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Exciting times ahead

Our president, Paul Ludlow, looks forward to the many exciting adventures ahead including vibrant destinations and inspring partners like Time Out, Gary Barlow and Olly Smith.

7 min 24 Aug 2023

Paul Ludlow

President, P&O Cruises

Hello, I’m Paul Ludlow and I am so delighted to be back on Britannia after a very busy few months for our fleet. It’s been lovely to meet some of our guests and to connect with the crew onboard too.

 

Looking across the other ships in our fleet, Arvia has had a sunshine-filled first summer in the Med and Iona’s season in the fjords has shown even more guests the glory of the region’s magnificent scenery and activities (and the very best cinnamon buns!) 

Ventura has sailed an eclectic mix including some short city breaks to detsinations inclusing Amsterdam, Bruges and Cherbourg while Arcadia and Aurora have travelled further afield on some wonderful longer discovery itineraries. Azura’s fly-cruise season from the historic port of Malta has seen the ship visit the Greek islands, Croatia, Italy and the south of France.

 

It was fantastic to see so many children and teens enjoying a holiday with us this summer and participating in all our new family entertainment from circus workshops, movies, Barbie merchandise, Wallace and Gromit and so much more – we even had author Dame Jacqueline Wilson on board for a daytime sleepover party!

 

We are delighted to confirm our investment into our much-loved adult only ships, Arcadia and Aurora. These are our two more intimate ships and you will start to see enhancements on these ships from now on, with more extensive refits planned within the next two years.

Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta

And 2024 has many treats in store. Our Food Heroes Marco, Olly, Jose, Shivi and Kjartan will be travelling throughout next year with new on board, on shore events and foodie experiences, we have wellbeing and lifestyle cruises and we also hope to see Gary Barlow on board too. Keep an eye on the website for specific dates but these all promise to be very special. 

 

What’s more, these and many more holidays will qualify for our current offer of double on-board spending money.*

Our Food Heroes
Our Food Heroes
Our Food Heroes
Our Food Heroes

Nicole Scherzinger’s extravagant new night-time show will be on Iona and Arvia next year too. It will be a heady mix of nightclub vibes, the very best playlist, mesmerising choreography and incredible costumes - Nicole assures me it is unlike anything we have seen before and really will be a highlight of your holiday.

 

And talking of instagrammable moments, they will be much easier to share with our new Starlink internet which is being rolled out across the fleet from now until the end of the year and already is proving to be a game-changer in terms of connection and speed.

 

I have talked to so many guests this summer who have tried cruising for the first time and realised what remarkable value for money it represents and have enjoyed the versatility.

 

I may be biased (smile) but there really is no other holiday which offers the quality of entertainment, dining, accommodation, spa and activities – all included - and that’s before you arrive each day in a glorious new place which is just waiting to be explored.

 

As I travel I am reminded of author Ernest Hemingway’s famous quote - “Never go on trips with anyone you do not love” and how right he was.

Couple walking hand in hand over sand dunes at sunset

Whether you are doing morning yoga overlooking the fjords, tasting the best jerk chicken (and haggling for the recipe), finding a deserted sandy cove, cooling off with a cocktail or just relaxing in the spa on board with a new book, spending time with friends and family is very special.

 

Someone asked me the other day which was my favourite port of call and it really was impossible to answer as each and every one is special in a different way but they all have one thing in common – those sparkling ocean views and that morning sunrise which brings the promise of new adventures… now… those are my favourites.

 

Take care and I look forward to seeing you on board

Couple sitting on the beach in Barbados sipping a drink at dusk

Feeling inspired?

Discover our cruise holidays here.

(*Terms & Conditions apply see here for details)