2011 programme

Next year is set to be a year of innovation for P&O Cruises – which means more choice than ever before for our passengers. The 2011 season (up to and including spring 2012) will see an awe-inspiring 156 cruises calling at 270 ports in 90 countries. It will also see the introduction of our first cruise to Alaska in nearly 30 years.

We will also be introducing many new fly-cruises – which will allow passengers to begin their cruises from destinations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean – while fans of Oceana will be thrilled to hear that her 2011 winter programme will offer longer Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, which will all depart from the UK.

Another introduction for the 2011 programme – and possibly one of the most exciting developments – is our newest ship, Adonia. The smallest of our fleet, Adonia’s size means she is perfectly placed to explore the hidden treasures Europe has to offer, including nine brand new ports and 20 that we haven’t visited in quite some time.

One of the new ports is the bustling town of Volos, on the northern shores of the Pagasitikos Gulf. The tree-lined boardwalk, filled with typically Greek tavernas, ouzeries and cafés, is the perfect place to take a lazy stroll and soak up the atmosphere. Zadar, one of Croatia’s more unusual destinations, is another highlight on Adonia’s itinerary. Spend time here exploring the marble traffic-free streets, which still contain medieval churches and Roman ruins, or just relax on one of the small beaches east of the Old Town.

Passengers looking for a piece of untouched Europe will love the town of Bourgas in Bulgaria with its peaceful beaches and lively pedestrianised centre filled with locals meandering towards the seaside park, ice cream in hand. Nature lovers flock to Bourgas to see the four lakes outside the city which are havens for birdlife.

In the Italian port of Savona, passengers will find a graceful medieval centre unexpectedly hidden behind the port. Many of Savona’s old town treasures remain, having survived destruction in the 16th century. See baroque splendour in all its glory at the Piazza Cattedrale and Piazza Priamar – perfect for passengers who wish to combine culture with sunnier climes.

History and art fans alike will love the vibrant Italian port of Trieste with its lively cultural scene. Here you will find old Roman ruins, Austrian empire architecture (similar to that found in Vienna) as well as Viennese-style cafés, all reflecting Trieste’s varied cultural history. This port, never before visited by P&O Cruises, will also be one of the departure points for Adonia’s fly-cruises.

These fly-cruises allow you to begin your travels and board your ship from a variety of beautiful European ports – including Ravenna, Savona and Naples in Italy and Piraeus in Greece. One such cruise, beginning at Piraeus, will take you to Haifa and Ashdod in Israel, two ports we haven’t visited in nearly 10 years, followed by stops in Egypt, Libya and Malta before disembarking in Naples. 

Adonia’s maiden season will also include a range of cruises around northern Europe – again exploring those little-known and often untouched ports. See Turku, the oldest city in Finland and 2011 European Capital of Culture, and the stunning German island of Rügen (from Sassnitz) with its beautiful beaches, protected nature reserves and white chalk cliffs. The small but perfectly formed ship will also call at two new ports in Ireland: Foynes and Waterford.

With all these introductions and innovations, 2011 looks set to be a very exciting year for our passengers. Whether you plan to travel on the small yet perfectly formed Adonia, sample one of our new European ports or journey afar to Alaska, we look forward to welcoming you on board for one of our newest adventures…

This article has been previously published elsewhere. All information was checked at the time of its original publication.