P&O Cruises unveils Take That musical on brand new cruise ship Arvia

P&O Cruises today announced that stage musical, Greatest Days – The Official Take That Musical, will show onboard new ship Arvia when she sails this winter.

The Take That Musical is an adaptation of the acclaimed West End musical The Band, featuring the songs of Take That, Britain’s all-time most successful boy band.

The story of the show is by Olivier Award-winning writer Tim Firth – and Arvia is the only place in the world where guests can watch it.

It’s not the first time Take That and P&O have teamed up; the band’s lead singer Gary Barlow is currently Music Director of The 710 Club on Arvia and Iona.

Passengers will be toe-tapping and singing along in no time thanks to the many bangers include in the show. Hits by Take That include Never Forget, Back for Good, A Million Love Songs, Greatest Day, The Flood, Relight My Fire, Shine and Rule the World.

As for the plot line, Greatest Days centres on five 16-year-old girls in 1993 for whom Take That is their world.

The musical follows the group of girls as they reunite after 25 years apart and try to fulfil their dream of meeting the Take That hitmakers whose music became the soundtrack to their lives.

The members of Take That said of the show coming to P&O ship Arvia: “Almost ten years ago, we had the idea of writing a musical with our songs. It was a big wish of ours to make a show with Take That’s music, but without us – not the story of our lives.

“Our wishes came true and five years ago we debuted The Band Musical to the world. Now we couldn’t be prouder to bring the story to P&O Cruises under its new name – Greatest Days.

“In Tim Firth we found an author who invented a completely different and wonderful story to which our music makes the perfect frame.

“A story with a lot of heart and friendship. A musical that shows how music brings friends together. The story works so wonderfully, you don’t even have to know our music!”

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We are delighted to have worked so closely with Take That to bring this fantastic story to the stage on board Arvia, exclusively for our guests.

“With an amazing cast, handpicked from our Headliners Theatre performers, guests can look forward to a night of world-class entertainment to create a truly unique and extraordinary theatre experience.”

Sister ship to Iona, Arvia will join the P&O Cruises fleet in December 2022 as its second LNG-powered, Excel class ship offering a Caribbean maiden season of fly-cruise holidays from homeport Barbados.

Arvia boasts a unique SkyDome with a retractable glass roof and 16 guest decks.

The P&O cruise ship will feature the first Altitude Skywalk high ropes experience, the tropical-themed Altitude Minigolf, the Altitude Splash Valley aquazone, an outdoor Sports Arena, swim-up bar and infinity pool.

It will also offer guests several new dining options such as Green & Co featuring Mizuhana sushi bar, Ocean Studios cinema, extensive shopping, and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.”

Earlier this year, P&O Cruises released a behind-the-scenes video of what will be the first-ever escape room at sea onboard Arvia.

The escape room – “Mission Control” – offers a unique immersive experience, blending an escape game with multimedia simulation and a live-action story.

There will be two one-hour experiences available: a family-friendly adventure suitable for all ages and an adventure designed for adults.