The First-Timer’s Guide to P&O Cruises

As Britain’s most iconic cruise line with a rich maritime heritage dating back nearly two centuries, P&O Cruises has perfected the art of ocean travel. It combines classic British traditions with modern ship innovations to offer seamless, hassle-free holidays tailored for British travellers, complete with proper afternoon tea, British pub favourites, and onboard pricing in British Pounds Sterling.

If you are thinking about setting sail for the very first time, Odysia Cruise’s comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about P&O Cruises, from their best ships and top destinations to onboard inclusions.

What is P&O Cruises?

Founded in the 1800s and launching the world’s first leisure cruises from the UK, P&O Cruises has cemented its status as a top choice for British holidaymakers. Each voyage is designed with British tastes in mind, from the kettle amenities in the cabins to traditional Sunday roasts, West End-style theatre shows and curated dining menus by renowned English chefs Marco Pierre White and wine expert Olly Smith.

Whether you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly holiday with top-tier children’s clubs or a tranquil adults-only escape, P&O Cruises offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can simply relax and enjoy your voyage.

Is P&O a Luxury Cruise Line?

While P&O Cruises is not classified as a luxury cruise line, it is widely considered a premium mainstream cruise line that offers an elevated, high-quality holiday experience. 

Guests enjoy luxurious touches throughout their stay, from opulent atrium designs and world-class spa facilities to fine dining restaurants and boutique suites. P&O Cruises excels at delivering a high standard of comfort, elegant surroundings and personal service without the astronomical price tag of luxury-boutique lines.

Are P&O Cruises All-Inclusive?

Although P&O isn’t fully all-inclusive in the traditional resort sense, it provides remarkable inclusive value in your standard fare. You’ll find full-board dining across main dining rooms and buffet venues, daytime treats, freshly brewed tea and coffee, access to swimming pools, state-of-the-art gyms, spectacular evening shows and full access to age-specific kids’ clubs. 

Furthermore, unlike many international cruise lines, all gratuities and service charges are included in your fare. Optional extras such as alcoholic drinks, speciality dining restaurants, shore excursions and spa treatments can be purchased individually or added via convenient onboard drinks packages. For selected sailings, P&O also offers all-inclusive packages, including drinks, Wi-Fi and speciality dining credit to make budgeting for your holiday even easier.

What is the Biggest P&O Cruises Ship?

The biggest ships in P&O Cruises’s fleet are the Excel-class sister ships, Iona and Arvia. Weighing over 184,000 gross tonnes and accommodating up to 5,200 passengers each, these magnificent ships are floating cities designed to connect guests with the sea.

Both ships feature the iconic SkyDome, a giant glass roof housing a pool by day and dynamic aerial shows by night, along with over 30 dining venues and bars, an onboard gin distillery, a four-screen cinema complex and sprawling outdoor infinity pools. 

While Iona is designed to showcase cooler climates like the dramatic Norwegian Fjords and Northern Europe, Arvia caters to sunshine lovers in the Caribbean and Mediterranean with a retractable SkyDome roof, a swim-up bar and the Altitude Skywalk high-ropes experience.

Is P&O Britannia Adults Only?

No, the P&O Britannia is a family-friendly ship offering facilities for all, including children’s clubs, a family pool and night nursery. It’s also great for adults and parents seeking quiet time, with dedicated adults-only spaces like The Retreat alfresco spa terrace and the Serenity Pool.

If you are seeking an exclusively adults-only holiday with no children on board, P&O Cruises offers Arcadia and Aurora, which operate exclusively for adults on the majority of their sailings, with selected cruises welcoming guests of all ages.

P&O Cruises Destinations

From short breaks to fly cruises and epic voyages, P&O Cruises’ destinations span the globe, reaching over 200 ports of call. 

You can sail directly to the Norwegian Fjords and wade through glass-like waters, cascading waterfalls and towering mountains; discover sun-drenched coastlines and volcanic landscapes in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands; escape the winter blues and brighten up your January with fly-cruises to the Caribbean’s exotic islands; and explore Northern Europe’s fairytale cities, steeped in rich history and culture. 

Book a P&O Cruise with Odyisa Cruise’s Incredible Deals

Whether you prefer flying out to join your ship in the tropics or enjoying the sheer convenience of sailing directly from Southampton with no luggage limits, P&O Cruises makes exploring the world effortless. Browse our exclusive P&O Cruise offers today and start planning your dream getaway!