P&O Cruises doesn’t treat solo travellers like an afterthought anymore, and that matters more than most people realise when you’re choosing where to spend a week at sea on your own.
P&O Cruises has developed a comprehensive solo travel programme across its fleet, featuring dedicated single cabins on most ships, structured social meetups, flexible dining options that let you eat alone or join others, and shore excursions designed with solo passengers in mind. The line offers both purpose-built single cabins and standard cabins for solo occupancy, with traditional dining rooms actively seating solo travellers together and dedicated social events ranging from coffee mornings to cocktail evenings on ships including Iona, Arvia, Azura, and Britannia.
Single Cabin Options and What You Actually Get
P&O Cruises offers two distinct routes for solo passengers, and picking the wrong one can leave you either cramped or overpaying.
Dedicated single cabins are purpose-built for one person. You’ll find them across Inside, Sea View, and Balcony categories on most ships in the fleet. These aren’t converted doubles with one bed removed, they’re designed from the start to maximise space for a solo occupant. The layout makes better use of storage and desk space than you’d get in a standard cabin where half the room sits empty.
Standard cabins for solo use give you the full double-occupancy space to yourself. You’re the only passenger in a cabin built for two, which means more floor space and often a proper sofa or seating area. The catch is pricing, it varies by voyage and sometimes a standard cabin works out comparable to a single if the ship has excess inventory to shift.
Which Cabin Type Makes Sense
- Single cabins suit you if you value efficient space designed for one person and don’t need extra room to spread out
- Balcony singles give you private outdoor space without paying for double occupancy, worth considering on longer voyages or scenic routes
- Standard cabins work better if you’re bringing more luggage, want a larger bathroom, or find the per-person rate competitive with single cabin pricing
- Inside singles offer the most budget-friendly solo option and make practical sense if you plan to spend most of your time in public areas
Check both options when booking. Some sailings price standard cabins for solo use lower than you’d expect, particularly on last-minute inventory or repositioning cruises.
Dining Arrangements That Don’t Leave You Awkward
Eating alone on a ship can feel exposed if you don’t know how the system works. P&O structures two dining models that handle solo passengers very differently.
Traditional dining assigns you a set table at a set time for the entire voyage. Solo travellers typically get seated together at larger tables, often with other solo passengers or couples who don’t mind sharing. You’ll see the same faces each evening, which either builds friendships or commits you to a week of polite conversation with people you’d rather avoid. There’s no switching tables mid-cruise without a formal request to the maitre d’.
My Time dining lets you eat when you want within service hours, either alone at a small table or joining others if you prefer. You’ll request your dining preference each evening or reserve in advance. This works better if you value flexibility or want to control your social exposure day by day.
Making Dining Work as a Solo Passenger
- Request traditional dining if you want built-in social structure and don’t mind committing to a set table
- Choose My Time if you prefer eating at different times or want the option to dine alone some nights
- Arrive early for breakfast and lunch buffets to secure window seating if you’re comfortable eating solo in public areas
- Main dining rooms usually handle solo diners more naturally than specialty restaurants, which are designed around couples and groups
- Room service remains available if you want a night off from public dining, though the menu is more limited
If you’re travelling on one of P&O’s longer voyages or want to explore no-fly cruise options from UK ports, the dining format you choose matters more because you’ll be repeating it for weeks rather than days.
Solo Traveller Social Programme Across the Fleet
P&O runs dedicated solo traveller events on most ships, but the frequency and format vary significantly between vessels and itineraries.
| Event Type | What Happens | When It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Meetups | Informal gatherings in a designated lounge, usually with a host from the entertainment team | First day or two to identify other solo travellers and arrange to meet up later |
| Coffee Mornings | Casual drop-in sessions mid-morning, often on sea days | Lower pressure than evening events, easier to leave if it’s not your crowd |
| Cocktail Evenings | Pre-dinner drinks event with other solo passengers | Good for finding dining companions or shore excursion partners |
| Shore Experience Groups | Coordinated port activities designed for solo travellers to join together | Reduces the single supplement anxiety on excursions and provides built-in company |
Ships confirmed to run regular solo programming include Iona, Arvia, Azura, Arcadia, Aurora, Ventura, and Britannia. The events appear in the Horizon daily programme, usually marked with a solo traveller icon. They’re first-come, first-served and entirely optional.
Not every sailing runs the full programme. Shorter cruises or ships with lower solo passenger numbers may only offer one or two meetups per voyage. Check the ship’s current schedule when booking if this matters to you, because P&O’s marketing materials promise more than some sailings actually deliver.
Shore Excursions and Independent Port Days
Going ashore alone changes your port day priorities compared to travelling with others, and P&O’s shore excursions programme addresses some of this but not all.
The Shore Experiences team organises group excursions where solo travellers can join others, which removes the single supplement some private tour operators charge. You’ll pay the standard per-person rate and travel with a mixed group that often includes other solo passengers from the ship. These work well for structured sightseeing or activities where having company makes the experience better.
Independent port exploration gives you more flexibility but requires more planning as a solo traveller. You’re navigating transport, managing costs alone, and handling any unexpected situations without a companion to split the problem-solving. Some ports suit solo exploration better than others, particularly those with walkable city centres or reliable public transport.
When to Book P&O Excursions vs Going Independent
- Book ship excursions for ports where local transport is complicated or where you want guaranteed company
- Go independent in easy ports with good walking access or simple metro systems, particularly if you’ve visited before
- Consider ship excursions in ports where personal safety concerns exist for solo travellers or where language barriers complicate independent navigation
- Shore experiences designed for solo travellers often include smaller group sizes and more social structure than standard excursions
- Check whether independent port days align with first-time solo cruise priorities like staying close to the ship or testing your comfort level before committing to longer independent outings
If you’re weighing solo travel across different UK-based lines, our guide to Ambassador vs P&O Cruises breaks down how their shore excursion models and solo passenger support differ in practice.
Costs and Budgeting Without Splitting Bills
Solo cruise costs extend beyond the cabin fare, and you’ll carry expenses that couples split between two people.
Single cabin pricing typically includes a premium compared to the per-person rate of a double-occupancy cabin, though P&O prices these competitively relative to other mainstream lines. Standard cabins booked for solo use may cost more upfront but occasionally offer better value when you calculate the space and amenities you’re getting.
Dining costs remain largely included in your fare through main dining rooms, buffets, and most casual venues. Specialty restaurants charge per person, which you’ll pay in full rather than splitting. The same applies to drinks packages, spa treatments, and shore excursions, none of these costs reduce because you’re travelling alone.
Where Solo Travellers Spend More
- Gratuities are charged per cabin on P&O, not per person, so you pay the full amount solo travellers don’t save here
- Drinks packages are priced per person but you’ll consume less than two people would, making the value proposition weaker unless you’re a heavy drinker
- Wi-Fi packages are also per person, which works in your favour since you’re not paying for two devices
- Shore excursion transport costs hit harder when you can’t split taxi fares or private guides
- Pre-cruise accommodation near the departure port costs the same whether you’re one person or two
Our detailed guide on how to avoid single supplement fees covers strategies that apply across multiple cruise lines, including P&O’s approach to solo pricing.
Booking Strategy and Cabin Selection
Solo cabins and preferred locations sell out faster than standard inventory, and leaving it late costs you both choice and price.
Book as early as possible after a voyage opens for sale. P&O allocates a limited number of single cabins per ship, and these fill first on popular routes and school holiday sailings. The best deck locations, particularly for balcony singles, disappear within weeks of a cruise going on sale.
When selecting your cabin, consider deck location relative to public spaces you’ll use frequently. Solo travellers often spend more time in bars, entertainment venues, and observation areas than couples who retreat to their cabins. A cabin mid-ship on a higher deck often provides easier access and less walking, particularly on larger ships like Iona and Arvia.
What to Check Before You Book
- Verify whether the specific sailing runs solo traveller meetups by contacting P&O directly, the website lists these by ship but not by departure date
- Compare single cabin pricing against standard cabin solo rates for your chosen dates, sometimes the price difference is negligible
- Check the ship’s refurbishment schedule, newly updated ships typically have better single cabin inventory and layouts
- Consider booking during off-peak periods when solo cabin availability improves and pricing becomes more competitive
- Read deck plans carefully, some single cabins sit in less desirable locations like near crew areas or above entertainment venues
If you’re comparing P&O against other UK-based lines, both Ambassador Cruise Line and Saga Cruises structure their solo offerings differently, with Saga targeting an older demographic and Ambassador focusing on value-driven solo pricing.
Ships With the Best Solo Traveller Infrastructure
Not all P&O ships handle solo passengers equally well, and the differences affect your daily experience more than the marketing materials suggest.
- Iona and Arvia lead the fleet for solo traveller facilities. Both ships feature the newest single cabin designs, more consistent social programming, and layouts that make moving between public spaces easier when you’re navigating alone. The solo meetups on these ships run more frequently and attract higher numbers because the overall passenger demographic skews younger and includes more solo travellers.
- Azura, Ventura, and Britannia offer solid solo options with regular programming and good single cabin inventory, though the cabin designs are older and sometimes less space-efficient. These ships suit solo travellers who want a more traditional cruise experience without the scale of the newest vessels.
- Arcadia and Aurora carry fewer solo passengers overall and run less frequent social events, though both ships appeal to solo travellers seeking a quieter, more refined atmosphere. If you prefer fewer organised activities and more independent exploration, these ships deliver that without feeling like you’re missing out on a structured solo programme.
Matching Ship to Solo Traveller Style
- Choose Iona or Arvia for the most robust solo programming and newest cabin designs
- Pick Azura, Ventura, or Britannia for solid solo facilities with a more established ship feel
- Consider Arcadia or Aurora if you’re comfortable with fewer organised solo events and prefer a calmer onboard atmosphere
- Avoid ships with minimal single cabin inventory on sailings where you know solo passenger numbers will be low
For broader context on solo travel at sea, our complete guide to singles cruises explains how different lines structure their solo offerings and what you should prioritise based on your preferences.
Practical Challenges P&O Won’t Tell You About
Solo travel on P&O works better than many lines but still comes with specific friction points the brochures skip over.
- Single cabins often sit in less desirable deck locations. You’ll find them clustered near crew corridors, above or below entertainment venues, or at the far ends of corridors where noise from adjacent cabins carries differently. The trade-off for solo-specific space is sometimes accepting a location couples wouldn’t choose.
- Traditional dining table assignments can trap you with incompatible tablemates for an entire voyage. If you’re seated with a group that doesn’t gel or someone particularly difficult, changing tables mid-cruise requires diplomatic negotiation with the maitre d’ and isn’t always possible on full sailings.
- Solo traveller meetups vary wildly in attendance and energy. Some sailings attract 30-40 solo passengers who actively participate, others see six people show up to an event that feels awkward rather than social. You can’t predict this in advance and it significantly impacts whether the solo programme delivers value.
- Shore excursions designed for solo travellers don’t run on every port day. The Shore Experiences team groups these where demand exists, but you might find only one or two solo-specific options across a week-long itinerary. The rest of the time you’re booking standard excursions or going independent.
Issues That Come Up More Often Than Expected
- Spa and salon appointments during popular times get harder to secure when you’re not booking for two people together
- Show seating often pairs solo passengers in less central locations unless you request preferred seating well in advance
- Bar and lounge seating during peak hours becomes awkward when you’re holding a table alone, staff sometimes pressure you to share or move
- Photography packages and professional photo opportunities are designed around couples and groups, making solo participation feel forced
- Cabin stewards sometimes assume you’re waiting for a companion to join, leading to repeated questions about your travel companion
If you’re over 50 and considering whether P&O fits your solo travel needs, our guide to singles cruises for over 50s explains how age demographics affect the solo experience across different lines.
What to Pack and Prepare
Solo travellers need to be self-sufficient and your packing list should reflect that.
Bring backup chargers and power banks because you won’t have a companion’s devices to borrow from if yours fails. Pack a small first aid kit with basics like pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications in quantities that cover the voyage plus a few extra days. Carry photocopies of your passport, travel insurance documents, and emergency contacts separately from the originals.
Clothing for solo travellers should cover smart-casual dinner requirements without requiring complicated outfits you’d normally have help with. If you’re travelling on cruises departing from UK ports, pack layers for variable British weather during embarkation and disembarkation regardless of your destination climate.
Solo-Specific Packing Essentials
- Universal power adapter and UK plug extensions for charging multiple devices in cabins with limited outlets
- Small daypack that works for shore excursions and carries essentials without looking like you’re travelling alone
- Portable door lock for added cabin security if concerns you, though P&O cabins are generally secure
- Binoculars for scenic cruising and port arrivals when you’re not sharing a balcony with someone else
- Book light or tablet for evening reading when you don’t want to use the main cabin lights
- Seasickness remedies if you’re prone to motion sickness and won’t have someone to fetch supplies from the medical centre
Setting Realistic Expectations for Social Connections
- Solo meetups work best on sailings with 20+ solo passengers, below that threshold the events often feel too small to generate natural conversation
- Expect most social connections to remain shipboard friendships rather than developing into lasting relationships after disembarkation
- Not everyone attending solo events wants to spend the entire cruise socialising, some prefer organised introductions followed by independent time
- Singles cruises run by dedicated operators offer different demographics and social structures compared to P&O’s mainstream solo programme
Comparing P&O Against Other Solo Travel Options
P&O sits in the middle of UK-based cruise lines for solo traveller support, neither the best nor worst but with specific trade-offs.
| Aspect | P&O Cruises | Saga Cruises | Ambassador Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin Availability | Good across most ships, multiple categories | Limited inventory, premium pricing | Competitive availability, budget-focused |
| Solo Social Programming | Structured meetups on most ships, varies by sailing | Less formal structure, older demographic | Growing programme, newer fleet development |
| Dining Flexibility | Traditional and My Time options | Primarily traditional dining | Flexible dining, smaller ship scale |
| Age Demographics | 50-70 primary, some younger on newer ships | 65+ focus, very limited under-50s | 55-75 range, value-conscious travellers |
| Price Positioning | Mid-market, single supplements apply to standard cabins | Premium, higher overall costs | Budget-friendly, competitive solo rates |
If you’re weighing these options, consider whether you prioritise social structure, cabin value, or demographic fit. Each line delivers something different for solo passengers and none of them excel in every category.
Common Questions
Can I change dining times or table assignments after boarding?
Yes, but it depends on availability. Request changes at the main dining room desk on embarkation day for the best chance. Traditional dining table changes mid-voyage require maitre d’ approval and work best if you have a specific reason beyond personal preference.
Do single cabins cost more than sharing a standard cabin?
Single cabins are priced per person without a supplement, while standard cabins for solo use include single occupancy charges. The total cost varies by sailing, sometimes standard cabins for solo use cost less if inventory needs shifting.
Are solo traveller meetups guaranteed on every sailing?
No. Ships with established solo programmes run them most sailings, but frequency and format depend on solo passenger numbers. Short cruises and off-season sailings may only offer one or two events. Check the Horizon programme once onboard.
Can I book shore excursions designed specifically for solo passengers in advance?
Some solo-specific shore experiences allow advance booking through your online account, but many are organised onboard based on demand. The Shore Experiences desk confirms availability during the first full day at sea.
What happens if I get sick while travelling solo?
Contact the medical centre immediately. P&O’s medical staff handle solo passengers the same as any other guest. Consider bringing a mobile phone with roaming to contact family if needed. Travel insurance should cover medical costs and potential repatriation.
Will I be the only person eating alone in the main dining room?
No. Traditional dining typically seats solo travellers together, and My Time dining accommodates many solo diners throughout service. Breakfast and lunch buffets regularly see solo passengers eating alone without it appearing unusual.
Do single cabins have the same amenities as standard cabins?
Yes for basics like bathroom facilities, TV, and safe. Single cabins have smaller floor space and storage but include the same foundational amenities. Balcony singles offer the same outdoor space as standard balconies.
Can I request a female roommate instead of booking a single cabin?
P&O doesn’t operate a roommate matching service. You’ll need to arrange this privately before booking. Some solo traveller online forums facilitate roommate matching, but verify the other person thoroughly before committing.
Are there age restrictions or demographics that dominate P&O solo sailings?
No formal age restrictions exist. Most solo passengers fall between 50 and 70, with female travellers outnumbering males significantly. Younger solo travellers cruise with P&O but represent a smaller portion of the solo passenger base.
Why Trust About2Cruise
We’ve sailed with P&O as solo passengers and in groups, testing how their solo programme works in practice rather than relying on marketing material. Our reviews come from direct experience with single cabin configurations, dining arrangements, and shore excursion coordination across multiple ships in the fleet. Find out more about our cruise testing methodology and editorial standards.