P&O Cruises Buffet Restaurants: Complete Fleet Guide 2026

Buffet Restaurants on P&O Cruises

Including P&O Cruises Buffet Refresh: What’s New for 2026

All photos: P&O Cruises

If you like the freedom to eat when you want, choose exactly what you fancy and go back for seconds, P&O Cruises’ buffet restaurants are among the most useful dining options on board.

Every P&O Cruises ship has an included buffet, although the name and layout vary between ships. Most offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a wide choice of hot and cold dishes, salads, desserts and lighter options.

And there have been some changes for 2026, particularly for families. P&O Cruises has introduced a dedicated children’s area within the buffet, along with a refreshed daily children’s tea offering familiar favourites alongside more nutritious choices.

This guide explains which buffet restaurant is on each P&O Cruises ship, what you can expect, what is included and what has changed for 2026.

P&O Cruises buffet restaurants at a glance

Ship	Buffet	Included	2026 update
Arvia	Horizon Restaurant	Yes	Children's buffet area and updated children's tea
Iona	Horizon Restaurant	Yes	Children's buffet area and updated children's tea
Britannia	Horizon Restaurant	Yes	Children's buffet area and updated children's tea
Aurora	Horizon Restaurant	Yes	Adults-only buffet
Arcadia	Belvedere Restaurant	Yes	Adults-only buffet
Azura	Verona & Venezia	Yes	Two buffet venues
Ventura	Waterside Restaurant	Yes	Family-friendly buffet

P&O Cruises' buffet restaurants may not have the glamour of the speciality dining venues, but they are among the most useful restaurants on board. They are included, flexible and particularly handy when you want to eat quickly or when everyone in your group wants something different. The 2026 children's dining changes are a welcome addition, making the buffet an even more practical choice for families.

What is a P&O Cruises buffet restaurant?

The buffet is an informal, included dining option where you can choose from a selection of dishes rather than ordering from a traditional menu.

It is particularly useful when you want a quick breakfast before going ashore, a relaxed lunch after a morning around the pool or an informal dinner when you don’t want a formal restaurant meal.

You can choose as much or as little as you like, making the buffet particularly flexible for families, groups and passengers with different tastes.

The exact selection varies throughout the day and from ship to ship.

Horizon Buffet Restaurant on P&O Cruises. Photo credit: Credit: Partner Ship Design

Which P&O Cruises ships have a Horizon Buffet?

Horizon Restaurant is the buffet venue on:

Arvia
Iona
Britannia
Aurora

Despite sharing the Horizon name, the experience can vary considerably between the newer and older ships because of differences in layout, capacity and the other dining venues available nearby.

Horizon Restaurant on Arvia

Arvia’s Horizon Restaurant is the ship’s main buffet and is an included dining option.

It is one of several casual dining choices on Arvia, alongside venues such as The Quays, Taste 360 and 6th Street Diner.

Horizon is particularly useful when everyone in your party wants something different, as there is no need for everyone to choose the same dish.

Horizon Restaurant on Iona

Iona’s Horizon Restaurant provides buffet dining throughout the cruise and is one of the ship’s principal included casual dining venues.

With Iona’s large passenger capacity, the buffet can be particularly busy at peak breakfast and lunch times. It is worth exploring the different seating areas and checking whether there are quieter times to eat during your particular cruise.

Horizon Restaurant on Britannia

Britannia has a Horizon buffet offering included breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The buffet is also used for children’s dining, making it a practical option for families who don’t want to commit to a longer sit-down meal.

Horizon Restaurant on Aurora

Aurora’s Horizon Restaurant provides included buffet dining and is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It is an especially useful option on port days when you want something straightforward before heading ashore or a relaxed meal after returning to the ship.

Aurora is an adults-only ship, so its buffet experience naturally has a different atmosphere from the family-friendly ships.

Table Seating in Belvedere Buffet Restaurant on P&O Cruises Arcadia

Belvedere Restaurant on Arcadia

Arcadia is the only P&O Cruises ship with the Belvedere Restaurant as its buffet.

Belvedere provides the same basic appeal as the other P&O buffet restaurants: relaxed, included dining with a choice of dishes rather than a traditional table-service meal.

Arcadia is an adults-only ship, so Belvedere does not have the family-oriented role that the buffets on Arvia, Iona, Britannia and Ventura can have.

Verona and Venezia on Azura

Azura is unusual because its buffet operation is split between two venues: Verona and Venezia.

Both form part of Azura’s included buffet offering.

Having two buffet areas can be useful on a busy ship because it gives passengers more choice over where to eat and can help spread demand at busy meal times.

Azura also has a number of other included and speciality dining options, so the buffet is just one part of the ship’s wider food offering.

P&O Cruises Ventura Horizon Buffet following refit

Waterside on Ventura

Ventura’s buffet is the Waterside Restaurant.

Ventura is a family-friendly ship, and the buffet is an important part of its casual dining offering.

Waterside provides a relaxed alternative to the ship’s main dining restaurants and is particularly convenient for families who want to eat at their own pace.

What can you eat in a P&O Cruises buffet?

The exact menu changes, but buffet dining typically gives you a mixture of hot and cold choices.

Depending on the meal and ship, you can expect to find options such as:

Full English breakfast favourites
Continental breakfast items
Cereals and fruit
Breads and pastries
Salads
Cold meats and cheeses
Hot main dishes
Vegetables and side dishes
Pasta and rice dishes
Carvery-style choices
Pizza and other casual favourites
Desserts and cakes
Fresh fruit
Vegetarian choices
Vegan choices
Gluten-free options

The selection is designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes rather than replicate the menu of a speciality restaurant.

Breakfast in the buffet

For many passengers, breakfast is when the buffet really comes into its own.

You can put together anything from a full cooked breakfast to something much lighter, with cereals, fruit, yoghurt, pastries and toast among the usual choices.

The buffet is also useful if different members of your party want breakfast at different speeds.

Some passengers may want a leisurely cooked breakfast, while others simply want coffee and toast before getting off the ship.

Breakfast in the buffet is included in your cruise fare.

Lunch in the buffet

Lunch is generally more informal than dinner, with a choice of hot and cold dishes.

It is a good option on port days when you don’t know exactly when you will return to the ship, as you don’t need to commit to a traditional restaurant meal.

It can also be useful on sea days when you want to stay around the pool rather than dress for a sit-down lunch.

Dinner in the buffet

The buffet remains available as a casual alternative to the main dining restaurants.

This can be particularly useful if you don’t want to follow a fixed dining routine, have children who need an earlier meal, or simply fancy something relaxed.

The evening dress code for P&O Cruises’ buffet restaurants is casual. Tailored shorts are accepted.

Some ships also use buffet areas for other dining experiences during the evening, so always check your daily Horizon for the exact arrangements on your cruise.

Late-night buffet and snacks

If you get hungry after dinner, P&O Cruises has you covered.

The buffet offers late-night snacks from around 10pm until 1.30am, although exact opening times can vary by ship and itinerary. Check the daily Horizon once you’re on board for the latest timings.

The late-night offering is designed more for a snack than a full evening meal, making it ideal after a show, a few drinks, dancing or a late return to the ship.

You can expect a selection of casual late-night food, with the exact choice varying between ships and days.

P&O Cruises buffet sample menu

Want to know what you can actually expect to find in a P&O Cruises buffet?

P&O Cruises provides sample buffet menus, although the dishes served can change according to the ship, itinerary and day of the cruise. So an older menu should be treated as an example of the range rather than a promise of exactly what will be served.

One P&O Cruises sample menu for Iona gives a good idea of the variety available throughout the day.

Breakfast

The breakfast selection includes both cooked and lighter choices, with examples such as:

Smoked haddock
Ham omelette
Corned beef hash
Chicken congee
Huevos rancheros
Pastries, cakes and cookies
Scones with cream and jam

There are also cereals, fruit, breads and other breakfast favourites.

Daytime buffet

The daytime selection includes hot and cold dishes, salads, vegetarian and vegan choices, cheeses and desserts.

Examples from the sample menu include:

Beef rendang with sticky coconut rice
Onion bhajis
Jerk-roasted chicken with cornbread muffins
Vegetable samosas
A selection of salads and dressings
Vegetarian and vegan dishes
British and Continental cheeses
Homemade cakes and biscuits
Fresh fruit

Evening buffet

The evening selection changes again, with a mixture of international dishes, British favourites and casual options.

The sample menu includes dishes such as:

Turkey breast and Parma ham saltimbocca
Bubble and squeak cake
Piperade of peppers
Lamb shawarma with minted yoghurt and sweet chilli sauce
Currywurst sausage
Sweet potato fries
Salads and cold dishes
British and Continental cheeses
Homemade cakes and biscuits

Late-night buffet snacks

The buffet doesn’t necessarily finish when dinner does.

P&O Cruises’ sample menu also includes a late-night selection, with examples such as hot savoury dishes, sandwiches, cheese, cakes, biscuits and fresh fruit.

This is useful if you have been to a late show, spent the evening in one of the bars or simply tend to get hungry later at night.

P&O’s current dining information gives late-night buffet snacks as part of its extended buffet service, although exact opening times and dishes can vary by ship.

Pizza available in buffet on P&O Cruises

How current are the buffet menus?

This is important if you’re looking at menu photographs online.

P&O Cruises’ published menus are sample menus, and the company states that menus can change on board. The dishes shown above are therefore intended to give you an idea of the variety rather than represent a guaranteed menu for your cruise.

I’m adding current menu photographs to Cruise Lowdown as I receive them from passengers and ships, so check back for the latest examples.

Want to see the actual menu?

I’ve also included a sample P&O Cruises buffet menu so you can see the full range of dishes and meal periods for yourself.

Once you are booked you can see actual menus when you log in.

P&O Cruises Iona Horizon sample buffet menu (PDF)

Is there a midnight buffet on P&O Cruises?

Not in the traditional sense of a special one-off midnight buffet, which used to be available on some ships.

Instead, P&O Cruises provides late-night snacks in the buffet, generally from 10pm to 1.30am. This means there is usually food available well beyond the main dinner service without having to wait for a particular midnight buffet event.

It’s a particularly useful option if you’re a night owl or tend to eat later in the evening.

What if I’m hungry after the buffet closes?

If you need something to eat outside the buffet’s opening hours, room service is another option. Availability, charges and the menu depend on the service and ship, so check the information provided on board.

Tip: If late-night food is important to you, check the daily Horizon when you embark. Opening times and late-night offerings can change according to the ship and itinerary.

P&O Cruises Family-Friendly Buffet Update Summer 2026

The biggest buffet-related change for families in 2026 is the introduction of a dedicated children’s area within the buffet.

P&O Cruises has also introduced a refreshed daily children’s tea.

The children’s offering includes familiar favourites such as:

Macaroni cheese
Chicken nuggets
Pizza
There are also more nutritious choices, giving parents the option of combining familiar favourites with healthier dishes.

This is a useful development because the buffet has always been one of the easiest places for families to find something everyone will eat.

Is the whole buffet menu new for 2026?

P&O Cruises has made a number of dining changes for summer 2026, including new and refreshed menus in several restaurants, but the buffet changes are more focused on improving the children’s dining experience.

I would therefore treat older buffet menu photographs as examples rather than assume they represent the current menu.

We will add updated buffet menus to this guide as new menus become available.If you are planning a getaway with P&O Cruises, you will notice some fresh changes next time you grab a plate at the buffet. While the main dining rooms usually steal the culinary spotlight, P&O has rolled out a fleet-wide buffet update to make casual dining smoother and much more family-friendly.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect from the self-service stations during your sailing.

The All-Day Kids’ Corner

Familiar Favorites: A brand-new, dedicated area stocked with simple, kid-approved choices.
Zero Stress: It runs all day long, making it perfect for toddlers and children who need a quick bite outside of rigid meal times.
On the Menu: Expect classic comfort foods that guarantee clean plates without the fuss.

Upgraded Children’s Daily Tea Service

Nutritious & Delicious: The enhanced daily tea service balances health with crowd-pleasing flavors.
Warm Staples: Kids can tuck into upgraded versions of mac and cheese, fresh pizza, and golden chicken nuggets.
Convenient Timing: Served right in the buffet area, it is designed to refuel the little ones after a busy afternoon at the reef clubs or pool deck.

Caribbean Flavour Infusions

Taste of Barbados: For those sailing the 2026/2027 Caribbean itineraries on Arvia or Iona, the buffet is getting a tropical boost.
Expert Dishes: Select menus developed by culinary stars like Sophie Michell and Adrian Cumberbatch will rotate into the Horizon Buffet.
Island Staples: Keep an eye out for fresh catch of the day, aromatic salt cod with roasted breadfruit, and spiced pineapple chutney.

Global Favourites & Round-the-Clock Snacks

Included in Your Fare: The buffet remains entirely free of extra charges from morning until late at night.
Breakfast to Late Night: Enjoy a massive international spread featuring everything from full English breakfasts to late-night snacks for the night owls.
Where to Find It: Look out for the Horizon Buffet on Arvia, Aurora, Britannia, and Iona; the Belvedere Buffet on Arcadia; Verona and Venezia on Azura; and the Waterside Buffet on Ventura.

Are P&O Cruises buffet restaurants included?

Yes - Buffet dining is included in the price of a P&O Cruises holiday.

You do not normally pay an additional charge simply to eat in the buffet.

Some other casual or speciality venues around the ship may have additional charges, so it is worth checking the individual restaurant before ordering.

Can you eat as much as you want?

Yes - P&O Cruises buffet dining is designed as an all-you-can-eat style experience.

You can return for another plate if you want to try something else or simply have more of a favourite dish.

Are drinks included in the buffet?

Tea, coffee, water and other standard included drinks (juice concentrates in morning, fruit drinks at lunch/dinner) are available, although the exact selection can vary by venue and time of day.

Speciality coffees, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and other premium beverages will cost extra unless covered by an applicable drinks package.

Are there vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices?

P&O Cruises caters for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.

However, if you have a serious allergy or medically necessary dietary requirement, speak to the restaurant team rather than relying solely on buffet labels.

Cross-contamination can be a concern with self-service food, so passengers with significant allergies should discuss their requirements with P&O Cruises before and during the cruise.

Is the buffet suitable for children?

Yes - The buffet is one of the easiest dining options for families because children can choose what they want without having to wait for a multi-course meal.

The 2026 introduction of a dedicated children’s area and updated children’s tea makes it even more family-friendly.

On family ships such as Arvia, Iona, Britannia and Ventura, the buffet can be particularly useful when children are hungry at different times from their parents.

Can you take food from the buffet to your cabin?

P&O Cruises’ buffet restaurants are designed for dining in the restaurant rather than taking meals away. However it is unlikely that anyone will stop you - and it’s nice to pick up the odd sweet treat to enjoy with a cuppa in your cabin, or even lunch or dinner after a long day ashore.

If you want food delivered to your cabin, room service is available, although charges may apply depending on what you order.

What should you know before eating at the buffet?

Go at quieter times

Breakfast and lunch can become particularly busy on sea days.

If you prefer a quieter meal, consider eating slightly earlier or later than the main rush.

Walk around before choosing

Don’t necessarily take the first plate of food you see.

Buffet layouts can include different stations, so it is worth having a look around before deciding what you want.

Check the daily Horizon

Opening times and specific dining arrangements can vary according to the ship and itinerary.

The daily Horizon (daily newsletter/guide) is the best source of information once you are on board.

P&O Cruises buffet restaurants compared

The names may be different, but the basic role is the same across the fleet: an included, informal restaurant where you can eat at your own pace.

The biggest differences are the ship itself, the layout of the venue and the other casual dining choices available nearby.

On Arvia and Iona, for example, there are several additional included casual food options, while the buffet can play a more central role on the smaller and older ships.

My P&O Cruises buffet tips

If you’re new to P&O Cruises, don’t overlook the buffet simply because it sounds less glamorous than some of the speciality restaurants.

It is often one of the most useful restaurants on the ship.

Use it for breakfast when you want to get ashore quickly, lunch when you’re returning from a port or dinner when you want something informal.

For families, it can be particularly valuable because everyone can choose something different.

If you dislike the formality of dressing up for dinner, the buffet restaurants aren’t amongst the few venues that remain casual, even on black tie/celebration nights.

And if you’re travelling on a 2026 cruise, make a point of looking for the new children’s buffet area and checking out the updated children’s tea.

P&O Cruises buffet menus

I’m adding buffet menus to Cruise Lowdown as I obtain current examples from the ships.

Because P&O Cruises can change menus and dining arrangements, I recommend treating menu photographs as examples rather than a guarantee of exactly what will be served on your cruise.

For individual menus and restaurant guides, see my P&O Cruises Dining Guides.

The Lowdown

P&O Cruises’ buffet restaurants aren’t necessarily the most glamorous dining venues on the fleet, but they are among the most useful.

They’re included, flexible and particularly good when you want to eat quickly or when everyone in your group wants something different.

The 2026 children’s dining changes are a welcome improvement, particularly for families. I also like the fact that the buffet gives you somewhere genuinely informal to eat without having to plan your day around restaurant times.

If you’re cruising without children, don’t assume the buffet is just for families. It can be one of the easiest places to grab breakfast before an excursion, have lunch after a day ashore or enjoy a relaxed dinner without dressing up.

Cruise Lowdown verdict: Don’t overlook the buffet. It’s practical, flexible and included in your cruise fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are P&O Cruises buffet restaurants included?

Yes. Buffet dining is included in the price of a P&O Cruises holiday.

Which P&O Cruises ships have a Horizon buffet?

Horizon Restaurant is the buffet venue on Arvia, Iona, Britannia and Aurora.

Which P&O Cruises ship has the Belvedere buffet?

Arcadia has the Belvedere Restaurant as its buffet venue.

What is the buffet called on Azura?

Azura has two buffet venues, Verona and Venezia.

What is the buffet called on Ventura?

Ventura's buffet is the Waterside Restaurant.

What has changed in the P&O Cruises buffet for 2026?

P&O Cruises has introduced a dedicated children's area within the buffet and an updated daily children's tea, with familiar favourites alongside more nutritious choices.

Is there a children's buffet on P&O Cruises?

P&O Cruises has introduced a dedicated children's area in the buffet as part of its 2026 dining updates. The exact arrangements can vary by ship.

Can you eat as much as you want at the P&O Cruises buffet?

Yes. The buffet is an all-you-can-eat style dining option, with passengers free to return for additional dishes.

Is breakfast included at the P&O Cruises buffet?

Yes. Breakfast in the buffet is included in your cruise fare.

Is lunch included at the P&O Cruises buffet?

Yes. Buffet lunch is included in your P&O Cruises holiday.

Is dinner included at the P&O Cruises buffet?

Yes. Buffet dinner is included, although dining arrangements and opening times can vary by ship and itinerary.

Are P&O Cruises buffet restaurants casual?

Yes. The buffet is one of the more casual dining options on board. In the evening, the buffet dress code is Evening Casual and tailored shorts are accepted.

Does P&O Cruises have vegetarian and vegan buffet food?

Yes. P&O Cruises caters for vegetarian and vegan diets, although passengers with serious allergies or medically necessary dietary requirements should speak to the restaurant team about their individual needs.

More P&O Cruises Restaurant Guides