P&O Cruises Cruise Guide
P&O Cruises is Britain's favourite cruise line and one of the world's oldest, operating since 1837. Based in Southampton, P&O offers a distinctly British cruise experience with excellent food (now featuring celebrity chef partnerships), West End-quality entertainment, and itineraries designed for the UK market spanning the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Scandinavia, and world voyages.
What Makes P&O Different?
P&O is designed by and for British travellers. Ships sail from Southampton (no flying), the entertainment features British comedians and West End shows, afternoon tea is a proper event, and the bars stock proper ales and gins. This isn't a criticism — it's a genuine point of difference. If you're British and find American mega-ship culture jarring, P&O feels like home.
The food transformation under celebrity chef partnerships has been remarkable. Atul Kochhar's Sindhu serves Indian fine dining that rivals top London restaurants. The Glass House pairs exceptional wines with each course. Even the main dining rooms have improved dramatically.
How Does P&O Handle Port Days?
P&O's itineraries are well-paced for the British market — plenty of time ashore, sensible port schedules, and a mix of cultural and relaxation stops. Mediterranean cruises typically run 14 nights (vs 7 for many US-based lines), meaning more ports and a more relaxed pace.
Southampton advantage: No flights, no jet lag, no airport stress. Drive to Southampton, park the car, walk onto the ship. For Norwegian Fjords and Mediterranean cruises, this is a genuine luxury. Pack as much luggage as you want.
Who Sails P&O?
P&O's passenger base is overwhelmingly British — typically aged 50+ for ocean cruises, though Iona and newer ships attract younger couples and families. The atmosphere is friendly, social, and unpretentious. First-time cruisers find P&O welcoming, and experienced cruisers appreciate the quality. The adults-only ships (Arcadia, Aurora) offer a more refined experience.
How Lucy Helps on P&O Cruises
P&O passengers are British travellers visiting foreign-language ports — exactly Lucy's sweet spot. Lucy translates Italian trattoria menus in Livorno, reads Spanish tapas bar chalkboards in Barcelona, decodes French boulangerie signs in Cannes, and helps you order at a Greek taverna in Santorini. For P&O's world cruises, Lucy is essential across dozens of languages. Even in Norwegian ports, Lucy helps with signs and menus that aren't always translated to English.
Popular Itineraries
Mediterranean Highlights
Ports: Southampton, Gibraltar, Barcelona, Cannes, Florence (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia)
Norwegian Fjords
Ports: Southampton, Bergen, Olden, Geiranger, Flam, Stavanger
Caribbean Fly-Cruise
Ports: Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, Dominica, Antigua
World Cruise
Ports: Southampton via Caribbean, Panama Canal, South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Suez (30+ ports)
Dining On Board
Main Dining
P&O's main dining has been transformed by celebrity chef partnerships. The Glass House (wine-paired dining by Olly Smith), Epicurean (fine dining), and the main restaurants serve excellent British and international cuisine. Freedom Dining allows flexible timing. The Lido buffet is well above average.
Specialty Restaurants
Sindhu by Atul Kochhar (Indian fine dining), The Glass House (wine bar and restaurant), Green & Co (vegan and vegetarian by Shivi Ramoutar), Epicurean. Cover charges are moderate (£15-30). The celebrity chef influence genuinely elevates the food.
Dietary Accommodations
P&O handles dietary requirements in the thorough British manner. Notify at booking and the dining team will coordinate. Afternoon tea offers gluten-free options. The Green & Co restaurant is entirely plant-based. Allergen information is available for all menus. Halal and kosher meals can be arranged with advance notice.
How Lucy Helps on P&O Cruises
- •Translate menus at authentic Mediterranean restaurants in Spain, Italy, France, and Greece
- •Navigate Norwegian port towns and read local signage for hiking trails and attractions
- •Communicate with local vendors at Caribbean island markets and restaurants
- •Read transport timetables and cultural signage at ports across P&O's worldwide itineraries