Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port.
It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux.
The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England. La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports.
The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain.
The name "Galicia" is Celtic in origin, for it was the Celts who occupied the region around the 6th-century BC and erected fortifications.
La Coruña was already considered an important port under the Romans.
They were followed by an invasion of Suevians, Visigoths and, much later in 730, the Moors.
It was after Galicia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Asturias that the epic saga of the Pilgrimage to Santiago (St.
James) began.
From the 15th century, overseas trade developed rapidly; in 1720, La Coruña was granted the privilege of trading with America - a right previously only held by Cadiz and Seville.
This was the great era when adventurous men voyaged to the colonies and returned with vast riches.
Today, the city's significant expansion is evident in three distinct quarters: the town centre located along the isthmus; the business and commercial centre with wide avenues and shopping streets; and the "Ensanche" to the south, occupied by warehouses and factories.
Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, is named after the local heroine who saved the town in 1589 when she seized the English standard from the beacon and gave the alarm, warning her fellow townsmen of the English attack. If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement.
Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century.
The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals.
By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season.
In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls.
Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course.
The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park.
Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond.
Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular.
The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls.
From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace.
Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building).
From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere.
Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura.
Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.
Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
Day 3
15 April 2025
La Coruña
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La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports. The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain. The name "Galicia" is Celtic in origin, for it was the Celts who occupied the region around the 6th-century BC and erected fortifications. La Coruña was already considered an important port under the Romans. They were followed by an invasion of Suevians, Visigoths and, much later in 730, the Moors. It was after Galicia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Asturias that the epic saga of the Pilgrimage to Santiago (St. James) began. From the 15th century, overseas trade developed rapidly; in 1720, La Coruña was granted the privilege of trading with America - a right previously only held by Cadiz and Seville. This was the great era when adventurous men voyaged to the colonies and returned with vast riches. Today, the city's significant expansion is evident in three distinct quarters: the town centre located along the isthmus; the business and commercial centre with wide avenues and shopping streets; and the "Ensanche" to the south, occupied by warehouses and factories. Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, is named after the local heroine who saved the town in 1589 when she seized the English standard from the beacon and gave the alarm, warning her fellow townsmen of the English attack.
Day 6
18 April 2025
Palma de Mallorca
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If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.
Day 8
20 April 2025
La Spezia
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La Spezia is sometimes thought of as nothing but a large, industrialized naval port en route to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, but it does possess some charm, and it gives you a look at a less tourist-focused part of the Riviera. Its palm-lined promenade, fertile citrus parks, renovated Liberty-style palazzos, and colorful balcony-lined streets make parts of La Spezia surprisingly beautiful. Monday through Saturday mornings, you can stroll through the fresh fish, produce, and local-cheese stalls at the outdoor market on Piazza Cavour, and on Friday take part in the busy flea market on Via Garibaldi. There's also Porto Mirabello, a newly built tourist port with a pool club, shops, and several restaurants that overlook the fleet of super-yachts.
Day 9
21 April 2025
Toulon
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Day 10
22 April 2025
Barcelona
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The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Day 12
24 April 2025
Cádiz
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Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.
Day 15
27 April 2025
Southampton
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Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
Iona’s eagerly-anticipated sister ship, Arvia, joins the fleet in December 2022 and is heading for the sunshine. Like Iona, Arvia is another Excel class ship, with even more freedom, innovation and variety in store than ever before. So get ready for your ultimate P&O Cruises holiday.
Revel in the glorious Caribbean rays from Arvia’s unique SkyDome. Luxuriate in modern accommodation with crystal-clear sea views from your Conservatory Mini-suite. Enjoy your pick of dining experiences in new and exclusive restaurants. And relax and re-energise with entertainment and activities for the whole family, from cinema screenings and live music to a brand new activity zone, Altitude. Arvia will also be powered by liquefied natural gas; with significantly reduced carbon emissions, we can continue to create a future of more responsible travel for many years to come.
Arvia Facilities
Dining
Choose from over 15 places to eat to suit all appetites and occasions, 8 speciality restaurants and more than 6 places to have breakfast.
Entertainment
Why not relax on deck to soothing sounds from our live musicians, catch a singer in the theatre, stumble upon a busker, party the night away at The Club House, or embrace the air guitar with our epic rock night in SkyDome? Or perhaps for the ultimate nostalgic evening, take in the sunset views to the tune of a live pianist in panoramic Crow's Nest. The soundtrack to your holiday is unlimited.
In between live music, theatre productions, movie blockbusters and more, how about a spot of rib-tickling comedy? You’ll find something for everyone on a P&O Cruises holiday. From family-friendly to adult-only content, all ages can enjoy our comedy shows. Guest comedians step on board to take to the stage and make you laugh. While world-class tribute acts dazzle with such impressive vocals, you won’t believe it isn’t the real deal!
Health & Fitness
Choose from 18 whirlpools and 4 swimming pools (three outside and one inside).
There's a range of accommodation types to suit all passengers.
Suites
Aft and Forward Suites are always special, giving guests the ultimate experience of relaxation in their own boutique-hotel haven. A luxurious space is created as the doors of interconnecting rooms open fully to create a larger, brighter studio ambience.
The furniture and material selection is focused on guest relaxation and comfort: light tones create the additional spacious experience. Furniture, including sofas, ottomans and lounge chairs, is upholstered in sands, beiges and off-whites. In the spacious bathroom, the double sink units set in stunning black marble are a striking focal point, surrounded by elegant white marble walls and floor tiling.
As with all suites, guests benefit from the clever configuration of different interior zones with separate lounge and bedroom areas, segregated dressing areas and spacious en suite bathrooms. All suites have direct access to large balconies and benefit from a range of exclusive Suite services, such as a personal Butler and a range of in-suite dining options.
Conservatory Mini-Suite Cabins
The concept brings the outdoors in with a personal and versatile conservatory-style room that forms an extension to the cabin. It offers great flexibility and creates a distinctive relaxation and socialising zone. This space, which includes stylish L-shaped seating, can be closed off or left open according to the time of day or mood.
By day or in the evenings, the room opens out fully onto the balcony. With a direct connection to the sea, the space is cool and shaded - and perfect for chilling out in. In the evenings, it transforms into a spacious environment for private celebrations and socialising over pre-dinner drinks with friends and family. Leading directly onto the balcony, all configurations of this flexible space offer glorious seascape views.
Balcony Cabins
The sea is the star and the Balcony accommodation gives guests the chance to enjoy it to the full, whether travelling solo or in a larger group.
There are four options to choose from – Deluxe (the most spacious), Balcony, Single and Standard Balcony – all of which offer an extended private space in which to relax and unwind. From enjoying a cup of tea in the morning to watching the sun set with a drink, guests can relax in their own private area. Balcony cabins also allow greater flexibility for outdoor dining using the Room Service menu.
For larger groups and families, the internal spaces have been skilfully designed to include attractive built-in drop-down bunk beds and flexible sleeping arrangements that maximise space and seating by day and provide comfortable bedding by night.
Sea View Cabins
Here, too, the design and choices of colours and materials optimises the seaside feel. Porthole mirrors, blue feature walls and soft furnishings and accessories in gold and white textiles bring a sense of light and relaxation to the interior space.
The clever design of these cabin types maximises storage options and all cabins boast the personal touches that create a stylish and homely atmosphere - including tea and coffee-making facilities (with tasty biscuits provided daily), a well-stocked fridge, in-cabin TV with a host of channels to choose from, and a bathroom boasting soft cotton towels and quality toiletries courtesy of The White Company.
Inside Cabins
Here, too, the design and choices of colours and materials optimises the seaside feel. Porthole mirrors, blue feature walls and soft furnishings and accessories in gold and white textiles bring a sense of light and relaxation to the interior space.
The clever design of these cabin types maximises storage options and all cabins boast the personal touches that create a stylish and homely atmosphere - including tea and coffee-making facilities (with tasty biscuits provided daily), a well-stocked fridge, in-cabin TV with a host of channels to choose from, and a bathroom boasting soft cotton towels and quality toiletries courtesy of The White Company.