Why should I book a P&O Cruises holiday?

Last updated: 12/06/2026 

Choosing a cruise line is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a cruise holiday. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which cruise line is right for your travel style, budget and expectations. 

P&O Cruises has long been a popular choice with British travellers, welcoming guests on board its ships for holidays across Europe, the Caribbean and beyond. From no-fly cruises departing directly from Southampton to family-friendly and adult-only ships, there are plenty of reasons why so many guests choose to sail with P&O Cruises year after year.

Whether you’re considering your first cruise or comparing cruise lines for your next holiday, we’ve rounded up seven reasons why P&O Cruises could be the perfect choice for your next getaway. 

One of the biggest reasons guests choose P&O Cruises is that the experience feels familiar from the moment they step onboard. While you’ll still be visiting exciting destinations around the world, the atmosphere onboard has been designed with British travellers in mind.

Many of the guests you’ll meet onboard will be from the UK, and that sense of familiarity extends throughout the ship. From the entertainment to the style of service, there’s often a feeling that P&O Cruises understands what British holidaymakers enjoy. 

It’s also one of the reasons P&O Cruises is so popular with first-time cruisers. For guests who may be unsure about cruising for the first time, sailing with a familiar cruise line can make the experience much more comfortable. 

Of course, there are also plenty of traditional touches that many guests love. These include afternoon tea, British favourites on restaurant menus and West End-style entertainment. Combined with a relaxed onboard atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many UK travellers return to P&O Cruises year after year. 

One of P&O Cruises’ biggest selling points is the number of no-fly cruises available from Southampton. 

For many guests, avoiding the airport is a huge advantage. There’s no need to worry about flight delays, baggage allowances or navigating a busy terminal before your holiday has even begun. Instead, you can travel to Southampton, check in and be on board in a matter of hours. 

It’s something we often hear from guests who have cruised both with and without flying. Many say their holiday feels more relaxed from the very start because they can focus on the cruise itself rather than the journey to get there.

Of course, P&O Cruises also offers fly-cruise holidays to destinations around the world. However, for guests looking for convenience, comfort and a stress-free start to their holiday, Southampton departures are one of the cruise line’s biggest attractions. 

Not every cruise holiday looks the same, and that’s where P&O Cruises has an advantage. The fleet includes ships designed for families as well as dedicated adult-only ships, giving guests more choice when planning their holiday.

If you’re travelling with children, ships such as Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura and Azura offer family-friendly facilities, entertainment and activities throughout the cruise. For couples or adults seeking a quieter atmosphere, Arcadia and Aurora offer a more relaxed experience exclusively for guests aged 18 and over. 

This means you’re not just choosing an itinerary, you’re choosing the type of onboard experience you want as well. Whether that’s a lively family holiday or a slower-paced escape at sea, P&O Cruises offers options for both. 

Useful links: P&O Family Cruises, P&O Adults-Only Cruises

Whether you’re dreaming of sailing through the Norwegian Fjords, island hopping in the Caribbean or exploring historic cities around the Mediterranean, P&O Cruises offers an impressive choice of itineraries throughout the year. 

For many guests, cruising is one of the easiest ways to experience multiple destinations in a single holiday. Rather than unpacking and repacking between hotels, your ship travels with you, allowing you to visit several ports during one trip while enjoying the same cabin, restaurants and onboard facilities throughout. 

The variety is another reason many guests return to P&O Cruises. One year might be spent discovering the Norwegian Fjords, while the next could be a Canary Islands escape or a longer adventure further afield. With more than 180 destinations featured across the programme, there’s always somewhere new to explore. 

If you’re considering your first cruise, P&O Cruises is often seen as an easy place to start. The onboard atmosphere tends to feel familiar, particularly for British travellers, and there’s a good balance between organised activities and the freedom to do your own thing. You don’t need to be a cruise expert to settle in quickly. 

At the same time, P&O Cruises isn’t just for first-timers. Many guests return year after year because the fleet offers enough variety to keep things interesting. You might sail on a family-friendly ship one year, try an adult-only cruise the next, or visit completely different destinations without having to switch cruise lines.

That’s something we hear quite often from repeat guests. Once people find a cruise line they enjoy, they like the familiarity that comes with it, but they still want new experiences. P&O Cruises manages to offer both. 

Cruising is sometimes seen as an expensive way to travel, but many guests are surprised by how affordable a P&O Cruises holiday can be. In fact, short breaks and mini cruises often start from around £349 pp, making them an accessible way to try cruising for the first time. 

Of course, the final cost will depend on your ship, itinerary, cabin type and travel dates. However, it’s worth remembering that your cruise fare includes far more than just accommodation. Dining in included restaurants, entertainment, activities and travel between destinations are all part of the holiday. 

For guests sailing from Southampton, there can be additional savings too. Without the cost of flights, airport parking or luggage fees, a no-fly cruise can offer excellent overall value. 

When comparing different holiday options, many travellers find that P&O Cruises provides a lot for the price. That’s one of the reasons it’s remained such a popular choice with UK holidaymakers for so many years. 

Perhaps the biggest sign that P&O Cruises is getting it right is the number of guests who choose to sail with the cruise line more than once. According to P&O Cruises, around 66% of guests return, making repeat bookings a significant part of its business. 

There are plenty of reasons why guests come back. Some find a favourite ship and return year after year, while others enjoy exploring new destinations with a cruise line they already know and trust. For many, it’s the familiarity of the experience that keeps them returning, from the onboard atmosphere to the service and entertainment. 

It’s something we see regularly at ROL Cruise. Guests who have enjoyed their first P&O Cruises holiday often go on to book another, whether that’s trying a different ship, visiting a new destination or returning to a favourite itinerary. 

When a cruise line has such a high percentage of returning guests, it says a lot about the experience it delivers. For travellers considering their first P&O Cruises holiday, it’s a reassuring sign that many guests feel their first cruise is far from their last. 

If you’re looking for a cruise line that feels welcoming, offers plenty of choice and caters to a wide range of travellers, P&O Cruises is certainly worth considering. 

Over the years, we’ve helped countless guests book their first P&O Cruises holiday. Some are attracted by the convenience of sailing from Southampton, while others like the choice between family-friendly and adult-only ships. For many, it’s the familiar onboard atmosphere that stands out, particularly if they’re new to cruising. 

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines great destinations, good value for money and a cruise experience designed with British travellers in mind, P&O Cruises is the natural choice. 

The next step is finding the right ship and itinerary for you. That’s where speaking to a cruise specialist can make all the difference. 

Once you’ve decided that P&O Cruises is the right cruise line for you, the next step is finding the right ship, itinerary and cabin. That’s where speaking to a cruise specialist can help.

At ROL Cruise, our team knows P&O Cruises inside and out. Many of our co-owners have sailed with the cruise line themselves, giving them first-hand knowledge of the ships, destinations and onboard experience. Whether you’re choosing between Arvia and Iona, considering an adult-only cruise on Arcadia or planning your very first cruise holiday, our team can help you find the option that’s right for you.

As well as expect advice, you’ll also benefit from Cruise Miles®. Every booking earns Cruise Miles that can be redeemed against future holidays, helping you save on your next cruise. Better still, Cruise Miles can be earned alongside P&O Cruises’ own Peninsular Club loyalty programme, allowing guests to enjoy rewards from both. 

We also regularly offer exclusive added-value packages and cruise deals, helping our guests get even more from their holiday. Combined with our cruise expertise and award-winning customer service, it’s easy to see why so many travellers choose to book their P&O Cruises holiday with ROL Cruise. 

P&O Cruises is generally considered a premium cruise line rather than a luxury cruise line. It offers high-quality accommodation, dining and entertainment, but with a more relaxed and accessible atmosphere than ultra-luxury brands.

P&O Cruises attracts a broad range of travellers. Family-friendly ships are popular with parents and children during school holidays, while adult-only ships often appeal to couples and older travellers. The age profile can vary significantly depending on the ship, itinerary and time of year. 

Yes. Many solo travellers choose P&O Cruises thanks to its sociable onboard atmosphere, organised activities and wide range of itineraries. Some ships also offer dedicated solo cabins, although availability can be limited on popular sailings. 

Absolutely - many guests choose P&O Cruises to celebrate milestone birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, retirement trips and other special occasions. With a range of itineraries, dining experiences and cabin options available, it’s easy to make your holiday feel extra memorable. 

Yes, P&O Cruises offers sailings year-round, with destinations varying by season. During the summer months, popular itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, while winter sailings often visit the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, and other warmer destinations. They also offer longer voyages and world cruises for guests looking to travel further afield. 

Yes. As well as longer itineraries, P&O Cruises offers a selection of short breaks and mini cruises, many of which depart from Southampton. These shorter sailings can be a great way to experience cruising for the first time.