With Arcadia sailing to the Canary Islands on last Sunday (March 27), P&O Cruises has now fully returned to service following its pause in operations. President Paul Ludlow said: “We’re back sailing and this is certainly cause for celebration. It was an important milestone as we have all six ships back in operation and doing what we do best.”

“We are delighted to be welcoming Arcadia back to the fleet. This ship is hugely popular with our loyal cruisers and I know the captain and team on board cannot wait to sail the itineraries we have planned for this year.”

Britannia and Azura had a successful season in the Caribbean from Barbados and will spend the summer in the Mediterranean.

Iona has spent the winter in the Canary Islands and northern Europe and will soon head to the Norwegian fjords for the summer season.

“It is evident that our guests are reassured by the steps we have taken to protect their health and wellbeing and that they are delighted to be back on board re-igniting their passion for travel,” Ludlow added.

Arvia will join P&O Cruises in December as the seventh ship in the fleet.

Arvia’s maiden voyage is to the Canary Islands followed by a winter season of fly/cruise holidays in the Caribbean from Barbados.

Arvia, similar to its sister ship Iona, will be powered by liquefied natural gas.