Upcoming P&O Cruises Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic (2024)

Britannia (Photo: P&O Cruises)

Upcoming P&O Cruises Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic (1)

About P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is the U.K.'s largest cruise line, with seven ships catering exclusively to the British market. The ships are based out of Southampton, dividing their time between the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.

The line can trace its history right back to 1837, with the foundation of the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, though it did not start carrying passengers until 1844 -- which is the date often used to determine when cruising as a holiday (rather than as a point-to-point journey) began.

P&O Cruises remained a British-owned company until 2003, when U.S. group Carnival Corp. bought it, sister brand Princess Cruises and spun off a third brand -- P&O Australia.

The line wears its history lightly, preferring to lean into a more contemporary British vibe of modern chefs (the line's "Food Heroes") including Marco Pierre White; entertainers, including Gary Barlow, who is the musical director of the two newest ships, and Olly Murs, who will christen the line's newest, Arvia; link ups with Aardman Animations (of Wallace and Gromit fame); and Brits' love of gin, rum, curry and fish 'n' chips, all of which you'll find represented across the fleet.

Of the seven ships, the five newest are family-friendly; and the older and smaller ships are adults only.

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P&O Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on P&O Cruises cruise ships?

The line is aimed squarely at Brits, and that's pretty well the only nationality you'll find abroad at any time of year, wherever the ship is based. The demographic varies drastically depending on the type of ship and time of year. The adults-only ships tend to attract couples of 55-years plus; the family-friendly ones will attract families during the holiday periods, and then revert to 55+ couples outside of school holidays. Age will skew lower on the mini-break cruises to Europe and the Channel Islands.

P&O Cruises is also aimed squarely at Middle England -- it's not upmarket and not "bucket and spade". The line is about as typically British as you can get.

Do I have to dress up on a P&O Cruises cruise?

P&O cruisers veer on the side of smart during the evening (not Cunard smart, but certainly not casual or scruffy), with casual during the day -- shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps and flip flops are perfectly acceptable day wear. On elegant nights passengers tend to make an effort and you'll see a range of clothing from ball gowns and black tie to and dark suits and long dresses and heels.

Is everything free on P&O Cruises cruises?

No, though tips are included in the price of the cruise and you won't find the rampant upcharging you get on US lines. You'll pay extra for speciality restaurants, adults-only relaxation areas, the spa (treatments and thermal suite access), alcoholic and soft drinks.

What are P&O Cruises’s most popular activities?

P&O Cruises does not go in for adrenaline-filled activities like the US ships, so you won't even find a climbing wall even on the largest ships (though Arvia does have a ropes course), let alone simulated skydiving, dodgems or simulated surfing. Daytime activities across the fleet consist of activities range from the old-time favourites such as deck quoits, shuffleboard and table tennis to line dancing and party dance classes plus plenty of quizzes throughout the day including a pub challenge.

Why go with P&O Cruises?

  • Main homeport is Southampton
  • The biggest cruise line catering to the British market
  • Family-friendly ships with tailored, age-appropriate kids clubs
  • Check out our Five Top Britannia Tips

Best for: Brits keen to sail with their fellow country people, who want a home-from-home atmosphere.

Not for: Non-English speakers; late-night partyers or those who want lots of outdoor entertainment options

P&O Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Never again

We did have a wonderful butler,Anil but didn't use him for anything but he was very nice.Black tie night and was nice to see,SOME made the effort but you still had the sort that were determined to wear only shorts and baggy t shirts,then STILL allowed to dine where they weren't supposed to.Read More

Upcoming P&O Cruises Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic (2)

jaypo63

many10+ Cruises

Age 61s

Aurora great ship

nice fridge that kept wine cold.So nice made our holiday.Read More

Upcoming P&O Cruises Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic (3)

Dizzzy do

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 73s

Aurora

We weren’t on the cruise to watch TV which was fortunate because there was “No Signal” every time we turned the tv on in the cabin, the only channels that did work allowed us to watch a selection of very odd films from roughly 20 years ago!The sports bar had no sports showing for the first 2 days as the signal was so poor, until a bright spark decided to re-tune the TV’s and a football match was shown.Read More

Upcoming P&O Cruises Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic (4)

Cotswold boy

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 52s

There is better for the price

84 year old mother was charged £99 on the last invoice although had never been, Went to reception, a male Philippine receptionist with eye contact, no good morning attending.First night Cosmo cocktail, poor quality and no garnish - Blue bar.Read More

Upcoming P&O Cruises Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic (5)

Cruzcritik

many10+ Cruises

Age 62s

Related Cruises

Aurora315 ReviewsArcadia463 ReviewsVentura872 ReviewsAzura856 ReviewsBritannia1,079 ReviewsIona316 ReviewsArvia138 Reviews

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Upcoming P&O Cruises Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic (2024)

FAQs

When should you book a cruise 2024? ›

The best months to book a cruise are January through March, when nearly every cruise line launches some kind of wave season promotion, and November through December, when Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales often start well before Thanksgiving and end days or weeks after.

Who is performing on P&O Ventura 2024? ›

P&O Cruises has revealed that Gary Barlow will be giving two live charity performances on a couple of its voyages in 2024.

When can I book entertainment on P&O cruises? ›

Frequently asked questions. Can I pre-book entertainment on board? You can view any available bookable events via My P&O Cruises online portal before your holiday and book signature performances in our theatres from 14 days before departure. You may also book using the My Holiday web app once you're on board.

What is the average age for P&O cruises? ›

About P&O Cruises

Their ships are immediately recognizable thanks to the Union Jack painted on the hull. It's not an all-inclusive line, but gratuities are included in the fare. Passengers who sail with P&O are generally British, and the lowest average age is around 50 except during school breaks and holidays.

Will cruise prices drop in 2024? ›

Heidi Allison, president of CruiseCompete.com, a long-running site where experienced cruise travel agents bid for vacationers' business, says that in 2024, prices for cruises have seen an "increase of approximately 15 to 20 percent" over last year.

What is the best cruise line for adults in 2024? ›

The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Adults [2024]
  • Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises.
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
  • Seabourn Cruise Line.
  • Celebrity Cruises.
  • Holland America Cruise Line.
  • Royal Caribbean International.
  • Princess Cruises.
  • Silversea Cruises.
Jan 2, 2024

What drinks are free on P&O Ventura? ›

Water, fruit juice, tea and coffee

Water, tea and coffee are free from the buffet all day.

How do I know what shows will be on my cruise? ›

Guests can go to the Cruise Planner see a list of all shows, days, times and descriptions. Guest can easily view all of the shows being offered onboard, the days and times. They can also view all of the shows and their descriptions.

Do P & O cruises have formal nights? ›

Our Gala Evenings, Celebration Night or Black Tie nights, offer a chance to get dressed to the nines in glamorous evening wear. Don your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown or dinner jacket, or alternatively a dark business suit and tie. You may also wear formal national dress or military uniform.

What cruise line is best for entertainment? ›

World's Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment 2021
  • Koningsdam (Holland America Cruises)
  • Nautica (Oceania Cruises)
  • Norwegian Breakaway.
  • Queen Mary 2 (Cunard)
  • Regal Princess.
  • Silver Wind (Silversea)
  • Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
  • Viking Star.

Do you get bathrobes on P and O cruises? ›

From Champagne and chocolates on arrival to complimentary bathrobes and slippers, you'll enjoy plenty of exclusive luxuries.

Are activities on cruises free? ›

It helps to think of it this way: Your cruise fare is mostly all-inclusive — your stateroom, dining in a variety of locations, onboard entertainment and access to pools, hot tubs and other amenities and activities are typically included on a cruise.

Can 70 year olds go on cruises? ›

Many small- and medium-sized ships cater to the over-60 crowd, but that doesn't mean guests will be relegated to shuffleboard and bingo games. Today's seniors still have plenty of adventures to experience and memories to make, both on board and on shore.

What age are senior rates on cruises? ›

Many of the major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines and Norweigan Cruise Lines offer Senior Citizen Rates for guests age 55 or older. Senior Cruise Discounts are typically available on last minute cruises when cruise lines need help filling the last remaining cabins on their ships.

Which cruise line has the oldest passengers? ›

The cruise lines that attracted the oldest passengers were mostly river cruise lines. Among major ocean cruise lines, Holland America Line also attracted an older passenger base, with an average age of 64. The luxury brand, Oceania Cruises, had an average age of 64.1.

How far in advance should I book a cruise to get the best price? ›

You might end up seeing a difference of hundreds of dollars in price for a sailing even just a few days later or earlier. If your schedule allows, book at least six to 12 months in advance for a trip in May or September, when kids are in school, or outside of the holiday season.

What month is the best month to book a cruise? ›

It's easier than you think to get the best of both worlds — you just need to know the best time to book. In most cases, securing your spot as early as possible will get you the best price. If you miss the early-bird fares, consider waiting until "wave season," January through March, when cruise promotions abound.

Do prices of cruises go down as the date gets closer? ›

Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

How far in advance do you need to arrive for a cruise? ›

Do not attempt to arrive earlier than is permitted. However, arriving later in the day (but before the designated cut-off time) can speed up the boarding process. It is always recommended to arrive at the pier at least 3 hours prior to the departure time. If you are late you risk being denied boarding.

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