Perfectly perched in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a unique culinary scene cultivated over centuries. Flavours from North Africa and all across Europe coalesce to create flavours found nowhere else in the region.

A foodie's guide to Valletta

<p>If you’re keen to wash the traditional national dish down with something boozy, head to nearby Strait Street, full of fantastic watering holes, including Yard 32, a gin bar with a 100-page menu of over 180 gins.</p>


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Set your sights on Greece

Dreaming of cobbled streets, ancient treasures and sun-kissed shores? On a P&O Cruises holiday to Greece, you can wake up to a new view of paradise every single day

Historic destinations in the Mediterranean 

Looking for a historic getaway that includes sunshine and sea breezes? Choose a P&O Cruises Mediterranean fly-cruise in 2028, and let the world’s ancient wonders come to you.

Culture, adventure, and discovery are a shore thing in the Med

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2026 Travel Hotlist

With a new year on the horizon, we’ve got these holidays firmly in our sights. Where will 2026 take you?

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Lush landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and iconic sights: this is the Italy of romantic films, artistic masterpieces and many a daydream. These four Central and Northern Italian ports of call will turn your reveries into reality.

Set your sights on Southern Italy

Discover the vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history of Southern Italy's most captivating ports with P&O Cruises.

Top things to do in Valletta

Experience the charm of Valletta with P&O Cruises. From historical landmarks to lively celebrations, discover what makes this city special.

2025 Travel Hotlist

From sunny escapes to city breaks, here’s a look at what’s on the horizon for the year ahead.

P&O Cruises 2024 in Numbers

We've crunched the numbers and wow, what a year it's been! Have a look at how our guests have spent their time with us this year...

Paul Ludlow in Lisbon

Our president, Paul Ludlow, looks at why Malta, our beautiful home port for Mediterranean fly-cruises, holds such a special place in our hearts. Watch Paul’s video to learn all about the exciting Maltese projects we’re involved with and how guests can enjoy an unmissable 10% off their shore experiences.

Set your sights on… Morocco and Cape Verde

Did you know we have brand-new cruises to Cape Verde and Morocco included in our Winter 2026/27 collection? As well as an 18-night Cape Verde and Morocco cruise on Arcadia in December, we also have Morocco cruises on Aurora in November and on Ventura in February. 

A perfect day in Dubrovnik

Any day in this captivating Croatian city is a day well spent. From coffee to cable cars, here’s how to get the most out of your time in Dubrovnik

Paul Ludlow shares the latest from Malta

The best places to visit when...you want to relax on a beach

Whether you’re a water baby, sun worshipper or sandcastle-building pro, a day at the beach is always the highlight of a holiday. Soak up some rays, feel the sand between your toes and breathe in the salty tang of the ocean with our guide to some of the best beach escapes for relaxing on shore.

The best shore excursions in Dubrovnik

Nestled along the breath-taking Adriatic coast in Croatia, Dubrovnik is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and has been captivating travellers for many years. 

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Want to hold on to that summer feeling? Here are three easy ways to make it happen on a P&O Cruises holiday.

12 Months of holidays

Where will the year take you? We’ve got 12 months of tempting travel inspiration in our handy guide to some of the world’s dreamiest destinations. So whether you’re after a last-minute escape or are planning ahead, a year’s worth of holidays is at your fingertips.

An arty guide to Barcelona

In what is arguably the hippest of Spanish cities, there’s something to cater to every art-lover’s needs. To make the selection process a little easier when you’ve got limited time in the Catalonian capital, here’s a list of must-see places for the artistically inclined.

These views are better in real life

Have you ever caught yourself looking through holiday snaps and saying, ‘my camera just hasn’t done it justice’? Pretty as pictures can be, there’s nothing quite like seeing those epic, once-in-a-lifetime sights with your own two eyes. These six wonders are even more picture-perfect in person. 

5 of our best cruises for couples

If you and your other half are seeking a dreamy escape that will leave you with cherished memories, look no further. 

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Cruise with ease from Southampton

Your holiday begins the moment you step onboard when you choose to cruise from Southampton. On a no-fly cruise, you can say goodbye to luggage restrictions and navigating airports. Even though you don’t take to the skies, your no-fly cruise holiday will start, and finish, on a high.

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Big screen destinations

To celebrate the opening of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival we have taken a delve into our itineraries to see which big screen destinations you can visit on a P&O Cruises holiday.

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Six great winter escapes

Our winter itineraries offer great escapes to a fabulous range of destinations. We'll start with some sunny adventures around the globe before highlighting our top suggestions for holidays closer to home.

Discover the secrets of Rome

Travel writer Yolanda Zappaterra explores Rome, off the beaten track. Yolanda is a travel, art and design enthusiast who writes for Time Out and Saga magazine, as well as national newspapers. 

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If you’re looking for a holiday that showcases Europe’s most exhilarating cities, Spain & Portugal offer copious sunshine, cultural clout & fabulous food.

Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean

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Our Guide to Fly-Cruises

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From tuk tuks to tapas, basilicas to beaches, P&O Cruises shore excursions can help you make the most of your Mediterranean cruise holiday.

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Five of the best destinations for swimming and snorkelling

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Find the holiday you want on a cruise

Whether it’s paddleboarding in the fjords, sight-seeing on a city break, relaxing on a tranquil beach or dining like the locals… we set the scene for amazing things to happen. So, whatever type of holiday you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find one that ticks all your boxes…

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Magical Christmas holidays in warm or wintry destinations

Fancy some sunshine and sand or wintry wonders? Find out about the amazing destinations we can take you to at Christmas time. 

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Wellbeing and Lifestyle, introducing Kat Farmer

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If you struggle with packing lightly when it comes to your makeup and skincare products, then you’re not alone. World-class makeup artist to the stars Hannah Martin shares some helpful tips to stop over-filling your suitcase (without sacrificing your skincare routine) and lists some of her favourite products to take on holiday…

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Wellbeing workshops with Cherry Healey

TV Presenter and documentary maker Cherry Healey is joining us some of our sun-soaked cruise holidays to host sessions that’ll leave you feeling revitalised. Cherry can’t wait to get on board and help you to feel your best…

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Get into the summer spirit

Doesn’t it feel amazing to look forward to a summer holiday? Think of all those long sun-splashed days when you can just let go and savour every moment.

Calling all sunseekers!

If you’re feeling the need for the sun’s warm rays but can’t decide where to go, we’ll point you in the right direction. Pack your sun cream and shades for itineraries that take in our favourite sunshine cruise destinations.

Cultural experiences in the spotlight

From flamenco in Seville to jazz in Copenhagen, Anna Crane shines a light on some of the top cultural shore experiences available on a P&O Cruises holiday

Top five Spanish holiday destinations

With its warm sunshine, amazing coastline, tasty food and captivating history and culture, Spain is a popular destination. And no two Spanish destinations are the same so there’s always something new to see, no matter how many times you visit.

Sunshine destinations you’ll love, straight from Southampton

Sail straight from Southampton to the sun. Departing from our home port makes travelling hassle-free.

<h4>Read more about the Mediterranean</h4>

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Here are five traditional Maltese dishes to enjoy in the country’s UNESCO-listed capital on your next visit.</h2>


Lampuki

<h2>1.&nbsp;Lampuki</h2>
<p>Also known as dolphinfish or mahi mahi, this milky-textured fleshy fish is a seasonal specialty on offer between August 15 and December each year (the legal fishing season during the species’ migration). During this time, lampuki pops up on almost every menu in the city, whether pan-fried to perfection or baked into a piping-hot pie. The latter is a great example of how the country’s food scene has been influenced by multiple cultures (in this case English, Italian and Arabic). Enjoy a flaky, crispy crust filled with tomatoes, capers, mint and raisins. Try it at Michelin-starred Noni.</p>


Pastizzi

<h2>2. Pastizzi</h2>
<p>Perhaps the most famous of Malta’s delectable offerings, these crusty pasties are locals’ fast-food snack of choice. Traditionally filled with curried peas, rabbit or cheese, they’re prolific across the islands and are pleasingly affordable (usually no more than a euro). The best known spot to sample them is Crystal Palace in Rabat, just 20 minutes from <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/valletta-malta">Valletta</a>, though if you’re tight on time, pop into the Upper Barrakka Kiosk and enjoy the morsel accompanied by stunning views across the Grand Harbour.</p>


Rabbit stew

<h2>3.&nbsp;Rabbit stew</h2>
<p>You can’t leave <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/valletta-malta">Valletta</a> without sampling the country’s national dish, stuffatt tal-fenek: rabbit stew. Introduced to Malta by the Phoenicians over three thousand-years-ago, rabbits became popular with the Romans as a meat which apparently made women more beautiful (though it has since retained its popularity for different reasons). Usually slow cooked for at least an hour and a half in wine, tomato and bay leaf-infused sauce, the succulent meat comes easily off the bone once served up. Head to the more than century-old bistro, Rubino, to relish it in a traditional Maltese environment.</p>


Bragoli

<h2>4.&nbsp;Bragoli</h2>
<p>Also known as ‘beef olives’, bragoli is a classic Maltese dish. Thin strips of beef are covered with bacon, egg, parsley and breadcrumbs, then rolled into small oval shapes (the ‘olive’ element). Secured with a toothpick or twine, the beef rolls are then braised in either a rich tomato or wine-based sauce. Carrots and onions can be added to the mix and popular accompaniments include mashed potato and peas. Try an upgraded version at Nenu the Baker, whose ‘wrapped veal loaf’ takes the bragoli to the next level.</p>


Kannoli

<h2>5.&nbsp;Kannoli</h2>
<p>Pastizzi isn’t the only popular pastry in Malta. Visitors can savour a sweet, flaky treat thanks to kannoli, fried pastry tubes traditionally filled with ricotta cheese, sugar and sometimes vanilla extract. Today, a variety of filling options abound, including chocolate, cherries, nuts and citrus fruit. Dig into this delightful delicacy at Croce Bonaci in the Cumberland Hotel on Triq San Gwann.</p>


<h2 style="text-align: center;">Feeling inspired?</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Explore our holidays to Valletta&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ports=MLA">here</a>.</h2>


{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Lampuki. Photo credit VisitMalta"}}

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

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Rabbit stew. Photo credit VisitMalta"}}

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Bragoli. Photo credit VisitMalta"}}

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Kannoli. Photo credit VisitMalta"}}

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A foodie's guide to Valletta

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