P&O Cruises ships guide: Which ship is right for you?

Last updated: 23/04/2026

With seven ships to choose from, deciding which P&O Cruises ship is right for you isn’t always straightforward. While they all offer the same core cruise experience, each ship has its own personality, atmosphere and onboard features. 

Some are larger and more modern, with a wider choice of dining, entertainment and activities. Others are smaller and more traditional, offering a quieter, more relaxed pace. The fleet is also split between family-friendly and adults-only ships, which can make a big difference depending on how you like to travel. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the P&O Cruises fleet, including the key differences between ships, what you can expect onboard and how to choose the one that suits you best. 

P&O Cruises has a fleet of seven ships, each offering a slightly different onboard experience. While they all share the same core features, the overall feel can vary depending on the ship you choose. 

The fleet is split into two main categories: family-friendly ships and adults-only ships. This makes it easier to find an option that suits how you like to travel, whether you’re planning a holiday with children or looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Newer ships like Arvia and Iona offer a more modern cruise experience, with a wider range of dining, entertainment and activities. In contrast, smaller ships such as Aurora and Arcadia have a more traditional feel, with a slower pace and a greater focus on classic cruising.

There isn’t a single “best” ship - the right choice depends on what you’re looking for. The fleet is designed to offer a balance of experiences, from lively and contemporary to calm and traditional. 

P&O Cruises currently has seven ships in its fleet, each offering a slightly different style of cruise experience. 

Here’s a quick look at the ships:

• Arcadia (adults-only)
• Arvia
• Aurora (adults-only)
• Azura
• Britannia
• Iona
• Ventura 

P&O Cruises ships range from larger, modern vessels carrying over 5,000 guests to smaller, more traditional ships with a more intimate feel. Here’s a comparison of the seven ships: 

Each ship has its own personality, from the larger, more modern to the smaller, more traditional. 

If you’re deciding which one might suit you best, it’s less about the names themselves and more about the type of experience each ship offers. Let’s explore that next. 

One of the simplest ways to narrow your choice is to look at how P&O Cruises categorises its ships.

The fleet is split into family-friendly ships and adults-only ships. This helps you quickly identify the type of atmosphere you can expect on board. 

P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships are: 

• Arvia
• Iona
• Britannia
• Ventura
• Azura

These ships are designed to cater to a wide range of guests, including families travelling with children and teenagers.

Onboard, you’ll find: 

• Kids’ clubs (The Reef) for different age groups
• Family-friendly entertainment and activities 
• A wider choice of dining options and casual venues
• Larger public spaces and a more lively atmosphere 

That doesn’t mean they’re only for families, though. Many couples and groups choose these ships (especially the newer ones) for the variety and choice they offer. 

P&O Cruises’ adults-only ships are:

• Arcadia
• Aurora 

These ships are exclusively for guests aged 18 and over, offering a quieter and more traditional cruise experience.

Onboard, you can expect:

• A more relaxed pace throughout the day
• Fewer crowds in public areas
• A stronger focus on classic cruising elements like formal evenings and theatre entertainment
• A more intimate onboard atmosphere 

For guests looking for a more peaceful holiday, they’re a great choice. 

(H3) Which should you choose?

There’s no right or wrong option - it simply depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for.

If you enjoy a livelier atmosphere, more choice and travelling with family, the family-friendly ships are likely to suit you best. 

If you prefer something quieter, more relaxed and traditionally cruise-focused, the adults-only ships may be a better fit. 

While all P&O Cruises ships share the same core experience, including dining, entertainment and service, there are some key differences that can shape your holiday.

The main things that vary across the fleet are size, atmosphere, onboard choice and itineraries. 

One of the biggest differences is size.

Larger ships like Arvia and Iona carry more guests and offer more space overall, including a wider range of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. This creates a more lively, resort-style environment with more happening at any one time. 

Smaller ships like Aurora and Arcadia tend to feel more intimate. They’re easy to navigate, and public areas can feel quieter, particularly during the day. 

The atmosphere onboard can vary quite noticeably between ships. 

On larger, family-friendly ships, you’ll typically find a busier, more energetic environment, with a full programme of activities throughout the day and evening. 

On adults-only ships, the pace is generally slower and more relaxed. There’s a stronger focus on traditional cruise elements, such as formal nights, theatre shows and live music. 

Dining is another area where you’ll notice differences.

Newer ships tend to offer a broader range of dining options, including more casual venues and speciality restaurants. This gives you more variety if you like to try different places throughout your cruise.

On smaller ships, the experience is a little more traditional, with a greater focus on the main dining rooms and buffet. While there may be fewer venues, the overall quality and structure remain consistent.  

Larger ships usually offer more in terms of facilities and entertainment, from multiple venues and shows to a wider choice of activities throughout the day.

Smaller ships tend to focus on a more classic cruise experience, with theatre performances, quizzes, live music and enrichment-style activities. 

Ship size can also influence where you travel. 

Smaller ships can often access ports that larger ships can’t, which can lead to more varied or unique itineraries. 

Larger ships tend to focus on more popular cruise routes and destinations, like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. 

If you like the idea of a bigger ship with lots of choice, a lively atmosphere and plenty to do, the larger ships will likely suit you best. 

If you prefer something quieter, more traditional and a little more relaxed, the smaller ships may feel like a better fit. 

P&O Cruises ships sail to over 230 destinations, spanning around 70 countries across six continents. 

Larger ships like Arvia and Iona tend to sail to popular cruise destinations, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canary Islands. These itineraries often focus on well-known ports with the facilities to accommodate bigger ships.

Smaller ships such as Aurora and Arcadia can sometimes access ports that larger ships can’t. This can open up a wider range of itineraries, including less-visited destinations or more varied routes.

That said, there’s overlap across the fleet, and many ships sail similar regions at different times of year. So while destination can be a factor, it’s usually best to choose your ship based on the onboard experience you prefer, then find an itinerary that suits you. 

Choosing the right P&O Cruises ship comes down to the kind of holiday you’re looking for. While all ships offer a similar standard of service, the overall experience can feel quite different depending on the size, atmosphere and onboard facilities.

Here’s a simple way to decide which type of ship might suit you best: 

The family-friendly ships - Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura and Azura - are the best fit.

They offer:

• Dedicated kids’ clubs (The Reef)
• Family-friendly entertainment
• More casual dining options
• A livelier atmosphere overall 

Newer ships like Arvia and Iona are particularly popular for families, thanks to their wider range of activities and dining choices. 

You have the most flexibility here. 

• If you enjoy variety, entertainment, and a more modern feel, ships like Arvia or Iona are a great choice
• If you prefer something quieter and more traditional, Arcadia or Aurora offer a more relaxed, adults-only environment 

It really comes down to whether you want a livelier or more laid-back experience. 

The adults-only ships - Arcadia and Aurora - are likely to suit you best.

They’re ideal if you:

• Prefer a slower pace
• Enjoy a more traditional cruise atmosphere
• Want to avoid busier, family-focused environments

Larger ships like Arvia and Iona stand out.

They offer:

• The widest range of dining venues 
• More entertainment options
• A busier, resort-style atmosphere

These ships are a good fit if you enjoy having lots of options throughout the day and evening. 

Ships like Aurora, Arcadia, Ventura and Azura lean more towards classic cruising.

You can expect:

• A more structured feel to the day 
• A stronger focus on the main dining and evening entertainment
• A slightly slower pace overall

If you like:

• More choice, modern spaces and a lively feel ➡️ Arvia or Iona 
• A balance of classic and modern ➡️ Britannia, Ventura or Azura 
• A quieter, adults-only experience ➡️ Arcadia or Aurora 

While each ship offers a slightly different experience, there are a number of things you can expect to be included no matter which P&O Cruises ship you choose.

Across the fleet, your cruise fare typically includes:

• Accommodation in your chosen cabin
• Main dining rooms and buffet restaurants 
• A range of casual dining options throughout the day 
• Entertainment, including theatre shows, live music and activities
• Access to pools, fitness facilities and public spaces

This consistency is helpful when choosing a ship, as it means you’re not sacrificing the core cruise experience. The differences tend to come down to the level of choice and the style of onboard atmosphere, rather than what’s included.

Some P&O Cruises ships offer dedicated single cabins, including Britannia, Iona and Arvia. Availability can vary, so it’s worth checking when booking.

The newest ships, Arvia and Iona, offer the widest range of dining venues, including more casual options and speciality restaurants compared to the rest of the fleet.

No, ships vary in size. Arvia and Iona are the largest, while Aurora and Arcadia are smaller and offer a more intimate onboard experience.

Yes, most P&O Cruises ships include formal or “dress to impress” evenings, although the number can vary depending on the length of your cruise.

Yes, family-friendly ships are open to all guests, including couples and groups without children. Many adults choose these ships for the variety of dining and entertainment options. 

No, restaurants vary by ship. While all ships offer main dining rooms and buffet options, the number and type of speciality and casual venues differ, particularly on newer ships.