If you’ve been thinking about booking a P&O cruise, you’re probably wondering, “What exactly is included in the price?” Well, you’re in the right place! As cruise enthusiasts, we’re here to guide you through everything that comes with your P&O cruise fare – and what you might want to budget extra for.
From delicious dining and top-notch entertainment to activities and perks, P&O Cruises offer incredible value for money. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, this guide will help you plan and get the most out of your holiday.
What’s Included in a P&O Cruise?
Let’s dive into the details of what’s included in your fare – from accommodation and dining to activities and perks.
Accommodation
Your cabin is your home away from home, and P&O offers a variety of options to suit all budgets and preferences.
Inside Cabins: Affordable and cosy, ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Sea View Cabins: Enjoy natural light with a window or porthole.
Balcony Cabins: Step outside to enjoy fresh air and stunning views.
Suites: VIP treatment with added perks like champagne, chocolates, and bathrobes.
All cabins come with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities (plus biscuits!), a fridge, hairdryer, safe, toiletries, and a TV. On newer ships like Iona and Arvia, you can also opt for conservatory mini-suites with additional lounging space – perfect for relaxing in style.
Top Tip: If you’re not fussy about your cabin location, booking a Saver Fare can save you money. |
Dining
P&O Cruises are renowned for their dining options, and there’s plenty to enjoy without spending an extra penny.
Main Dining Rooms: Sit down for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with waiter service.
Buffets: Casual, all-day dining with a variety of cuisines.
Poolside Grills: Burgers, hot dogs, chips, and pizza for a quick bite.
Celebration Night Dinner: A five-course meal designed by Food Hero Marco Pierre White, included as part of your cruise experience.
Room Service: Breakfast (pastries, toast, and juice) is free on some ships however there may be a delivery charge. All day dining is charged by item.
For something extra special, try P&O’s speciality restaurants. From Sindhu’s Indian cuisine to The Epicurean’s fine dining, these venues charge a reasonable fee.
Top Tip: If you’re cruising for a short trip, the included dining options are more than enough, but speciality dining can be a lovely treat for special occasions. |
Entertainment
P&O Cruises are all about keeping you entertained day and night, and the best part? It’s all included in your fare.
West End-style Theatre Shows: Enjoy spectacular performances from talented casts.
Live Music and Tribute Acts: From jazz and pop to classic covers.
Cinema Screenings: Watch the latest blockbusters.
Silent Disco and DJ Nights: Dance the night away.
Interactive Entertainment: Quizzes, game shows, and talks.
Arvia & Iona Highlights: Arvia & Iona take entertainment to the next level with Greatest Days – The Take That Musical and Gary Barlow’s sophisticated 710 Club, where live music meets stylish cocktails.
Top Tip: Check your daily programme (the Horizon) each evening to plan the next day’s activities and shows. |
Activities
There’s never a dull moment on a P&O cruise, with activities for all ages included in your fare.
Swimming Pools and Splash Zones: Perfect for cooling off.
Fitness Facilities: State-of-the-art gyms, free fitness classes, running tracks, and sports courts.
Deck Games: Try shuffleboard, quoits, or giant chess.
Dance Classes: Learn salsa, line dancing, or ballroom.
Steam Room & Sauna: Available on Azura, Britannia (steam room only) & Ventura these are available within the gym/wellness areas.
Family Fun: Kids’ clubs (see next section for more), discos, and movie nights keep younger travellers entertained.
For thrill-seekers, Arvia offers a high-ropes course - charges apply, tropical mini-golf, and Splash Valley Aqua Zone, adding a sense of adventure to your holiday.
Kids Clubs
P&O Cruises are fantastic for families, and the free kids’ clubs make them even better! The Reef Children’s Club is split into age groups to ensure every child gets activities tailored to their interests.
Nursery (6 months–2 years): A safe environment with age appropriate toys and games. This is a parent/guardian supervised area only.
Night Nursery (6 months–4 years): A safe and quiet area for your child to sleep allowing you to enjoy dining and entertainment.
Splashers (2–4 years): Soft play, crafts, and games.
Surfers (5–8 years): Sports, treasure hunts, and creative fun.
Scubas (9–12 years): Quizzes, gaming, and team challenges.
H2O Club/The Scene (13–17 years): A cool hangout space with DJ equipment, gaming consoles, and deck parties.
Laundry
Self-service laundrettes are free to use and come with washing machines, tumble dryers, irons, and ironing boards. If you’d rather not do it yourself, professional laundry and dry-cleaning services are available for a fee. Just hand your items to your cabin steward, and they’ll handle the rest.
Service Charges and Tipping
Here’s one of the best things about P&O Cruises: no tipping required! Gratuities are already included in your fare, so you won’t face any awkward moments or unexpected bills.
Drinks
Some drinks are included in your fare:
• Water, tea, and coffee (available all day).
• Fruit juices (at breakfast).
Other drinks, such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and speciality coffees, are charged separately. However, P&O offers a range of drinks packages to suit your needs.
Transport and Transfers
If you’re booking a fly-cruise, flights from UK airports and coach transfers to and from the ship are included. For cruises departing from Southampton, guests on the Select Fare can enjoy perks like free parking or coach transfers.
What Costs Extra on a P&O Cruise?
While P&O Cruises include a lot, some optional extras are available to enhance your experience:
Speciality Dining: Premium restaurants with a cover fee.
WiFi: Packages start at £12 per day (basic browsing) or £18 per day (streaming).
Spa and Wellness: Treat yourself to massages, facials, and beauty treatments.
Shore Excursions: Explore ports with guided tours or activities.
Top Tip: Use any onboard credit from the Select Fare towards speciality dining, spa treatments, or excursions. |
FAQs About What’s Included on a P&O Cruise
1. Are P&O Cruises all-inclusive?
Not entirely, but they include most essentials like dining, entertainment, accommodation, and gratuities. Drinks and WiFi cost extra, but packages are available.
2. Can I bring my own drinks onboard?
You can bring up to one litre of wine or champagne per person. However, spirits and other alcohol are not allowed.
3. Are kids’ activities free on P&O Cruises?
Yes! Kids’ clubs, nurseries, and most family activities are included.
4. Is there a dress code?
Daytime is casual, but evenings may include smart casual or black-tie events. Check your cruise itinerary for details.
5. How do I choose the right fare?
Select Fare: Best for flexibility and perks like cabin choice and onboard credit.
Early Saver Fare: Cheaper, but with fewer benefits.
Saver Fare: Budget-friendly but less flexible, with cabins assigned closer to departure.
Why a P&O Cruise Is Great Value
P&O Cruises offer an incredible holiday experience with so much included in your fare. From gourmet dining and world-class entertainment to exciting activities and thoughtful perks like no tipping policies, they provide outstanding value for money.
With fares starting as low as £50 per person per night, you can enjoy a premium holiday without breaking the bank. Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, exploring Europe, or relaxing on a short break, P&O Cruises deliver unforgettable experiences for every traveller.
Ready to set sail? Let us know in the comments which P&O cruise you’re considering – we’d love to hear about your plans!
Happy cruising, George & Dan.
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