P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is a British cruise line, headquartered in Southampton, England, and is part of Carnival Corporation & PLC. It holds the distinction of being Britain's largest and most established cruise line, with a heritage dating back to 1837. P&O Cruises is known for offering a distinctly British cruising experience, blending classic traditions with modern amenities and appealing to a wide demographic, from families with children to couples and mature travelers, particularly those who prefer "no-fly" cruises departing directly from Southampton.

Fleet and Design:

P&O Cruises operates a fleet of seven ships, each with its own character, designed to cater to different preferences, including family-friendly and exclusively-for-adults vessels. The ships aim to provide a "country house hotel at sea" feel, with stylish decor, comfortable accommodation, and a focus on British tastes.

• Iona Class: (e.g., Iona, Arvia). These are the newest and largest ships (184,700 gross tons, 5,200+ guests), and are LNG-powered. They are highly family-friendly and feature innovative spaces like the SkyDome (a large glass-domed entertainment and pool area that transforms from day to night) and The Grand Atrium with its expansive glass walls. They offer a vast array of dining and entertainment options.
• Britannia Class: (e.g., Britannia). A large ship (3,647 guests) with a modern, elegant design and a focus on contemporary British style. It offers a wide range of dining, entertainment, and a strong emphasis on British culinary heroes.
• Ventura Class: (e.g., Azura, Ventura). These are large, family-friendly ships (around 3,100 guests), offering a multitude of facilities, pools, and activities for all ages.
• Adults-Only Ships: (e.g., Arcadia, Aurora). These are mid-sized ships (around 2,000 guests) designed exclusively for adults, offering a more refined and tranquil atmosphere, elegant lounges, and intimate dining experiences. Arcadia is known for its glass-fronted lifts and art collection, while Aurora has a classic, sophisticated feel.

Across the fleet, cabins are chic and comfortable, ranging from inside to ocean view, balcony, and suites, all featuring en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, and British plug sockets.

Destinations (2025-2026):

P&O Cruises offers a diverse range of itineraries, with a strong emphasis on departures from Southampton, making "no-fly" cruising a popular choice for British guests. They also offer fly-cruises to distant destinations. For 2025 and 2026, their global reach includes:

• Mediterranean: Extensive voyages across the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, including the Greek Isles, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, and Turkey. Many are no-fly options from Southampton, while others are fly-cruises from UK airports to destinations like Malta or the Caribbean.
• Caribbean & Bahamas: Popular winter itineraries, often fly-cruises to and from Barbados, exploring various islands.
• Norwegian Fjords: Scenic cruises to the stunning fjords of Norway, often on the newer, larger ships.
• Canary Islands & Atlantic Islands: Frequent sailings to the popular sun-soaked islands, ideal for winter escapes.
• British Isles: Round-Britain cruises exploring the UK's coastline and cities.
• USA & Canada: Seasonal cruises, particularly in the fall for autumn foliage.
• World Cruises & Grand Voyages: Signature long-haul journeys, including the ambitious World Cruise on Arcadia, visiting multiple continents.
• Exotic Fly-Cruises: Including destinations like the Arabian Gulf, and Asia (e.g., Singapore, Japan, Vietnam).
• Australia & New Zealand: Occasional long-haul itineraries.

P&O Cruises often offers varied itinerary lengths, from short taster cruises to extensive multi-week voyages, catering to different holiday preferences.

Onboard Experience & Inclusions:

P&O Cruises offers a comprehensive cruise holiday with a significant amount included in the base fare, aiming for ease and value. The onboard currency is the Great British Pound (£).

Standard inclusions typically cover:

• Accommodation: Your chosen cabin category, from inside to balcony and suites, all with en-suite facilities, tea & coffee making facilities, TV, and air conditioning.
• Dining: A wide variety of complimentary dining options:
  • Main Dining Rooms: Offering a choice of "Club Dining" (fixed table, same time each evening) or "Freedom Dining" (flexible times, open seating). Menus feature British classics and international cuisine.
  • Buffet Restaurants: Expansive buffet options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (e.g., Lido Market).
  • Casual Eateries: Such as poolside grills, pizzerias, and grab-and-go options (e.g., The Quays on Iona and Arvia).
  • Afternoon Tea: A complimentary British tradition.
  • Complimentary Room Service Breakfast: Available.
  • Specialty Restaurants: Many ships feature a range of specialty restaurants (e.g., Sindhu for Indian, The Glass House for wine and small plates, Ocean Grill for steaks and seafood, The Epicurean for fine dining). These incur an additional cover charge, though sometimes included in promotional offers. Newer ships like Iona and Arvia have more included dining options and more specialty choices.
• Entertainment: Diverse and high-quality entertainment:
  • Theatre Shows: Dazzling West End-style production shows, guest vocalists, comedians, and live acts.
  • Live Music: In various lounges and bars, including piano bars, jazz lounges, and live bands for dancing.
  • Cinemas: Onboard cinemas showing the latest blockbusters and classic films.
  • Nightclubs & Silent Discos: Vibrant venues for dancing and socializing.
  • Quizzes & Game Shows: Engaging activities throughout the day.
  • Casino & Bingo: For those who enjoy a flutter.
• Activities & Recreation: A wide array of onboard activities:
  • Swimming Pools & Whirlpools: Multiple pools (some with retractable roofs for all-weather use), including dedicated family pools and adults-only areas.
  • Sports Deck & Gym: State-of-the-art gyms with free fitness classes, sports courts (for football, basketball, etc.), golf nets, and outdoor running tracks.
  • Children's Clubs: Complimentary, age-specific supervised clubs ("The Reef" for various age groups) offering a range of activities. Family-friendly ships also have splash zones and dedicated kids' areas.
  • Libraries & Card Rooms: Quiet spaces for relaxation.
  • Guest Speakers & Workshops: Educational talks and classes on various subjects.
• Service: Attentive and friendly service from dedicated cabin stewards and a British-influenced crew.
• Basic Beverages: Filtered water, tea, coffee, and breakfast juices are included.
• Port Taxes: All port taxes are typically included in the fare.

Additional Costs & Packages:

While much is included, guests typically pay extra for:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Available for purchase, or through various drinks packages (e.g., Classic Drinks Package).
• Specialty Coffees and Fresh Juices: From specific cafes (e.g., Costa Coffee on many ships).
• Spa Treatments: And access to thermal suites (though some basic sauna/steam room access may be included on older ships).
• Shore Excursions: Available for purchase in each port.
• Room Service after 11 am: A charge applies for certain items.

P&O Cruises continues to be a popular choice for British cruisers, offering a blend of traditional maritime comfort with modern amenities, and a strong focus on value and hassle-free holidays from the UK.

Exported from Firebase on 2025-08-02T14:17:19.897Z