P&O Arvia Inside Cabin Review: What They Don't Tell You About Cabin 15111
By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated: 21 October 2026
The comfortable double bed setup in cabin 15111 on P&O Arvia, complete with bedside reading lights and USB ports
Is an inside cabin on P&O Cruises' newest mega-ship really worth booking, or are you in for an uncomfortable squeeze?
We spent a full two-week cruise living in standard inside cabin 15111 aboard P&O Arvia. Having also sailed in this exact standard inside cabin grade on sister ship P&O Iona, we were keen to see how the layout held up for a fortnight at sea.
Booking an inside cabin remains a brilliant way to keep your holiday budget economical and cruise far more often. While our time in this forward deck accommodation proved that modern styling does not always mean practical living, we would certainly book it again at the right price.
After dozens of cruises and hundreds of days at sea across various lines, we have learned that cruise ship marketing gloss does not always match the day-to-day reality onboard. We love a bargain, but living out of this specific cabin for 14 nights tested our patience with storage, lighting, and layout functionality.
Our Quick Verdict: Our P&O Arvia inside cabin review reveals that while cabin 15111 is modern, pristine, and features an excellent shower with a glass door, it is noticeably compact, suffers from dim ambient lighting and inadequate drawer storage, and has finicky air conditioning. At the right price, it represents solid value for money, but it requires serious packing discipline for longer voyages.
First Impressions and Cabin Location
Cabin 15111 sits right at the forward end of Deck 15. Looking at the deck plan, you will find it positioned neatly between a suite and a standard balcony cabin, situated directly beneath the ship's bridge.
Arrival is completely faff-free. Your cruise card awaits you outside in a sealed envelope, and a simple tap against the digital sensor pad unlocks the cabin door.
Stepping inside, the modern decor immediately catches your eye. P&O Cruises has opted for clean lines, warm woods, circular decorative mirrors above the bed, and contemporary wall art.
However, the immediate sense of space (or lack thereof) is noticeable. At around 135 square feet, this Excellence-class standard inside footprint is easily one of the most compact inside layouts we have stayed in across the major cruise fleets.
The second thing that hits you is how dark certain corners are. Because inside cabins have no natural daylight, good artificial lighting is crucial. Unfortunately, the entryway and the far corner by the television remain distinctly dim even with every light turned on.
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Our P&O ARVIA INSIDE CABIN 15111 TOUR and FULL REVIEW!
This is our P&O ARVIA INSIDE CABIN TOUR. During Arvia's maiden voyage we selected to stay in an inside cabin. We were allocated 15111, which is located at the very front of the ship. We hope you find this tour helpful and we hope it gives you a clear indication of what amenities P&O Cruises cabins have to offer.
Tom checking the narrow wardrobe shelving and digital safe tucked behind the full-length mirror
Storage and Wardrobe Space: A Real Squeeze for 14 Nights
If you are packing for a fortnight at sea, storage requires serious strategy here.
The wardrobe area near the entrance consists of two hanging sections. Adjacent to these is a mirrored panel that conceals a set of narrow vertical shelves, home to the digital safe, a wall-mounted hairdryer, and the laundry bag.
Behind the entrance door, you will find your standard safety instructions, the master keycard slot to activate the cabin power, and a built-in low-level emergency nightlight.
Here is what you can expect for overall storage throughout the cabin:
Wardrobes: Two standard-width hanging rails.
Concealed Shelving: Narrow shelves behind the full-length mirror housing the safe.
Vanity Storage: Two open, low shelves beneath the main desk.
Corner Unit: Two small open display shelves below the television.
Wall Hooks: Four sturdy wall-mounted coat hooks opposite the bed.
The biggest disappointment across this cabin grade (both on Arvia and Iona) is the complete absence of drawers. The bedside tables are open cubbies without pull-out drawers, and the vanity offers only open shelving.
We found ourselves shoving folded clothes wherever we could find an open shelf. For two adults sharing for 14 nights, it simply was not functional enough. On the plus side, there is ample clearance beneath the bed frame to slide large hard-shell suitcases completely out of sight.
Bed Comfort, Tech, and Plugs
Despite the tight footprint, the sleeping arrangements delivered a proper good night's rest.
We had the bed configured as a double, dressed in crisp white linens that proved exceptionally comfortable throughout the voyage.
Modern tech integration around the bed is well thought out:
Reading Lights: Individual flexible spotlights mounted on either side of the headboard.
USB Ports: Discreet standard USB-A charging sockets integrated into the underside of each reading light fixture.
Vanity Power Outlets: Two standard UK three-pin plugs and one European round two-pin socket situated behind the kettle.
Above the vanity desk, you get a kettle with tea and coffee supplies, two mugs, and two tumblers.
Strangely, the mini-fridge is not integrated beneath the kettle where you normally find it on other ships. Instead, it is housed across the room in a separate unit beneath the wall-mounted television and telephone.
One handy tip for inside cabin living: we always pack our portable sunrise simulation alarm clock. Since there is no natural morning sunlight, having an alarm that gradually brightens the room makes waking up for early port arrivals infinitely easier.
A look inside the compact bathroom on P&O Arvia, featuring a modern washbasin and three handy storage shelves
The Bathroom and Shower
Cruise ship bathrooms can often be a source of dread, but P&O got several key elements spot-on here.
The bathroom is undeniably compact, but the walk-in shower unit takes up nearly half of the entire floor space.
Best of all, there is no clingy fabric shower curtain. P&O has installed a proper, solid glass sliding door that seals tightly and keeps the floor completely dry.
Inside the bathroom, you will find:
Three open storage shelves positioned beside the washbasin mirror.
Quality complimentary hand wash and shower gel supplied by The White Company.
A retractable washing line inside the shower enclosure for drying swimwear.
A well-lit vanity mirror and small sanitary bin.
Note that there are no under-sink storage cupboards (the lower panel is fixed shut) and no standard plug sockets inside the bathroom, which is standard cruise safety practice across most fleets.
Daily Housekeeping and Living Space
P&O Cruises operates a once-daily cabin service model, usually completed during the morning hours.
You are provided with a double-sided magnetic card to place outside your cabin door indicating whether you would like your room serviced or prefer not to be disturbed.
Living in the room for two weeks highlighted two persistent niggles:
Air Conditioning: The digital thermostat proved remarkably temperamental. Regardless of the dial setting, the climate control blew either freezing cold air or overly warm air, with very little middle ground.
Floor Space: With only a single vanity chair provided, one person inevitably has to sit on the bed. The walkway around the foot of the bed is narrow, making it difficult for two people to get dressed or move around the cabin simultaneously.
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The interactive wall-mounted television positioned directly opposite the bed in cabin 15111 on P&O Arvia
Was It Worth It?
Would we book cabin 15111 on P&O Arvia again? Yes, we would book it again, provided the price is right.
Having experienced this exact standard inside cabin grade on both Arvia and Iona, we know the layout comes with clear compromises on longer itineraries. The minimal drawer storage, dim corner lighting, finicky air conditioning, and the long corridor walk to the forward lifts can be frustrating.
However, cruise pricing often dictates the decision. When P&O offers a substantial discount or an unbeatable saver fare on an inside grade, this cabin represents cracking value for money. It lets you experience a brilliant, modern mega-ship and all its venues while keeping your overall holiday costs down.
Who this cabin suits best:
Budget-conscious cruisers looking for the best price on an Excellence-class ship.
Solo travellers who will find the storage and footprint more than adequate.
Guests taking shorter 3 to 7-night sailings where luggage is minimal.
Cruisers who treat their cabin purely as a base for sleeping and showering.
Who should consider an upgrade:
Couples on 14-night or longer cruises who dislike living out of shelves and bags.
Passengers with limited mobility who prefer avoiding long walks to the forward lift lobby.
Anyone who values natural daylight and extra breathing room.
If the fare difference is modest, upgrading to a sea view or standard balcony cabin gives you noticeably more floor space and natural daylight. But if an inside fare saves you hundreds of pounds, cabin 15111 does the job.
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The vanity desk in cabin 15111 on P&O Arvia, complete with a kettle, UK plug sockets, and a large mirror.
Top Inside Cabin Hack: Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock
We absolutely love the fantastic value of staying in an inside cabin, but waking up in complete, pitch-black darkness at 8:00 AM can completely disrupt your body clock.
There is nothing worse than turning on a harsh light switch first thing in the morning and completely blinding yourself.
Our ultimate inside cabin hack is bringing a sunrise simulation clock. You simply set your wake-up time, and the lamp gradually increases its brightness from 10% to 100% over thirty minutes, mimicking a natural dawn.
It is an absolute game-changer for waking up feeling properly refreshed and ready for a busy port day.
In fact, it is the very first thing we pack whenever we book an inside stateroom. You can get the exact sunrise simulation alarm clock we use here.
Conclusion
Our time in cabin 15111 confirmed that P&O Arvia offers smart, contemporary accommodation with a great shower and a very comfortable bed. While the storage and lighting require a few workarounds, it remains a solid, budget-friendly option if you snag it at a cracking rate.
If you do book this cabin grade on Arvia or Iona, our top piece of advice is to bring magnetic wall hooks and a hanging shelf organiser to make full use of the wall space.
Before you go... check these out next:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Would you book an inside cabin on P&O Arvia again?
Yes, we would book it again at the right price. While compact and lacking drawers, it offers fantastic value for money if secured on an economical fare.
Is an inside cabin on P&O Arvia practical for a 14-night cruise?
It is manageable, but our P&O Arvia inside cabin review found that the complete lack of drawers requires disciplined packing for two adults over two weeks.
Is the inside cabin layout on P&O Arvia identical to P&O Iona?
Yes. Both ships belong to the Excellence class, and their standard inside cabins share the identical footprint, bathroom layout, and open-shelving storage arrangement.
Does cabin 15111 on P&O Arvia have UK plug sockets?
Yes. The desk vanity area features two standard UK three-pin sockets and one European two-pin socket. USB-A charging ports are also built underneath each bedside reading lamp.
Where is cabin 15111 located on P&O Arvia?
It is situated at the very front of Deck 15, directly underneath the bridge and positioned between a suite and a balcony cabin.
About the Authors
We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.
Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.
