P&O Cruises

Dining

Dining with P&O Cruises is a big part of the holiday. Expect classic favourites with a modern twist, relaxed poolside bites when you’re in holiday mode, and dress-up-worthy dinners when you fancy something special. Across the fleet, you’ll find a mix of main dining rooms, casual venues and speciality restaurants, so it’s easy to tailor each day to your mood.

If you love a proper British touch at sea, you’ll appreciate the traditional afternoon tea experience, as well as familiar comfort dishes alongside international menus. Prefer something a little different? Many sailings feature bolder flavours and destination-inspired plates, perfect after a busy port day. And for those who like an easy, “do what you want” pace, room service and relaxed dining options mean you’re never tied to a strict schedule.

Entertainment & Things to Do

On board, the vibe is lively but never overwhelming. Your evenings can be as polished or as laid-back as you like: a theatre show, live music with a cocktail, a late-night lounge performance, or a film under the stars. During the day, there’s plenty to fill the hours at sea, from quizzes and talks to fitness sessions, cooking demonstrations and deck games.

When you want proper downtime, make time for the spa and salon, a quiet corner with a book, or a stroll on deck with sea views for miles. If you prefer to stay active, there are gyms, sports areas and classes that make it easy to keep your routine (or start a new one) while you’re away.

Family

P&O Cruises can work brilliantly for families, particularly on sailings that match school holiday dates. Age-group clubs and supervised activities help younger cruisers settle in quickly, while teens get their own spaces to socialise and enjoy games, consoles and hang-out zones. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a little well-earned freedom, whether that’s a long lunch, a show, or a peaceful afternoon by the pool.

Travelling as a multi-generational group? Mini cruises and week-long itineraries are a great way to keep everyone happy, with enough choice on board that you don’t all have to do the same thing at the same time.

Cabin Types

P&O Cruises offers a wide choice of cabin styles, so you can cruise your way. Inside cabins are a smart pick if you plan to be out and about on the ship most of the time. Oceanview cabins are great for morning light and a view to match your first coffee. Balconies are ideal if you love fresh sea air and your own private spot for sailaways.

Want to elevate the experience? Suite and upgraded categories add extra space and comfort, making sea days even more enjoyable. If you’re unsure what’s best, our Cruise1st team can match you to the right cabin based on your route, ship and travel style.

Ideal For

• First-time cruisers – a welcoming style of cruising with familiar comforts and plenty of choice;
• Couples – relaxed dining, entertainment, and itineraries made for easy, no-fuss holidays;
• Families – kids’ clubs, varied activities, and sailings that suit holiday calendars;
• UK cruisers – convenient departures from home ports, especially Southampton.

If you’re browsing P&O Cruises for the first time, think about what matters most: warm-weather escape, scenery-led sailing, or a quick break that feels like a full holiday in miniature.

Destinations

P&O’s itineraries suit both sunshine seekers and scenery lovers. You can chase warm days in the Mediterranean, explore island-hopping favourites, or head north for crisp air and dramatic landscapes. Caribbean fly-cruises are a popular choice for winter sun, while fjords sailings deliver unforgettable views and relaxed days at sea.

For UK departures, many guests start with P&O Cruises that sail straight from Southampton, keeping travel simple and letting the holiday begin faster.

Special P&O Cruises Offerings

P&O Cruises is known for a distinctly British feel on board, with dining traditions, friendly service and entertainment that suits a wide mix of ages. If you like to plan the “extras” in advance, it’s also worth looking at add-ons such as P&O Drinks Package options to help you budget for bar bills and soft drinks.

Looking for the best value? Keep an eye on seasonal sales, late availability, and campaign offers, especially if you’re flexible on dates. Cruise1st can also help you compare like-for-like deals across ships and itinerary lengths, so you can book with confidence.

P&O Cruises Top Destinations

UK Departures & Southampton Favourites

• P&O Cruises from Southampton – Start your holiday close to home with easy embarkation and no flights;
• P&O Cruises from the UK – Browse UK-friendly itineraries with simple travel planning;
• P&O Arvia Cruises from Southampton – Big-ship energy with plenty of choice for dining and entertainment;
• 2026 Cruises from Southampton Aboard P&O Arvia – Plan ahead for peak-choice itineraries and cabin options;
• 2027 Cruises from Southampton Aboard P&O Arvia – Future sailings for early planners who want the best pick;
• P&O Aurora 2026 Cruises from Southampton – A classic choice for a more traditional onboard feel;
• P&O Aurora 2027 Cruises from Southampton – Secure next year’s sailing dates early;
• P&O Cruises 2026 from Southampton – A strong range of routes for sun, culture and scenery;
• P&O Cruises 2027 from Southampton – Ideal if you like to lock in dates well in advance;
• P&O Cruises August 2026 from Southampton – Summer sailings when school holidays are in full swing;
• P&O Cruises September 2026 – A popular shoulder-season pick for comfortable weather.

Caribbean Escapes

• P&O Caribbean Cruises – Warm-weather itineraries built for beach days and easy island hopping;
• Caribbean Cruises Aboard P&O Arvia – A lively Caribbean holiday with a modern ship experience;
• Caribbean 2026 Cruises Aboard P&O Arvia – Lock in your winter sun plans early;
• Caribbean 2027 Cruises Aboard P&O Arvia – Future Caribbean dates for planners;
• Caribbean Cruises Aboard P&O Britannia – A popular pick for classic Caribbean cruising;
• Caribbean 2026 Cruises with P&O Cruises – Compare routes, dates and cruise lengths for 2026;
• Caribbean 2027 Cruises with P&O Cruises – A wider look at next year’s Caribbean options;
• P&O Caribbean Cruises in January – A brilliant time of year for a sunshine reset.

Norway & the Norwegian Fjords

• Norway Cruises with P&O Cruises – Scenic sailings with memorable views at every turn;
• Norway Cruises Aboard P&O Iona – A standout ship choice for fjords-focused holidays;
• Norwegian Fjords Aboard P&O Iona – The classic route for scenery lovers;
• Norwegian Fjords 2026 Cruises Aboard P&O Iona – A strong mix of routes and dates;
• Norwegian Fjords 2027 Cruises Aboard P&O Iona – Perfect if you like to book early;
• Norwegian Fjords Cruises with P&O Cruises – Browse fjords itineraries across the line;
• Norwegian Fjords 2026 Cruises with P&O Cruises – Compare 2026 options at a glance;
• Norwegian Fjords 2027 Cruises with P&O Cruises – Future fjords sailings for long-term planners.

Mediterranean & Adriatic Routes

• Mediterranean Cruises Aboard P&O Arvia – Sunshine, culture and easy-going sea days combined;
• Adriatic Cruises P&O – A brilliant choice for coastal towns and historic ports;
• P&O Canary Islands Cruises – A warm, relaxed escape with plenty of sea time.

Mini cruises, Fly-Cruises & Cruise & Stay

• P&O Mini Cruises – Short breaks that still feel like a proper holiday;
• Mini Cruises 2026 with P&O Cruises – Great for taster sailings and weekend-style escapes;
• Mini Cruises 2027 with P&O Cruises – Future short breaks worth booking early;
• Fly Cruises with P&O Cruises – Pair flights with a cruise for more far-flung itineraries;
• P&O Cruise & Stay – Combine a cruise with a hotel stay for a bigger holiday feel.

Deals, Promotions & Planning Tools

• Last Minute P&O Cruises Deals – A smart option if you’re flexible with dates;
• P&O Late Deals – Browse late availability across popular routes;
• Promotions with P&O Cruises – Seasonal offers and campaign savings in one place;
• P&O Drinks Package – Plan your onboard spend with drinks options;
• P&O February Cruises 2026 – Early-year sailings, ideal for a winter break;
• P&O February Cruises 2027 – Another great time to chase warmth or scenery.

Longer Adventures: Transatlantic & World Cruising

• P&O Long Duration Cruises – For travellers who want more sea days and deeper exploration;
• Transatlantic 2026 Cruises with P&O Cruises – Classic crossings with that holiday-at-sea feeling;
• Transatlantic 2027 Cruises with P&O Cruises – Next year’s options for big-sky sea days;
• World Cruises 2026 with P&O Cruises – Epic itineraries for bucket-list travellers;
• World Cruises 2027 with P&O Cruises – Plan early for once-in-a-lifetime routes;
• P&O World Sector Cruises – Take a segment of a world cruise without the full commitment;

Browse by Year

• P&O Cruises 2026 – A wide choice of routes for every travel style;
• P&O Cruises 2027 – Early booking opens up the best cabin selection;
• P&O 2028 Cruises – If you like to plan far ahead, start here.

Fleet Highlights

• P&O Cruises Azura – A much-loved ship option with a classic cruise feel.

FAQs About P&O Cruises

How many black-tie nights are there?
It depends on your cruise length. Short breaks may have none or one, while longer itineraries often include several formal evenings.

Do P&O Cruises offer drinks packages?
Yes, drinks packages are available and can be a helpful way to budget for your time on board, particularly if you enjoy cocktails, wine with dinner, or unlimited soft drinks.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Wi-Fi is available on board, with paid options that suit different levels of usage, from casual browsing to more regular connectivity.

Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are typically included in the cruise fare, keeping things simple, although you can always tip for exceptional service if you wish.