This is the moment that P&O Cruises two newest – and biggest – ships Arvia and Iona arrived together in the Caribbean in a spectacular moment for the island of St. Maarten.

The landmark call saw the two Excel class ships, each boasting a capacity of 5,200 guests, dock side-by-side in the port of Philipsburg at 7am (local time) on 23 January). Arvia’s Captain Robert Camby and Iona’s Captain Andrew Wolverson greeted each other on the quayside, with guests and crew waving to each other from decks and balconies to mark the special occasion. 

St. Maarten, renowned for its white-sand beaches, vibrant culture and thriving culinary scene, is a highlight on Caribbean itineraries for both ships. Arvia is midway through a 14-night roundtrip Eastern Caribbean Islands Fly Cruise from Barbados, whilst Iona is currently sailing a 35-night roundtrip Caribbean Winter Warmth cruise from Southampton.

Both ships were scheduled to depart at 6pm (local time), with Arvia bound for St Johns in Antigua on 24 January and Iona sailing to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Arvia will remain in the Caribbean as part of her 2026 winter fly-cruise season, sailing on two different 14-night itineraries, visiting iconic islands such as Martinique, St Lucia, Tortola and more.

P&O Cruises is proud to sail to more than 20 islands in the Caribbean. Guests considering a Caribbean escape of their own can now take advantage of P&O Cruises new all-inclusive packages (including drinks, Wi-Fi and speciality dining credit).

For example, guests can elevate their holiday with the Classic Package*, for £49 per person per day, a saving of up to 32% compared with buying the individual elements on board. Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Seeing Arvia and Iona together in St. Maarten is a fantastic moment for us all at P&O Cruises.

“The Caribbean is a hugely popular destination for our guests, and this joint call reflects both the scale of our ambition and the exceptional experiences we’re able to offer on board two of the most innovative ships ever built for the British market.”

P&O Cruises Wave offers:

Guests booking applicable holidays can now take advantage of these limited time offers:

  • Up to £400 on board spending money if booked by 3 March 2026 (based on a 14-night balcony cabin), available on applicable Select Pricer holidays, which can be spent on shore experiences, speciality dining, spa treatments and more
  • Low deposits of £50 per person on all cruises* (if booked by 2 February, 2026). The offer is available across all cabin grades, as well as Select Price and Early Saver fare types that are outside of the balance-due period. 
  • Additional guests sail from £49 per person, if booked by 3 March 2026 (on selected cruises).