P&O Cruises

P&O traces its history to 1837, when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company began carrying mail and passengers to Spain and Portugal, later expanding to India and Australia as the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. Its liners shaped British ocean travel for more than a century, and the modern P&O Cruises brand grew out of that passenger business. It has been part of Carnival Corporation since the early 2000s, operated through Carnival UK.

The fleet has seven ships. Iona and Arvia are the flagships, large LNG-powered ships with the glass-roofed SkyDome and a wide range of restaurants and bars. Britannia, Azura and Ventura are big, family-friendly ships built in the 2000s and 2010s. Arcadia and Aurora are smaller adults-only ships aimed at longer voyages and a more traditional experience, though P&O has opened select sailings on them to families from late 2026.

The heart of the schedule is no-fly cruising from Southampton to Norway, the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal, the Mediterranean and the Baltic, plus winter fly-cruises in the Caribbean from Barbados and an annual world cruise.

P&O feels unmistakably British. Onboard currency is pounds sterling, afternoon tea and fish and chips are staples, and the entertainment features British comedians, tribute acts and West End-style shows. Passengers are mostly from the UK, with families filling the big ships during British school holidays and an older crowd on Arcadia, Aurora and longer voyages. Dress is smart casual most evenings, with a couple of black-tie optional evenings on a week-long cruise that many guests embrace. Ships range from under 2,000 guests on Aurora to around 5,000 or more on Iona and Arvia. North American travelers often enjoy it as a cultural experience, though humor, menus and sports on TV are geared to British guests.

The main restaurants offer either fixed Club Dining or flexible Freedom Dining, with British and international dishes such as roasts, curries and traditional puddings. Buffets are large and popular. Specialty venues carry a charge and vary by ship: Sindhu for modern Indian cuisine, The Glass House for wine and small plates, and casual options such as Beach House on several ships. Iona and Arvia add the widest choice, including Asian and steakhouse venues and a food court. Afternoon tea is a daily ritual.

Expect West End-style production shows, British comedians and headliners, live bands and quiz nights. Iona and Arvia’s SkyDome is a glass-roofed pool by day that hosts aerial and music shows at night. Pubs show British sports, and themed nights and deck parties are common. Daytime enrichment includes talks, cooking demonstrations and dance classes.

The family ships run free kids clubs for children from around 2 to 17, split by age, with a night nursery for younger children on some ships. Expect lots of families during British school holidays, especially in summer and at Easter. Arcadia and Aurora are adults-only apart from a small number of designated family sailings.

Cabins range from interiors and sea views to balconies, mini-suites and suites, with the newest options on Iona and Arvia. Some ships offer single cabins for solo travelers. Suites include perks such as priority boarding, a butler and, on some ships, exclusive dining. Family cabins sleeping four are common on the big ships.

Drinks are extra, priced in pounds. P&O sells daily drinks packages ranging from soft drinks only to full alcoholic packages, with bundles that add Wi-Fi and specialty dining credit. Water, tea and coffee are available at the buffet.

Gratuities are included in P&O Cruises fares, so there is no daily charge added to your account. Extra tips for excellent service are entirely optional.

The Peninsular Club rewards past guests with tiers that rise with nights sailed and spending, unlocking perks such as onboard discounts, priority services and loyalty events. It is designed mainly for UK-based guests.