Sailing since 1837, P&O Cruises are the pinnacle of British cruising with some of the largest and most modern cruise ships in the world. After so many years of providing some of the best service at sea, it comes as no surprise that they continue to be a number one choice for both new and experienced cruisers alike. Whether you want to explore the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords or head further afield to the Caribbean, P&O's impressive fleet of both adult-only and family-friendly cruise ships are packed with exciting entertainment and world-class cuisine, as well as offering a variety of popular themed cruises such as Food Hero sailings.
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P&O Cruises are renowned for offering world class dining onboard their ships, so-much-so that all of their executive chefs have been invited to join the Chaine des Rotisseurs. The Chaine des Rotisseurs is an international respected gastronomic society that was founded in Paris in 1950 and brings together professionals, such as chefs, restaurateurs and non-professionals from across the globe.
Traditionally, the cuisine onboard has always had a British feel to it with a contemporary twist thanks to the influence of the likes of Marco Pierre White over the years. Through these celebrity chefs, not only do the signature restaurants have a unique feel, but the whole network of restaurants onboard receive planning and input from culinary experts to create a truly refined dining experience.
The Food Courts onboard P&O Cruises offer a fantastic option for casual, 24 hour dining and these relaxed eateries are always popular with cruisers. The early morning is based on breakfast food, with a brunch-style menu available from late morning. There is then a late morning snack, lunch and afternoon tea and cakes. The evenings offer main courses ideal after a day of shore excursions. If you find yourself feeling peckish after the main meal, there is also a selection of snacks available throughout the night, from pizza to sandwiches.
Dining onboard a P&O cruise ship is made easy thanks to the options of either Club or Freedom Dining in the Main Dining Rooms. Club Dining sees you sat with the same people at a set seating time each day and is a great way to structure your time onboard and meet fellow passengers. Meanwhile, Freedom Dining allows you to turn up and be seated whenever you wish within the set serving window for the venue.
These main dining rooms offer an elegant ambiance and sociable atmosphere while you enjoy silver-service and a five course menu, the perfect opportunity to put on your best clothes and make the most of the delicious food on offer.
Select Dining is P&O Cruises’ specialty dining option, offering more intimate venues, a stunning variety of food and celebrity chef restaurants. Whether it's a romantic meal for two, a celebration, or just a change of scenery, these restaurants offer fantastic food. From the fine dining of The White Room, to the relaxed atmosphere of The Glass House or Café Bordeaux, there is something for everyone. Cafe Bordeaux onboard Aurora and Ocean Grill onboard Arcadia are signature specialty restaurants designed by the three Michelin starred chef Marco Pierre White. Marco's ideas are ingrained in the menu and concepts behind the restaurants, creating a truly unique cruise dining experience.
In addition, The Glass House is based on a London wine bar that can be found onboard Aurora, Azura, and Britannia, where all the wines are selected by British wine expert Olly Smith. The Glass house also offers a light menu, which has been picked to go hand-in-hand with the wines on offer.
In keeping with P&O's commitment to all things British, guests with a sweet tooth will appreciate another taste of home in the form of Jude's Ice Cream. All ships stock a range of flavours of the award-winning, Hampshire-born ice cream, with the family-friendly ships offering an especially extensive list of choices.
However, it must be noted that many of the select dining restaurants do carry an additional cover change.
All P&O cruise ships come to life once night falls and with entertainment ranging from hit movies at the cinema to live performances at the theatre and lively events at the bars onboard, no night has to be the same.
Live performances can be found around every corner on a P&O Cruise. With exciting venues such as the Headliners Theatre and its LED backdrop, to the more intimate Starlights lounge, guests can expect broadway-style shows, live music, dancing and even acrobatics, every night of their cruise.
For those who like to sit back with a drink in hand, there are a whole host of bars to choose from such as Brodie’s, an English-style pub, to the sophisticated cocktail and champagne offerings of Blue Bar. Complemented by live piano music and other performances, as well as the opportunity to dance, an evening in a bar can be as laid-back or lively as you want.
When it comes to having a calmer night onboard, there is also the opportunity for guests to enjoy a film. The SeaScreen open air cinema lets guests enjoy the big screen under the starry night sky, while Chaplin’s cinema has 200 comfortable seats for you to settle into and get lost in a film.
P&O Cruises are Britain's favourite cruise line and their family-friendly ships offer fantastic family cruises from the UK. From family friendly cabins, fantastic entertainment and sumptuous cuisine to their kids club, The Reef, they offer a superb family holiday with something for everyone. In addition, P&O Cruises offer many itineraries which coincide with the school holidays.
Open from approximately 9am through to 11pm, The Reef is P&O Cruises' exciting complimentary onboard programme for 2 - 17 year olds. Hosted by The Reef Rangers, each of the qualified Youth Team is carefully selected, after having an enhanced DBS check, for their extensive experience planning and facilitating activities. If your child has a birthday onboard, make sure to let the team at The Reef know, so that they can help you celebrate the special day.
Night nursery and group babysitting is also available free of charge, with more information available onboard.
Teens can enjoy various treatments and facilities at the Oasis Teen Spa. Found aboard all family-friendly ships, the spa has been designed with the needs of teenagers in mind. They can alleviate some exam stress with a soothing back massage, or tackle oily skin with a refreshing and cleansing facial. Boot-camp style fitness classes and skilled, reliable hair stylists are also available.
Normally children will join their parents for breakfast and lunch, but since you may occasionally want to dine on your own, P&O Cruises family cruise holidays lay on a special children’s tea every night featuring all the food that children will enjoy- from sausages, fish fingers and pizza to a great selection of healthy options, such as salads, soups, fruit, vegetables and pasta. For babies, P&O Cruises can puree or mash adult food from the main restaurant or alternatively you can request baby food in advance.
Family-friendly staterooms are difficult to work out on most cruise lines, but with P&O Cruises you have plenty of choice, from luxury to value options. As with most cruise lines there is great value to be had in the three and four berth inside and outside staterooms, though these do consist of pull down beds, meaning a twin bed option is available, but a king size bed is not. For the balcony staterooms the layout is a little different from ship to ship. Interconnecting cabins are usually available for most stateroom grades, though the availability can be limited.
All children between the ages of 2 -12 will receive a helium balloon, bag of jelly beans and special bedding upon arrival.
Each of the kids clubs have secure systems which only allow authorised entry by shipboard ID. Any children under 12 years must be signed in and out of the club and will be required to wear a safety wristband to ensure they can be correctly identified and returned to parents.
P&O Cruises are able to provide the following equipment, subject to availability: sterilisers, cots, baby bath, bed rails, baby food, nappy disposal units and high chairs. You may be able to request these via the Accommodation Services onboard, however it is advised that you call the Customer Contact Centre ahead to make your request: 0843 374 0111.
Offering cruises from Southampton throughout the year, you can discover the world without any flying or choose to catch your ship to an array of exotic destinations. Experts in Mediterranean cruises and Europe cruises, you can sail to the likes of Spain, Portugal, Norwegian Fjords and the Baltic. For the Caribbean, North America, Alaska cruises and other tropical fly cruises, flights can be arranged from most UK airports. You can also sail to closer to home destinations courtesy of a P&O mini cruise. If you're not sure what type of cruise to opt for or you simply are looking for travel inspiration for your next P&O Cruises getaway, see our blog post - A P&O Cruise Holiday Vs A Land-Based Holiday.
P&O Cruises are dedicated to making sure that the onboard experience is just as memorable as the itinerary of each ship. From relaxing days of pampering to splashing in one of the pools, there’s something to suit all guests and ensure that they make the most of their cruise at their own pace.
Arvia is the latest ship to join the P&O Cruises fleet from 2022, following in the wake of sister ship Iona. Read our blog to find out what we know about P&O Arvia so far.
Make your cruise on one of Britain's most popular cruise lines even more memorable by upgrading your accommodation to a suite. With several different types to choose from, all with extra perks (you'll even have your own butler!) you're sure to find one that suits you:
From virtual queues to restaurant reservations and virtual GP services, P&O Cruises' My Holiday app is on hand to help streamline your time onboard.
In addition, P&O Cruises offer a range of benefits and exclusive discounts for their loyal returning cruise guests. You can receive all of these rewards and more when you book with Iglu Cruise. See our dedicated P&O Cruises Peninsular Club cruise rewards page for more information.
P&O Cruises have a no service charge policy, meaning that guests don’t have to worry about being surprised by the cost of additional gratuities.
There’s no need to worry about fluctuating exchange rates or changing money on a holiday with P&O Cruises. Pay for all your fare aboard and pre-booked excursions in British Pounds Sterling.
Fantastic first experience of a cruise, will certainly be doing more.
Excellent cruise, although excursions a bit too expensive for me.
Excellent ship and staff. Great itinerary. Would definitely use again.
As a first cruise it was an excellent experience. 👌
P&O Cruises are not all-inclusive but you can purchase drinks packages and excursions, as well as other things such as spa packages or speciality dining as part of your cruise deal before boarding.
Included in your standard P&O Cruises fare is:
For more information, see P&O Cruise Fares Explained
Yes, excursions usually become available to book 12 weeks before the sailing date. Once released, you have until three days before the cruise departure date to reserve your place although it’s best to reserve as soon as possible to get your spot. You can manage your booking and personalise things such as excursions on the Iglu Portal.
During the day P&O Cruises have a relaxed dress code where you can wear comfy clothing. In the evenings after 6pm more formal attire is requested. Exactly what this means depends on the specific evening’s events, with each seven-night sailing having two formal nights, and 14-nighters having three or four formal evenings. For these formal nights attire such as black ties and cocktail dresses are required while, otherwise, simple evening casual is fitting - such as a smart polos or buttoned shirts, chinos, dresses and shoes.
Yes, P&O Cruises have a great number of options when it comes to booking easy-access cabins and taking care of your needs when onboard. Just make sure to declare your disability when enquiring so that the team can determine how best to meet your needs.
P&O Cruises can provide kosher, halal, vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan options, although exact dishes may not be possible. Meanwhile, most intolerances and allergies are catered for such as gluten, wheat, lactose, fat, salt and sugar free.
No one under the age of 18 may buy or consume alcohol onboard. The only exceptions to this are that you must be at least 21 when cruising in the US, and 16-year-olds and above are allowed to have a beer, cider or wine with a meal when accompanied by an adult.
There are three dining options with P&O Cruises:
Room service is available 24 hours a day with most items coming with a charge. In addition to this, you can opt to dine in your room for breakfast, lunch and dinner if staying in a suite.
Below are the average prices of various drink types onboard P&O ships when purchased separately. This is set to change by specific time, ship and brand.
Yes, there are complimentary kids’ and teens’ clubs on all P&O ships - apart from the adults only ships. For more information, see the P&O Family page. There is also a free night nursery/babysitting service for 6-months to 4-year-olds.
The conditions for disabled children are the same as those for adults. The exceptions being that they can be carried by their carer when embarking or disembarking via gangways or onto tenders, whereas adults with mobility issues would be unable to access.
Kids can use all family pools provided they are toilet trained and are under adult supervision.
All main dining rooms have children’s menus. Kids are also welcome to dine in the speciality restaurants, plus there is an earlier children’s tea catering to their tastes beforehand- it’s up to you!
Yes, but some cruise itineraries such as fly-cruises and those with over three consecutive seadays could have a minimum age of 12 months- otherwise, the minimum age is six months. If bringing your baby, appropriate food, care and facilities are provided.
