As one of the UK’s most beloved cruise lines, P&O Cruises has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional vacations at sea. Founded in 1837, it holds the title of the oldest cruise line in the world. Today, P&O Cruises combines its classical heritage with modern amenities, making it a go-to choice for British travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and adventure.
With a fleet ranging from intimate, adults-only ships to large, feature-packed vessels, P&O Cruises caters to a diverse range of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway in a serene setting or an activity-filled adventure with the family, you’ll find a ship to suit your needs.
P&O Cruises appeals to a wide audience, from families and couples to retirees seeking new adventures. With itineraries spanning the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, and beyond, the cruise line offers something for everyone. In this article, we rank the fleet, focusing on what each ship does best (and not so well) to guide your next voyage.
My Method for Ranking P&O’s Ships
To rank P&O’s ships, I dove into a variety of resources to ensure a balanced perspective. Cruise line forums like CruiseCritic and CruiseLine provided in-depth insights from seasoned cruisers, while review sites such as TripAdvisor offered a broader range of opinions.
Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram also played a crucial role, with real-time feedback and photos showcasing travelers’ experiences. By combining these sources, I was able to form a well-rounded view of each ship’s strengths and weaknesses.
Aurora
Class: N/A
Launched: 2000
Capacity: 1,868 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.8/5)
If you’re seeking a charming cruise experience and a more relaxed atmosphere, P&O’s Aurora is an excellent choice. Launched in 2000, Aurora is designed to navigate some of the most scenic routes, including the Norwegian Fjords and the British Isles. The ship’s adults-only focus makes it a great choice for a peaceful getaway.
With a capacity of 1,800 passengers, the ship provides a more intimate cruising environment, making it easier to explore various ports and enjoy onboard amenities. Travelers appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, which contributes to a welcoming atmosphere from the moment they board.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and efficient embarkation process: As one reviewer said, “Embarkation was an absolute breeze. Cabins ready early. Bags at room before us!”
- Excellent entertainment and shows
- Small size for easy port access
- Clean and comfortable cabins
- Variety of dining options
- Adult-only atmosphere appreciated by many
Common Critiques:
- Outdated interiors and cabins: One person mentioned, “Aurora is dated and is well past its best before date. The bathroom’s are bright pink from top to bottom… “
- Limited amenities in certain areas
- Customer service can be hit or miss
Arcadia
Class: Vista-class
Launched: Around 2005
Capacity: 2,000 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.7/5)
Known for visiting beautiful destinations and offering a nostalgic vibe, the Arcadia continues to attract loyal guests. The ship, launched in 1995, operates on routes throughout the British Isles and the Mediterranean. As one of P&O’s adults-only ships, the Arcadia is an excellent choice for a peaceful getaway.
Reviews commonly praise the ship’s efficient boarding process and the friendly staff who make everyone feel welcome from the moment they step on board. Its smaller size means easier access to charming ports and a cozy atmosphere that feels more personal compared to larger ships.
Common Praises:
- Efficient embarkation and disembarkation
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Clean and comfortable cabins
- Good variety of entertainment options
Common Critiques:
- Ship feels dated and in need of refurbishment
- Poor food quality and small portion sizes
- Noise levels can be high in certain cabins
- Not well-suited for younger passengers
Ventura
Class: Grand-class
Launched: 2008
Capacity: 3,200 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.6/5)
Designed for comfort and style, the Ventura is a popular choice for travelers exploring the Caribbean and British Isles. Reviews often praise the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere ideal for exploring destinations like the British Isles and the Mediterranean.
Another plus is the ship’s easy boarding process and the friendly, attentive staff who strive to make every guest feel welcome from the moment they step on board. With a variety of dining options and entertainment venues, Ventura provides plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained throughout their voyage.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and helpful staff: “Most of the crew on board were brilliant”, one reviewer said.
- Clean and comfortable cabins
- Efficient embarkation process
- Good variety of entertainment options
- Good value for money
- Spacious and well-organized public areas
Common Critiques:
- Inconsistent food quality: One reviewer shared, “The buffet food lacking imagination and finding a table for 4 virtually impossible.”
- Overcrowding during peak times: “Ship was overcrowded. Delay for freedom dining was average of 1 hour 45 minutes.”
- Long queues for dining and activities
- Limited amenities in certain sections
Azura
Class: Ventura-class
Launched: 2010
Capacity: Around 3,100 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.6/5)
The Azura is a mid-sized ship known for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and variety of entertainment options. The ship frequently sails across the Mediterranean and British Isles, making it a perfect choice for travelers who enjoy exploring historic and scenic destinations.
Azura features spacious cabins and thoughtfully designed public areas. This combination ensures a cozy yet lively experience for all travelers, whether new to cruising or experienced. The entertainment programs, including live shows and diverse dining options, are frequently praised for keeping guests entertained throughout their voyage.
Keep in mind that some passengers have noted that the ship feels a bit outdated and could benefit from refurbishments. Common concerns include long queues in dining areas, inconsistent food quality, and occasional maintenance issues that can disrupt the overall experience.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and helpful staff: One reviewer shared, “From the friendly helpful staff to the organised trips it was excellent. Wasn’t sure what to expect but it exceeded our expectations.”
- Clean and comfortable cabins
- Good variety of entertainment options
- Efficient embarkation process
- Spacious and well-organized public areas
- Good value for money
- Pleasant onboard atmosphere
Common Critiques:
- Poor food quality and limited menu variety: A passenger mentioned, “Food abysmal, worse than school dinners, packet made sweets, completely tasteless.”
- Overcrowded dining areas: One guest expressed frustration, “The buffet on deck 15 was poor for getting seated.”
- Ship feels dated and needs refurbishment
- Maintenance issues and technical problems
- Inconsistent service in some areas
Britannia
Class: Vista-class
Launched: 2015
Capacity: 3,647 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
The Britannia offers the perfect balance of classic elegance and modern convenience, making it a popular choice for trips through the Caribbean and British Isles. With space for 2,000 guests, it ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Many guests appreciate the ship’s efficient embarkation process and the friendly, attentive staff who strive to make every guest feel welcome from the moment they board. The entertainment programs, including live shows and specialty restaurants like The Oriental Restaurant and Glass House, receive high marks from guests.
However, frequent complaints about the ship include long lines, a confusing layout, and varying food quality. Despite these challenges, many guests find Britannia to offer good value for money with a variety of destinations and activities to explore.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Clean and comfortable cabins
- Excellent service from cabin stewards
- Good variety of entertainment options
- Spacious and well-organized public areas
- Quality dining in specialty restaurants
- Efficient embarkation process
Common Critiques:
- Ship feels too large and difficult to navigate
- Long queues for dining and activities
- Outdated ship areas needing refurbishment
- Noise issues in certain cabins
- Overcrowded public spaces
- Maintenance and technical problems
Iona
Class: Excel-class
Launched: 2021
Capacity: 5,200 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
The Iona, the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market, is a floating resort packed with modern features. Many travelers appreciate the ship’s elegant design, comfortable cabins, and the variety of dining options available. With numerous entertainment venues and activities, Iona caters to a wide range of interests, making it a popular choice for both families and solo travelers.
Reviews of Iona are quite balanced, with some highlighting both the ship’s strengths and areas needing improvement. Guests frequently commend the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the cleanliness and comfort of the cabins. The dining options, especially specialty restaurants, receive positive feedback for their quality and variety.
However, some passengers have expressed disappointment with the overall entertainment quality and found the ship to be too large, making navigation challenging and leading to long queues for dining and activities.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Clean and comfortable cabins
- Good variety of dining options, especially specialty restaurants
- Spacious and well-organized public areas
Common Critiques:
- Ship feels too large and difficult to navigate
- Long queues for dining and activities
- Entertainment quality below expectations
- Noise issues in certain cabins
- Overcrowded public spaces during peak times
Arvia
Class: Excel-class
Launched: 2022
Capacity: 5,200 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (2.7/5)
The Arvia, known as the “Sunshine Ship,” is a new addition to P&O’s fleet designed to sail the warm waters of the Caribbean in winter and the Mediterranean in summer. As a sister ship to the Iona, it offers unique features like a mini-golf course, a high-ropes adventure, and a swim-up bar, appealing to guests of all ages.
The ship’s retractable SkyDome roof adds versatility, allowing for outdoor pools and activities, even in cooler weather. Inside, highlights include the Grand Atrium with its three-storey glass walls, a first-of-its-kind rum distillery at sea, and specialty dining options like the American-style 6th Street Diner and Green & Co, a plant-based sushi restaurant.
Many reviews of the Arvia highlight concerns about overcrowding, long queues for food, drinks, and amenities, and an overall lack of personalized service due to the ship’s large capacity. Passengers also criticized inconsistent food quality and issues with cleanliness.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and helpful staff: One passenger noted, “We had a wonderful time onboard Arvia. The staff were excellent, with plenty of choices and attention to our needs.”
- Clean and comfortable cabins: A guest remarked, “Our balcony cabins were spotless and very quiet. The cabin steward was delightful—Freddie made sure everything was clean and comfortable.”
- Wide variety of dining options, especially specialty restaurants
- Spacious and well-organized public areas
- Good value for money
- Multiple entertainment venues and activities
Common Critiques:
- Overcrowded ship leading to long queues: A reviewer mentioned, “Overcrowded ship, queued for lifts, drinks, and food. Swimming pools are tiny and full, pot luck getting in a hot tub.”
- Inconsistent food quality in main dining areas One guest commented, “Horizon restaurant teeming with hungry passengers eager to eat cold and bland excuses for meals, if you like average curries and even poorer Yorkshires then go for it.”
- Maintenance and technical issues
- Limited entertainment quality
- High extra charges for certain amenities
- Noise issues in some cabins
Which P&O Ship Should You Choose?
Choosing the right P&O ship comes down to what you want out of your cruise. If you’re after a peaceful, adults-only experience, Aurora and Arcadia are great choices for their smaller size and serene atmosphere.
For those seeking vibrant activities and modern amenities, Britannia or Ventura are excellent middle-ground options. However, it’s worth noting that lower-rated ships like Arvia and Iona have drawn criticism for overcrowding and inconsistent quality, so they may not be the best fit for everyone.
To make sure your cruise lives up to expectations, focus on ships that align with what you want and offer consistently positive feedback. Smaller ships often provide a more intimate, relaxed experience, while midsize options like Azura strike a balance between comfort and entertainment.
Also, make sure to avoid the lowest-rated ship to save you from potential frustrations and ensure a more enjoyable journey.
