I Spent 13 Days on Britains Biggest Cruise Ship
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- Опубликовано: 20 сен 2024
- 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.
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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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Hello@emmacruises.com
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.
😂😂😂
A euphemism for 💩load!
I read that as "I grew up in a shed" lol.
@@arthurvaseypossibly. The OED says it could be a euphemism
Shed loads mean sh*t loads, means lots! 😂
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.
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!
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
Beware, once you begin, you just can't stop :-) We had our first in april, the second one in october, and I'm currently planning where and when we will go for the next. 🙂
@Frenchiesonthego yeah so true we did one cruise in December and we planned another in may. And are considering one in the fall or early next year
I have no intention of ever going on a cruise (a phobia), but I love living vicariously through Emma 😂
@sweetmother2406 why not if you don't mind me asking?
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!
Thanks so much for watching and your kind words! I appreciate it 😀❤️
It’s always a good day when a new Emma Cruises drops!
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
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?
luxury consumption!
That’s very true!! Most cruise lines don’t worry about that haha. P&O are budget so makes sense 😅
I had the same thought. Plus that if they were out on the line passengers might handle them and bruise them even if they decide not to take one.
That is exactly why they are never on show, especially if you have Australian or German tourists!
You always manage to squeeze in a shedload of useful information about each cruise you sail. Thanks for all the hard work 👌
So close to 300K Subscribers! Come on, new people, let's put her over the top! She's earned it!
Thank you! 😁❤️
Subscribed!. Just found your channel. Simply good entertainment. Keep up the great content.
I have absolutely no desire to go on a cruise, but I always enjoy your videos! Very engaging and informative!
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
I didn’t think I would like them. But I do. I am currently on a cruise right now, heading to Long Beach, CA from Ensenada 🇲🇽. I love Emma’s channel. I’d love to try P&O. I even have a green M&S plastic bag to fit in.
I'm confused. What has M&S got to do with anything?@@scherzva
Haven't ever taken a cruise and yet cannot stop watching your videos!
Thank you! 😁❤️
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.
Oh that’s impressive 😂😂😂
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
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 🛥🛳🚢
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
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.
I love seeing all the hiding places Captain Hudson gets to. Hopefully next year I can finally go on my first cruise.
Hope you can! 😀❤️
I admire your being willing to take on the responsibility for booking a 13 day vacation for a group that large! Your family must be very easy going people. The ship looks beautiful and modern but there doesn't seem to be an overall "theme" Maybe that's just an American thing :)
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.
Not much nope 😂❤️
We absolutely love Arvia…she’s our favourite ship.
We can’t wait to go back on her again..
Oooh you had Cpt Candy…I mean Camby 😂
He’s a remarkable Cpt…..
We loved BOB……and the ship movement….we love deck 15.
Breakfast desserts are the best……yes dry cereals are the best.
I loved the Beachcomber pool…..
Yes she is the sunshine ship…92° when we’re on at the beginning of October.
We did not like 6th street Diner…..
Glad you liked Arvia….👍🇬🇧
Awesome video Emma, Thanks! Going on Arvia on Easter Sunday 2024 so looking forward to it :)
I remember seeing somewhere P&O are upgrading their internet to starlink so that could be why its better! Off on this ship at Xmas around the Caribbean so can't wait!!
A great video, entertaining and informative, thank you for this and all the other fun and memories you give me. I have terminal cancer and can no longer get travel insurance, but you keep me up to date, thank you! x
Wishing you the best, friend..
Thanks so much Peter, this means a lot. Glad I could help in a little way! ❤️❤️
I love your videos Emma , you have such a engaging personality on a subject I had zero interest in until I started watching your videos , you & trek trendy great travel channels from the brits 🏴🇬🇧🏴
Thank you! Love Will he’s great ❤️
Crows nest is usually really considerate with the dress code. They’ve never been rude and it’s usually just a case of don’t rush to finish your drink but once you’re done we won’t serve you anymore
Thanks so much Emma! This was awesome as are all your content ❤
Thank you! 😁❤️
Great vlog 👏 We were on this cruise, It was our first cruise. We absolutely loved it. Plenty of drama with the weather and the raft. We loved the limelight and 7/10. Just booked Iona around the canaries in March 25. We love not having to fly! Just rock up and you’re on holiday.
My wife and I sailed on Arvia in 2023. We were told that this was the first sailing that was operating at ABSOLUTE capacity! It was VERY full, and seemed to be overrun with children. We still enjoyed ourselves though. However, we're both disabled, and use mobility scooters. We were delighted to have these with us, as it's a very long walk from one end to the other!
I refreshed youtube and saw a new Emma Cruises video and literally whispered "yessssss". Lmao I love your content thank you!
I love this, thanks so much 😀❤️
Yorkshire pudding with gravy should be a food group!
🤣🤣🤣
They were cycling… And I was watching them while eating… LOL!!!! That’s what I call “vacation.” 😂
Thanks for the great review Emma. I've cruised on Arvia twice now and I absolutely love it and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone! I did wonder if she was going to be too crowded or feel to big, but she isn't at all and there's always so much to do, see and eat. Was Green and Co still operating onboard when you were on - they do plant based meals and sushi and were my surprise hit on both cruises?
Yess I think so, my family didn’t want to do either so we didn’t. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Wife and I had a great time on Arvia for the Easter 2023 cruise. Enjoyed every minute
If I remember well, Arvia is the same class as the Costa Smeralda. It's astonishing how their interiors are different. I 100% like the Arvia more. I think they made a very good job at maximizing the interior spaces, where as on the Smeralda, everything seems more cosy, but also less impressive.
Thanks for the video !
Yeah so different! Bits I prefer about each 😀❤️
Emma, I love your content so much. Cruising is always awesome and I wish I could go more. I'm american so the cruises over here are pretty expensive. Also, you have a gorgeous smile. Keep it up!
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
@@EmmaCruises I am smiling from ear to ear seeing that you acknowledged me! You're a celebrity!
Glad you explained shedload. I had to rewind twice before your explanation thinking our sweet Emma is using bad language. 😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂
I always assumed groups must bring walkie-talkies on cruise ships. It was popular to do at big convention hotels (or even theme parks) in the pre-cell phone era, so I'm surprised they're not in wide use on cruises!
Cruise ships are big metal boxes where all the walls are metal, doesn’t work 😅❤️
@@EmmaCruises Might need pagers, like they use in hospitals!
It is nice to know that food allergies are covered 🙂 thanks for covering that 🙂
This was so informative, i felt like I actually went there with you. Thanks!
What a BEAUTIFUL ship! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Also, your nails are so cool!
Thank you! 😁❤️
we went on iona earlier this year in a large group, like you we all had different boarding times. We compared boarding times with all our cabins and turned up at the earliest one. They let us into the terminal with no problem
That’s good! 😀❤️
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.
I’m so happy you posted this because I’m going on it next year
Have the best time ever!!!! 😀❤️
Hi Emma, I was on the same cruise and I saw myself in this video, wi-fi was really good, 50Mbs in the eating areas and 90Mbs in my cabin, I cannot believe you where one saat row behind us in the skydome, great vid as always.
Haha!! Hope you had a great time 😀😊
Part of the reason I dislike silver service and being waited on is the time it takes. Food keeps me alive I don’t have much interest in it otherwise, so having lengthy meals would drive me nuts.
Elf is a great Christmas movie. If you haven't seen the movie Christmas with the Kranks, I highly recommend!
I don’t think I have, Thank you! 😁❤️
Cool video. I didn’t think I was going to watch this one because I’m not interested in cruises with SOOO many people, but the review turned out to be really interesting! Love the pics of the different food. Also happy to see Captain Hudson again 😬
So glad to hear about the ease with allergies on these ships! Just came off Disney and it was a bit confusing and sometimes felt limited having allergies! So might have to look into p&o. I would love to know more about allergy friendly exertion a cruise, if that’s possible?
I hope you have a fantastic day to come💝🎉😘
Thank you! You too!
I like your cruise videos the best! I feel like I'm with you, I get horribly sick on ships, so thanks I enjoy along with you 🎉!
Thanks for watching!
I wonder if the reason they keep the bananas behind the counter is so they can keep them neatly in their bunches etc so that they don't rot faster and so they don't get left on other fruits and rot them too! Lone bananas speed up the aging of any other fruits they touch so it's good to keep them away :)
You paid a very good price for that cruise, and I think I'd like that ship. As an American, I think it would be fun to try out an English cruise line. I know the food would be surprising for me, but that would be part of the fun.
I took a cruise like at the sime time as your's on the MSC Euribia.I can only say that the weather was horrible with 10m Waves that felt like a roller coaster.Our Port le Havre was cancelled because it was to dangerous.But all in one London,Zeebrugge and Rotterdam were Amazing.
❤️❤️❤️
Spot on with comments re P&O service. The AZURA service was outstanding in 2010 when we sailed for 19 nights from Southampton to Venice and back. Absolute shambolic service years later sailing to the Canaries. Never booked P&O again.
I have no iterest in going on a cruise myself, but i find these recaps so entertaining
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
2.5 hours per meal sounds absolutely IDEAL to me. Food is life, everything else is just padding between meals lol.
🤣🤣🤣
Ate in a locals Salerno restaurant recently on a Sunday afternoon. We were there 2¾ hours. The locals are probably still there !!!
@@andylane247 Perfect! I hope you had a delicious meal 🙂
I joined just as you disembarked, we headed over to the Caribbean. My first cruise, loved the ship and everything about it! I 100% have the cruising bug now 😅
Yesss!! 💕💕💕
Sagrada Familia was halted due to the world wars. At last thats what we were told when we visited. Not a cruise, we did a day trip from Salou where we were holidaying. I decided that I loved Barcelona. We also saw the fountain show. Spectacular
You are a true gem. Love your content second to your personality. Never change.
Thank you! 😁❤️
Love your new, sparkly shoes! I have a weakness for shoes.
You are a lovely, friendly person to listen to. Thank you. I have been binging you since I found you yesterday.
I’ve just come from 2 weeks in the Caribbean on Arvia. Absolutely loved it, but my biggest take away is the fact that it is impossible to explain what the X, Skydome show is.
I watched it after your stream.👍 I've worked on a lot of Carnival ships. Jubilee, Imagination, Paradise, Elation and Triumph. I also cruised on Freedom. I can't remember which ship but we did a Star Trek cruise, really good fun.👌 Also the things you won't see are people who unfortunately pass away on ships. At least one person per contract passes away and/or medical emergencies. The US Coastguard comes out in a helicopter to winch them off the ship.🙏 Sad but an amazing sight, the helicopter hoovering above the aft of the ship.
So my fellow cruisers don't forget your travel insurance?🙏🤞👍
On Arvia from 23rd Dec in Caribbean for our honeymoon over Christmas and New Year and must admit if we hadn’t of booked the retreat for the entirety of the holiday I would be seriously concerned about getting a sunbed. I do believe our cruise is sold out entirely. Heard mixed reviews but hopefully we have a wonderful time! 😊
13:16 perhaps you could make one of those Dan Brown novels out of it.
A secret order of stuffed toys trying to help more people afford to go on cruises and to make sure its not just a place for old people.
I don't know why I like this channel so much. I have never been on a cruise (other than a submarine) and have no desire to start cruising. These videos reinforce my desire to not spend my vacation on a cruise. It just looks like more hassle than I want to have. It's all the things she does to avoid extra charges. It sounds like a video game that I don't want to play.
Hahaha. Love this 😂😂😂
You could find a cruise line with everything included! I much prefer that as you just get on board and relax with no hidden extras.
I love cruising so much I am blessed to be able to cruise once a year or so and your videos are great to fill in the gap
Looks like you had decent weather and a pleasant cruise. Looking forward to next video.
Thank you! 😁❤️
I love that she brings Captain Hudson with her every time 😂🙂
Just FYI. The soldier on Sagrada Família is part of the Nativity narrative on that side of the basilica. (Herod’s soldiers killing of the innocents). When we went (earlier this month) we had a very good guide who explained the facades. (I like my cereal dry too. 😊). Love your channel.
That’s great info! I love the Yorkshire with everything in! Thanks!
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Hi Emma. Love the new video! Extremely excited as we have booked to go on Arvia in June 2025, what cabin was you in, we have booked 12132, bit nervous about feeling the movement with you saying you was near the front and the bay of Biscay is a real fear for our first cruise.
We went on Arvia last year in June/July and have booked again for next year. Went on my first cruise in 2022 on Britannia (Arvia 2023), Ventura this year, and then Arvia next. We loved Arvia but found it very busy and noisy. We had issues with some teenagers who would go round tables and take drinks when you went to the dancefloor. They also stayed in the lifts and had water guns and would spray people trying to get in and they had food fights with food from the late night buffet. Another teenager had been caught with marijuana and started urinating on the deck, and I'm assuming him and his family were put off at the next port. We did enjoy the entertainment, especially the dome shows. The ports were lovely and the steaks were gorgeous. The Quays had lovely food, and we always went there for breakfast as it was a lot quieter than the buffet. Always got a sunbed (though not near a pool) even on sea days. Having recently come off Ventura, I can say I enjoyed it better than Arvia, simply because there were fewer children and people overall, so a lot quieter. Also, the atmosphere was great, especially as it was the Euros and being able to watch England play was great. Like I said, we have booked Arvia again for next year and I am looking forward to it. One thing I wish P&O would do is allow a messaging feature on the webpage (where you check your balance or join the virtual queues). We also had a couple of medical emergencies on Arvia (one was disembarked by helicopter and another by a small boat whilst we dock a few miles off land). I'm glad you enjoyed Arvia, and I look forward to watching more of your videos.
I went on Arvia in July/ Aug and the virtual queues for dinner would be well over an hour long. You also couldn’t get a sun bed any near any of the pools. On a few days getting a sun bed anywhere was a challenge. We did enjoy it but it was just very busy and hard to book things such as deck games. The adult pool was often rammed, like bobbing up and down in a bowl of soup!
Hi Emma, As always your vlogs are full of honest comments. Large ships are not for me and my wife but always nice to see what these options are. Keep up your excellent work and sail safely.
We use the term a shed load as well here in Australia. The iced buns looked nice. Hope your nieces had a great time. I’m sure they did.
The fad for faded rugs is bizarre at best but even more bonkers to have faded carpets on a brand new vessel.
Cool video Emma. You seem a little under-caffeinated, and I for one really appreciate the slightly slower approach 😊
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
somehow your video pops up and i have subscribed. my daughter lives in london, i will look for p&o cruise from southampton. i think it would be a new and nice experience for me. i don't know if you have ever tried the alaska cruise, if not, i highly recommend it. love from canada.
Will do soon! Thank you! 😁❤️
Extremely good presenting - absolutely bursting with facts , experience etc etc
This is my second video - ( there is going to be more ) .... pleasure to watch
As for "cruising " - personally i would rather be at sea for 7- 31 days rather than vist any ports ( maybe 1 or 2 ) .... going to a port for a few hours trying to cram something in - would be annoying to me, as i dont like to be rushed being 50 years old now .
As food in the video - the 10 pound add on meals most certainly look to be worth it . Since simular looking meals in the uk are 20- 40 pound now .
I think you can stay within budget but " pushing the boat out " would be bad idea
Re: previous video with the "strange noises", I'd say it was who I call "Mr. and Mrs. Lovejoy". My dear Mum used to say love is not a spectator sport. I do believe she was spot on. Fantastic for Mercy Ships too. Thank you for your involvement with this wonderful organisation. Be safe, Emma, and thank you for all the intriguing vids.
Thank you! 😁❤️
Hahah the captains on these ships are so blunt, but also really funny
The Iona dome shows are so weird, I was like what heck when I watched the bird one.
I love your channel . I figured it is your commentary.. wish you all the best.. Just a bit of advice... While being vegetarian, you must understand that Colas are high sugar drinks... My mom died of Cancer and docs said that her sugar intake was high. Cancer cells feeds on sugar. Please take care.all the best
Excellent video Emma, thank you
The Yorkshire pud looks amazing.
Soooo good! 😁🥳
In East Texas our equivalent of shedload sounds similar, but is a bit more scatological.😂
“fajitas” from the text to speech made me laugh 😂
😂😂😂
I’m so excited to watch this. Let’s go.
Thank you! 😁❤️
Emma, you should try crusing in a front facing cabin. You know how you had a balcony that faces backwards, you should try a balcony facing forward 😊
Beano Club, LOL.😂 Another great video, Emma!
I have never managed to go on a cruise but I still love watching
Thank you! 😁❤️
Do please always get out of country medical insurance, even if you only go somewhere for a day. My mom was a travel agent for over 45 years, and she told plenty of horror stories of ones that chose not to. The travel agency made them sign a waiver saying they were offered it and refusing it if they chose not to buy it, and people would get angry when asked to sign the waiver, they'd crumple up the paper and throw it her face at times. Of course they were only covering their own behinds to ask clients to sign it.
Even ones that got it, claims will be denied. One lady had gotten it and broke her leg when she slipped by the pool. The claim was denied, since she'd been drunk when she slipped. Keep these things in mind. The insurance companies will do everything in their power to not have to pay. Read the fine print, it might cost you dearly if you don't.
Thanks for another great overview. It looks like the new Billy Butlins !!!
Went on Arvia's maiden voyage at Christmas and loved it so much we did a Fjord cruise on Iona this summer. Great ship.
good job.. we did a cruise planned for 45 people ans ended up sailing with hurrican Ian..
You're the best! Thank you for all the nice videos! Hope my mom buys me the "May Start Talking About Cruises" Sweater for christmas🎄🎅
🤣🤞🏼 I love that one!
@@EmmaCruises It is great!!😂
I've been known to eat peanut butter and sliced tomato on toast for breakfast. Your iced buns are normal...😂.
When my sister and I were very young, my parents would order full meals and two empty plates. My sister and I ate a small part of my parent's meals for several years. Either that or they'd order a full meal and my sister and I split it. It might explain why I like meat and my sister liked vegetables! 🤷
Great review, and I'm almost tempted to go on this monster. I do find your reviews slightly exhausting - you never take a breath! ;)
So crazy watching this video and seeing myself lol. Loved the first time on the cruise was a shame on the weather but very fun and entertaining
Emma, I love UK and the people, I’m American. I would love to do a cruise on P&O, but not on that behemoth . Seeing those lines of people just puts me off completely. That’s why I don’t go on the mega cruise ships by Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise line, they’re just too big to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Very nice video. I’m a sailor 27 years navy, I would love to take a cruise where you had 85 mile an hour wind sounds exciting. Unfortunately all 17 and my cruises have been rather blasé, despite taking cruises all over the world.
LOVED the flying fish! 🦈🪽🦈
🤣🤣🤣
I was on Britannia at the same time as your voyage - the staff were telling us about your missed port. We were pretty lucky and only suffered one bad-ish day in the Bay and got glorious sunshine the rest of the time!
As a network guy, I was tickled when you said the proper "megabit" as a measurement of network throughput instead of "megabyte."
Bars which you can't actually order from on Iona too. Very odd having to find a waiter to order from when you're already at the actual bar. And trying to get a (costa) coffee was the same, I gave up and went for the buffet stuff on many occasions.
Yeah I do find that odd! 😅❤️