News · Cruises · Jul 24, 2026
P&O Cruises Explained: Every Ship and the Ones Worth Booking
P&O Cruises remains the default British cruise line — but its fleet spans two decades of shipbuilding and very different onboard experiences. Here's how the seven ships compare, and which ones deserve your booking in 2026.
Book Arvia or Iona for families; Britannia for food and refinement; Arcadia for adults-only calm
The Excel-class ships deliver the newest hardware, Britannia offers the best culinary experience, and Arcadia provides the most balanced adults-only product at a mainstream fare.
Explore Cruise StrategyThe Fleet, Simplified
P&O currently operates seven ships across four distinct categories. The gap between a 2022 Excel-class ship and a 2000-built Aurora is enormous — more so than the fare difference often suggests.
Excel Class
Arvia (2022), Iona (2021)
P&O's newest and largest class — 5,200+ guests, LNG-powered, packed with innovation. The SkyDome, infinity pools, and 30+ food venues make these the default choice for families and first-time P&O cruisers.
Royal Class
Britannia (2015)
The one-ship Royal class remains P&O's flagship in the traditional sense — 3,647 guests, refined British styling, and the strongest dining package at sea for the line. A brilliant middle ground between the Excel giants and the older tonnage.
Ventura Class
Azura (2009), Ventura (2008)
The older large ships — 3,000+ guests, familiar layouts, and consistently the lowest fares in the fleet. Best for value-conscious cruisers who prioritise itinerary over hardware.
Adults-Only Class
Arcadia (2005), Aurora (2000)
Smaller, quieter, and exclusively adult. Arcadia and Aurora carry the most loyal repeat passengers in the fleet and offer a more intimate, traditional cruise experience with better port access.
Ship-by-Ship Comparison
The quickest way to separate the seven ships. Compare class, size, target traveller, and the one feature that defines each vessel:
| Ship | Class | Launched | Guests | Best For | Signature Feature | Adults Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arvia | Excel | 2022 | 5,200+ | Families & first-time P&O | Surf simulator, SkyDome, high ropes | No |
| Iona | Excel | 2021 | 5,200+ | Families seeking value | Same hardware as Arvia, calmer vibe | No |
| Britannia | Royal | 2015 | 3,647 | Foodies & refinement | Cookery Club, Epicurean, elegant dining | No |
| Azura | Ventura | 2009 | 3,100+ | Value-conscious cruisers | Lowest fares, familiar layout | No |
| Ventura | Ventura | 2008 | 3,100+ | Itinerary over hardware | Consistent value, easy layout | No |
| Arcadia | Adults-Only | 2005 | 2,000+ | Couples wanting calm | Modern cabins, dress codes, quiet | Yes |
| Aurora | Adults-Only | 2000 | 1,800+ | Repeat passengers, intimacy | Smallest ship, loyal following | Yes |
Why P&O Still Wins for British Travellers
P&O is not the flashiest cruise line, nor the cheapest. Its strength is consistency: sterling fares, inclusive service charges, Southampton departures, and a product calibrated to the British market. Four reasons it remains the smart default:
British cruising, done properly
P&O is the last major line built around the British cruiser: afternoon tea, curry nights, proper bacon at breakfast, inclusive tips, and sterling pricing. You won't find the nickel-and-diming common on US lines.
Southampton departures as standard
Most sailings leave from Southampton, which removes flights, jet lag, and luggage limits from the equation. For UK travellers, the total trip cost often beats a fly-cruise once airport transfers and extras are counted.
The Excel class is genuinely modern
Iona and Arvia are not refreshed older ships — they were designed from the keel up for P&O. The result is better family flow, more balcony cabins, and public spaces that hold up against Royal Caribbean's best.
Adults-only options without the luxury price
Arcadia and Aurora deliver a calm, child-free environment at fares well below what Saga or Viking charge for a comparable experience. The repeat-passenger rate on these two ships is the highest in the fleet.
Choosing the Right Ship
All seven ships are recognisably P&O, but the experience changes significantly by hull. Match the ship to the trip, not just the itinerary:
Arvia — the family flagship
The newest P&O ship and the most feature-packed. Surf simulator, high ropes, multiple family pools, and the best entertainment venues in the fleet. If you're travelling with children, this is the obvious choice.
Iona — the balanced Excel-class option
Nearly identical to Arvia but with a slightly calmer atmosphere and often better pricing. Same SkyDome, same dining breadth, same LNG credentials. The smart pick if Arvia is sold out or overpriced.
Britannia — the foodie's ship
The only P&O ship with the full Epicurean experience and the most refined main dining room setup. At 3,647 guests it feels more intimate than the Excel class, and the culinary offering punches above its weight.
Arcadia — the adults-only sweet spot
Exclusively adult, mid-size, and purpose-built for the British market. The best ship for couples who want peace, proper dress codes, and port-intensive itineraries without the mega-ship crowds.
The Booking Play
For most families, Arvia or Iona in a balcony cabin is the right starting point. The Excel-class ships justify their premium over Britannia and Ventura with better cabins, more dining, and stronger entertainment — and they still undercut Royal Caribbean's equivalent deployments from Southampton.
For couples and repeat cruisers, Britannia remains the culinary standout. The Cookery Club, Epicurean, and the refined main dining room setup make it the best food-forward choice in the fleet without paying Saga prices.
For adults-only value, Arcadia is the sweet spot. Aurora is beloved but older and smaller; Arcadia offers a more modern cabin product and a better entertainment lineup while keeping the child-free atmosphere intact.
The one booking mistake to avoid: choosing Azura or Ventura purely because the fare is low. Both are perfectly pleasant, but the hardware gap to the Excel class is real — book them for the itinerary, not for the ship.