When it comes to planning a holiday that meets ALL of our individual needs as a family its either Disneyland , a Cruise or Center Parcs that feel like a safe bet for us. But, we have NEVER been brave enough to face two whole weeks away. The medical prep, clothes washing and length of time from OUR familiar has always put me off. I can now happily say…. I had nothing to worry about!
The kids Grandma ( Ians mum) generously treated us, Ians sister and her daughter to a wonderful two week Mediterranean cruise for we are ENORMOUSLY grateful . Although you wont see them alot in our public content ( they don’t fancy being TikTok famous just yet;) ) We shared a wonderful two weeks as a family of 9 and it is a memory that we will share forever with utter joy! Getting to spend so much time with our beautiful niece and seeing our children care for her was breathtaking. The games nights, the food and the laughs were truly AWESOME!
As always, we like to share our experiences and the things we learned to help you on your next neurodivergent family journey so… here’s what we learned and why we at Awesome Archie non profit HIGHLY recommend Arvia for your family!
The Arvia is the newest Excel-class ship and takes family fun to the next level — blending sun-soaked adventure with child-focused brilliance. For me that is key , happy kids means a happy me!
Whether you’ve got little explorers, screen-loving tweens, or sensory-seeking neurodivergent children, Arvia makes it easier to say “yes” to a holiday where everyone actually gets to relax.
Kids’ Clubs That Actually Understand Kids
P&O’s Reef clubs are broken down by age, and they are free of charge:
- Splashers (2–4 years)
- Surfers (5–8 years)
- Scubas (9–12 years)
- H2O (13–17 years)
These are so more than just babysitting services. The staff are friendly, energetic, and trained to engage children through fun, inclusive activities like arts and crafts, games, themed nights, and movie sessions. For children who need more structure or sensory-friendly environments, the team is usually happy to accommodate if you speak with them in advance. My neice Mollie went into surfers kids club every day and absolutely LOVED it!
Top tip: Let them know if your child is neurodivergent or needs adjustments — many parents report a thoughtful and flexible response!
Altitude Adventure Zone – Ropes, Golf & Laser Tag!
Arvia brings action-packed outdoor fun to the seas with:
- The Altitude Skywalk (ropes course) – thrill-seeking kids (and grown-ups) will love it….WE DID IT!
- Altitude Mini Golf – great for family bonding and gentle competition. AWESOME FUN!
- Altitude Splash Valley – a splash-tastic water play area that’s ideal for hot afternoons. LUSH ON THE HOT DAYS.
It’s perfect for burning off energy while sailing through the sunshine.
Onboard Cinema & Shows Made for All Ages
Arvia’s Ocean Studios cinema plays a mix of new releases and family-friendly favorites in a quiet, comfortable environment — great for downtime. And the Headliners Theater puts on West-End style shows and performances that are often suitable (and exciting!) for older children and teens. HANDS DOWN our favorite shows were those given by The Animal Guyz. I am going to write a blog dedicated to them and the work that they do as it deserves more than just a para on here! Keep your eyes peeled for that soon.
Food Freedom – Archie and Herbie had so much choice!
From The Quays (a casual dining area with a mix of global street food) to pizza and pasta favourites, there’s something for every palate — including picky ones.
You’ll find:
- Simple, child-friendly menus
- Buffet options for independence
- Allergen and dietary-awareness from staff (just let them know!)
Some venues like The Beach House are super relaxed and family-friendly, so no worries if you’ve got noisy little ones of kids that struggle to whisper like Arch.
Cabin Comfort & Safe Spaces
Cabins are thoughtfully laid out with:
- Bunk beds or sofa beds for kids
- Private balconies in some rooms — perfect for sensory breaks , we used our daily!
- TV and movie options for chilled evenings
When we needed a moment away from the crowds we just headed back to your cabin for a cool-down and a reset. We brought comfort items from home (teddies, fidgets, blankets) to make it feel familiar and we soon settled in.
We had a room with a small covered balcony which meant that even in our wind down time, I could sit and hear the ocean and feel the sun while the boys chilled on their tablet or played chess. AWESOME!
Sensory-Friendly Tips for Neurodivergent Families
While Arvia isn’t exclusively set up for neurodivergent children, many families have found it easier than expected to navigate with the right preparation:
- Priority check-in is available — let them know your needs ahead of time.
- Quiet corners can be found around the ship for breaks.
- Speak to the kids’ club team about any access or sensory needs — they often go the extra mile.
Bonus idea: Bring noise-cancelling headphones, familiar snacks, and visuals/schedules to help with transitions.
For us, Arvia isn’t just a ship — it’s a floating holiday village packed with imagination, activity, and opportunities to connect as a family. Whether your child wants to climb, splash, chill, or create, there’s something for every energy level and every personality.
It’s not always easy to find a holiday that meets the needs of every member of the family, but P&O’s Arvia comes impressively close — and for that, we’re THRILLED!
See you again next summer Arvia!!
