Quick Answer
P&O Cruises is one of the easiest cruise lines for UK travellers to understand. It offers a familiar British onboard style, lots of Southampton departures, no-fly itineraries, and a broad mix of family-friendly and adult-focused ships.
Best For
- UK travellers who want to sail from Southampton.
- First-time cruisers who prefer a familiar onboard feel.
- No-fly cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean.
- Travellers who like British-style dining, entertainment and pricing.
- Couples or families, depending on the ship.
It is less ideal if you want a highly international atmosphere, ultra-luxury service or the biggest American-style resort ships.
What Is Usually Included
P&O Cruises fares typically include accommodation, main dining, buffet, pools, entertainment, gyms, many activities and the travel between ports. Tipping is not required on P&O ships, which makes budgeting simpler than on some other lines.
Extras can include drinks packages, speciality restaurants, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa, photos and some premium activities.
| Area | Included feel | Extra-cost watchout |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | Main restaurants and buffet | Select speciality dining venues |
| Service | Tips included in the fare approach | Extra purchases may still carry their own terms |
| Drinks | Basic drinks with meals and self-service areas vary | Drinks packages and bar drinks |
| Travel | Southampton cruises avoid flying | Parking, hotels or rail travel to port |
Ships Matter
P&O is not one single experience. Larger ships such as Iona and Arvia feel more modern, bigger and family-friendly. Adult-only ships such as Arcadia and Aurora have a calmer, more traditional feel.
Before booking, choose the ship personality as carefully as the itinerary. This is where many first-timers get caught out.
Cabins
P&O offers inside, sea view, balcony, mini-suite and suite options depending on the ship. Inside cabins are good for value. Balcony cabins are popular on fjords and warmer sea-day routes. Suites add space and perks but are not essential for a first cruise.
For a stable and quiet first cabin, look for midship with cabins above and below.
Drinks And Dining
P&O’s dining style is approachable and familiar. Main dining and buffet options mean you do not need to pay extra to eat well. Speciality restaurants can be worth it for a treat.
Drinks packages can help with budgeting, but check the rules, daily limits, exclusions and whether both adults in a cabin need the same package.
Best Itineraries
P&O is especially useful for no-fly cruises from Southampton. Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal, Northern Europe and longer Mediterranean routes are all natural fits.
For first-timers, a 7-night fjords cruise or a Canary Islands winter-sun sailing can be an easy way to test cruising.
What To Watch
- Southampton departures are easy, but parking and hotels can add cost.
- Larger ships may feel busy in school holidays.
- No-fly Canary Islands cruises involve more sea days.
- Saver fares may offer less choice than Select fares.
- Ship style varies a lot, so check the actual vessel.
Final Verdict
Choose P&O if you want a UK-friendly cruise with simple logistics and a familiar onboard feel. It is especially strong for no-fly first cruises, provided you pick the right ship for your travel style.
How To Use This Review
Do not choose a cruise line only because one ship looks lovely in a photo. Compare the things that affect your actual week onboard: dining style, cabin choice, included extras, passenger mix, ship size and whether the itinerary gives you enough time in the places you care about.
- For families, check kids clubs, pools, cabin layouts and school-holiday pricing.
- For couples, compare dining, entertainment, adult spaces and how busy the ship may feel.
- For first-timers, look for simple fares, clear dress codes and routes with easy ports.
- For value, add gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, flights, hotels and transfers before deciding.
The best cruise line is the one that fits how you like to holiday, not the one with the loudest advert or the lowest first price.
Ships in this guide
P&O Cruises ships to compare
Use these ship pages as the next step after choosing the cruise line. They help you compare size, atmosphere, UK relevance and who each ship suits best.
Open the full Ship Finder
Travel extras
Plan the journey to your cruise
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