RESTAURANTS AND DINING ON ARVIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE.
One of the things I was most excited about before boarding Arvia was the food. With so many restaurants included in the fare, plus a tempting selection of speciality dining options, it can feel slightly overwhelming when you first step onboard.
After two weeks sailing the Caribbean with P&O Cruises, we managed to try a good mix of what Arvia has to offer. This guide breaks down exactly where you can eat, what’s included, what costs extra, and how dining really works day to day.
Restaurants that are included
One of the big selling points of Arvia is just how much food is included in your cruise fare. You could happily eat very well without spending anything extra.
Zenith & Meridian (Deck 7 and 6)
Zenith and Meridian are Arvia’s main dining rooms, offering a classic cruise dining experience. In the evenings, both serve a three-course à la carte menu with dishes that change daily.
They are also open for breakfast, with à la carte options rather than a buffet-style service, which makes mornings feel a little more relaxed and refined.
Meridian additionally opens for lunch, giving you another sit-down dining option if you fancy something calmer than the buffet. This can be a nice option for a sea day, when you have a little more time.
Dining times:
- Breakfast – 07:30 to 09:30
- Lunch (Meridian only) – 12:00 to 14:00
- Dinner – 17:30 to 21:30
Our tips: Eat early or late to avoid long queues. Use the virtual queuing system – it makes your life so much easier. If you really dislike the table you’re given, ask politely for another one – sometimes they can accommodate this.
Olive Grove (Deck 6)
The Olive Grove is a small restaurant with a Mediterranean theme. It offers a few options each evening, such as lamb flat bread or tuna steak.
What is slightly strange, is that you can choose to order off the Olive Grove menu or the main dining room menu.
Dining times:
- Dinner – 17:30 to 21:30
Our tips: honestly, we weren’t fans of this restaurant – we tried it early on and decided not to return (we found the food a bit lacking). I suspect it’s hit and miss, so check out the menu on the day and decide from there.
Chef’s Table (Deck 16)
The Chef’s Table is included in the cruise fare and operates on Celebration Nights. It’s marketed as a slightly elevated dining experience, but it’s worth knowing that:
- The menu mirrors the main dining rooms
- It’s located within a section of the Horizon buffet
That said, it does offer guaranteed dining times, which can be appealing on particularly busy evenings.
Horizon (Deck 16)
Horizon is Arvia’s main buffet restaurant and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It’s large, bright and well laid out, with different stations offering:
- British classics
- International dishes
- Salads and lighter options
- Desserts galore
I’ll be honest, this wasn’t for us – we ate breakfast and lunch once and found it a little too frenzied. It’s popular with families (they do kids tea from 17:00 to 17:45) and for casual dining.
Dining times:
- Breakfast – 06:30 to 11:00
- Lunch – Noon to 15:00
- Afternoon Tea – 15:00 to 17:00
- Kids Tea – 17:00 to 17:45
- Dinner – 18:00 to 21:30
- Late Night Snacks – 22:00 to 01:00.
Our tip: Horizon offers late night snacks from 22:00 – 01:00. I’m not ashamed to admit that this does become quite appealing after a few drinks and it’s never too hectic.
6th Street Diner (Deck 6)
6th Street Diner is one of Arvia’s most fun casual dining venues – inspired by an American diner concept. This is particularly popular for lunch during sea days (expect a queue) and a hit with families, younger crowds.
It’s included in the fare and perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner – especially if you don’t feel like dressing up. Whilst sometimes you may have to queue, service is very quick.
Expect dishes like:
- Key Lime Pie
- Shrimp and Grits
- Burgers and fries
- Chicken wings.
Dining times:
- Breakfast – 10:00 to noon
- Lunch – noon to 14:00
- Dinner – 17:30 to 21:30
Our tip: If you’re tired on the first night, or waiting for suitcases to arrive, 6th street diner is an ideal “easy option.”
The Quays (Deck 8)
The Quays is an informal dining area with multiple food outlets, offering a mix of grab-and-go and freshly prepared dishes.
For breakfast, this includes waffles, full English options or freshly prepared omelettes. There are also continental options (yoghurts, pastries and fruit.)
From noon until 21:30, you can find freshly prepared fish and chips (don’t knock them until you try them), Asian inspired dishes (Katsu Curry for example), and roast options. There are also small salad dishes (ideal for a small snack) and some sweet things too.
It’s ideal if:
- You want something quick
- You’re eating at an odd time
- You want variety without committing to a full meal
Dining times:
- Breakfast – 07:00 to 10:00
- All day dining – 12:00 to 21:30
Our tip: we loved quick breakfasts here – the eggs with smoked salmon are lovely and fresh. And don’t forget about the small salad bowls and fruit – ideal if you want a small healthy snack.
Grab and Go/ Taste 360 (Sky Dome) (Deck 16)
Located in the SkyDome, this area serves casual food throughout the day and into the early evening (18:00.) Expect burgers, pizzas, wraps and salads.
It’s particularly handy if you’re:
- Watching a show or movie in the SkyDome, or swimming in the pool
- Want a quick snack
- Want to eat on deck (you can easily carry food to the pool areas on deck 17/18.)
Dining times:
- 11:00 to 18:00
Supplementary Restaurants
If you fancy treating yourself, Arvia has several speciality restaurants that charge an additional fee.
The Epicurean (Deck 17)
The Epicurean is Arvia’s fine-dining restaurant, focusing on modern British cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. You can book afternoon tea or dinner (£35 per person.)
It’s a popular choice for:
- Celebration Nights
- Special occasions
The food is beautifully presented and feels like a real step up in terms of service and ambience.
Our tip: Book well in advance if you would like to dine here on a sea day or celebration night.
You can find our full review of The Epicurean restaurant here.
Sindhu (Deck 8)
Sindhu is Arvia’s version of a fine dining Indian restaurant. There’s an extra cost (per person), plus some dishes carry an additional charge.
We have heard amazing things about this restaurant – many people say it’s the best Indian they’ve ever eaten.
We were a little put off by the pricing structure – it seemed OTT to pay two additional charges.
Our tip: if you do want to eat here, it’s best to book in advance. It’s extremely popular.
Beach House (Deck 16)
The Beach House is more family oriented – a laid back restaurant and grill house. We didn’t try it during out two weeks on Ariva. Expect heart meat and seafood dishes.
Keel & Cow (Deck 8)
Keel & Cow is Arvia’s version of a gastro-pub. It is most well known for the beef burger. Honestly, we weren’t enticed to eat here at all – it looks a bit like a corridor rather than a restaurant.
Green & Co ft Mizuhana (Deck 8)
Green & Co is a vegan restaurant and Mizuhana is a sushi place. It looks very inviting and has a good reputation. If we were to return to Arvia, I’d be tempted to try it.
The Glass House & Cellar Door (Deck 7)
The Glass House is a wine bar with a wine list curated by the expert Olly Smith. As well as being a bar, they also offer tapas for an additional cost.
The Limelight Club (Deck 6)
The Limelight Club combines dining with live entertainment. There’s a set menu alongside a show, for an additional fee.
Our tip: you can visit the Limelight Club for a drink after dinner, without a reservation.
Ripples & Sundaes (Deck 8 and 16)
Ah the biggest disappointment for us was learning that you have to pay for ice cream at Ripples and Sundaes ice-cream parlours. To be fair, the prices are reasonable £3.20 for two scoops.
Ripples is on Deck 8 next to The Quays and has a pleasant seating area (indoors and out). Whilst Sundaes is in the Sky Dome.
Restaurants and dining on Arvia: FAQs
Here are answers to typical questions about dining on Arvia.
Can you eat 24 hours a day on Arvia?
You actually cannot eat 24 hours a day on Arvia in restauarnts. You can start with breakfast at 06:30 and eat pretty much all day until 01:00 though! And room service is available 24 hours a day.
Which restaurants are included in the normal cruise package?
Included venues include:
- Zenith & Meridian
- Horizon
- Olive Grove
- 6th Street Diner
- The Quays
- Grab & Go / Taste 360
- Chef’s Table (on Celebration Nights)
Which drinks are included?
Included drinks typically include:
- Water
- Tea
- Coffee
- Juice at breakfast
Alcoholic drinks and speciality coffees are extra unless you have a drinks package.
What time can you eat breakfast and where?
One of the things we were keen to know, was how early we could eat breakfast. The earliest is 06:30 in Horizon (buffet), The Quays opens and 07:00 and Meridian/ Zenith at 07:30.
If you miss breakfast, 6th Street Diner offers service from 10:00.
Where can you eat lunch on Arvia?
Lunch options include:
- Grab and Go (Sky Dome)
- Horizon (buffet)
- Meridian
- 6th Street Diner
- The Quays
Can you book restaurants in advance?
Yes and no. Speciality restaurants can be booked in advance – and this is recommended. The main dining rooms and Olive Grove can be booked for early sittings (I think 18:0 is the last). After this, it’s best to either queue in person (you’ll be given a buzzer) or join the virtual queue.
No. Sharing tables is optional. If you prefer a private table, this is absolutely fine and very common.
When you join the queue or arrive for your table, you’ll be asked about your preference.
Just keep in mind, the shared tables are sometimes nicer tables – whereas those for two people aren’t always in the best spots.
What are the dress codes in restaurants on Arvia?
Dress codes vary:
- Casual during the day
- Smart casual in the evenings (no short, no sporst wear- make an effort)
- Black tie on Celebration Nights in certain venues
Do you have to pay for ice cream?
Ice cream is commonly on the menu for desert in Zenith and Meridian, but sundaes and speciality items at Ripples & Sundaes cost extra.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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