A History Of P&O Cruises

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.

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

• Arcadia
• Artemis
• Aurora
• Azura
• Oceana
• Oriana
• Ventura

1. Where would you like to cruise? Anywhere Australasia (All)     Australia     New Zealand Caribbean (All) Central America (All)     Panama Canal Europe (All)     Baltic     British Isles     Canaries     Mediterranean     Norway     Western Europe Far East (All)     Hong Kong     Japan North America (All)     East Canada Transatlantic (All) World Cruise (All)
2. Which departure port? Any port Acapulco, Mexico Barbados, Caribbean Hong Kong, China San Francisco, California San Francisco, United States Singapore Southampton, England
3. When? Anytime 2010 (All)     March 2010     April 2010     May 2010     June 2010     July 2010     August 2010     September 2010     October 2010     November 2010     December 2010 2011 (All)     January 2011     February 2011     March 2011     April 2011
4. For how long? Any Duration 7 - 9 Nights 10 - 13 Nights 14 - 16 Nights 17 - 40 Nights 41+ Nights
5. Which ship do you prefer? I Don't Mind P&O Cruises (All)      Arcadia      Artemis      Aurora      Azura      Oceana      Oriana      Ventura
6. Cruise type? Any Fly & Cruise Cruise from a UK Port
7.   Reset

Itineraries

P&O Cruises Itineraries

• Australasia

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Caribbean

• Central America

• Panama Canal

• Europe

• Baltic

• British Isles

• Canaries

• Med

• Norway

• W.Europe

• Far East

• Hong Kong

• Japan

• N.America

• East Canada

• Transatlantic

• World Cruise

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