p&0 cruises 2023

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P&O Cruises fleet

Pacific encounter, pacific adventure, pacific explorer, review of p&o cruises.

This is CruiseMapper's hub for both companies - P&O UK and P&O Australia. Both cruise lines are part of the Carnival Group of companies being subsidiaries of the world's largest cruise shipping company Carnival Corporation & PLC .

P&O Cruises is under the management of Carnival UK.

Note: There is a 3rd "P&O" named company (not part of Carnival plc) - the UK-based P&O Ferries .

IMPORTANT : In May 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) announced that in 2025 will discontinue its Australian brand "P&O Cruises Australia" (2000-founded), citing the South Pacific region's limited population and high operating costs. P&O AU's ship Pacific Explorer will be retired in February 2025 (sold or scrapped), while Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure will be transferred to/integrated into CCL-Carnival Cruise Line 's fleet and remain in Australia.

Company history and changes

P&O Cruises UK (POcruises.com) is a British-American passenger shipping company headquartered at Carnival House (Southampton, England) and operated/managed by Carnival UK. P&O was originally a constituent of “Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company” (1797-founded/1966-defunct) which was the world's oldest cruise line that operated the first-ever passenger ships.

P&O Cruises' sister company is P&O Cruises Australia. P&O Australia's current President is Marguerite Fitzgerald. while P&O UK's (as well as Carnival UK's) current President is Paul Ludlow.

In 2000, "P&O Cruises" was excluded from P&O Group, becoming the subsidiary "P&O Princess Cruises". In 2003, P&O Princess merged with Carnival, forming Carnival Corporation & plc.

P&O (UK and AU) holds as market share ~5% of the worldwide cruise industry. Both companies (P&O Australia and P&O UK) were created in 1977, re-branding P&O's passenger division. Arcadia was the fleet's first adults-only liner, followed by Adonia (now Azamara Pursuit ), Oriana and Aurora (April 2000).

P&O UK ships Arcadia and Aurora are currently marketed as adult-only.

In August 2017, Azura became the world's first cruise ship to perform gay weddings at sea. P&O UK's wedding package prices started from GBP 1200. For comparison, Cunard’s shipboard weddings cost starts at ~GBP 2570 ( RMS Queen Mary 2 ) and ~GBP 2120 ( Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth ). On MS Azura, gay wedding ceremonies are carried out by the ship’s Captain, while marriage licenses are issued by Bermuda's Government (as the vessel is registered in Hamilton Bermuda ).

In June 2018, P&O UK announced that Oriana leaves the fleet in August 2019. The liner (now named Piano Land ) was sold to the Chinese company Well Star Travel Cruise (brand of CTS-China Travel Services International). The Chinese company plans short cruises from Chinese homeports to ports in Japan and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia).

Since May 1, 2019, P&O Cruises UK's Daily Service Charge per person (GBP 7) is no longer required. Crew tipping remains not expected or required.

In June 2021, P&O UK launched a mobile app to optimize pre-boarding and maximize onboard efficiency. The new "My Holiday" app is free of charge but available only on the ship. It allows pre-booking and making reservations onboard (dining times, restaurants, shows) via mobile phones and tablets. The app is an addition to the My Holiday (Reception Desk) which provides 24-hour assistance, including booking and how to use the application.

In summer 2023, two P&O UK ships (Iona and Arvia) introduced in their retail shops three kids' toy brands (Barbie, Hot Wheels Cars, Keycraft's Pocket Money) in addition to the always available toys from brands like Lego, Jellycat, TY (stuffed animals).

In April 2024 was introduced fleetwide the new illusion show "Unbelievable" created by Stephen Mulhern (TV presenter, magician, comedian) and Jonathan Wilkes (TV presenter, singer) and with Vegas-style choreography from Paul Domaine (show director, professional choreographer).

In August 2024 was signed a partnership with Southampton FC, making P&O Cruises the football club's official sleeve partner. By the deal, for several years, the company's logo will be on the sleeves of all teams' jerseys.

In June 2011 was announced that P&O UK will expand the fleet with a new 141,000-ton unit built by Fincantieri. The new vessel ( MV Britannia ) entered service in 2015. In January 2014, with Britannia was introduced a new livery based on UK's Union Flag.

On September 6, 2016, P&O UK (via Carnival Corporation) signed an MoA with Meyer Werft ( Papenburg Shipyard ) for building a new (company's largest) 5200-passenger vessel. In late-October 2016, P&O announced that the new ship ( Iona ) will have some of the largest at sea outdoor areas, glass-domed top deck, glass-walled atrium (full height) and wider and longer (approx 2600 ft / 800 m) Promenade Deck allowing multiple alfresco dining/open-air venues.

Iona was delivered in October 2020 and inaugurated in August 2021. The sistership Arvia was postponed (due to the COVID crisis) and delivered in December 2022 and inaugurated in January 2023.

The newest P&O UK vessel has max passenger capacity 6264, volume 187500 GT-tons, 18 decks, 2610 staterooms, 17 eateries (including 7 specialty restaurants/ Britannia has just 3), 12 bars/lounges, 13 entertainment venues, 4 swimming pools, 16 outdoor whirlpools. The top-deck Dome is an entertainment space, with a swimming pool, large jacuzzies, a retractable stage. This all-weather venue hosts daily entertainment and dining and nightly shows (aerial performances and light projections onto the covering glass roof).

P&O UK's newest ship is also LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas). Two similar-design ships (180K tons) were also ordered for CCL-Carnival Cruise Line . On January 26, 2018, Carnival Corporation signed a shipbuilding contract with Meyer Werft for building a second (180,000 GT) liner for P&O, with the delivery scheduled for 2022. As of 2018, Carnival Corp’s fleet of newbuilds ( on order and under construction ) numbered 19 units, scheduled for deliveries in 2018-2022.

In January 2016, Carnival Corporation signed an MoA (memo of agreement) with Fincantieri to build 4 new units. Contracts were finalized in April 2016. Of these, 2 vessels were for Costa Asia (homeported in China), one for Princess and one for P&O Australia. With this shipbuilding order, the Corporation had a total of 17 new ships scheduled for deliveries between 2016 and 2020. The four vessels will be built at Fincantieri's shipyards in Monfalcone and Marghera, with scheduled deliveries in 2019-2020.

Three of the vessels are designed with gross tonnage 133,500 tons, LOA length is 323 m (1060 ft) and capacity 4000 passengers plus 1450 crew (2 are for Costa Asia, 1 for P&O AU). One ship with GT 143,700 tons and capacity 3560 passengers is for Princess. Both Costa ships are exclusively for the booming Chinese market. Each vessel is powered by two MAN diesel engines (model 14V48 / 60CR) plus three MAN diesel engines (medium-speed, model 8L48 / 60CR), providing total power output 62,400 kW. The engines are Tier-II compliant.

P&O Cruises Australia

P&O Cruises Australia Ltd is a British-American company with corporate headquarters at Carnival House (Southampton, England UK). P&O Australia is a sister company of P&O UK. Both are under Carnival UK's executive control. Currently, P&O Australia operates 3 boats deployed in the South Pacific Ocean on island-hopping itineraries - mainly roundtrips from homeports in Australia.

After numerous changes in the company’s organization, in 2000 P&O Group demerged all cruise shipping operations. Then, P&O Princess Cruises was created- a new company independent of P&O; consisting of AIDA Cruises , Princess Cruises , P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises (UK), and later "Ocean Village" and A-Rosa Cruises (riverboats).

In 2003, Carnival Corporation merged with P&O Princess Cruises thus forming Carnival Corporation & plc- the largest cruise company in the world, with eleven cruise lines portfolio, including P&O AU. Official website pocruises.com.aunofollow.

Princess' oldest ship - Regal Princess, was transferred to P&O Australia in October 2007, and after a month of drydock refurbishment entered service as Pacific Dawn.

Carnival Corporation informed about the closure of Ocean Village (UK-based travel brand) on October 30, 2008. Both Ocean Village ships were transferred to P&O Australia - Ocean Village 2 (as Pacific Jewel, in December 2009) and Ocean Village 1 (as Pacific Pearl, in December 2010).

P&O ships sail on 270+ itineraries each year (with 120+ of them departing from Southampton), and visiting 90+ countries on 6 continents.

Pacific Pearl was renamed MV Columbus and in 2017 started operations for CMV . Pacific Pearl left the fleet in April 2017, after completing 294 voyages for P&O and carrying 1+ million passengers over 5 years. In November 2019, for Pacific Aria (now Celestyal Journey) and Pacific Dawn (now Ambience) were signed presale agreements with CMV and both ships were planned to start operations for the UK-based company in 2021 as "CMV Amy Johnson" (Pacific Dawn) and "CMV Ida Pfeiffer" (Pacific Aria). In September-October 2020, following CMV's bankruptcy , both vessels were acquired by new shipowners.

On November 25, 2015: P&O AU's entire fleet (all 5 liners) gathered in Sydney Harbour to celebrate the arrival of the fleetmates Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

In June 2018, P&O Australia launched with  Pacific Explorer "The Big Laugh" onboard show program - advertised as "the biggest comedy festival at sea". The program included all 14 stand-up comedy celebrities performing a total of 36 shipboard live shows (combined over 33 hours live performances). The program started with the 4-day roundtrip Sydney cruise to Moreton Island (departure June 20).

Among the guest comedians were Jimeoin (Irish), Matthew Matt Okine (AU), David Gerard Callan (Australian), Scared Weird Little Guys (Australian comedy music duo - John Fleming and Rusty Berther), David William "Hughesy" Hughes (AU), Harley Breen (AU), Claire Hooper (AU). "The Big Laugh" program comprised of all 72 comedy- themed cruises in 2018-2019. The famous Australian comedians performed during 2-, 3- and 4-night itineraries ("SeaBreaks") leaving roundtrip out of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Auckland NZ.

In 2019, P&O AU scheduled the ever largest "comedy cruise" program in the company's history - 38 itineraries (January through October). On March 7, 2018, was announced that Pacific Eden is sold to the UK-based company CMV , joining CMV's fleet in April 2019.

Since 2007, P&O Australia ships' onboard retail shops are managed by Harding (UK-based travel and cruise retail group). In 2020, Harding was acquired by Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP (1983-founded, NYC-based investment management firm with USD 34+ billion in managed assets). Harding has hubs in Bristol (England) , Miami (Florida USA)  and Sydney (NSW Australia) .

New beverage packages

In May 2023, P&O UK introduced four new drink packages available fleetwide but only on longer voyages, with durations of at least 5 nights (or longer).

The beverage packages are at a fixed price per person and per day. The package's pricing is lower if purchased online and before the voyage.

• "The Refresh Drinks" package is priced GBP 9.85 (prior to the voyage) and GBP 10.95 (if purchased onboard).  The Refresh package Includes soft drinks (lemonade, Pepsi, juices).
• "The Alcohol-free Drinks" package is priced GBP 22.45 (before) and GBP 24.95 (onboard) and includes all The Refresh package's beverages plus Costa Coffee and sodas.
• "The Classic Drinks" package is priced GBP 40.45 (before) and GBP 44.95 (onboard) and includes all beverages from The Refresh and The Alcohol-free packages plus alcoholic beverages (spirits, wines, cocktails).
• "The Deluxe Drinks" package is priced GBP 49.45 (before) and GBP 54.95 (onboard) and includes all other packages' beverages plus specialty cocktails, premium spirits and wines. Additionally, passengers who buy The Deluxe Drinks package also receive 20% off on all drinks excluded from this package.

The above-listed new packages are for P&O UK ships only and introduced/first offered on the liners Iona and Ventura (starting May 20, 2023) and available fleetwide since July 2023.

P&O Cruise Personaliser

PandO Cruise Personaliser is an online service that allows passengers to update their before-sailing information and see in a concise form all their booking details. P&O Personaliser is NOT mandatory to complete but may be of great help in cases of emergency for the company to contact family members, relatives, friends.

To log in, you'll need to input your first and surname, and cruise reference number. It is received as part of your reservation confirmation (up to 120 days prior to departure, not available for 18-yo) or upon booking (up to 1 year). The same number serves all people included in the booking. On the Web page, there's information about cruise itinerary, stateroom (category and number), boarding times, contact info (including emergency contacts), passport data, medical and dietary requirements (if requested).

PO Cruise Insurance is optional. If purchased, the Insurance policy type is also shown (Standard or higher), package deal type, all kinds of pre-made reservations (shore excursions, Air, Spa), credit card number, luggage tags, etc.

• Dining /medical requests can't be entered online - they must be specified in the manual form.
• The accessible information about changes and updates pertains ONLY to a phone number, address, passport, emergency contacts.
• You can't book a cruise through P&O Cruise Personaliser - booking requires full payment and immigration details.
• Through the Personaliser you can make online reservations (shore excursions, tours, Spa, hairdresser, specialty restaurants), to update special requests and onboard preferences, or to add some additional services (babysitting, amenities, etc).
• Itinerary changes are also listed in the Cruise Personaliser form, along with other important updates.
• Immediately call P&O if you have forgotten or lost your booking number. Call between 7 am – 8 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time - Monday to Friday) and Saturday (8 am - 5 pm) - phone number 1300-159-454.

PO Cruise Personaliser is accessed by both travel agents and passengers. With personal bookings (through a travel agent or P&O Reservations Centre) passengers receive reference numbers (after confirmation). On a particular booking, each passenger can access the Personaliser using the booking reference number and first name-surname. If you're not the booking person, contact the one who did it for obtaining booking reference. After log-in, note that all passengers' names in the booking party are displayed under the same reference number.

IMPORTANT - Each of the same-booking passengers is able to access the info about you and the other, i.e. you can update and provide information of all other passengers in your booking, and they can change your information. If you wish so, you could provide P&O with other passengers' personal information. Another case is when they are minors (younger than 18 years old). Then you must be a parent or legal guardian.

After providing P&O cruise company with the personal data needed on the Personaliser (and also with additional info if asked for more details), this database is used for updating pre-cruise information.

Certain information is sometimes required under maritime-customs-immigration-security laws. Personaliser info may be disclosed to P&O Cruises service providers (ticketing companies, travel, and port agents, authorities, emergency response providers, immigration, airlines, customs, shore tour operators, related entities) for Carnival Corporation's business purposes. Certain information is collected because of customs or immigration laws requirements. If you refuse to provide the information requested in the Personaliser, they may not be able to process the booking or provide certain services during the voyage.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, P&O's entire fleet (all UK- and AU-based liners) is with an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings on pre-scheduled itineraries (departures in the period March 14 through August 31, 2020) were given the option to cancel up to 48 hours (prior departure) without penalties.

All affected bookings received a 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) transferred to a booking made before December 31, 2021, or 100% monetary refund. With the FCCs customers can also pay for cabin upgrades or book a second stateroom (on existing bookings). FCCs can be also gifted or transferred (options offered through December 31, 2021).

P&O UK canceled all voyages departing between March 14, 2020, and June 2021.

• P&O UK planned to resume operations in early-February 2021 (Caribbean fly-cruises from Barbados and St Lucia) and in mid-March 2021 (roundtrips out of Southampton).
• P&O UK's World Cruises 2021 (ships Arcadia and Aurora) were both canceled.

Next are listed P&O UK's ships and their first departure dates in 2021-2022 - AZURA (Dec 10, 2021), BRITANNIA (June 27, 2021/UK Coastal), AURORA (April 13, 2022/Mediterranean from Southampton), ARCADIA (March 27, 2022/Canaries from Southampton), IONA (Aug 7, 2021/ Maiden Voyage /UK Coastal), VENTURA (Oct 3, 2021/Canaries from Southampton).

P&O Australia canceled all departures between March 14, 2020, and May 31, 2022. P&O Australia resumed operations in 2022 with the ships Pacific EXPLORER (May 31/from Sydney), Pacific ENCOUNTER (Aug 27/from Brisbane), Pacific ADVENTURE (October 22/from Sydney).

Citing the Coronavirus crisis' impact, in early-July 2020, P&O UK sold the ship Oceana . A total of 190 scheduled itineraries (departures from homeports Southampton UK and Dubai UAE) were canceled.

Itinerary of P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises ships sail on mostly round-trip itineraries leaving from UK (Southampton, April through October), Caribbean (from Barbados, during winter) and from Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane - year-round departures). While most PandO UK ships remain in Europe year-round, the line's largest vessels also sail in the Caribbean (out of Barbados) and offer longer world cruise itineraries.

Citing the COVID crisis' impact on the passenger shipping industry, in early-July 2020, P&O UK sold the cruise ship Oceana . A total of 190 scheduled itineraries (departures from homeports Southampton UK and  Dubai UAE ) were canceled.

P&O UK's 2025-2026 itinerary program (opened for booking on October 18, 2023) features 12 new for the company ports (including Los Angeles CA USA, Melbourne Victoria AU, Port Chalmers/Dunedin NZ, Benoa Bali Indonesia, Bodo Norway, Tangier Morocco). MS Britannia has scheduled two new Caribbean fly-cruise itineraries visiting Jamaica, Dominicana, Grand Turk). In January 2026, MS Aurora starts a 75-night Grand Voyage while MS Arcadia starts a 100-night World Circumnavigation Cruise (28 ports/destinations). Traditionally for P&O, both World  Voyages are roundtrips from Southampton.

 Winter 2026-2027 programme offers voyages to 100+ distinct destinations. Notably, the schedule introduces  Galveston TX  and  Port Vila (Vanuatu)  as new ports of call, alongside 6 additional destinations:  Agadir (Morocco) ,  Alotau (Papua New Guinea) ,  Kona (Hawaii) ,  Newcastle (Australia) ,  Port of Spain (Trinidad) , and  Progreso (Mexico) . The programme also includes  New Year’s celebrations  in major European cities such as  Hamburg ,  Barcelona , and  Lisbon .  With a total of 78 new itineraries, the winter 2026-2027 season features 102 unique destinations, including 100+ overnight or late stays in 30+ ports. These extended stays include Antigua,   Cape Town ,   New Orleans , as well as late departures from   Bodo ,   Hamburg ,   Tangier , and   Vigo .

(UK & AU) PO cruise itinerary changes

PO AU's vessels are all UK- flagged . However, all ships are registered in Bermuda ( Hamilton ) to allow shipboard weddings (at sea). These ceremonies are conducted by the Captains and are pretty popular.

Our P&O cruise schedules include the ships of both brands (Australia and UK).

P&O Cruises related cruise news

P&O Cruises UK unveils 2026-2027 winter itineraries with 100+ global destinations

P&O Cruises has unveiled its winter 2026-2027 programme, offering voyages to 100+ distinct destinations. Notably, the schedule introduces two new...

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line expands Australian fleet with new 2026-2027 itineraries

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line is preparing for its Australian expansion with the addition of two ships from P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Adventure...

Gastrointestinal illness outbreak affects 70+ aboard P&O UK’s ship Arcadia

70+ individuals on P&O UK's ship Arcadia experienced a gastrointestinal illness outbreak during a recent voyage. According to the Centers for...

P&O Cruises faces legal action after norovirus outbreak affects hundreds

A cruise operator is currently facing demands for refunds and compensation following a widespread illness outbreak on board one of its vessels. 500...

Carnival Splendor drydock refurbished, with new livery and upgrades

Carnival Splendor has successfully completed a drydock refurb in Singapore, emerging with CCL's new livery. The vessel now displays the red...

48-yo P&O Australia cruise ship passenger arrested for inappropriate activity/attempting to groom a...

Police have arrested a P&O Australia passenger as the man disembarked at Sydney’s International Passenger Terminal. He was detained for...

Australia-based ship Carnival Splendor scheduled for drydock refurbishment in 2024

Carnival Splendor ship is en route to Singapore for a drydock refurb project in preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 Australian season. Currently...

Passenger medevaced in serious condition from P&O Australia's ship Pacific Explorer

A passenger aboard P&O's Pacific Explorer experienced a medical emergency shortly after the ship departed from Auckland on Monday, July 8th. The...

P&O expands flight program for Caribbean fly-cruises from the UK

P&O Cruises has expanded its air program to enhance Caribbean fly-cruises scheduled between November 2025 and February 2026. This expansion aims...

Norovirus outbreak prompts later boarding for P&O's Ventura ship

Passengers scheduled to board the Ventura ship, which recently experienced a norovirus outbreak, have been advised to arrive later than usual to...

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Why a P&O Cruise is such good value

What’s Included on a P&O Cruise?

A 14 night caribbean fly-cruise from £63 per person per night* what’s not to like.

*Early Saver Fare, Inside cabin

Find out the different fare types and whether the Select Fare is worth the extra cost for you.

In these days of austerity everyone has to watch the pennies, or at least aim to maximise value for money. This is equally important when choosing your annual holiday. So in this post I take a look at what a P&O Cruise fare includes, so that you can decide whether it represents what you consider a good deal.

Does a Cruise with P&O Cruises Represent Good Value?

Cruising with UK-based P&O Cruises is a good option for the budget-conscious traveller. That’s not to say that P&O Cruises are a budget cruise line - far from it. However, they represent excellent value when you look at what is included as standard in the cost of a P&O Cruises holiday, especially when compared to a comparable land-based holiday.

About P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is Britain’s favourite cruise line, welcoming guests to experience holidays with a blend of discovery, choice, relaxation and exceptional service catered towards British tastes. The fleet of seven ships each have their own appeal from family friendly or exclusively for adults.

With over 200 destinations worldwide, P&O Cruises Itineraries are carefully curated to inspire discovery, and are varied to suit newcomers and experienced guests alike. With a wide choice of holidays from two days to three months there is something for everyone.

Iona joined the P&O Cruises fleet in May 2021 as the next generation of ship. Iona, the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, sets a new standard for cruise travel featuring enhancements to already successful brand signature venues from across P&O Cruises existing fleet, as well as many new “firsts” such as the first gin distillery at sea and The 710 Club, with music director Gary Barlow. Find out more on my dedicated page “ All Things Iona ”

Now sister ship, Arvia has joined the P&O Cruises fleet as from December 2022, as its second LNG-powered, Excel-class ship offering a Caribbean maiden season of fly-cruise holidays from homeport Barbados.

Arvia, meaning “from the seashore,” is an innovative and future-focused ship and the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment to offer varied and contemporary holidays. The ship boasts a unique SkyDome with a retractable glass roof and 16 guest decks, and will feature the first Altitude Skywalk high ropes experience, the tropical-themed Altitude Minigolf, the Altitude Splash Valley Aquazone, an outdoor Sports Arena, swim-up bar and infinity pool. It will also offer guests several new dining options such as Green & Co feat. Mizuhana, Ocean Studios cinema, extensive shopping, and the Oasis Spa and Health Club. Find out more on my dedicated page “ All Things Arvia ”.

Fares on P&O Cruises

To maximise the cost-effectiveness of your P&O cruise you will need to understand the fares and decide which represents best value for you.

There are three different fare types with P&O Cruises:

Early Saver

Select Fare

This is the price point many travel agents quote you initially. The Select Fare is all about choice and flexibility. If it is important to you to be able to change your booking, choose your own cabin, have priority dining choices and upgrades; and even having a few extras like on-board spending money, car parking in Southampton or return coach travel to Southampton, then this is the fare you should pick. You should note, however, that the Select fare isn’t ‘all inclusive’ and doesn’t include Wifi or drinks.

Some people are tempted to pay the Select fare by offers of on board credit. However, often even taking into account the amount of OBC, be aware that you are possibly paying more than the Saver fares - sometimes as much as £1000 more for the luxury of selecting the exact cabin and guaranteeing your dining choice.

Early Saver Fare

Usually the cheapest fare available if booking a long way in advance. However it does not include the benefits above. You will have a guarantee cabin and can state your dining preference, but the latter isn’t assured until you are onboard. You should ask your travel agent if this fare is available if you want a real bargain.

This is the basic cruise fare (plus flights if a fly cruise). However your cabin will be assigned to you within your chosen grade, and dining allocated upon boarding. Full balance has to be paid at the time of booking and there is a 100% cancellation fee if cancelled at any time before sail date.

If you decide on this fare (in actual fact whichever you choose), I do recommend, that you take out comprehensive travel insurance which covers you should you need to cancel.

It is worth noting that there is a fleet-wide no-tipping policy onboard P&O Cruises so you don’t have gratuities before or after your cruise to consider whichever fare option you decide upon.

Personally. we ALWAYS book the Saver fare (we rarely book far enough in advance to grab an early saver fare bargain) - after all once onboard we share the same onboard experience as those paying the Select fare, and can use the savings to enhance our cruise.

So What Is Included on a P&O Cruise?

Fly-cruise holidays include flights from/to UK airports where P&O Cruises representatives will be on hand to help guests through the terminal. Coach transfers between the airport and the ship are included in the cost of the holiday.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and daily afternoon tea is all included in the cost of a P&O Cruises holiday. There is a self-service buffet or you can have restaurant service. You can actually eat around the clock should you wish, if you include 24 hour room service, midnight buffet, plus pizza and burgers on deck. Every holiday also includes a black tie event and a five-course Celebration Night Dinner designed by Food Hero Marco Pierre White.

Cabins include tea/coffee making facilities with biscuits, all replenished daily.

Accommodation

Comfortable, contemporary cabins are included, such as the new conservatory mini suites on Iona and Arvia which include an additional lounging area with floor-to-ceiling glass (and an external door) between the main cabin area and balcony so that guests can sit back and relax inside or out in comfort with incredible sea views. The type of accommodation can be chosen when booking, and will vary depending on category. Generally, the more luxurious the cabin choice, the more facilities that are included. The best value fare is usually an inside cabin.

If you choose the Saver fare you can still choose your preferred grade of cabin, but it will be a “guarantee” cabin meaning you won’t know it’s location until you board.

Children’s Clubs

Run by a team of passionate and dedicated professionals, complimentary children’s clubs are available across the fleet and offer a perfect environment for younger travellers to enjoy every activity from soft play, imaginative spaces and high-energy activities plus gaming, DJ equipment and arts and crafts. Night nurseries are also available at no extra charge.

Entertainment

World class entertainment is available across the fleet. P&O Cruises new ship Arvia brings exclusive new stage show, Greatest Days – The Official Take That Musical to life by an amazing cast from the Headliners Theatre Company. Other production shows are available on each P&O Cruise ship.

Other entertainment options on offer and included are:

Ocean Studios - a multiplex cinema offering the latest blockbuster releases and family favourites in a plush setting.

The 710 Club on Iona and Arvia - a sophisticated bar crafted to Music Director Gary Barlow’s creative vision. Atmospheric and low-lit, The 710 Club offers live music and stylish cocktails.

International entertainment company, Creativiva offers fantastic shows in the SkyDome and Grand Atrium on Iona. From acrobatics, aerial acts, physical theatre, dance, music, flamboyant costumes and impressive sets, the Grand Atrium and SkyDome provide a spectacular backdrop to these stunning shows.

Headliners Theatre offering a different production show or guest performance every evening

The Club House - hosts guest speakers and live music and offers family entertainment and game shows. Night owls can party on with DJ nights, comedians and great music from resident band, PULSE.

Quizzes, talks, demonstrations, and classes by all fields of experts run throughout the day from family game shows, dance classes or cookery demonstrations.

On board activities

Swimming pools – each ship has a range of pools including luxury whirlpool spas, splash zones, infinity pools, swim up bars and pools covered by retractable roofs.

The new Altitude activity zone on Arvia will feature activities for guests of all ages, from minigolf, an aqua zone at Splash Valley and P&O Cruises first ever high-ropes experience.

Altitude Minigolf on Arvia will be the new, tropical island-themed minigolf open all day and illuminated at night.

Saunas and steam rooms – on some ships, the sauna and steam rooms are included in the cost of the holiday.

Gym – state of the art gyms are included with technogym machines, bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, steppers, as well as weights and a number of free fitness classes.

On the sports deck guests can choose from football, basketball, archery, short tennis, table tennis and golf nets, as well as more traditional nautical games such as shuffleboard and quoits.

The Big Question: Are Drinks Included on a P&O Cruise - Is P&O Cruises All Inclusive?

You can see from the above that there is a wealth of inclusions on a P&O Cruise, including water, hot drinks and juices with breakfast, tea/coffee making facilities in your cabin, and chilled water on tap in the buffet.. However, P&O isn’t an All Inclusive brand and therefore other beverages have to be paid for. You may wonder if it is worth buying a P&O Cruises Drinks Package - there are various options covering most people’s needs. However, you can just add drinks to your onboard account and pay at the end of your cruise.

How much does a P&O Cruise cost?

Prices vary by ship, duration and itinerary, but it’s possible to find a short European cruise of 5 nights in 2023 from under £50 per person per night inside, and a 7 night cruise on new ship Iona from £60 pppn. These are Saver Fares, but include full board cruising from Southampton. *Prices correct at time of writing.

Only you can decide what represents value for money to you, but a P&O Cruise could be a good option to consider.

Find out more about P&O Cruises on my dedicated P&O Cruises page.