Skip to content

"Is Rankin truly a born photographer for the cruise ship industry?"

Photography captured by Rankin during his stint on a cruise ship will be exhibited at Battersea Power Station.

Debating his aptitude in cruise-ship photography, Rankin expresses his approach as being...
Debating his aptitude in cruise-ship photography, Rankin expresses his approach as being open-minded.

"Is Rankin truly a born photographer for the cruise ship industry?"

Photographer John Rankin Captures the Vibrant Spirit of P&O's M/S Arvia

John Rankin, renowned photographer, recently embarked on a unique journey, documenting the crew and passengers of the M/S Arvia, P&O Cruises' latest vessel. The 7-day cruise around the coasts of Spain and France was not just a vacation, but a mission to counter the stereotype that cruising is predominantly for retirees.

The M/S Arvia, weighing a staggering 184,700 tonnes, functions as a small town, hosting a mixed group of people. Rankin found the cruise to be a real laugh and an opportunity to explore places one might not otherwise go.

Among the diverse passengers, Rankin captured some memorable moments. Actor Layton Williams, lounging casually in a pink suit, was spotted relaxing in the pool, much to the amusement of a woman trying to swim laps nearby. In another instance, one of the ship's dancers leaped into the air, dressed as a lifeguard, adding a playful touch to the cruise's vibrant atmosphere.

Rankin's photographs include a mix of fashion-like shots, intimate images, and wilfully silly moments. His work aims to showcase the mix of nostalgia, glamour, and down-to-earth experiences found on the cruise ship.

Rankin's 50 portraits from the cruise will be on free public display at Battersea Power Station, London, from 17 September 2025. For those unable to attend, more information about the exhibit can be found on batterseapowerstation.co.uk.

Rankin's experience on the cruise left an impression and led to conversations with P&O management for the commission. It seems that the presumptions people have about cruise holidays tend to be way off. The M/S Arvia, with its diverse passenger base and array of activities, challenges these stereotypes and offers a unique holiday experience for all ages.

Notable passengers on the M/S Arvia include Actor Layton Williams, chef Marco Pierre White, and Blur's Alex James, who serve as P&O's brand ambassadors. Singer Nicole Scherzinger was also photographed by Rankin for the launch of the P&O Cruises ship M/S Arvia.

In an effort to further dispel the stereotype, no relevant information was found regarding who commissioned P&O in 2025 to photograph the cruise ship M/S Arvia and its passengers and crew. Regardless, Rankin's work is a testament to the vibrant, dynamic, and diverse world found on the M/S Arvia, inviting all to reconsider their perceptions of cruise holidays.

Read also:

Latest