What to Expect on Your P&O Cruise
Think classic British holiday vibes with a floating twist! P&O ships feel like a little slice of the UK at sea – from the food to the entertainment to the people you’ll meet onboard. They mix old-school cruise traditions with enough modern stuff to keep things interesting.
- Food & Dining: Expect plenty of British favorites (yes, there will be roasts!) alongside international options. The main dining rooms and buffet are included in your fare, but the newer ships have some tempting specialty spots worth splurging on.
Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has restaurants on several ships, and wine guru Olly Smith’s Glass House is perfect for vino lovers. On the newer ships (Britannia, Iona, and Arvia), you can even book cooking classes and special chef’s table dinners – though your wallet will notice!
- Entertainment: Evenings kick off with everything from glitzy production shows to comedians and live bands. During the day, you can join in classics like trivia and dance lessons, or try something different like gin tastings (very British!).
The newest ships have a cool “SkyDome” with a glass roof that’s basically the heart of the action – it transforms from a pool area during the day to an entertainment venue at night. Not too shabby!
- Formal Nights: Yep, P&O still loves a good dress-up night! They call them “Black Tie” evenings now (fancy!). You’ll have one on shorter cruises and two or three if you’re sailing longer. Time to dust off that cocktail dress or dinner jacket hiding in your closet! Check out our formal night outfits ideas for what to wear.
- Dress Code: Most nights are “smart casual” – think nice jeans or chinos and a button-up or blouse (basically, not your pool outfit!). During the day, anything goes – shorts, t-shirts, whatever’s comfy. Some of the fancier restaurants have their own dress codes regardless of what night it is, so check before you show up in flip-flops!
- Who You’ll Meet Onboard: It’s a very British crowd! If you sail during school holidays, expect families with kids running around. The rest of the year, it’s mostly the 50+ crowd enjoying their retirement perks. The average age hovers around 55+, though the flashy new ships are trying to attract younger folks too. Don’t expect many Americans or Australians – this is definitely a Brit-heavy experience!
Show Me the Money: What You Get (and Don’t)
- How Much Will It Set You Back?: P&O sits firmly in the middle of the price range – cheaper than the fancy lines like Cunard or Celebrity, but similar to Royal Caribbean or Princess. They know their British audience loves a good deal, so you’ll find plenty of value-focused options. Your wallet won’t cry as much as on luxury lines, but it’s not exactly bargain basement either.
- What You Get Without Extra Spending: Your cabin, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, most shows and activities, the gym (if you’re feeling motivated!), and getting from port to port. Being British, they throw in free tea and coffee all day, plus water. Everything else – cocktails, wine, soda – costs extra. No all-inclusive booze here unless you buy a drinks package!
- Where Your Money Will Go: Get ready to pay extra for the fancy restaurants, all alcoholic drinks, even soft drinks (I know, right?), tips for the staff, spa treatments, shore excursions, WiFi, and of course, shopping.
Pro tip: look into their packages for drinks, dining, and internet – they can save you a ton if you plan to indulge!
- Loyalty Perks: Sail with P&O enough times and you’ll climb their “Peninsular Club” ladder. They’ve got six tiers with ocean-themed names (Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean, etc.). The more you sail, the better the goodies – starting with priority boarding and exclusive parties, and working up to laundry discounts (exciting, I know) and possible cabin upgrades. The top tier is basically cruise royalty!
- Deals and Steals: Keep an eye out for their promos, especially during “Wave Season” (January-March) when the cruise industry goes deal-crazy! Common offers include onboard spending money (yes please!), cabin upgrades, cheaper deposits, and discounted drink packages. Past passengers often get first dibs on sales, and early birds usually catch the best worms.
Ship Showdown: Finding Your Perfect Match
- No-Kids Zone: If screaming children give you hives, Arcadia is your ship! It’s the only adult-only option (18+) in the fleet. Expect a chilled-out vibe, fancier food, and entertainment that doesn’t involve Disney characters or cannonball contests in the pool.
- Kid-Friendly Options: The rest of the fleet – Iona, Arvia, Britannia, Ventura, and Azura – all welcome families with open arms. They’ve got kids’ clubs, splash zones, and activities to keep the little ones busy while you sip your cocktail in peace.
- Water slides: Not known for their water slides
- Size Matters: Their ships range from “pretty big” to “holy moly that’s huge!” Arcadia is the smallest at about 84,000 tons with just over 2,000 passengers, while the newest giants Iona and Arvia tip the scales at 184,700 tons and pack in 5,200 folks! That’s like a floating small town!
- Ship Personalities:
- Iona & Arvia: The flashy new kids on the block! Think modern design, that cool SkyDome with a glass roof, infinity pools (for your Instagram pics), tons of restaurants, and every cabin type imaginable. These are the ships with all the bells and whistles.
- Britannia: The former flagship has a bit more elegance – check out that stunning atrium with its starburst chandelier! Known for great food and the Cookery Club where you can channel your inner MasterChef contestant. And awesome afternoon teas!
- Ventura & Azura: The middle-aged twins! Good all-rounders with plenty for families, decent dining options, and comfortable cabins. Not the newest, not the oldest, just solid cruise ships that won’t break the bank.
- Arcadia: The sophisticated aunt of the family – adults only, slightly smaller, with a more laid-back vibe. Has a gorgeous two-level dining room, lots of art on the walls, and The Globe lounge for entertainment. Perfect if you want to avoid the family chaos on other ships.
Making a Splash on P&O Cruises (Without Water Slides!)
So, P&O Cruises does things a bit differently when it comes to water slides. No crazy slides here, but don’t worry – they’ve got plenty of cool pool areas instead! Here’s the scoop:
What’s Their Deal?
- No wild water slides or ziplines – they’re going for more of a chill vibe
- Think fancy pools instead of adrenaline rides
- More “cocktail by the infinity pool” than “screaming down a water slide”
The Good Stuff on Their Newest Ships
The newest ships (Arvia and Iona) have some pretty sweet water features:
- Infinity pools with glass edges – feels like you’re swimming right into the ocean!
- Swim-up bar on Arvia – grab a drink without ever leaving the water 🍹
- The SkyDome – this place is awesome! Pool by day, entertainment venue by night
- Has a huge glass roof so you can swim rain or shine
- Super spacious at 11.5 meters long
Kid Stuff
No slides doesn’t mean boring for the little ones:
- Splash zones for kids that are actually pretty fun
- One parent said: “My kids (7 & 5) loved it even without slides”
- Kids are welcome in most pools (adults get their own escape spots too)
Pools, Pools, Pools
Each ship is different, but you’ll typically find:
- Lively family pools
- Quieter areas if you want to chill
- Tons of hot tubs (Iona has 18!)
- Some gorgeous spots at the back of the ships with amazing views
Still Want Slides?
- P&O knows some folks love slides, so they offer excursions to water parks when you dock
- Hit up places like Aqualand in Corfu if you need your slide fix
Bottom line: If you’re after wild water rides, maybe look at Royal Caribbean ships with water slides. Or one of these 17 of the best ships with a water slide. But if you’re more into relaxing in a nice pool with a great view (maybe with a drink in hand), P&O might be just your style!
Booking Tips
- When to Hit That Book Button: Early birds definitely catch the worm with P&O – aim for 12-18 months ahead if you want the best prices and your pick of cabins. This is especially true for summer Med cruises and anything during school holidays when prices skyrocket! Gambler? Last-minute deals pop up 60-90 days before sailing, but you might end up in that inside cabin next to the engine room…
- Best Bang for Your Buck Cabins: If you’re just using your cabin to sleep and shower, go for an inside room on a lower deck – your wallet will thank you! Want fresh air without the premium price? Look for “obstructed view” balconies (hello, lifeboat partial views!) that offer outdoor space at a discount. For a good middle ground, aim for mid-ship balconies on decks 8-10 – close to everything without the top-floor prices.
- Sneaky Upgrade Tricks:
- Roll the dice with a “guarantee” cabin – you pick the category, they pick the specific room, and sometimes you hit the jackpot with a free upgrade
- Get loyal! Peninsular Club members get first dibs on upgrades
- Keep an eye out for promos specifically advertising upgrades
- Sailing off-peak? Ask at check-in about paid upgrades – they’re often dirt cheap when the ship isn’t full!
- Insider Secrets:
- Pre-book those fancy restaurant packages before you sail – they’re cheaper than deciding onboard after three cocktails
- Avoid peak season! May and September Mediterranean cruises give you great weather without the crowds or prices
- Flying solo? Keep an eye out for special promos with smaller single supplements
- Got a UK address? Use it! P&O typically gives better deals to Brits than international bookers
The Crew Scoop: Who’s Taking Care of You
- How Many Staff Per Passenger: You’ll find roughly one crew member for every 2.5-3 passengers, depending on the ship. Not as lavish as luxury lines (where it’s closer to 1:1), but you definitely won’t be pouring your own drinks or making your own bed!
- Who’s Taking Care of You: It’s a global workforce! You’ll hear accents from over 30 countries. The officers (the folks in white uniforms) tend to be British or European, while your cabin steward might be from the Philippines, India, or the Caribbean. The dining room staff is equally international – by the end of your cruise, you’ll have gotten a mini world tour just by chatting with the crew!
- Service Style: Expect that reserved British-style service – friendly and helpful but not over-the-top gushy like on some American ships. No “Hi, I’m Brad, I’ll be your AMAZING server tonight!!!” vibes here. What P&O staff excel at is remembering the little things – how you like your tea, your favorite table, or that you prefer extra pillows. After a couple of days, your cabin steward will probably know your routine better than you do!
- Tipping: They’ll automatically add about £8-9 per person per day to your bill for tips (aka “service charges”). You can pre-pay these when you book or adjust them onboard if the service is terrible (or amazing!). Unlike some cruise lines, P&O doesn’t make you feel awkward if you adjust the amounts – it’s pretty low-pressure. Read our guide on tipping for full details.
- Staff Training: The crew goes through Carnival Corporation’s standard training programs, plus extra coaching on how to handle British passengers (including making a proper cuppa and understanding dry humor). They’re prepped for everything from formal nights to dealing with sunburned Brits who’ve had one too many at the pool bar.
Shore Excursions
- Are Ship Excursions Any Good?: They’re well-organized and you’ll get decent guides, comfy transport, and the guarantee you won’t be left behind if something runs late. The downside? You’ll pay a premium for that peace of mind – often 20-40% more than doing the same thing independently. Think of it as insurance against missing the ship!
- Worth the Money?: It depends on your comfort level with DIY booking and travel. If the thought of navigating foreign transit systems makes you break out in hives, the premium might be worth it. But if you’re travel-savvy and don’t mind a bit of adventure, you can save serious cash by going independent. Just don’t be that person sprinting down the pier as the ship’s horn blows!
- Doing Your Own Thing: Most P&O ports are totally doable on your own. Many are walkable from the ship, and when they’re not, P&O often runs shuttle buses to town centers (sometimes free, sometimes a few quid). With a bit of pre-planning and Google Maps, you can have your own adventure for half the price of those organized tours!
- When to Book Tours: Popular excursions (especially in bucket-list ports) can sell out weeks before sailing, so don’t wait if there’s something you’re dying to do. That said, if you’re flexible, you can sometimes snag last-minute spots onboard when people change their minds. And contrary to what you might expect, they don’t jack up the prices onboard!
- Cool Tour Options: P&O is getting better at offering more than just the boring “see-three-churches-and-a-museum” type tours. Look for their newer “immersive” excursions that include stuff like cooking classes, wine tastings, and meeting locals. These tend to be more fun and less of the follow-the-umbrella-lady experience!
Family-Friendliness
- Keeping the Kids Busy: The “Reef” kids’ clubs will be your sanity-saver! They’re split into age groups with cute ocean-themed names:
- Splashers (2-4 years) – Finger painting, storytime, and supervised play
- Surfers (5-8 years) – Crafts, games, and treasure hunts
- Scubas (9-12 years) – Sports, video games, and team challenges
- H2O (13-17 years) – Teen hangouts, gaming, and disco nights (with zero parents allowed!)
The clubs are included in your fare and run by qualified staff who somehow have endless energy for children’s songs and crafts!
- Kid-Friendly Spaces: The family ships come with all the essentials for preventing the dreaded “I’m boooored!” – shallow pools for little ones, water splash zones, basketball courts, arcade games, and more. The newest ships (Iona and Arvia) really went all out with massive dedicated areas for kids, including cool outdoor playgrounds and teen zones loaded with gaming consoles and chill-out spaces.
- Where to Stash the Family: No need to cram everyone into one tiny cabin! All the family ships offer special family rooms and interconnecting cabins so you can have some parental privacy while still keeping an eye on the kids. Some of the bigger suites can even fit up to 6 people if you’ve got a whole brood (or just want extra space). The newer ships have way more family-friendly room options.
- Family Dining: Children’s menus are available
in main dining rooms, and the buffet offers kid-friendly options throughout the day. Some specialty restaurants welcome children, while others maintain adult-only policies.
- Best Ships for Kid-Wrangling:
- Iona and Arvia: The newbies with all the bells and whistles for kids – they’ve got the biggest and best children’s areas by far
- Ventura: Practically built for families! Massive kids’ clubs and loads of cabins that fit the whole gang
- Britannia: Good middle ground – plenty for the little ones but still feels grown-up enough that parents don’t feel like they’re stuck in a floating playground
- School Holiday Madness: When UK schools let out, P&O cranks up the family fun! Expect extra activities, longer kids’ club hours, and special events like talent shows and pool parties. Just be warned: these sailings are PACKED with families – so book early and brace yourself for energetic vibes throughout the ship!
Flying Solo: Tips for Independent & Single Cruises
- Solo Cabins: P&O finally got the memo that not everyone travels in pairs! The newer ships (Arcadia, Britannia, Iona, and Arvia) have special single cabins designed just for one – no more paying that dreaded “single supplement” that makes solo travelers want to scream. They’re compact but clever, with all the essentials you need.
- The Dreaded Single Tax: If you want a regular cabin all to yourself, prepare for the sting – you’ll typically pay anywhere from 25% to 100% extra for the privilege of not sharing. Keep your eyes peeled for special promos though – P&O occasionally takes pity on solo travelers with reduced single supplements, especially in quieter seasons.
- Meeting Fellow Singles: Don’t worry about eating dinner alone while couples stare at you! P&O hosts mixers specifically for solo travelers right at the start of the cruise – perfect for finding buddies to hang with. They also organize coffee meet-ups, can seat you at larger tables for dinner, and even provide dance hosts on some cruises (yes, actual people hired to twirl solo ladies around the dance floor – how retro!).
- Best Ships for Going It Alone:
- Arcadia: No kids + mature crowd = solo traveler heaven, especially if you’re over 50
- Britannia, Iona, and Arvia: Score the most dedicated single cabins, so you’re not paying through the nose
- Any ship, really: They all make some effort with solo activities, though longer cruises tend to have better programs since people have more time to make friends
- Dining When Single: Hate awkward dinner convos? Opt for “Freedom Dining” where you can either request to join a big table of fellow travelers (great for meeting people) or snag a table for one if you’re feeling antisocial. No judgments either way! You can mix it up night by night depending on your mood.
- Safety: Solo female travelers consistently give P&O high marks for feeling safe and secure. The predominantly British passenger base tends to be respectful, and the ships have good security. You can let your hair down without constantly watching your back – which is exactly what vacation should be!
🛳️ Review:
As a solo traveller, I enjoyed my trip on the Iona. The single cabins were comfortable, although there was an additional cost. Despite this, I met so many wonderful people and had a fantastic time. Can’t wait for my next cruise.
— John, Manchester
P&O Cruises: Nearly Two Centuries of Maritime History
P&O Cruises is the world’s oldest cruise line, with roots going back to 1837. What started as a mail carrier has grown into a major cruise industry player that honors its British heritage while facing significant changes, especially for its Australian operations. As P&O approaches 190 years, it’s navigating both new opportunities and challenges in today’s competitive and eco-conscious market.
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🛳️ Review:
I booked a cruise through About2Cruise and had the time of my life on the Britannia. The food was amazing, and the entertainment was great. I’ll definitely be cruising with P&O again!”
— Sarah, Brighton
The Early Days
From humble beginnings transporting mail to becoming a pioneer in leisure travel, P&O’s early history shows how vision and adaptability can create an enduring legacy.
- 1834: Brodie McGhie Willcox (London shipbroker) and Arthur Anderson (Shetland sailor) partnered with Captain Richard Bourne
- 1837: They won a government mail contract, officially establishing the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company
- 1840: Expanded and became the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O)
- 1844: Began offering the first leisure cruises from Southampton to the Mediterranean
- 1880s: Built larger ships, including SS Ravenna – the first vessel with a total steel superstructure
- Mid-1920s: Operated nearly 500 ships after acquiring other navigation companies
Becoming a Modern Cruise Line
The transition from transportation company to dedicated cruise line marked a crucial pivot that would ensure P&O’s survival and relevance in a changing travel landscape.
- World Wars: Lost 85 ships in WWI and 179 in WWII but managed to survive
- 1970s: Shifted focus to leisure cruising as air travel became more affordable
- 1977: Formed P&O Cruises as a dedicated passenger subsidiary
- 1988: Split Australian operations from UK operations and acquired Sitmar Cruises
- 1995: Launched its first purpose-built cruise ship, Oriana
Ownership Changes & Modern Growth
The merger with Carnival Corporation gave P&O the financial backing and global reach needed to expand and modernize its fleet for a new era of cruising.
- 2000: P&O spun off its cruise operations as P&O Princess Cruises
- 2003: Merged with Carnival Corporation, creating the world’s largest cruise company
- 2000s-2010s: Added several new ships including Aurora, Oceana, Arcadia, Ventura, and Azura
- 2015: Launched the 143,730-ton Britannia
- 2020-2022: Added Iona and Arvia – the first British market ships powered by cleaner LNG fuel
🛳️ Pro Tip: Secret Room
On some P&O ships, like the Britannia, I found this hidden gem: a secret bridge viewing room. You can see the crew navigating the ship through a glass wall. It’s really cool to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they manage everything.
Current Fleet & Operations
Today’s P&O fleet offers a blend of traditional British cruising atmosphere and modern amenities, with itineraries spanning from weekend getaways to epic global voyages.
- Fleet: Six ships – Arvia (2022), Iona (2021), Britannia (2015), Azura (2010), Ventura (2008), and Arcadia (2005)
- Itineraries: UK sailings April-October; Caribbean sailings in winter
- 2025-2026: Adding 12 new ports including Los Angeles, Melbourne, and Bali
- Special Voyages: 75-night Grand Voyage on Aurora and 100-night World Cruise on Arcadia in 2026
🛳️ Pro Tip: Late-Night
On P&O Cruises, I’ve found that there’s often unadvertised late-night entertainment in smaller venues like the Limelight Club. These shows can feature unique performances and guest entertainers that aren’t listed in the daily schedule. It’s a great way for me to enjoy some exclusive, less crowded entertainment options.
P&O Australia’s Farewell
The end of P&O Australia marks the close of a chapter that began with those first cruises to Brisbane and Norfolk Island in 1932, leaving many Australians with fond memories of holidays at sea.
- March 2025: P&O Australia is shutting down after nearly a century
- History: Started Australian cruises in 1932 with the Strathaird carrying 1,100 passengers
- Current ships: Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will be renamed Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter
- Reasons for closure: Higher operating costs and Australia’s small population made it challenging to stay profitable
Going Green & Facing Challenges
P&O’s environmental efforts represent both a necessary evolution and a response to increasing pressure from regulators and environmentally conscious consumers.
- Sustainability: Investing in low-carbon tech and advanced air quality systems
- Newer ships: Iona and Arvia use cleaner LNG fuel instead of traditional fuel oil
- Waste management: Implementing a circular economy model and producing 80% of onboard water from seawater
- Mixed reviews: Despite efforts, Friends of the Earth gave P&O Cruises an “F” grade in their 2024 Cruise Ship Report Card
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Recent Challenges
Despite its storied history, P&O continues to navigate rough waters with pandemic disruptions, brand confusion, and legal troubles testing the company’s resilience.
- COVID-19: Suspended operations for 15 months (March 2020-June 2021) and sold the ship Oceana
- PR confusion: Dealt with public confusion when P&O Ferries (a separate company) fired 800 staff in 2022
- Legal issues: Facing a class action lawsuit alleging they encouraged excessive drinking and gambling onboard
P&O Cruises has shown incredible adaptability throughout its nearly 190-year journey. From carrying mail to operating advanced cruise ships, the company continues to blend tradition with innovation as it sails toward the horizon.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.
