoliac as in gluten free options? Thanks alot

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

We believe they do as we have friends who sail with P&O and require a special diet. P&O advise if you do need a special diet that you contact them before hand and then once on the ship to the restaurant host. This may also help (from P&O): Wheat/Gluten Free Coeliac Diet Our chefs can prepare a variety of gluten free meals and the main restaurants have gluten free meals denoted by the 'GF' symbol to enable guests to make an informed choice without having to pre-order. However, guests can make a request via the Head Waiter if the guest does not find anything suitable for them from the choices highlighted Gluten/wheat free bread, rolls, separate sauces, gravies, crackers, cereals, pasta, biscuits, wine and beer are also available and gluten/wheat free choices are available for afternoon tea and room service on request. At the buffets, there is also a dedicated section for dietary products including gluten free items, for guests to help themselves to at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I’ve just done the repositioning cruise. I agree totally with your comments on the Glass House. Loved it. Also loved Epicurean . However this is where my negatives start. I have been on Azura several times and loved Sindhu. However this time I was slightly disappointed- chiefly by the presentation and set up. We were sat at a large round table which for two people was not comfortable and the pattern plates did nothing to show off the food. Now for Green & Co. Oh dear perhaps we just came on a bad night. We sent two dishes back. I had some sort of fritters which were so hard you couldn’t get your teeth into them let alone a fork, and can’t recommend the tofu encrusted with burnt seeds. I had the same dessert which was supposed to be Crème Caramel (stupid f me to order a dessert which is normally made with eggs and cream in a vegan restaurant) I thought it was awful and only had a few spoonfuls. Like you we dashed off for a Pizza!

@CruiseMonkeys

7 ай бұрын

Enjoy the glass house very much! Many people say Sindhu on Iona and Arvia isn’t such a nice experience as on their other ships, that’s for sure! Sad to hear about you Muzuna but reading did Jake us chuckle the way you explained it… Think we said before, we really think P&O are missing a trick and should make it free, that would be a big win for vegan customers.

Hi guys xx

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Hello 👋

The green beans found their way to the Caribbean 🥴🥴🥴🤪

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

We all know you can’t have a P&O Cruise without squeaky beans! 🤣

I'm getting a mixed vibe when I see the videos about Arvia. When I look at the furnishing throughout the ship, they look okay but don't look exceptional. The Princess ships seem to give a more upmarket vibe. The room service on Princess and late night buffet seem much more consistent and higher quality. As you have traveled on both, what is your take?

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Princess does have a classy feel but their ships are very samey, which some do like. Princess buffet is better but at night you do only have the international cafe, which we find ok but not always fantastic. Room service / on demand food via app is great! Slightly better service on Princess too, but you do get what you pay for, with P&O cruises being cheaper in most cases.

Do we have to book our evening meal in Meridian prior to boarding?

@CruiseMonkeys

5 ай бұрын

No, there is no need to pre book Main Dining Room - just pre book specialities if you wish to guarantee you a space as they can fill up.

I’d be interested in knowing how much additional you spent just on food, drinks package and any extra drinks not included in the package? What restaurants don’t have an upcharge? I understand Epicurean, Keel and Cow, Shindu, Gelatinero, The Beach House and afternoon tea are all extra.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Hi, the drinks package is £39.96 per person per day. We also did 3 excursions, the Pitons around £50pp and the Submarine £80pp. You are correct about the food, they do cost extra. We have a blog post to complement this video that might make it a bit clearer, please have a look at cruisemonkeys.com/po-arvia-restaurants-and-dining-options

Do you mind me asking what month of the year did you go on the cruise ?

@CruiseMonkeys

5 ай бұрын

Exactly a year ago we were onboard 😭 🤣 28 Jan - 4th feb.

Do you need to book to use the MDR?

@CruiseMonkeys

10 ай бұрын

No need to book. You can book early slots 5:30-6:30ish on the my holiday app if you like or need to eat early. Otherwise it’s just join a virtual queue on the app when ready or head down and wait in line. 👍

Are the included dining options open all day to eat from? Or is it just certain times a day? Thank you. First time cruiser trying to get as much info as possible!! 👍

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Mostly, yes. It will say in the Horizon paper that is delivered daily. Example we've jsut taken from one: Buffet open 8am-11am, noon - 4:30pm, 6pm - 9:30pm, 11pm to 1:30am Main dining room 7:30-9:30, noon - 1:30, 5:30 - 9:30 6th Street 10am-2pm, 5:30-9:30 olive grove 5:30-9:30 Quays 7am-10am, Noon- 9:30pm Taste 360 (Burger and Pizza) 11:30am - 7pm There is never a chance to go hungry on a cruise :)

@rebeccabutcher2465

Жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s amazing and really helped

Going on a 14 day cruise eat your heart out 😂 love your blog's This is how long is a piece of string only good not drinks mixing it up with included dining estimate a bucket for 2 people I think about £300 for the cruise .Next question saver or select fee ??

@gavinnaylor1428

Жыл бұрын

Food not good 👍

@gavinnaylor1428

Жыл бұрын

Budget not Bucket 😢 predicted text grrrr

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

So budget for 2 people just to try food venues? Yes, £300 should be more than enough

We are booked on this ship but I am a really fussy eater do they alter meals if you want no sauce or vegetables for example

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

If you ask I’m sure they will. You can ask for extra portions too at main dining room.

Baklava was on the menu A for Olive Grove.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear! It was delicious! Do they charge for it or is it complimentary? It’s chargeable on Iona £2

@andrewcolson3256

Жыл бұрын

@CruiseMonkeys HI No, it was free. We thought menu A was the better of the two. We had 2 weeks in the Med. 2nd -16th April, my son has put a vlog on his KZread channel, Benny Boo. Thanks, take care.

What venues apart from the buffet can you eat in if you don't dress up for celebration night please.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

On Arvia the dress code applies to: Main Dining Restaurant, The Crow's Nest, The Epicurian, The Chef's table, Green &Co and Sindhu restaurants. So if you decide not to dress up, you can still eat in the Buffet, The pool grill or the Quays free of charge. If you want something a bit more special you can also go to The Glass House or Keel & Cow.

@Meldevon2012

Жыл бұрын

@@CruiseMonkeys That's great, husband has objected to using suitcase room for a jacket only for a couple of hours use, so at least I won't starve. Thanks for your help. The Keel and Cow it will be.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

No probs! Keep & Cow is a good shout! 👌

Fish n chips in the quays are more like fish finger and a pitiful amount of chips but suppose you can always have two bits of fish like I did otherwise wouldn’t fill my 9 yr old granddaughter.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

You can ask for more. It’s free.

I can't believe they have ruined the Olive Grove

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Yep, such a shame - maybe it will improve 🤞

Really informative video, actually seeing the food makes all the difference. It looks a mixed bag - I’ve never been a fan of P&Os complimentary options and this video does little to dissuade me of that. The Cow & Keel looks amazing though!

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! The steak house is a great option. We didn’t find the food too bad, it’s better than MSC but not as good as Celebrity (which we did the week before this cruise).

@thegreatdandino118

Жыл бұрын

Which cruises offer better options? I've never been on a cruise before.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

It’s a difficult one as people’s opinions of good differ. If it’s your first cruise, don’t worry about speciality restaurants, enjoy the complimentary mdr (main dining rooms). Best main dining rooms have been Cunard and celebrity. While the speciality on celebrity and royal Caribbean are good, they are so expensive! P&O speciality restaurants are far more reasonable :)

I thought the food on Arvia was poor on the Christmas cruise ,especially the 6 street dinner which in my opinion wasn’t to standard at all very very poor.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Awww no, we thought it was good to be honest, hopefully things improved after the Christmas cruise as the staff got more run in, we were on it at the end of January so they had over a month of experience then.

Sadly we found the MDR poor and the food repetitive. By day 4 we walked out after sitting for 30 odd min with dirty plates in front of us and empty tables (so wasn't even busy) Keel and cow and the beach house became our go to for next 10 days.

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Awww such a shame, we only did the dinner once and lunch once as we wanted to get around to them all - both times perfect. Wish we could have said the same about Olive Grove! Keel & Cow is a winner!!!

Covid was finished in 2021 mid May how can they still be using that as a excuse haha

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Guess due to the way media jumped on them (cruises) at the time they may just be weary/cautious 🤷‍♂️

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

And the fact that large cruise companies had issues getting quality food supplies back onto the ships not forgetting to mention they also had to recruit staff as the original crew would have moved onto other jobs in order to survive financially during the pandemic, so there would have been a lot of retraining etc because unlike chefs on land who have a specific job chefs on ships have multiple roles such as firemen, first aiders, lifeboat operations etc They say the hospitality industry had it bad, it would have been as tough if not tougher for the cruise/travel industry. You say covid finished mid May 21, the very first cruise ship only set sail end of May 21, this industry was not treated the same way or fairly.

dont know which ship you were on , but it was not Arvia . Food we had was not worth having in most cases , the main dining room zenith had left over food from the buffet. terrible service, one waiter said me no speak English , waiting staff rude and was not interested in helping you in any way. all food already plated, one night we were told that if we did not like option for starters have 2 bread rolls. twice we were served our main meals without the veg. three times at 7pm we were told that no coffee was being served after our meal, however on leaving the dining area they were serving coffee and tea to other diners. mostly meat on the menu which was left overs and tough. Our food looked nothing like yours, they must have know you were coming, but saying that I noticed you were on Arvia 6 months ago , its all changed , its gone downhill. saving money and making profits. Only enjoyed the food from Oasis , the fish and chips was very well cooked and tasty.

@CruiseMonkeys

10 ай бұрын

Awww such a shame you didn’t have a very good experience on Arvia! Shame to hear! We were on Iona in June and the food there was fab.

@christinewestover4355

10 ай бұрын

@@CruiseMonkeys We have a booking for Iona early next year , was thinking of cancelling this cruse . dont want the same experance as we have just had. Its not cheap around £5k to not enjoy the food options , that is part of the holiday and cruise experance.. Also we did notice the sample menue which you can see before you go is not worth looking at , some options not even offered once. these are mis leading. wishing everyone a happy cruise.

@CruiseMonkeys

10 ай бұрын

If you’ve not tried princess or celebrity they are worth a look, sometimes very good deals and their food is good 👍

6th street diner supposedly an American styled restaurant but beware they don’t serve beef burgers only chicken burgers 😪

@CruiseMonkeys

Жыл бұрын

Omg seriously? What exactly are you trying to achieve here? If you have had a bad experience and have a complaint, you need to speak to P&O directly at least give them the chance to rectify these issues. Having now read a few of your comments it certainly comes across that you have not enjoyed your cruise maybe try a different cruise line. At the end of the day compared to other cruiselines out there P&O are competitively priced and yes this is because they have increased their passenger capacity. If comparing sun beds to passenger capacity ratio is something that you use to gauge a ship/cruiselines competence you’ll find that only cruiselines with an exceptionally high price tag will be able to accommodate you. We have had a great cruise on both Iona and Arvia in-fact we’re going back on Iona again relatively soon. We say it as we see it in these videos and have plenty more on the way.