P&O Cruises: What To Expect On This Very British Cruise Line

06.11.2023 - 17:55 / forbes.com / Royal Caribbean / Cruises

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resort ships or the ‘cheap and cheerful’ European lines, British cruise lines may seem traditional to the point of outdated.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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