p o cruises 2023

The venerable company that flies the flag for British cruising

Everything you need to know about P&O Cruises, where every cabin has Twining’s tea and you’ll always find a decent pint

Founded in 1837, the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, as it was then called, was the first to offer cruises as we know them when passengers joined Royal Mail ships sailing to ports in the Mediterranean and the Iberian peninsula.

The legendary SS Canberra, in service from 1961 to 1997, featured in the bond film Diamonds are Forever . Connery’s Bond survived the ‘Bombe Surprise’ presented by Blofeld’s assassins and Canberra was dubbed the James Bond cruise ship.

Now part of cruise behemoth Carnival Corporation, P&O Cruises stands out for its ex-UK (no-fly) cruises from its homeport of Southampton and good-value fly-cruise holidays to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. 

These are “home from home” cruises. Yes: there are curated cocktails, Elemis facials, Body Sculpt Boot Camps and menus by Marco Pierre White, but every cabin in the seven-strong fleet has a kettle and Twining’s tea and you’ll always find a decent pint on board. 

Shore experiences and drinks can be pre-purchased in sterling and passengers can spread the cost of their holiday with monthly payments at no extra cost when booking directly with the line.

Along with theatre shows, live bands and comedy, the line offers supervised round-the-clock complimentary children’s clubs on its family-friendly ships and family-oriented shore excursions incorporate fun elements.

Godmothers have included HRH The Princess Royal, Dame Kelly Homes DBE, Dame Helen Mirren DBE, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE and Queen Elizabeth II. Nicole Scherzinger, who christened the line’s newest ship, Arvia, joined the illustrious line-up in March. 

The launch of stylish flagship Britannia in 2015 ushered in a new era for the cruise line. New ships have bright, open public areas, plush spas and gyms and contemporary restaurants. Interiors showcase extraordinary works by contemporary British artists and in Southampton the line has christened recent vessels with nebuchadnezzars of sparkling Sussex wine and home-grown cider. 

“Food Heroes” chef partnerships with the likes of Marco Pierre White, master pâtissier Eric Lanlard and James Martin have been a huge success, and effervescent wine critic Olly Smith helps pick the line’s tipples.

There is always a choice of multiple cabin categories ranging from, for example, a single (101-130 sq ft) to a suite (382-937 sq ft).

Before booking you will need to get your head around the line’s fare structure, which caters for various budgets with Select Price, Early Saver and Saver fares. All cruises include service, dining in the main restaurants and at pool-side venues, children’s clubs, babysitting and flights and transfers on fly-cruise holidays. 

All seven of P&O Cruises' ships have multiple main restaurants, in which dining is included. Speciality restaurants incur a surcharge and some are dedicated to Club Dining, for passengers who have opted for fixed sittings and an allocated table, while on each ship one or more (all, in Iona’s case) is allocated to Freedom Dining (no time restriction between certain hours).

No two ships in the P&O fleet are the same so do your homework before booking.

Where does it cruise?

P&O Cruises sails to the British Isles, Northern Europe (including Iceland and Norway) the Mediterranean, Spain (including the Canary Islands) and Portugal and the Caribbean. It is the go-to cruise line for short weekend and mini-break cruises from the UK to Bruges, Amsterdam, Cherbourg, St Peter Port and Hamburg.

This summer and autumn P&O Cruises’ newest ship Arvia will sail from Southampton for a maiden season in the Mediterranean. Iona, which launched in 2022, offers seven-night holidays to the Norwegian fjords from Southampton and Britannia will sail from the UK city to the Mediterranean, where Ibiza is a new port of call.

Azura will sail to/from Valetta in Malta on Mediterranean fly-cruises. Arcadia and Aurora will take guests on cruises around the British Isles and to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Norway, Western Europe and Iceland.

Fly-cruise winter 2023/4 holidays to the Caribbean are available on Arvia and Britannia. The introduction of seven-night fly-cruise holidays on Arvia to the Caribbean will suit those looking for a shorter long-haul trip and the line has charter flights to Antigua and Barbados with Virgin Atlantic in the pipeline.

The new cruising year kicks off on January 6, 2024, with a World Cruise – a 99-night Western Circumnavigation on Arcadia departing from and returning to Southampton and visiting the US, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Shorter sector fares are available to book.

Who does it appeal to?

Sailing ships built for UK cruisers from its home port of Southampton, P&O Cruises flies the flag for British cruising with wallet-friendly holidays tailored to UK tastes. With five family-friendly ships (Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura and Ventura) and pools, movie screens and age-specific children’s clubs, families are well catered for too.

Older cruisers are drawn to the more traditional, adult-only ships Aurora and Arcadia, with their formal nights; the informal buzz and contemporary decor of the line’s newer ships (Arvia, Iona and Britannia) will appeal to a younger demographic. 

In 2022 Gary Barlow joined P&O Cruises as music director of the adults-only 710 Club, where live music is curated for British music lovers. A newer entry to the P&O entertainment stable is Nicole Scherzinger, godmother to Arvia, who has created late-night shows for the SkyDome venue on Iona and Arvia.

Aimed squarely at UK cruisers is a new crop of “sail with the stars” holidays including a TV Talent cruise with insight from Jay Blades, Helen Skelton and Ross Kemp and a Sporting Icons sailing, in the company of Sue Barker, Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell. 

The P&O Cruises fleet

Sister ship to Iona, the 16-deck Arvia (5,200 passengers) epitomises the forward-thinking P&O Cruises brand of the 2020s.

The ship shares many design features with Iona including a SkyDome with food, bars and entertainment under a retractable glass roof and a “conservatory mini-suite” cabin category, but also brings new features to the table including an exclusive stage musical, Greatest Days – The Official Take That Musical , a swim-up bar, an escape game set on board a fictional submarine and a 54 metre-high ropes course. Iona is the first ship to offer Freedom Dining in all its restaurants.

Sails to: Mediterranean and Caribbean

Iona (5,600 passengers) is the largest ship to fly the UK flag and was the blueprint for the line’s new LNG-powered, Excel-class ships. This means no sulphur or nitrogen emissions and a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions. 

Iona features the first gin still at sea, in collaboration with Salcombe Gin, and live music at the 710 Club, curated by Gary Barlow. There are more than 30 places to eat and drink and four pools and 18 whirlpool spas. The heart of the ship is a three-deck atrium offering panoramic sea views.

Sails to: Norwegian Fjords, Spain and Portugal, Canary Islands

Launched in 2015, the £473 million Britannia (3,647 passengers) made a splash with its stylish interiors, molecular dining, world-class spa, gin menu, Cookery School and eye-catching artwork. Decor will appeal to minimalists and the oasis spa, with its hydrotherapy suite, heated loungers, saunas, steam grottos and tropical showers, will please hedonists. 

There is also an exclusive open-deck area called The Retreat, and 26 places to eat and drink including the lounge-style Limelight Club and an upmarket Indian restaurant, Sindhu. Britannia was christened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 and underwent a million-pound refit in 2019.

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Baltic Sea

Family-friendly Azura (3,100 passengers) has broad appeal. An 800-seat theatre offers West End-quality shows and passengers can perfect a passo doble or learn to waltz on the dance floor in Azura’s three-deck Atrium. 

The under-the-stars cinema suits her Caribbean and Canary Islands cruising territory, as do the family friendly pools. A new partnership with animation creators Aardman brings characters Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep on board. 

There is also a small casino. Launched in 2010, the 14-deck ship underwent a refurbishment in 2015 and brought fresh decor and a sizeable spa.

Sails to: Mediterranean, Canary Islands

Sister ship to Azura, the 14-deck Ventura (3,078 passengers) is a good all-rounder. The four pools and sports facilities (tennis, cricket, five-a-side and basketball) will appeal to teenagers and more active cruisers and there is the age-specific Reef Club and new for 2023, Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep characters to keep children entertained (plus a night nursery for parents). 

Her two-tier theatre hosts shows, music performances and talks from special guests and movies are also screened here. Nine restaurants include Olly Smith’s Glass House, The Waterside and Beach House buffet restaurants and, for speciality dining, The Epicurean and Sindhu. The last refit was in 2018.

Sails to: Mediterranean, Canary Islands, short breaks

Exclusively for adults, Arcadia (2,094 passengers) is the “quieter life” ship, for passengers seeking fine dining, fewer “do-this” distractions and a relaxed ambiance. 

Arcadia is the only ship in the fleet with a Marco Pierre White restaurant, the Ocean Grill. It also has an upmarket Indian restaurant, Sindhu. Cabins are comfortable, if slightly dated, and the ship was refurbished in 2017.

Sails to: Canary Islands, short breaks, Spain and Portugal

Christened by Princess Anne in 2000, Aurora (1,874 passengers) is the second of two adult-only ships and is the oldest in the fleet. With only nine decks and six restaurants the ship has a more intimate feel and will suit those who prefer their cruising to be low-key. A significant refurbishment in 2014 introduced The Glass House and Sindhu and there is buffet and outside terrace dining at The Beach House.

Sails to: Mediterranean, short breaks, Norway and Iceland

Only with P&O

• The chance to see Gary Barlow perform in an intimate lounge space (Northern Europe, April to December 2023)
• The first rum still at sea (on Arvia). The “perfect serve” from Jersey-based Tidal Rum is infused with coastal botanicals and finished with a sprig of samphire
• A fleet of seven British-inspired ships and flights from seven regional airports

Three P&O cruises to book right now

A seven-night Spain and Portugal cruise on Ventura with sporting legends Sue Barker, Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell and former British snowboarding champion and TV presenter Aimee Fuller on September 2, 2023 costs from £849pp. Round-trip from Southampton and calling at Vigo, Lisbon, Porto (from Leixoes) and Cherbourg.

A seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Britannia with “food hero” Marco Pierre White costs from £699pp departing on September 15, 2023. Round-trip from Southampton and calling at Stavanger, Nordfjordeid, Flam and Haugesund.

A 14-night Caribbean fly-cruise round-trip from Barbados costs from £1,399pp departing on November 10, 2023. Calling at the British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Saint Maarten, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, Martinique and St Lucia.

0344 338 8003

• Dominican Republic,
• Nicole Scherzinger,
• Gary Barlow,
• Southampton,
• Mediterranean,
• Facebook Icon
• WhatsApp Icon

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise news
• Cruise Industry

P&O Cruises UK's summer 2023 & winter 2023-2024 itineraries

P&O Cruises UK announced its summer 2023 and winter 2023-2024 itineraries, including the maiden season of the fleet's newest member - Arvia.

Promo booking deals on selected voyages offer 3rd and 4th passengers (both adults and kids) in the same stateroom to sail for free. Past guests can take advantage of a 10% booking discount. A 5% discount applies to new passengers.

Arvia’s first summer cruise from Southampton (England UK) will be a series of 14-night sailings featuring up to 6 of the most popular cruise ports in Italy, Spain, France. Itinerary choices include La Spezia (Florence/Pisa) or overnights in Barcelona .

From October 23, 2023, Arvia will sail her first full season of Caribbean fly/cruise holidays from homeport Barbados (Bridgetown) through the end of March 2024.

Pre-registration for P&O UK's 2023-2024 sailings opens today, November 3.

Itinerary highlights include:

• Arvia . During the summer months, a series of 14-night cruises are scheduled to sail to La Coruna , Marseille , Seville (Cadiz) , and Barcelona. Other ports of call include Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island, Balearic Spain) , Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Valencia / Alicante . During the winter, Arvia offers 7- and 14-night Caribbean fly-cruises from Barbados.
• Iona . During the summer, the ship offers 7-night cruises to the Norwegian fjords sailing roundtrip from Southampton UK. During the winter, voyages to Portugal, Spain, and the Canaries are offered roundtrip from Southampton UK.
• Britannia . During the summer, the ship offers 7-night Norwegian fjords, 14-night Baltic (including 2-day calls at Saint Petersburg ), and 14-night western Mediterranean cruises featuring either overnight in Palma or Palma & Ibiza . During the winter, 14-night Caribbean fly-cruises set sail from Barbados.
• Azura . During the summer, Azura sails on Mediterranean fly-cruises of either 7-/14-night voyages departing from Malta to iconic ports in the Western Mediterranean like Rome (Civitavecchia) , Ajaccio (Corsica) , and Villefranche , or alternatively Greece & Greek islands including Corfu and Mykonos in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the winter, Azura sails on the Canary Islands fly-cruises from Santa Cruz de Tenerife , consisting of 2 alternating 7-night voyages which can be combined to create a 14-night vacation.
• Ventura . During the summer, the ship sails on Atlantic Coast & Canary Islands cruises along with short breaks to Amsterdam (Netherlands) . In winter, Ventura sails to Spain, Portugal, and the Canaries, as well as on Caribbean cruises with itineraries also calling at New Orleans (Port NOLA) . To celebrate New Year 2024 the vessel sails a special 5-night voyage to Amsterdam and Bruges (Zeebrugge) .
• Arcadia and Aurora . During the summer, Arcadia and Aurora are scheduled to visit Norway, Russia, the Greek islands, and New York . Itineraries have been designed to include less-visited destinations, including Grundafjordur (Iceland) , Palermo (Sicily) , Klaipeda (Lithuania) . P&O Arcadia summer itineraries include an Iceland & North Cape voyage with an overnight in Reykjavik along with scenic cruising of the North Cape (Nordkapp) . The summer holidays of Aurora include a 30-night Canada & USA cruise with overnights in both New York and Boston MA . During the winter months, Aurora is expected to operate a couple of 12-night ‘in search of the Northern Lights’ itineraries. One of these trips is taking place over Christmas 2023. The vessel also sails on the 65-night USA, the Caribbean, and Central America voyage with an overnight in New Orleans and a partial Panama Canal transit. Arcadia sails on a full world cruise of 99 nights, scheduled to depart on January 6, 2024, with ports of call including Auckland , Hong Kong , Sydney , Singapore . In 2024, an overnight call to Singapore was added to the overnights in Dubai , Honolulu , Sydney, and Hong Kong.

Example itineraries feature:

• April 22, 2023: 7-night Norway, from GBP 500 pp on Iona (G311) roundtrip from Southampton, visiting Stavanger, Olden, (cruise by Innvikfjorden and Nordfjord), Alesund, Haugesund.
• April 30, 2023: 14-night Mediterranean, from GBP 1000 on Arvia (K309) roundtrip from Southampton, visiting La Coruna, Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Marseille, Barcelona, Seville (Cadiz).
• September 26, 2023: 24-night North America & Canada from GBP 2780 pp on Arcadia (J313) roundtrip from Southampton, visiting Halifax, Gaspe, Quebec, Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sept Iles, Sydney NS, St John’s (Newfoundland).
• November 11, 2023: 14-night Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands from GBP 750 pp on Iona (G337)roundtrip from Southampton, visiting Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Seville (Cadiz), Lisbon (overnight).
• November 24, 2023: 14-night Caribbean from GBP 17000 pp on Arvia (K324) roundtrip from Barbados (including UK flights), visiting Tortola, La Romana, St Maarten, Antigua, St Kitts, Martinique, St Lucia.

2023 P&O Cruises

Find all available itineraries, sailing dates and destinations for P&O Cruises in 2023 with the best prices and latest offers.

Book your 2023 P&O Cruises holiday online with Cruise118 and take advantage of the cheapest rates available.

If you are looking for the best choice in family cruising with P&O Cruises , then take a look at the newest most modern ships in the fleet the Iona & Arvia . Both ships are a great choice for the kids as well as adults. Most sailings depart from Southampton, meaning you can enjoy a hassle-free, no-fly cruising experience and avoid those busy airports. If you require any help in choosing cruise deals that’s right for you then our cruise experts are here to help.

2023 P&O itineraries are selling fast so be quick! Make your booking today.

Call us now (Freephone) 08081234118

Find Out More About P&O Cruises

Searching for cruises ...

Sorry, we couldn't find any cruises which meet your criteria. please consider searching for alternative options or call our expert cruise concierge who will be able to help.

Prices are subject to change and availability. Prices may vary depending on airport selected. Promotions are only applicable to select cabins grades, please call for details

What's the difference between P&O Saver & Select fares?

When booking your cruise holiday, you will have a choice of options to get the most out of your booking at a price that suits you.

P&O Saver Fare : This option is price driven. Upon making your booking you will choose your style of cabin (Inside cabin, outside window cabin, balcony cabin or suite) The cabin number will then be assigned to you. As this is the cheapest option you will not be able to choose your cabin number. This option does not include any on-board spending, coach transfers, parking at Southampton or choice of dining time.

P&O Select Fare :  The Select Fare is designed to give you more value for money by giving you additional options and features.

When you book a Select Fare you will have the option to choose from one the following:

• Free parking. You will be allocated parking at the cruise terminal for the full duration of the cruise that will be just a short walk to the ship.
• Free on-board credit. Receive complimentary spending money to spend on the ship. This will be allocated to your on-board account and can be used to purchase anything on the ship including drinks, excursions or any of the shops located on the ship.
• Free Return Coach Transfers: This option is fantastic if you are struggling getting to the port. P&O coach transfers pick up from multiple areas in the UK. We can instantly check before you book where your closest pick-up point is.

Choose Your Cabin: When booking on Select Fare you will also have the option to choose your cabin number, so if you would like a mid-ship cabin close to lift or would like to locate near a bar area or restaurant the choice is yours.

Choose a Dining Experience: As an addition you will also be able to have your own choice of dining time with a selected table size. So, if you are a couple, you can select an intimate table for two or if you are travelling as a group, you can all be seated all together on a larger table.

See also P&O Cruise itineraries and destinations in 2024 & 2025.

2024 P&O Cruise Deals 2025 P&O Cruise Deals

Our Award Winning Service

Large Cruise Agency of the Year 2023

Best Online Travel Agency 2022

TTG Top 50 Ocean Cruise Agency 2022

TTG Top 50 Ocean Cruise Agency 2019

Best Cruise Online Agent 2021

Best Cruise Online Agent 2019

Best Company Top 100

Request a Callback

Request a call back from our cruise experts.

Have you found your dream cruise, or do you want to talk to us to help you choose the right cruise for you at the best price? Request a call back from our expert cruise concierge and we’ll get in touch at a time to suit you.

If you would like to contact our service team, you can select a service call back below.

If you request a call back for now we’ll get back to you within 15 minutes, we’ll be calling you from 0161 333 4459 so you can recognise our call.

Select Day *

Callback time *

Welcome to Cruise118.com. Can I help you in anyway today?

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Welcome to P&O Cruises. This website presents a main menu on the left hand side from where you can browse our cruises, and a toolbar menu at the top page with search, live chat, support, and profile settings.

• Skip to side menu (Press enter)
• Skip to toolbar menu (Press enter)
• Skip to content (Press enter)

Cruises from Auckland

Come aboard a P&O Cruise ship from Auckland and discover a range of travel destinations near and far. Take a Classic One-Way Short Break cruise from Auckland to Melbourne with a stopover at the Bay of Islands for kayaking in the Haruru Falls or a Catamaran Cruise to the magnificent Cape Brett Lighthouse. Become a Kiwi Explorer as you travel through Akaroa, or uncover treasures at Mystery Island on the Bounty Discovery cruise. Embark on a Main Event Cruise for The Big Laugh Comedy Festival at sea, or stray further away from New Zealand on our Fiji Encounter and Pacific Island Hopper cruises. Whichever destination you decide on, you’ll be in terrific company with P&O Cruises.

View Cruises from Auckland

New Zealand: The edge of the wilderness

From Wellington to Fiordland, a P&O Cruise covers all the best travel destinations across the beautiful island nation. Cruise from Auckland to discover the best-untouched beauty you'll ever find in New Zealand, Aotearoa.

A city on the edge of pristine wilderness sounds unreal, doesn’t it? Welcome to Auckland. Set on 53 dormant volcanic cones, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and the gateway to the rest of Aotearoa (the current Māori name for New Zealand). Don’t miss the brightly coloured sailing boats zipping around sparkling Waitemata Harbour and bush walks into the rainforest-covered hills. Hosting more than just natural beauty, Auckland is a thriving metropolis with some of the nation's best food, coffee, bars, all brimming with cultural appeal.

Princes Wharf

147 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand

Distance to/from City: within CBD Distance to/from Auckland Airport: 21.5km/25mins Public Transport: at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry

Queens Wharf

150 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand

Pacific Explorer will soon call New Zealand home

P&O Cruises are excited to announce that Pacific Explorer will be sailing from Auckland in 2023.

With so many activities onboard, Cruiselings will love the expanded choice in dining, entertainment, activities, and the contemporary, modern design throughout.

P And O Cruises 2024 Caribbean

P And O Cruises 2024 Caribbean . Royal caribbean unveils 2023 seasonal caribbean cruises, find and plan a may 2024 cruise to the caribbean on cruise critic with cabin comparison, variety of. View full itinerary (15) cruises on britannia.

The caribbean epitomises idyllic holidays: A wide selection of restaurants, including sindhu and the epicurean.

View Full Itinerary (15) Cruises On Britannia.

The caribbean epitomises idyllic holidays:

A Wide Selection Of Restaurants, Including Sindhu And The Epicurean.

Lucia, st.… 14 night cruise to the caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Unveils 2023 Seasonal Caribbean Cruises, Find And Plan A May 2024 Cruise To The Caribbean On Cruise Critic With Cabin Comparison, Variety Of.

Images references :, rounding out the princess fleet are its two coral class ships, which, at around 92,000 tons, are the smallest of the line's ships..

The royal caribbean international alaska cruise canceled its travels after guests had already.

Deals For 2024/2025 | Cruise1St.

A wide selection of restaurants, including sindhu and the epicurean.

View 10 Deals And More Information.

Random posts.

• Ms Umc Annual Conference 2024
• Wordle April 1 2024
• Wakacje Kredytowe 2024 Kiedytowe
• Opener 2024 Program
• Uk Board Result 2024 Website
• English National Road Relays 2024
• May 2024 Calendar Printable Free Pdf Cute
• Empleada Domestica Noviembre 2024 Olympics
• Teacher Appreciation Day 2024 Ideas
• Nurses Day 2024 Gifts
• Czas Pracy 2024 Tabela
• Lidl 2 November 2024 Sales
• Supermercati Aperti 26 Dicembre 2024 Olympics
• Scaletta Sanremo 2024 10 Febbraious
• Catalogue Leclerc Du 3 Janvier 2024
• Convocatorias Trabajo Social 2024
• Detran Mg Ipva 2024 Guia
• Sommerferien 2024 Saarland
• Movies 2024 Action Comedy
• Scaletta Concerto Radio Italia 2024 Live

Azura Review

Azura is a ship that has been tailor-made for the British market. From the entertainment roster of former TV stars to the excellent range of ales and gins served in the ship's numerous bars. The prices on board are in pounds sterling, too.

The ship offers something for everyone: from Brodie's sports bar playing Premier League football around the clock (as well as evening bingo and pub quizzes) to ballroom dancing lessons in the impressive atrium and a posh curry in Sindhu. Azura is a versatile ship that is able to cater to a range of different passengers -- as long as they are Anglophiles.

In April 2015, Azura underwent its first refurbishment since coming in to service in 2010. The multimillion pound renovation saw improvements to many areas of the ship not visible to passengers (pipes carrying drinking water were replaced) as well as more obvious improvements to soft furnishings in the corridors, staircases and main restaurants. The buffet areas were also updated (although the questionable layout remains) while the restaurant Seventeen became The Epicurean, after sister ship Britannia's high-end for-fee eaterie.

The most obvious change to come from the refurbishment, however, was the giant Union Jack livery that was painted on the ship’s hull as part of a fleet-wide branding. A not-so-subtle reminder of P&O Cruises' uniquely British brand of cruising.

With 3,100 passengers onboard, the ship can feel crowded -- especially on sea days when the sun loungers are packed tightly on deck -- exposing a real lack of shaded areas. However, passengers wanting a more luxurious experience can book themselves in to the much quieter Retreat (Deck 17, forward) --a private VIP area with comfier loungers and waiter-service. The Retreat is the line's take on the popular ship-within-a-ship concept that has become popular on both MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. A two-week pass costs £350 for two passengers, which is pricey enough to mean that it never gets too busy.

The decor in the public areas feels fresh, with plenty of modern artwork lining the walls; however the cabins do feel slightly dated, given that the ship was only built in 2010. Life onboard revolves around the classy central atrium, from which Azura's many amenities -- including a lot of retail outlets -- can be reached.

Housekeeping and restaurant staff are friendly and work tirelessly, trying their best to cope with any number of queries. However, staff on reception were often harried and unhelpful.

Azura, along with sister-ship Ventura, represents a sea-change for P&O Cruises since it started to launch bigger and bigger ships packed full of bars, pubs, lounges and restaurants aimed at attracting first-time cruisers. While this has caused some friction within the company's traditional fanbase (who were also disappointed to see the line's smallest ship, Adonia, be sold off to Azamara in 2018), it has meant a far more relaxed style of cruising. Azura benefits from this with everything from an informal pizza bar to an extended kids' club -- plenty for the modern family to enjoy.

Bottom Line

Fellow passengers.

Given P&O Cruises' history it's no surprise its passengers are almost all Brits. However, the age of those onboard varies greatly. Azura has kids' clubs for children aged between two and 17 (those younger than two must be accompanied by a guardian) so is a great value option for young families. If you would rather not fraternise with youthful cruisers then book accordingly -- cruises during school holidays are going to have a lower average age than two weeks in the Canaries during the winter. There is also the line's mini-cruises out of the U.K., which are known for being a hit with stag and hen parties. It all depends on when and where you are going.

Azura Dress Code

Formal nights (known as black tie nights) onboard Azura are pretty serious affairs with most men opting for tuxedos or dark lounge suits. Women typically opt for ball gowns, cocktail dresses or trouser suits. Those not wanting to dress up are welcome to do so but are restricted to buffets and certain bars, which operate as evening casual. On formal nights, black tie dress is required in the Blue Bar, Planet Bar, Sindhu and the three main dining rooms. On other nights (which are known as evening casual on board) it is advised that a dress or casual separates are fine for ladies while an open-necked shirt and tailored trousers or smart jeans are fine for men. Shorts are not allowed during the evening.

Find an Azura Cruise

More about azura, where does azura sail from, where does azura sail to, how much does it cost to go on azura.

Another lovely Holiday on Azura

few 6-10 Cruises

Excellent Service All The Way

many 10+ Cruises

Great Cruise around the Canary Islands, despite getting Covid

couple 2-5 Cruises

A wonderful week on Azura

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Welcome to P&O Cruises. This website presents a main menu on the left hand side from where you can browse our cruises, and a toolbar menu at the top page with search, live chat, support, and profile settings.

• Skip to side menu (Press enter)
• Skip to toolbar menu (Press enter)
• Skip to content (Press enter)

Papua New Guinea

Cruise to papua new guinea & the south pacific.

One of the final frontiers of the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea is one of the most exciting places to cruise to. There are sunken warships to find, beautiful cultural celebrations to enjoy and abundant marine life to see. Papua New Guinea is truly like no place on earth.

There are a range of shore tours available to suit every taste, interest and fitness level. Visit beautiful remote beaches, paddle a traditional canoe, witness fascinating rituals and shop for local handicrafts. Our pick of Papua New Guinea? That would have to be the Conflict Islands, where P&O pioneered ports are still as untouched as when we first visited.

Why you’ll love a P&O cruise to the South Pacific

At P&O we’ve spent a lifetime exploring and discovering the South Pacific. We’ve been cruising there for over 86 years - so long we’re practically locals. Choose from a great range of departures from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland ranging from 6 - 16 nights. The South Pacific Islands are a marvel of natural and cultural wonders, right in our backyard - and we can’t wait to take you there.

Travel Inspiration

Why papua new guinea should be on your bucket list  read more, 6 must-do activities in papua new guinea   read more, visiting ports.

Capital of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Alotau is steeped in history, rich in culture and blessed with natural beauty. With an amazing range of sights and shore tours to be enjoyed, you’ll love the relaxed, easy going atmosphere of this idyllic place.

Find out more

• Kiriwina Island

Discover amazing culture and stunning natural surrounds on Kiriwina Island, a unique experience not to be missed. Here, one of the world’s most intact island cultures lives on one of the world’s most untouched islands. Be among the select few who are lucky enough to experience them both.

Kitava & Kavieng, Trobriand Islands

Found in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Kitava is a small, pretty island off the main Trobriand Island of Kiriwina. Here life remains as it was thousands of years ago with very little influence from the outside world. Visit stunning white sand beaches lined with shady trees, as well as a fascinating sand atoll - a circular coral reef - at Nuratu Island. This truly is a slice of heaven .

Found right on Papua New Guinea's northeastern tip, this province - blessed with natural beauty but plagued with an unlucky history - has literally risen from the ashes. There is much to be learned from and appreciated by visiting this special place.

Book your Papua New Guinea cruise today

All south pacific cruises.

Looking for something else? There are plenty of fish in the sea! Check out our accommodation options , or search all our cruises here:

• Conflict Islands

Book now and pay for your holiday with easy monthly instalments and 0% interest! P&O Cruises EzPay takes the stress out of planning and budgeting for your next holiday.

Experience papua new guinea.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on SMS
• Share on Email

• Advertise With Us
• Coronavirus
• Links in the News
• Hurricane Center
• Meet the Team
• Making a Mark
• CONNECT Segments
• Sweepstakes

Carnival Cruise Line to kick off 2023 Norfolk sailing season

NORFOLK, Va. — Carnival Cruise Line is kicking off its six-month sailing season from Norfolk on Sunday as the 4,000-passenger Carnival Magic   cruise   ship arrives at Nauticus .

This year's cruise season will take people from Norfolk to different destinations, including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England.

The sailing season will be the largest passenger commitment in program history, with more than 200,000 unique visits to Norfolk expected from people starting and ending their cruise in the city, Nauticus officials said in a news release.

READ MORE |  Cruises coming year-round to Norfolk, beginning in 2025

Because cruise passengers are expected to stay in hotels nearby, passenger spending is expected to create around $25 million in economic impact.

Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland described the launch of the sailing season as a "regional tourism win."

“Sunday marks the beginning of a pinnacle year for our cruise program, but it’s also a real opportunity for our entire region,” Kirkland wrote in a news release. “An expanded cruise ship season means many guests will be arriving from throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, and that’s an opportunity for us to showcase all Hampton Roads has to offer."

The Carnival Magic is set to arrive at Nauticus at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday and depart for its six-night Bahamas sailing trip at 4:30 p.m.

After the 2023 cruise season wraps up, Nauticus will work on modifications to the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center to get ready for Carnival’s year-round sailings beginning in 2025.

For more information about cruises coming through Norfolk, visit the Nauticus website .

Related Articles

• Virginia Beach named in Travel + Leisure's list of top destinations to visit in May
• Norfolk Int'l Airport takes step toward building on-site hotel
• Summer flight prices may not be as bad as you think

More Videos

Next up in 5

Example video title will go here for this video

In Other News

State department warns travelers about current advisories

Before you leave, check this out.

WVEC would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather.

Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings.