P&O Cruises

Family fun on a P&O Cruise

There's so much to do on a P&O Cruise, you'll never have any trouble entertaining the children. In fact, they'll receive a free welcome pack the moment they step onboard.

P&O Cruise kids' clubs keep everyone from toddlers to teenagers amused, giving Mum and Dad more time to relax and enjoy the things you want to do.

When it comes to feeding the family, there's a great choice of restaurants. But if you'd like to enjoy a little fine dining without the kids, special children's menus are also available daily.

Make time for you

There's plenty to keep you relaxed and entertained onboard a P&O Cruise, including working out in the ocean-view gym with your own personal trainer, enjoying a little pampering at the Spa, learning how to tango or simply losing yourself in a good book from the library.

If you'd prefer just to sit and soak up the sunshine, grab a drink and spend the day lounging around one of the onboard pools.

More night time cruise entertainment

P&O Cruise ships really come alive at night. There's all sorts of entertainment to choose from, including comedy, quizzes, music, cabaret and special theme nights.

You can relax with a drink in one of the P&O Cruise bars - or go sit up on deck, under the stars. Your waiter will soon get to know your favourite tipple because attention to detail is what makes service on a P&O Cruise so special.

Celebrity dining with P&O Cruises

If you're in the mood for a fabulous 5 star formal dinner, then dust off your tux and join the other guests for an inspired dining experience designed by Gary Rhodes or Marco Pierre White.

Don't worry though if formal dining isn't your style, P&O Cruise ships boast a range of less formal restaurants serving a wide choice of British and international dishes.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the details of this page are correct at the time of publication. However, you should always check prior to booking that any essential information is accurate with either Virgin Holidays Cruises or P&O Cruises.

Which P&O Cruises cruise ship is right for you?

• Adonia
• Arcadia
• Aurora
• Azura
• Oceana
• Oriana
• Ventura

P&O Cruises Destinations

Widely credited with having invented modern cruising, P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to the 1800s; however, it wasn't until the early 1900s when the it began offering cruise holidays as we know them today.

Rising from humble beginnings, P&O Cruises is now the UK's largest premium cruise brand and is at the forefront of modern-day cruising, with its core destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands.

Blast from the past

In 1904 P&O Cruises offered its first ever holiday programme, with passengers invited to vacation onboard the 23-year-old liner Rome, which would later be renamed as Vectis. P&O's first cruise took in several Mediterranean destinations such as Malta and Naples and was open to first class passengers only, with all shore excursions arranged by Thomas Cook.

Cruising became increasingly popular between the wars and P&O began offering trips aboard newer vessels, such as the Ranchi, which was constructed in 1925 and the Viceroy of India, which was delivered to the company in 1929.

Tourist class cruises were introduced in 1930 and shortly afterwards the cruise line began operating Pacific cruises from Australia.

Up until the 1940s, many of the ships were still carrying mail; however, with the advent of air travel, it quickly became clear that P&O would need to focus more of its attention on leisure travel.

Consequently, P&O abolished passenger classes and the company went on to expand by acquiring LA-based Princess Cruises in 1974 and Sitmar Cruises in 1988. In doing so, P&O Cruises became one of the world's largest cruise operators, introducing ships such as the original Oriana in 1960 and the Canberra in 1961. These new additions meant that P&O could now reach Australia in just three weeks.

In 1995 the current Oriana cruise ship made her debut, after being officially named by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. With its art deco interior, teak decks and tiered stern, the Oriana, which is still in service today, became an instant hit with passengers of all ages.

Then in 2000 it was announced that P&O Cruises would no longer form part of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company and would instead trade independently as P&O Princess Cruises.

Shortly afterwards - in 2003 - the company was snapped up by the Carnival Corporation.

The world's largest cruise operator, the Carnival Corporation is currently responsible for brands including Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Cruises.

Today P&O Cruises operates six vessels; the Arcadia, Artemis, Oceana, Oriana, Aurora and Ventura and continues to be the cruise brand of choice for many British passengers, particularly fans of cruises with a traditional feel.

Cruising into the future

A study commissioned by P&O Cruises earlier this year revealed that cruise holidays - once considered the preserve of the rich - are now more accessible than ever. It was found that over the last decade, the cost of taking a cruise has dropped significantly, with the average cost of an ocean view cabin on the Oceana now 37 per cent cheaper than a decade ago.

With prices falling and cruise lines continuing to develop exciting itineraries, it stands to reason that holidays at sea will continue to grow in popularity.

Much has changed since the days of the first class-only Vectis and cruising has evolved almost beyond recognition. It would have been unfathomable in 1904 to think that one day passengers would be able to dine in the restaurant of a celebrity chef, learn circus skills and watch a West End-style show - while at sea.

As a cruise line, P&O is continuing to move with the times, recently announcing that construction is underway on the Azura. Due to be delivered in Spring 2010, the Azura will be one of the largest ships ever built for the British cruise market and feature a range of exciting features, while no doubt retaining some classic P&O qualities.

Capable of accommodating some 3,100 passengers, Azura will span 15 decks and feature 11 restaurants, four swimming pools, five exclusive boutiques, two lounges and over 900 private balconies.

Moreover, the cruise line's popularity was confirmed earlier this year when it won the favourite cruise company category at the 2008 Global Travel Awards, clearly indicating that demand for P&O's high quality cruising holidays is not about to wane any time soon.