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P&O Arvia Restaurants Guide 2026: Included vs Extra
Planning a P&O Arvia cruise in 2026? This guide explains what’s included, what costs extra, and how Freedom Dining actually works on board. Use it to decide whether to reserve speciality dining or rely on the included options with confidence.
Before choosing a dining preference, see our P&O Club versus Freedom Dining guide.
Welcome to our p and o arvia restaurants guide 2026 — a practical, UK-focused look at how dining works on P&O Cruises’ Arvia this year. If you’re deciding whether to reserve speciality venues before sailing, or to rely on the included restaurants with Freedom Dining, this article sets out today’s official venue framework, how to plan for families and different dietary needs, and the booking steps to follow. Wherever information can change by sailing, we flag it and point you back to P&O’s current ship page, your My P&O Cruises account and the daily Horizon on board for final confirmation. For the same ship, use our Arvia drinks menu and package-check guide to plan what to verify before buying drinks.
How to use this guide — and what can change by sailing
What “included” means: P&O’s included dining covers a broad choice of restaurants without an additional cover charge. Drinks are separate unless you choose a drinks package. Some items and services across the ship may carry a charge even when a venue is generally included, so always check the menu notes and your account on board.
What “speciality” means: P&O categorises certain venues as “for a little extra”. That signals an additional cost, but the exact amount, menus and reservation availability can vary by sailing. We don’t publish prices here because they are not fixed publicly for every itinerary. Confirm details for your dates in My P&O Cruises or once on board via My Holiday.
Freedom Dining on Arvia: Arvia operates Freedom Dining only (no Club Dining). That means you can arrive at Meridian or Zenith when you prefer, subject to table availability. At busy times, you may wait or join a virtual queue via the My Holiday app; it’s not a guaranteed immediate seat. If you prefer set times and the same table each night, note that Arvia doesn’t offer that system.
Dynamic details to verify: Menus, service periods, opening hours and reservation windows are dynamic. P&O publishes general guidance only. The daily Horizon newsletter on board confirms actual times and what’s open that day. If this guide ever conflicts with your live My P&O Cruises account or the ship page, trust the P&O sources for your sailing.
Arvia restaurants at a glance
Here’s the official framework P&O currently presents for Arvia: eight speciality venues “for a little extra” and six included dining choices. We add a planning prompt for each so you can decide what to pre-book, what to try spontaneously, and where to rely on the included options.
<table><thead><tr><th>Category</th><th>Venue</th><th>What to expect (P&O framing)</th><th>Format</th><th>Planning question</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Included</td><td>Meridian (Freedom Dining)</td><td>Main dining with flexible arrival</td><td>Table-service restaurant</td><td>Do you want a sit-down dinner without a cover charge and are you happy to wait at peak times?</td></tr><tr><td>Included</td><td>Zenith (Freedom Dining)</td><td>Main dining with flexible arrival</td><td>Table-service restaurant</td><td>Would spreading dinner across both main restaurants help reduce waits for your party size?</td></tr><tr><td>Included</td><td>Horizon buffet</td><td>Varied buffet choices</td><td>Self-serve buffet</td><td>Do you prefer come-and-go flexibility, especially with children or mixed tastes?</td></tr><tr><td>Included</td><td>The Quays</td><td>Casual multi-offer eating</td><td>Counter/food-hall style</td><td>Will a quick, flexible choice help between activities or before a show?</td></tr><tr><td>Included</td><td>6th Street Diner</td><td>American diner vibes</td><td>Casual table/counter style</td><td>Fancy a relaxed, American-style meal that’s included in the fare?</td></tr><tr><td>Included</td><td>Taste 360</td><td>Casual bites by the pool</td><td>Grab-and-go/outdoor</td><td>Need quick daytime food without leaving the sun deck?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>Green & Co feat. Mizuhana</td><td>Asian flavours with sushi-bar experience</td><td>Restaurant & counter seating</td><td>Is a refined Asian/sushi evening worth reserving ahead for your itinerary?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>Epicurean</td><td>Modern fine dining with British influence</td><td>Formal restaurant</td><td>Do you want a special-occasion dinner during sea days or formal evenings?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>The Keel & Cow</td><td>Gastropub classics</td><td>Pub-restaurant</td><td>Would a hearty, pub-style meal anchor one of your sea-day lunches or a relaxed evening?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>The Beach House</td><td>Relaxed Latin American/Caribbean flavours</td><td>Casual table-service</td><td>After a port day, would a lighter, sunny menu suit the mood?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>Sindhu</td><td>Indian-British fusion</td><td>Restaurant</td><td>Are you planning one spice-led night as a change-up from MDR and buffet?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>The Glass House</td><td>Wine bar with small plates and pairings</td><td>Bar-restaurant</td><td>Does your group enjoy grazing plates with wine flights?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>Ripples</td><td>Gelateria treats</td><td>Counter/dessert stop</td><td>Fancy a paid dessert experience—perhaps after a show or deck time?</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality</td><td>The Limelight Club</td><td>Supper club with live entertainment</td><td>Dinner-and-show</td><td>Would you like a combined evening of dining and performance on one night?</td></tr></tbody></table>
Included dining in detail: how to make the most of it
If you’re working to a set budget, Arvia’s included venues can comfortably cover a full cruise without any paid dining. The balance is between sit-down main-restaurant meals (Meridian and Zenith), the all-day flexibility of Horizon buffet, and quick-casual formats such as The Quays, 6th Street Diner and Taste 360. For families, consider the early buffet children’s tea currently shown from 5pm (subject to the daily Horizon), which can make evenings run more smoothly. Remember: exact opening times vary by day; always check the daily Horizon once on board.
Meridian and Zenith: Freedom Dining explained
Arvia has Freedom Dining only, with Meridian and Zenith as the main restaurants. You arrive when you choose within the published service window. At popular times, you may be given a pager or asked to use the My Holiday app’s virtual queue. If you’re used to P&O’s Club Dining on other ships (fixed sitting), note that Arvia does not offer that option.
Planning pointers:
- Peak wait times typically coincide with show times and formal evenings. Consider arriving earlier or later if you prefer to minimise queues.
- If your party is larger, splitting across two smaller tables can be quicker than holding out for one large table.
- Menu details can change, and specific dishes aren’t guaranteed on every night. If you have dietary requirements, pre-ordering advice from P&O applies here (see the allergy section below).
Horizon buffet: flexibility first
Horizon offers a wide selection in a come-and-go format, which is handy if your day runs on port time, kids’ energy or show schedules. It’s also a reliable back-up when queues build elsewhere. Look out for itinerary-inspired dishes, but don’t rely on any specific feature being available daily. Drinks are extra unless you have a drinks package; see our companion guide to P&O’s packages here: P&O Cruises drink package 2026.
The Quays: casual variety under one roof
The Quays is a relaxed, multi-offer space where different counters serve varied cuisines in a food-hall style. It’s useful when your group wants something different without multiple seats or bills. Because it’s included, it’s a strong first-night choice to keep things simple while you get your bearings.
6th Street Diner: American-style comfort
6th Street Diner brings an American-diner spirit in an included setting. It’s a good fit for families or anyone who wants a casual, familiar meal, particularly on days when you’d rather not commit to a reservation time. If there’s a wait, consider putting your name down and taking a quick stroll; or pivot to The Quays or Horizon if you’re short of time.
Taste 360: grab-and-go by the pool
Taste 360 focuses on quick, outdoor bites so you don’t need to break up deck time. It’s best treated as a speedy lunch or mid-afternoon pit stop rather than a full multi-course meal. For families, pairing Taste 360 with the early children’s tea can keep evenings flexible.
Speciality dining in detail: your optional extras
P&O categorises these venues as “for a little extra”. They are optional experiences that many guests enjoy as one-off highlights, but they’re not essential for a great holiday. Prices, menus, availability and reservation lead times vary by sailing; confirm on My P&O Cruises before you budget or commit.
Green & Co feat. Mizuhana
Green & Co features Asian flavours with a dedicated Mizuhana sushi-bar experience. It’s well-suited to a refined evening that contrasts with the main restaurants. Sushi-counter seating may be popular on sea days; if this is a must-do for your party, aim to reserve early in My P&O Cruises or check availability as soon as you board.
Epicurean
Epicurean is P&O’s contemporary fine-dining venue with a British influence. Think multi-course elegance rather than a quick bite. If you like to pair special dining with dressier evenings, confirm the ship’s dress code guidance for your date in the daily Horizon and plan around show times so you’re not rushing.
The Keel & Cow
The Keel & Cow champions gastropub favourites. Its relaxed, pub-restaurant feel can work well for mixed groups who want hearty options without formality. If your sailing has a port-heavy itinerary, consider Keel & Cow on a sea day for a more leisurely meal window.
The Beach House
The Beach House brings relaxed Latin American and Caribbean-inspired plates. It’s a natural pick after a sunny port call or for those who prefer brighter flavours. If you’re trying to keep extras modest, pick The Beach House as your one speciality night and lean on included choices for the rest.
Sindhu
Sindhu offers Indian-British fusion in a sit-down setting. It’s a strong change of pace from the main dining rooms. Spice levels and specific dishes vary by menu; if you have allergies or need to pre-order, follow P&O’s dietary-notice process in advance (see the dietary section below).
The Glass House
The Glass House is a wine-led bar-restaurant with small plates and pairing flights. It’s an appealing option for couples or friends who enjoy grazing. If your group includes non-drinkers, the setting still works for food-first evenings; drinks are always billed separately unless your package applies. For context on packages, see P&O Cruises drink package 2026.
Ripples
Ripples is a gelateria-style dessert stop. It’s speciality, so expect an extra charge. Use it as a flexible treat after a show or as a sea-day indulgence. If you’re budgeting, you could plan one Ripples visit mid-cruise rather than multiple dessert extras.
The Limelight Club
The Limelight Club combines a supper-club dinner with live entertainment. It’s a book-ahead evening and a good ‘centrepiece’ night for couples, friends, or celebrations. Times and acts vary by sailing; your My P&O Cruises account or on-board information will show what’s scheduled and how to book.
How to choose: real scenarios for UK travellers
The right plan depends on your party’s ages, tastes, mobility, and appetite for planning. Below we offer decision paths that respect P&O’s current framework without implying that any paid venue is necessary. The aim is a smooth holiday, not a rigid itinerary.
<table><thead><tr><th>Traveller type</th><th>Primary strategy (included)</th><th>Optional speciality add‑on</th><th>Why it works</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Family with younger children</td><td>Horizon buffet + The Quays + 6th Street Diner; use early children’s tea (currently from 5pm; check Horizon)</td><td>The Beach House or The Glass House (one evening)</td><td>Casual formats reduce pressure and waiting. One paid night adds variety without over‑booking the week.</td></tr><tr><td>Couple wanting one special evening</td><td>Meridian/Zenith for most dinners</td><td>Epicurean or The Limelight Club</td><td>Freedom Dining gives flexibility. A single booked ‘headline’ night feels celebratory.</td></tr><tr><td>Mixed group (4–8) with different tastes</td><td>The Quays/Horizon for casual mealtimes; Meridian/Zenith on a couple of evenings</td><td>Keel & Cow or Sindhu</td><td>Casual venues handle varied preferences; one speciality meal provides a shared experience.</td></tr><tr><td>Included‑only budget</td><td>Rotate Meridian/Zenith, Horizon, The Quays, 6th Street Diner, Taste 360</td><td>None</td><td>Arvia’s included list can cover the whole cruise; check Horizon for best times to avoid queues.</td></tr><tr><td>Dietary‑needs traveller</td><td>Main dining (Meridian/Zenith) with pre‑ordering as advised by P&O</td><td>Optional speciality only if confirmed suitable via My P&O Cruises</td><td>Included main restaurants are P&O’s preferred route for severe allergies; pre‑ordering supports safety.</td></tr><tr><td>Accessibility‑conscious guest</td><td>Any included venue; request an accessible dining seat when booking if needed</td><td>Book speciality via My P&O Cruises with wheelchair seat selection where offered</td><td>All dining/bar venues are accessible per P&O; pre‑requesting seating can streamline the experience.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Reservations, timings and dress code on Arvia
Reservations and availability: Many speciality venues can be requested in My P&O Cruises before sailing. Availability changes by date, party size and time, and some experiences appear as “Please enquire on board”. On board, use the My Holiday app or visit the venue host.
Timings and the daily Horizon: P&O’s published dining times are general guidance. Exact opening hours and which meals a venue serves on a given day are set by the daily Horizon onboard newsletter. Plan day by day.
Dress code: Dress expectations can vary by venue and evening. P&O’s daytime guidance asks guests to cover up and wear shoes/sandals in restaurants. On family-friendly cruises, formal dress codes do not apply to guests aged 17 and under, but individual venue guidance still stands. For packing advice, see What is the dress code on cruise ships? and our note on casual nights.
- Before sailing: Check My P&O Cruises for your exact itinerary dates, then filter by venue, date, party size and time.
- Accessibility: Where offered, select a wheelchair-accessible seat during booking, or request an accessible dining seat in advance.
- Dietary note: If you have allergies, flag them as P&O advises when you book dining; pre-ordering may be required.
- On board: Use My Holiday to view current queues, join virtual queues for Freedom Dining and check same-day availability.
- If fully booked: Try alternative times or enquire at the venue host—plans can change during the cruise.
Dietary needs and accessible dining: plan early, sail smoothly
P&O sets out clear processes for dietary requirements and accessibility. These are designed to keep you safe and comfortable, but they do rely on early notice and, in some cases, pre-ordering.
Key guidance (subject to P&O confirmation):
- Allergies and special diets: Notify P&O a minimum of 28 days before sailing for most dietary needs. Some provisions, such as kosher meals and baby food, currently require at least 12 weeks’ notice and are provided pre-prepared; there is no separate kosher kitchen onboard. Ships’ galleys are not allergen-free environments.
- Severe allergies: P&O’s guidance favours the included main restaurants (Freedom or Club) for severe allergies, with meals pre-ordered. On Arvia, that means Meridian and Zenith.
- Pre-ordering: Expect to discuss requirements with the onboard team and to pre-order meals; always reconfirm ingredients at the table.
- Accessibility: P&O states that all dining and bar venues are accessible and that you can request an accessible dining seat. Complete P&O’s needs questionnaire as early as possible and no later than two weeks before departure to help the team plan support.
For UK-specific planning steps, see our detailed explainer: How to manage dietary requirements on a cruise.
- Tell P&O about your needs when you book and at least 28 days before sailing (12 weeks for kosher or baby food).
- Carry your written allergy details and any required medications; advise your table team at every meal.
- Prefer Meridian/Zenith for severe allergies; ask about pre-ordering and cross-check each course.
- If considering speciality dining, confirm suitability via My P&O Cruises or on board before reserving.
- Recheck the daily Horizon for venue openings that best fit your routine (earlier sittings can be calmer).
What’s included, what to budget, and room-service boundaries
Included dining covers The Quays, 6th Street Diner, Meridian and Zenith (Freedom Dining), Taste 360 and Horizon buffet. Speciality dining is extra; drinks are always charged unless your drinks package applies. P&O’s room service is available 24 hours, but most items attract a small charge and Arvia also has a delivery charge similar to sister ship Iona. Because prices and menus change by sailing, confirm details in your cabin menu, the My Holiday app or with Guest Services.
If you’re budgeting tightly in 2026, a sensible approach is to plan all meals as included, then add one or two speciality experiences only if your live My P&O Cruises account shows an option and time you genuinely want. For shipwide drinks decisions, review P&O Cruises drink package 2026 separately from your food planning.
Practical pre-sail checklist
Use this quick run-through to avoid last-minute scrambles and unnecessary spend:
- Compare the current Arvia dining page with your My P&O Cruises account for your sailing dates; the live list outranks any third-party summary.
- Choose whether you want one or two speciality ‘highlights’ or prefer to stay included-only.
- If booking speciality, select date/time around show schedules to avoid rushing; note that some venues may show “Please enquire on board”.
- Tell P&O about dietary requirements in time (28 days in most cases; 12 weeks for kosher/baby food), and complete the needs questionnaire for accessibility no later than two weeks before departure.
- Pack with venue dress expectations in mind; cover up and footwear are required in restaurants during the day.
- On embarkation day, scan the daily Horizon for opening times and consider a relaxed included venue for night one while you settle in.
- Start with included options the first two nights; add speciality later if you still want it.
- Use Meridian/Zenith earlier or later than peak show times to reduce waiting (and bar spend while you wait).
- Plan the early children’s tea to smooth family evenings without booking extras.
- Share a treat at Ripples on one sea day instead of daily dessert add-ons.
- Keep food and drink budgets separate: decide on dining first, then review drinks packages via our guide.
How Arvia differs from Iona for dining
Arvia and Iona are sister ships, but your choice between them may hinge on finer points such as venue mix, itineraries and how each ship’s spaces feel in practice. If you’re still choosing, see our comparison: Arvia vs Iona: which is better?. For Iona’s restaurant framework, read P&O Iona restaurants and dining 2026. If you primarily cruise for food and wine rather than specific ships, try our broader look at lines in Best cruise line for food (UK) and, if speciality dining is your hobby, browse Best speciality restaurants on cruise ships (UK).
Restaurant rosters, menus, opening times and reservation policies can evolve in 2026. If your My P&O Cruises account or the current Arvia dining page shows different information from any general guide, prioritise the P&O sources. If a venue you expected isn’t visible to book, use the “Please enquire on board” route and check again on embarkation day via My Holiday.
Sources and verification
Plan using P&O’s live information for your sailing; use these official pages as anchors:
- Arvia dining — P&O Cruises: https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arvia/dining
- Arvia overview — P&O Cruises: https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arvia/overview
- Dining options (Freedom Dining, queues, room service) — P&O Help Hub: https://www.pocruises.com/help-hub/centre/life-on-board/food-and-drink/dining-options
- Booking via My P&O Cruises — P&O Help Hub: https://www.pocruises.com/help-hub/centre/amending-and-cancelling-a-booking/onboard-activities/onboard-activities-on-my-po-cruises
- Dining times and daily Horizon — P&O Help Hub: https://www.pocruises.com/help-hub/centre/life-on-board/food-and-drink/dining-times-and-opening-hours
- What’s included — P&O Cruises: https://www.pocruises.com/new-to-cruising/whats-included
- Dietary requirements — P&O Cruises: https://www.pocruises.com/accessibility/life-onboard/dietary-requirements
- Accessibility facilities (including dining) — P&O Help Hub: https://www.pocruises.com/help-hub/centre/getting-ready-to-sail/medical-requirements-and-accessibility/accessibility-facilities-on-board
- Your holiday wardrobe (dress codes) — P&O Cruises: https://www.pocruises.com/what-to-wear
- Children’s tea — P&O Cruises: https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/dining/childrens-tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all food included on P&O Arvia in 2026?
No. P&O lists six included dining choices on Arvia (The Quays, 6th Street Diner, Meridian and Zenith for Freedom Dining, Taste 360 and the Horizon buffet). Eight venues are speciality (extra cost): Green & Co feat. Mizuhana; Epicurean; The Keel & Cow; The Beach House; Sindhu; The Glass House; Ripples; and The Limelight Club. Menus and availability can vary by sailing; verify via My P&O Cruises.
Does Arvia have Club Dining with fixed sittings?
No. Arvia operates Freedom Dining only. You can arrive when you choose within the service window at Meridian or Zenith, but you may wait at busy times or use the My Holiday virtual queue. If you prefer a fixed-time, fixed-table system, note that Arvia does not offer it.
Do I need to book speciality restaurants before sailing?
It depends on your sailing, party size and preferred time. Many speciality venues can be requested in My P&O Cruises ahead of time, while some show “Please enquire on board”. Availability changes, so pre-book if you have your heart set on a particular venue or date, and check again once on board via My Holiday.
Is there a children’s tea on Arvia?
P&O shows an early buffet children’s tea currently from 5pm, subject to the daily Horizon for exact timing and venue. It’s designed to make earlier evening meals easier for families. Always confirm on board in the daily Horizon newsletter.
How should I plan if I have a severe food allergy?
Notify P&O at least 28 days in advance (12 weeks for kosher or baby food). P&O advises that severe-allergy guests use the included main restaurants—on Arvia, Meridian and Zenith—where meals can be pre-ordered. Ships’ kitchens aren’t allergen-free. Reconfirm ingredients at each meal and raise any concerns with the dining team. For step-by-step guidance, see How to manage dietary requirements on a cruise.
Are restaurant hours fixed each day?
No. P&O provides general time guidance, but exact opening hours and which meals each venue serves are confirmed by the daily Horizon on board. Check the Horizon each day and be flexible—especially on port days and sea days with special activities.
What’s the dress code for Arvia’s restaurants?
Dress expectations vary by venue and evening. During the day, P&O asks guests to be covered up and to wear shoes/sandals in restaurants. On family-friendly cruises, dress codes do not apply to guests 17 and under, though venue guidance still applies. For broader packing advice, see What is the dress code on cruise ships?.
Is room service free on Arvia?
Room service is available 24 hours, but most items carry a small charge and Arvia also has a delivery charge. Prices and menus aren’t fixed across all sailings; check your in-cabin menu or the My Holiday app for your voyage.
How does Arvia’s dining compare with Iona’s?
The ships are sisters with similar frameworks, but details and feel differ. If ship choice is still open for you, read Arvia vs Iona: which is better? and our companion guide P&O Iona restaurants and dining 2026. Use those to decide ship first, then refine your Arvia dining plan here.
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