Cruise ship 'Iona' spends much of the year touring the Norwegian fjords.
When compared to American resort ships or the ‘cheap and cheerful’ European lines, British cruise lines may seem traditional to the point of outdated. But one line, P&O Cruises, is undergoing a transformation as bigger ships join its fleet.
With a change in emphasis to attract more families and younger couples on board, the line is starting to echo the family-friendly and dynamic offerings of mainstream American cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.
Part of the Carnival Corporation, which also includes Cunard, Holland America, Seabourn, and Carnival itself, P&O Cruises sails with a predominantly British guest list from Southampton, England, but also operates some fly-cruises to the Caribbean.
Although attracting mostly Brits, Americans and other nationalities are welcome on P&O Cruises.
However, given that the company’s website is geared towards the British traveler, those living elsewhere may find it easier to book using a travel agent, especially if flights are required.
A Historic Cruise Line In Transition
The smaller, older ships are more traditional, with two vessels exclusively for adults, whereas the latest vessels are the largest to regularly set sail from the U.K. They are more action-packed and geared towards families, attracting a slightly younger demographic.
For example, Arvia, Britain’s biggest cruise ship, features a swimming pool and performance area with retractable roof, an adrenaline-pumping rooftop rope course, an American-style diner included in the cruise fare, and an immersive escape room experience.
Comfortable lounges with a variety of seating options are a hallmark of the P&O Cruises fleet.
Yet it still retains much of the more traditional P&O Cruises experience, including formal nights and a dress code and/or adult only policy in certain parts of the ship.
Those traditions remain an important part of the brand for P&O regulars. The line has the oldest heritage of any cruise line in the world, tracing back to the launch of passenger operations by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company in 1837.
Where You Can Sail
P&O Cruises offers itineraries to destinations favoured by British vacationers such as Spain and the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and the Nordic and Baltic regions.
The seven ships in the fleet stick to some specific regions, usually moving around based on the seasons. For example, Iona spends much of the year touring the Norwegian fjords on the same 7-day itinerary, relocating to the Canary Islands for the winter season.
P&O Cruises doesn't hide its Britishness in its distinctive livery.
Whether you prefer a family-friendly ship like Ventura or one of the two adults-only ships Aurora and Arcadia, it should be possible to find an itinerary that suits you.
Fare classes on P&O Cruises
A must-know before booking is the different fare classes offered on P&O Cruises, for these can impact the onboard experience.
Guests booking a ‘Select Price’ fare can select their specific cabin when booking, use shuttle buses in port without charge, and have priority for dining arrangements and any upgrade opportunities. They can also choose between onboard spending money, free car parking, or complimentary coach transport to and from Southampton.
Guests who choose the Saver and Early Saver options will save money on their cruise fare, but receive fewer perks. They are also likely to be allocated a cabin in a less favourable part of the ship, such as the lower decks or at the front or back.
Dining On P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises sit between the fixed dining concepts offered by the likes of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and the freestyle dining pioneered by Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Main dining rooms offer fixed dining times, but depending on the ship, may also offer numerous flexible dining options. On the newer ships, an app-based booking system has been introduced, which will alert guests when their preferred table is ready.
Guests on P&O Cruises will not go hungry with a wide variety of dining options available.
All ships in the fleet offer casual dining options in the form of a buffet restaurant, which has longer opening hours than the main restaurants. For those relaxing by the pool, a selection of ‘grab and go’ fast food options is usually available.
Newer ships also offer alternative casual dining options including the food hall inspired ‘The Quays’, a Mediterranean-themed restaurant ‘Olive Grove’, and, on Arvia, the American diner, all included in the cruise fare.
All ships also offer premium restaurants at an additional charge, but these charges are reasonable compared to competing lines.
One point of frustration among regular P&O cruisers is the line’s recent change to its beverage packages. There are now two packages including alcoholic drinks and two without, with higher prices than before.
Although the soda package and non-alcoholic package do provide value, the beverage packages with alcohol seem unlikely to prove good value for the majority of people.
Accommodation Standard
P&O cruise ships are known for their high number of balcony cabins, and that’s even more so on the newer ships. Ocean view cabins are relatively rare and often sell out quickly, whereas inside cabins are more numerous and can offer fantastic value.
Housekeeping has been cut back in recent years, but once-a-day cleaning should be enough for the majority of people. As a British cruise line, a kettle is provided in all guest rooms with tea bags and instant coffee replenished daily.
Otherwise, tea and coffee is always available from refreshment stations onboard, such as in the buffet restaurant.
Entertainment On P&O Cruises
Evening entertainment on P&O is centered around the Headliners Theater, which hosts nightly performances by the ship’s resident theater company, as well as performances from visiting artists including cover bands, magicians, and stand-up comedians.
The SkyDome on 'Arvia' (pictured) and 'Iona' becomes an alternative entertainment venue at night.
Live musicians perform in bars and lounges throughout the ship to entertain those choosing not to attend a show.
On the newer ships, the SkyDome is a swimming pool with large screen showing family-friendly movies by day and a lively alternative performance space by night.
Daytime entertainment varies by ship. All ships in the fleet offer swimming pools, hot tubs, spa treatments, and a packed program of onboard activities especially on sea days. British favorites including trivia and bingo are especially popular.
Newer ships include more amenities such as multiple cinema screens, more infinity pools and hot tubs, an escape room, and an outdoor rope course.
Daytime activities are often relevant to the itinerary, in this case Spanish guitar lessons onboard ... [+]
On all except the adult-only ships, children are well catered for through kids clubs split into age groups, and menus in the restaurants focused on the preferences of younger guests. There’s even afternoon tea geared to children, hosted in the buffet.
Frequent cruiser program
P&O Cruises’ loyalty program is known as the Peninsular Club. Membership is based on the number of nights cruised, with cruisers becoming a member once they reach 15 nights on board.
At that level, members receive a 5% discount on selected cruises and the same discount on onboard spend. Perks at higher levels include bigger discounts, priority booking, onboard cocktail receptions, and complimentary champagne.
