Hammocks and sunbeds under the palm trees on exotic Barbados beach in the Carribean; Shutterstock ID 1131084719; Project: Adobe

Award-worthy destinations: Your winners

We asked you to vote for the destinations you think deserve a winner’s gong. And now, the results are in. Did your favourites come out on top?

4 min 22 Apr 2026

Editorial Team

Author

The destinations we visit play a starring role in any P&O Cruises holiday. Some are scene-stealers, others shy away from the limelight; some we’ve seen time and again, while others are new on our radar.

Inspired by the P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award at the BAFTA TV Awards – the only award voted for by the public – we asked our guests to vote for their favourite destinations in the categories below. And while they’re all worthy winners, your votes decided which ones came out on top.

1. Best Supporting Backdrop

Have you ever seen a view that left you speechless? These destinations are mind-blowingly beautiful, visually iconic, and always ready for their close-up.

Winner: Olden, Norway

Dramatic mountains, glassy waters, lush valleys… How could the Norwegian fjords not win a scenery contest? You’ll find beauty wherever your ship takes you in this region, but Olden has a particular charm. The village of just a few hundred people looks straight out of a fairytale with its red wooden houses and verdant grasslands. And from here, the best of the fjords is on your doorstep. Kayak through the Nordfjord. Be wowed by the epic Briksdal Glacier. Or take it all in from the top of Mount Hoven – the Loen Skylift will whisk you up in no time. Explore cruises to Olden.

Runner up: Madeira, Portugal

2. Best Ensemble Cast

Sometimes you step off the ship and feel like you’ve come home, even if you’re miles away from it. Where have you found the friendliest locals?

Winner: Barbados

The warmth you feel in Barbados comes from more than just the sunshine: Bajans have a well-deserved reputation for being some of the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet. A strong sense of community, a focus on hospitality and a relaxed pace of life are part of the culture here. So whether you’re exploring the streets of Bridgetown, popping into a rum shack or strolling along the beach, you’ll feel the warmth wherever you go. Explore cruises to Barbados.

Runner up: Dubrovnik, Croatia

3. Best Sequel

You came, you saw, you loved the highlights reel. But with some places, once is never enough. Which of these destinations is most worthy of a repeat visit?

Winner: Lisbon, Portugal

The magic of Lisbon is that the more of it you see, the more you realise you haven’t even scratched the surface. The Portuguese capital boasts thousands of years of history, dynamic and diverse neighbourhoods and a lively, welcoming culture. You can have any kind of travel experience you want here: historical (towers, palaces and monuments abound), beachy (Cascais and Estoril feel like proper escapes), foodie (you could build a whole day around pasteis de nata alone). Will you see and do it all on your first visit? No. But will you gladly come back again and again? Absolutely. Explore holidays to Lisbon.

Runner up: Valletta, Malta

4. Best Newcomer

Coming soon to a cruise near you… Which of these new or lapsed ports are you most excited to visit?

Winner: Harstad, Norway

How often do you get the chance to travel above the Arctic Circle? Harstad, a maiden call for P&O Cruises on Aurora’s summer 2027 itinerary, sits some 300km north of it and provides all the off-the-beaten-track experiences you’d expect at such a latitude. The scenery, for starters, is stunning – deep fjords and a rugged coastline backed by lush hills, where eagles, puffins and otters thrive. There’s also fascinating World War Two history, medieval churches and cultural riches. As one of the first P&O Cruises guests to ever visit this port, it’s your trail to blaze. Explore holidays to Harstad.

Runner up: Agadir, Morocco

Summit to Keipen mount over North Sea, The ocean north of Andenes, Aunfjellet, Harstad , Troms county, Norway

5. Lifetime Achievement Award

They’re not just ports – they’re icons. These destinations have earned their place in the pantheon of travel greats. Which deserves your vote?

Winner: Rome, Italy

The Eternal City is forever in our hearts. Some of the world’s most iconic, bucket-list-ticking travel experiences can be found in Rome. The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum have stood for centuries while civilisations rose and fell around them. The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps have been immortalised in Hollywood films. But for some, it’s in those quiet moments, sipping an espresso down a cobblestone street, where you think ‘This is la dolce vita.’ However you experience it, Rome is a destination that truly deserves its trophy. Explore holidays to Rome.

Runner up: Athens, Greece