https://my.pocruises.com/api-mc/mc-getCruiseSummary/v1

We cruise with more British holidaymakers out of the UK than any other cruise line. We’re proud to say we continue to win awards, voted for by guests and our travel agent partners.

Our fleet offers an unrivalled holiday experience. You can choose from seven spectacular ships, each with its own unique features and itineraries that take you to a variety of exciting destinations. Whether you’re seeking a holiday for all ages or exclusively for adults, something larger or a little more modest, we’ll help you find the perfect ship for you.
<a></a><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arvia/overview">Arvia</a>, <a></a><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/iona/overview">Iona</a>, <a></a><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/britannia/overview">Britannia</a>, <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/azura/overview">Azura</a> and <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/ventura/overview">Ventura</a> offer family-friendly cruises packed with a huge variety of dining, entertainment, activities and relaxation options for all ages. <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arcadia/overview">Arcadia</a> and <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/aurora/overview">Aurora</a> offer holidays exclusively for adults, with selected holidays welcoming all ages.

How many ships does P&O cruises have?

We’re part of Carnival Corporation &amp; plc, an American-owned company, but we’re still very much a British brand. Our offices are right by the Ocean Cruise Terminal in our home port of Southampton and, whether you’re exploring Asia, South America, Australasia, Northern Europe or anywhere else, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home on board our ships. For example, all prices are in pounds sterling, all plug sockets are standard UK style and you’ll always have the chance to enjoy a lovely cup of English breakfast tea!

Is P&O Cruises a British company?

Yes, for over 20 years, P&amp;O Cruises has been part of Carnival Corporation &amp; plc – the world’s largest leisure company. You may have heard of some of the other cruise lines within the Carnival Corporation, such as Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess, Seabourn and P&amp;O Cruises Australia.

Is P&O Cruises part of Carnival?

The initials P and O stand for ‘Peninsular and Oriental’, an abbreviation of The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, which became the company’s full name in 1840 (although our roots trace back further). These days, we’re happy to be known simply as P&amp;O Cruises, a name we’re proud to have made synonymous with amazing holidays.
As a company, we stand for many things. Our highest responsibilities and top priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. You can find out more about our vision and culture <a></a><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/sustainability/carnival-corporation-shared-vision-culture">here</a>.

What does P&O Cruises stand for?

We’re Britain’s biggest cruise line and our home port is Southampton, England. Many of our holidays depart from here but we also offer fly-cruises to destinations all over the world. Our guests can fly directly from the UK to amazing places such as Barbados, Sydney, Auckland, Antigua, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai to meet their ship in the sunshine and begin their adventure.&nbsp;

Where does P&O Cruises sail from?

We sail to approximately <a>300 </a>destinations around the world. Whether you want to explore iconic cities such as Sydney or San Francisco, sun-kissed islands like Barbados or Ibiza, or lesser-known gems like Visby in Sweden or Trieste on Italy’s Adriatic coast, we have a holiday that’s perfect for you.
So, which region of the world would you like to explore?
<ul>
<li><a>Norway and Iceland</a></li>
<li><a>Mediterranean</a></li>
<li><a>Caribbean</a></li>
<li><a>Canary Islands</a></li>
<li><a>Spain and Portugal</a></li>
<li><a>Short break destinations</a></li>
<li><a>Northern Europe and Scandinavia</a></li>
<li><a>North America and Canada</a></li>
<li><a>British Isles</a></li>
<li><a>South America</a></li>
<li><a>Southern hemisphere</a></li>
<li><a>World Cruises</a></li>
</ul>

Where does P&O Cruises sail to?

OFFER ENDS 26 AUGUST 2025

Please correct the errors below and try again.

You’ll shortly receive an email from us to confirm your sign up. Please click on the link contained within this email to start hearing more from us. If you are unable to find this email in your inbox, please check your junk mailbox.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose P&O Cruises

About us

Our sustainability journey

At P&amp;O Cruises, and with our parent company Carnival Corporation &amp; plc, we’re taking action to reduce our impact on the environment and invest in our communities and people to deliver positive change.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Stunning view of the Pitons, St Lucia"}}

Paul Ludlow, President of P&O Cruises and Carnival UK.
Client: P&O Cruises.
Picture date: Friday August 18, 2023.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer. Image licence is for below the line only. No out of home use without acquiring an extended image licence.

Paul Ludlow was appointed P&amp;O Cruises president in November 2018, before taking on the additional role of Carnival UK president in June 2023. With over 20 years experience in the cruise industry, his remit includes the continued development of P&amp;O Cruises, Britain's favourite cruise line.

Beachfront living on the tropical island of Barbados, the Caribbean

With so many places to explore, you can choose the region that fascinates you most, or even discover the whole globe.

Contemporary and family friendly, or elegant and offering cruises exclusively for adults? There’s a ship with your name on it.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"default"}}

From summer escapes and winter sun to school holidays and festive breaks, a P&amp;O Cruises holiday offers incredible value for money.

Couple drinking wine on a sun lounger on deck on a P&O Cruises cruise ship

Providing amazing holidays is our passion. We pour our heart, soul and 185 years’ experience into making your cruise magical.

You won't find a holiday anywhere else which can offer you the calibre of dining and entertainment included in the price of your holiday.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"FOOD AND DRINKS PHOTOGRAPHY"}}

Explore independently or choose from a huge range of shore experiences. You’ll have time to fully enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of each place you visit.

There are activities to keep the whole family entertained, including our children’s clubs, cinemas, sports courts, activity zones and plenty of ice cream.

Tipping isn’t needed on our ships, so you can relax knowing good service and good times are all part and parcel of your P&amp;O Cruises holiday.

Our history

Cruising began when the world’s first leisure cruise, operated by The Peninsular &amp; Oriental Steam Navigation Company, left London for the Mediterranean. In the next 180 years, cruising would constantly evolve but always keep its essence of providing extraordinary holidays.

Oriana was the first new ship we’d ever commissioned and the first ever built specifically for the British cruise market. With a three-tier theatre, teak promenade deck, ballroom and a four-tier atrium crowned by an Art Deco Tiffany glass dome, she was well worth the wait!

In a whirlwind 11 years, we welcomed five new ships into our fleet: Aurora, Oceana, Arcadia, Ventura and Azura. At the time, Azura was the largest ship ever built for the UK cruise market (just topping Ventura), but that accolade wouldn’t remain hers for long…

One of the proudest moments in our history came as Queen Elizabeth II officially named Britannia at the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton. Glamorous and sophisticated, she introduced our guests to brand-new restaurants, entertainment and holiday experiences.

In 2021 came Iona – the first British cruise ship powered by liquified natural gas – then Arvia followed a year later. These two extraordinary Excel class ships were designed to be soaked in sunshine and filled with light, each carrying up to 5,200 guests to amazing places.

Awards

Best Cruise Line for Family Holidays 2025

Best Cruise Line for No Fly Cruise Holidays 2025

Best Cruise Line for Customer Service 2025

Best Cruise Line for No Fly-Cruise Holidays 2025

Sign up to hear from us

For information on accessibility. Please see our&nbsp;accessibility page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/accessibility">here</a>.

Accessibility on Iona

All the information on dress codes and details of when celebration nights are on board can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/what-to-wear">here</a>.

What are your dress codes on board Iona?

Get to know us

https://www.pocruises.com/frequently-asked-questions

https://www.pocruises.com/request-a-brochure

Support

https://www.pocruises.com/manage-my-booking

https://www.pocruises.com/deals/promotion-terms-and-conditions

https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations

https://www.pocruises.com/new-to-cruising/whats-included

Useful links

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/privacy/cookies

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy

https://www.pocruises.com/company-information

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/consumer-protection

https://www.pocruises.com/essential-information/safety-and-security

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/booking-terms-and-conditions

Footer Bottom

Stay connected

sm-Facebook

sm-Instagram

sm-Youtube

sm-Pinterest

AbtaLogo

AtolLogo

https://www.pocruises.com/account/my-details

https://www.pocruises.com/account/my-preferences

https://www.pocruises.com/login/pay-balance

https://www.pocruises.com/my-account/brochures/request-a-brochure

Avatar menu

On board

Discover cruising

Help

https://www.pocruises.com/deals/cruise-deals

Get to know P&O Cruises

About us

230+ destinations

230+ destinations

Why choose P&O Cruises?

So much included

Full days ashore

Activities for all ages

P&O Cruises signature service

Don't just take our word for it...

Best Cruise Line for Family Holidays 2025

Best UK Cruise Line 2025

Best Cruise Line for No Fly Cruise Holidays 2025

Best Cruise Line for Customer Service 2025

Best Cruise Line for No Fly-Cruise Holidays 2025

Ocean Cruise Line of the Year 2024

Our sustainability journey

Meet our president

P&O Cruises history

1844

1995

2000 - 2010

2015

2021 - 2022