Why a P&O Cruise is such good value
What’s Included on a P&O Cruise?
A 14 night Caribbean Fly-Cruise from £63 per person per night?* What’s not to like!
*Early Saver Fare, Inside cabin
Find out the different fare types and whether the Select Fare is worth the extra cost for you.
In these days of austerity everyone has to watch the pennies, or at least aim to maximise value for money. This is equally important when choosing your annual holiday. So in this post I take a look at what a P&O Cruise fare includes, so that you can decide whether it represents what you consider a good deal.
Does a Cruise with P&O Cruises Represent Good Value?
Cruising with UK-based P&O Cruises is a good option for the budget-conscious traveller. That’s not to say that P&O Cruises are a budget cruise line - far from it. However, they represent excellent value when you look at what is included as standard in the cost of a P&O Cruises holiday, especially when compared to a comparable land-based holiday.
About P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises is Britain’s favourite cruise line, welcoming guests to experience holidays with a blend of discovery, choice, relaxation and exceptional service catered towards British tastes. The fleet of seven ships each have their own appeal from family friendly or exclusively for adults.
With over 200 destinations worldwide, P&O Cruises Itineraries are carefully curated to inspire discovery, and are varied to suit newcomers and experienced guests alike. With a wide choice of holidays from two days to three months there is something for everyone.
Iona joined the P&O Cruises fleet in May 2021 as the next generation of ship. Iona, the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, sets a new standard for cruise travel featuring enhancements to already successful brand signature venues from across P&O Cruises existing fleet, as well as many new “firsts” such as the first gin distillery at sea and The 710 Club, with music director Gary Barlow. Find out more on my dedicated page “All Things Iona”
Now sister ship, Arvia has joined the P&O Cruises fleet as from December 2022, as its second LNG-powered, Excel-class ship offering a Caribbean maiden season of fly-cruise holidays from homeport Barbados.
Arvia, meaning “from the seashore,” is an innovative and future-focused ship and the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment to offer varied and contemporary holidays. The ship boasts a unique SkyDome with a retractable glass roof and 16 guest decks, and will feature the first Altitude Skywalk high ropes experience, the tropical-themed Altitude Minigolf, the Altitude Splash Valley Aquazone, an outdoor Sports Arena, swim-up bar and infinity pool. It will also offer guests several new dining options such as Green & Co feat. Mizuhana, Ocean Studios cinema, extensive shopping, and the Oasis Spa and Health Club. Find out more on my dedicated page “All Things Arvia”.
Fares on P&O Cruises
To maximise the cost-effectiveness of your P&O cruise you will need to understand the fares and decide which represents best value for you.
There are three different fare types with P&O Cruises:
Select
Early Saver
Saver
Select Fare
This is the price point many travel agents quote you initially. The Select Fare is all about choice and flexibility. If it is important to you to be able to change your booking, choose your own cabin, have priority dining choices and upgrades; and even having a few extras like on-board spending money, car parking in Southampton or return coach travel to Southampton, then this is the fare you should pick. You should note, however, that the Select fare isn’t ‘all inclusive’ and doesn’t include Wifi or drinks.
Some people are tempted to pay the Select fare by offers of on board credit. However, often even taking into account the amount of OBC, be aware that you are possibly paying more than the Saver fares - sometimes as much as £1000 more for the luxury of selecting the exact cabin and guaranteeing your dining choice.
Early Saver Fare
Usually the cheapest fare available if booking a long way in advance. However it does not include the benefits above. You will have a guarantee cabin and can state your dining preference, but the latter isn’t assured until you are onboard. You should ask your travel agent if this fare is available if you want a real bargain.
Saver Fare
This is the basic cruise fare (plus flights if a fly cruise). However your cabin will be assigned to you within your chosen grade, and dining allocated upon boarding. Full balance has to be paid at the time of booking and there is a 100% cancellation fee if cancelled at any time before sail date.
If you decide on this fare (in actual fact whichever you choose), I do recommend, that you take out comprehensive travel insurance which covers you should you need to cancel.
It is worth noting that there is a fleet-wide no-tipping policy onboard P&O Cruises so you don’t have gratuities before or after your cruise to consider whichever fare option you decide upon.
Personally. we ALWAYS book the Saver fare (we rarely book far enough in advance to grab an early saver fare bargain) - after all once onboard we share the same onboard experience as those paying the Select fare, and can use the savings to enhance our cruise.
So What Is Included on a P&O Cruise?
Travel
Fly-cruise holidays include flights from/to UK airports where P&O Cruises representatives will be on hand to help guests through the terminal. Coach transfers between the airport and the ship are included in the cost of the holiday.
Food
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and daily afternoon tea is all included in the cost of a P&O Cruises holiday. There is a self-service buffet or you can have restaurant service. You can actually eat around the clock should you wish, if you include 24 hour room service, midnight buffet, plus pizza and burgers on deck. Every holiday also includes a black tie event and a five-course Celebration Night Dinner designed by Food Hero Marco Pierre White.
Cabins include tea/coffee making facilities with biscuits, all replenished daily.
Accommodation
Comfortable, contemporary cabins are included, such as the new conservatory mini suites on Iona and Arvia which include an additional lounging area with floor-to-ceiling glass (and an external door) between the main cabin area and balcony so that guests can sit back and relax inside or out in comfort with incredible sea views. The type of accommodation can be chosen when booking, and will vary depending on category. Generally, the more luxurious the cabin choice, the more facilities that are included. The best value fare is usually an inside cabin.
If you choose the Saver fare you can still choose your preferred grade of cabin, but it will be a “guarantee” cabin meaning you won’t know it’s location until you board.
Children’s Clubs
Run by a team of passionate and dedicated professionals, complimentary children’s clubs are available across the fleet and offer a perfect environment for younger travellers to enjoy every activity from soft play, imaginative spaces and high-energy activities plus gaming, DJ equipment and arts and crafts. Night nurseries are also available at no extra charge.
Entertainment
World class entertainment is available across the fleet. P&O Cruises new ship Arvia brings exclusive new stage show, Greatest Days – The Official Take That Musical to life by an amazing cast from the Headliners Theatre Company. Other production shows are available on each P&O Cruise ship.
Other entertainment options on offer and included are:
Ocean Studios - a multiplex cinema offering the latest blockbuster releases and family favourites in a plush setting.
The 710 Club on Iona and Arvia - a sophisticated bar crafted to Music Director Gary Barlow’s creative vision. Atmospheric and low-lit, The 710 Club offers live music and stylish cocktails.
International entertainment company, Creativiva offers fantastic shows in the SkyDome and Grand Atrium on Iona. From acrobatics, aerial acts, physical theatre, dance, music, flamboyant costumes and impressive sets, the Grand Atrium and SkyDome provide a spectacular backdrop to these stunning shows.
Headliners Theatre offering a different production show or guest performance every evening
The Club House - hosts guest speakers and live music and offers family entertainment and game shows. Night owls can party on with DJ nights, comedians and great music from resident band, PULSE.
Quizzes, talks, demonstrations, and classes by all fields of experts run throughout the day from family game shows, dance classes or cookery demonstrations.
On board activities
Swimming pools – each ship has a range of pools including luxury whirlpool spas, splash zones, infinity pools, swim up bars and pools covered by retractable roofs.
The new Altitude activity zone on Arvia will feature activities for guests of all ages, from minigolf, an aqua zone at Splash Valley and P&O Cruises first ever high-ropes experience.
Altitude Minigolf on Arvia will be the new, tropical island-themed minigolf open all day and illuminated at night.
Saunas and steam rooms – on some ships, the sauna and steam rooms are included in the cost of the holiday.
Gym – state of the art gyms are included with technogym machines, bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, steppers, as well as weights and a number of free fitness classes.
On the sports deck guests can choose from football, basketball, archery, short tennis, table tennis and golf nets, as well as more traditional nautical games such as shuffleboard and quoits.
The Big Question: Are Drinks Included on a P&O Cruise - Is P&O Cruises All Inclusive?
You can see from the above that there is a wealth of inclusions on a P&O Cruise, including water, hot drinks and juices with breakfast, tea/coffee making facilities in your cabin, and chilled water on tap in the buffet.. However, P&O isn’t an All Inclusive brand and therefore other beverages have to be paid for. You may wonder if it is worth buying a P&O Cruises Drinks Package - there are various options covering most people’s needs. However, you can just add drinks to your onboard account and pay at the end of your cruise.
How much does a P&O Cruise cost?
Prices vary by ship, duration and itinerary, but it’s possible to find a short European cruise of 5 nights in 2023 from under £50 per person per night inside, and a 7 night cruise on new ship Iona from £60 pppn. These are Saver Fares, but include full board cruising from Southampton. *Prices correct at time of writing.
Only you can decide what represents value for money to you, but a P&O Cruise could be a good option to consider.