First time cruiser? Let us introduce you to holidays of a lifetime

If you’ve not been on a cruise holiday before, you’re in for a treat. It’s got everything you love in a holiday – multiple destinations, drool-worthy food, cocktails by the pool – plus, the benefits of a luxury cruise ship. As a first time cruiser, you might have questions but luckily, as Britain’s favourite cruise line, we know a thing or two about it…

Multiple breathtaking destinations in one trip

As well as world-class cities, mountain towns and dreamy islands, we’ll take you to the unmissable cruise destinations – those unique gems best experienced by sea. Even better, most of the travel happens while you sleep so you wake with a new destination waiting to be explored.

Britain's favourite cruise line

No other cruise line serves more British holidaymakers on cruises out of the UK. We’re proud to say that two in every three guests choose to sail with us again and we continue to win awards, voted for by guests and our travel agent partners.

What's included?

A cruise holiday with us offers remarkable value. Chic accommodation with the usual amenities (plus we can almost guarantee those sought-after sea views!), exceptional full board dining, dedicated personal service, theatre shows, live music, hi-tech gyms and sports facilities, children’s clubs, and tips – it’s all included in the price of your holiday.

What is on-board spending money?

Find out everything you need to know, from how to make purchases on board to all the incredible things you can treat yourself with.
 

Relax – pay in pounds onboard

Because everything on a P&O Cruises holiday is in £ sterling, you need never worry about fluctuating exchange rates and can enjoy your holiday with total peace of mind.

Top 10 cruise myths debunked

Find out the truth about some of the common misconceptions that are stopping you from booking your first cruise holiday.

A day in the life on a cruise holiday

A P&O Cruises holiday offers a whole world of possibilities at every time of day. Find out more for a taste of how you could be spending your days on board our ships.

Jargon buster: Cruise language explained

Here's a guide to some of the lingo you'll encounter on a cruise holiday.

My Holiday

My Holiday is your personal on-board planner. It’s free, optional and easy-to-use with your smartphone or tablet, and it helps you tailor your experiences and manage your bookings and on-board account in one place.

Get more holiday for your money with P&O Cruises

A holiday with us has everything you're looking for

Discover what it's like to go on a P&O Cruises holiday. We offer over 20 signature experiences that you can expect to see on all of our ships, from dining and entertainment venues to our service standards. On top of over 70 destinations to choose from.

 

Travel the world, unpack once

With us, your well-deserved break begins as soon as you step on board, meaning you've more time to enjoy that unbeatable holiday feeling.

 

Everything you could need or want is at your very own doorstep. And better yet, it all travels with you as you explore!

 

Let us take care of the hassle of getting from A to B; you just get on with having an unforgettable holiday.

Where in the world would you like to go?

Sailing north, south, east and west, we’ve got the world covered. Whether you want to explore alluring doorstep destinations or further afield, we’ll take you there.

A sneak peek into some of the amazing destinations we visit...

What do our guests say?

Our guests love to share their fantastic experiences and feedback with us. If you're not quite sure what to expect from a P&O Cruises holiday, hear what our past guests have to say, and see what they get up to.

"An all round excellent experience"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I would recommend P&O Cruises and I will be traveling with them again. The staff are excellent, very polite and efficient, great food and entertainment. The ship is very clean and hygiene is excellent."


Mrs Buckland, 17 November 2022

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"Good service and entertainment"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Great value for money and thoroughly enjoyable. Hope to be back on board before long!"


Mr Tomlinson, 16 November 2022

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"Excellent service, friendly crew, excellent food, and choice of places to eat"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The ship is beautiful, friendly service, excellent food, would recommend P&O Cruises to friends and family, we would definitely sail with them again, very soon l hope."


Mrs Reid, 15 November 2022

The best ships for first time cruisers

See the world in widescreen with Arvia and Iona

With a fleet of seven fabulous ships, it can be hard to know where to start. For your first cruise, we’d recommend Arvia or Iona. They’re packed full of P&O Cruises favourites as well as fleet-firsts like infinity pools, a swim-up bar, minigolf, aerial shows, an escape room, more than 30 bars and restaurants…

Our ships offer something for everyone

With seven fabulous ships to choose from, you're spoiled for choice. Maybe you'll go for our flagship Britannia with its contemporary glamour and signature atrium? Or our all-rounder ship, Ventura – perfect for providing fun for all the family. Whichever you pick, our ships make the journey just as exciting as the destination.

Related blog articles for first time cruisers

Top five FAQs for first time cruisers

 

Have more questions?

Are you ready for your first cruise?

Booking your dream holiday has never been easier. A fusion of incredible destinations, exploration and on-board experiences await you.