I Spent 13 Days on Britains Biggest Cruise Ship

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Published 2023-11-24

How does the biggest British cruise ship compare to the big American ships? I found out!

I’ve just disembarked a cruise on Britain's biggest and most exciting cruise ship where we had more than our fair share of extreme events.

We cruised from Southampton to Barcelona with 5327 other guests and in this video, I will show you everything, from the food we ate to the entertainment we watched. From this huge ship to the ports that we visited and one that we unfortunately missed.

Interested in other British cruises?

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When my family asked me to plan a big group cruise for 9 people including children, I was nervous. I’ve cruised a lot in the past but I didn’t know how I could find something that would suit everybody in our group.

We had two requirements that I had to stick to, firstly we wanted to cruise from the UK and secondly, we wanted to stick to a £100 per person per night budget, which is roughly $140.

The cruise that I decided to book was onboard P&O’s Arvia. When Arvia was launched she was promised to be ‘the very best in family-friendly cruising’ which sounded like just what I wanted, afterall I would be cruising with children which isn’t something I usually do.

I did have one big worry and that was that the weather sailing out of the UK and through the notorious Bay of Biscay would be bad in October. I didn’t want my family to get seasick and to be put off cruising forever. I was also a little concerned about potential overcrowding given that we were on a ship that holds over 5000 people but I decided to put those concerns to the side and to give it a go, I figured what could be the worst that would happen. Famous last words normally.

The reviews of the ship were very mixed with some describing cruises onboard as being ‘like a two-star benidorm hotel’ or like being ‘trapped in a shopping centre’ while others described it as ‘fabulous’ and ‘a great experience’. So the only way to find out was to book it for myself.

It was busy when we embarked the ship in Southampton, there were lots of queues and lots of people but we managed to get through the terminal in around 30 minutes which wasn’t too bad. It did help that I arrived later than my scheduled check-in time so I didn’t have to wait outside for my time to be called, we just dropped off our bags, were given the okay to board and passed through security.

Even though I made one big booking with all of my family each cabin was given a different embarkation time so I had a little bit of time on board before the rest of my family arrived. I was very happy to be on the ship for lunch as I always like to make the most out of the included food.

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All Comments (21)

@jonathandalecki7048 7 months ago

I grew up with a shed. It was considered a big purchase, like having a garage for just back yard stuff. And I've never heard anyone use the phrase "shedload" before. This might be the most British Britishism yet.
@VickiPalmer-cx6mu 3 months ago

25 seconds in, that’s me and my husband on the balcony! Was an experience being on this cruise from the weather to the life raft rescue mission. I was laid on the bed watching a film when he came in from the balcony and said he can see a inflatable toy or something in the water and I just dismissed what he said and then 10 mins later the captain made the announcement about the raft! Was exciting by worrying to think someone could have been on it! Really enjoyed the Gibraltar stop! Off again on the 9 day one in October (on arvia again) so hopefully we will get our Lisbon stop then and the weather isn’t that bad again lol.
@Ineeee 7 months ago

I have a theory about the bananas 😂 Perhaps they found that when they put them out guests would take them “just in case” because it’s so easy to put in your bag but then ended up leaving them out on the ship or cabins. Perhaps by having to ask for one it’s more likely that you’ll actually eat it?
@matthewelliott2213 7 months ago

My favorite channel! I've never been on a cruise but it's now on my bucket list. This ship is a monster but everything seems to be run well--and that food! Wow!
@BrianaMichelleMeyer 7 months ago

It’s always a good day when a new Emma Cruises drops!
@laurisgatiszarinovs2891 7 months ago

Haven't ever taken a cruise and yet cannot stop watching your videos!
@ToRung 7 months ago

I hope you have a fantastic day to come💝🎉😘
@amandavanderzee9716 7 months ago

I have absolutely no desire to go on a cruise, but I always enjoy your videos! Very engaging and informative!
@kr46428 5 months ago

I've watched quite a few of your videos now, despite never having been on a cruise. I don't think I would have considered a cruise before either, but you do such an excellent job describing the various features and amenities that I would be a lot more open to doing it now. At any rate, your production quality is excellent, and I can tell you put a lot of effort and thought into these videos. Thanks much!
@brucewatt1032 7 months ago

You always manage to squeeze in a shedload of useful information about each cruise you sail. Thanks for all the hard work 👌
@THLEamon 6 months ago

We did a family cruise for my parents 50th anniversary. About 30 of us. no matter where I went on Board The odds of running into my parents siblings or their kids were pretty high LOL
@tyronenurse8202 7 months ago

Thanks so much Emma! This was awesome as are all your content ❤
@tricialyn4645 7 months ago

This was really interesting and so well put together! It shows through all preparation and knowledge you have...so well done! I learn lots from your tips and I always return here to have fun watching!! Yes, you are my fav channel...totally rad as they say 🛥🛳🚢
@TheExactImage 6 months ago

Awesome video Emma, Thanks! Going on Arvia on Easter Sunday 2024 so looking forward to it :)
@envyvicious 6 months ago

This was so informative, i felt like I actually went there with you. Thanks!
@cbpd89 6 months ago

Glad to hear your nieces had a good time! My two older kids really enjoyed the theater shows on our last cruise, and somehow our three year old SLEPT THROUGH THEM. They were so loud, I have no idea how he managed it, but it was awesome.
@JohninRosc 6 months ago

Great video as usual Emma. Well worth pushing the cruise insurance line too. We did a Panama Canal cruise in April and I spent an afternoon in sick bay with a bout of gastritis. They did blood tests and gave me a drip. $3,500 later............. We were insured with AXA and everything was fine.
@norarockenbaer-edmonds9395 7 months ago

This was a great video. I only missed you mentioning all the infinity jacuzzis on deck 8 and the top deck. Those were my favourite places to relax. I guess because your weather wasn't too nice you didn't have enough opportunities to enjoy them.
@jameswilson5165 5 months ago

So close to 300K Subscribers! Come on, new people, let's put her over the top! She's earned it!
@MoshiAngelic 7 months ago

I'm loving your content been dreaming about going on a vacation for the first time in over a decade and these are helping me so much in finding something I'd like to do.