P&O Cruises: the back story

About P&O Cruises: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

P&O traces cruising itself to 1844, when The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company sent the world’s first leisure cruise from London to the Mediterranean. Today it sails seven ships from Southampton for a British audience.

Where cruising began

In 1844 The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company sent what P&O calls the world’s first leisure cruise from London to the Mediterranean (pocruises.com). In the 180 years since, P&O has stayed a British line for British holidaymakers: prices on board in pounds sterling, British plug sockets and The White Company toiletries in the cabins.

Ships for Britain

Oriana, in 1995, was the first ship P&O commissioned new and the first built specifically for the British market, with a teak promenade deck and a Tiffany glass dome. Between 2000 and 2010 came Aurora, Oceana, Arcadia, Ventura and Azura. In 2015 Britannia was named at the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton.

Pounds on board, British plugs and a cup of tea on the balcony.

Iona and Arvia

In 2021 Iona became the first British cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas, and Arvia followed in 2022. They are 344 metres long, with 15 guest decks, more than 30 places to eat and drink, five pools and the SkyDome, a glass-roofed pool with aerial shows at night. Each carries 5,200 guests at normal operating capacity.

Two ships for grown-ups

At the other end of the fleet, Aurora and Arcadia offer many holidays exclusively for adults. Aurora, the smallest ship at 270 metres and 1,874 guests, can reach places the bigger ships can’t and has many loyal guests.

What it costs

P&O keeps things simple for first-timers: tipping isn’t needed, the Freedom and Club restaurants and buffet are included, and from Southampton there are no luggage limits on round trips. Speciality restaurants, drinks packages and spa treatments cost extra; on Arvia, Britannia and Iona the sauna does too.

Our advice: if you don’t want to fly, sail from Southampton; choose Arvia or Iona with children, Aurora or Arcadia without; and keep one night for a Celebration Night in black tie.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with P&O Cruises: the back story before you go.