P&O Cruises 2024: Best Ship, Health Tips, Upgrades & FAQ
Booking a P&O cruise for 2024 feels exciting, but the prep can quickly turn overwhelming between choosing the right ship and dodging health pitfalls. This guide cuts through the noise with practical advice on dining, upgrades, health safety, and what the recent 2026 cancellation news means for your plans.
Ships in fleet (2024): 7 ·
Homeport: Southampton, England ·
Parent company: Carnival Corporation & plc ·
Year founded: 1837 ·
Passenger capacity (largest ship, Arvia): 5,200
Quick snapshot
- Arvia: newest largest ship, launched 2022 (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Iona: LNG-powered, launched 2020 (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Britannia: family favorite, launched 2015 (Wikipedia – cruise line profile)
- Exact list of cancelled 2026 cruises not fully disclosed (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Frequency of free upgrades varies by sailing (Seatrade Cruise News)
- P&O Cruises offers a wellness cruise program in 2024 (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Wellness cruises to Spain, Portugal, Mediterranean (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Fleet updates and redeployments for 2026 (Seatrade Cruise News)
Seven ships, one pattern: the fleet spans from the classic Arcadia (2005) to the LNG-powered Arvia (2022), offering vastly different experiences.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Southampton, United Kingdom |
| Parent company | Carnival Corporation & plc (Wikipedia) |
| Fleet size | 7 ships (2024) |
| Oldest ship in service | Arcadia (2005) |
| Newest ship | Arvia (2022) (Seatrade Cruise News) |
Which is the nicest P&O ship?
Overview of P&O fleet: Arvia, Iona, Britannia, and others
- Arvia (2022): 5,200 passengers, LNG fuel (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Iona (2020): 5,200 passengers, LNG fuel
- Britannia (2015): 3,600 passengers, family-oriented (Wikipedia)
- Ventura, Azura, Aurora, Arcadia – smaller, older ships
What makes Arvia the newest flagship
Arvia features updated dining venues, a larger spa, and enhanced entertainment. The implication: for modern amenities, Arvia or Iona are the top choices. (P&O Cruises First Time Cruiser Tips)
What are the five foods to avoid on a cruise ship?
Buffet pitfalls: undercooked seafood and unpasteurized dairy
- Raw or undercooked seafood – Healthline (medical advice) advises against it
- Unpasteurized dairy products
Avoid unpeeled fruit and raw sprouts
- Unpeeled fruit may carry norovirus – Healthline recommends washing hands frequently
High-sodium dishes and sugary desserts
- High-sodium foods contribute to dehydration (Healthline)
- Limit alcohol and greasy/spicy foods when seasick (Healthline)
Bottom line: Passengers should stick to cooked, peeled, and low-sodium options to avoid stomach bugs. Wash hands after touching high-contact surfaces.
The implication: following these dietary guidelines reduces your risk of illness.
How do you get a free cabin upgrade on P&O cruises?
Register for loyalty clubs: P&O Peninsular Club
- Tiers: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic – higher tiers get priority upgrades
- Join at P&O Cruises (loyalty program details)
Book Guarantee cabin for chance of automatic upgrade
- Guarantee cabins offer potential upgrade at no extra cost – but not guaranteed
Travel during off-peak periods
- Early or late season: lower occupancy, higher chances
Bottom line: Cruisers should join the Peninsular Club and book a guarantee cabin for the best chance of an upgrade. The trade-off: you may end up in a lower category if no upgrade occurs.
The pattern: a combination of loyalty and timing gives you the best shot at an upgrade.
Why are P&O cancelling cruises for 2026?
Ship redeployment and itinerary adjustments
- P&O reportedly cancels some 2026 cruises to reassign ships to new routes (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Official statements cite operational reasons
Dry dock schedules and fleet rationalization
- Older ships may enter dry dock; newer ships deployed to higher-demand regions
The catch: affected passengers are offered rebooking or refunds. Check your booking status with P&O Cruises.
Can you get ringworm from a cruise ship?
How ringworm spreads in close quarters
- Ringworm is a fungal infection spread by skin-to-skin contact (Healthline)
- Cruise ships have reportedly seen outbreaks in pool and gym areas
Prevention: use flip-flops in pool areas, shower after splash zones
- Wear waterproof footwear and shower after swimming
- Report symptomatic rashes to crew medical staff (Healthline)
Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments. A simple flip-flop habit cuts your risk dramatically.
The catch: simple prevention habits are highly effective against fungal infections.
What does Charlie Charlie Charlie mean on a cruise ship?
Crew emergency code for man overboard
- Charlie Charlie Charlie is the general emergency alarm for man overboard on Carnival group ships (Wikipedia – parent company)
How passengers should respond
- Stay calm, stop walking on deck, follow crew instructions
Warning: If you hear “Charlie Charlie Charlie” over the PA, stay away from railings and await crew direction.
What this means: knowing emergency codes can keep you safe.
What is the best time to eat dinner on a cruise ship?
Main seating vs. anytime dining
- Early seating: 17:30-18:00; late seating: 20:00-20:30 (P&O Cruises dining info)
Avoiding peak hours for shorter wait times
- Anytime dining: peak between 19:00-20:00 – opt for before 18:30 or after 20:30
Why this matters: earlier dining leaves more time for evening shows; later dining suits couples who prefer quieter meals.
P&O Cruises 2024 – ship specifications
Seven ships, six decades of service: the table below shows how the fleet compares.
| Ship | Year launched | Passenger capacity | Propulsion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arvia | 2022 | 5,200 | LNG |
| Iona | 2020 | 5,200 | LNG |
| Britannia | 2015 | 3,600 | Diesel |
| Ventura | 2008 | 3,100 | Diesel |
| Azura | 2010 | 3,100 | Diesel |
| Aurora | 2000 | 1,870 | Diesel |
| Arcadia | 2005 | 1,968 | Diesel |
The pattern: the fleet spans from classic to LNG, with capacity differences influencing your choice.
Pros and cons of a P&O cruise in 2024
Upsides
- Modern LNG ships reduce environmental impact (Seatrade Cruise News)
- Wellness cruises offered in 2024
- Loyalty program with upgrade chances
- Flexible dining options
Downsides
- Some 2026 cruises cancelled – uncertainty
- Free upgrades not guaranteed
- Health risks (norovirus, ringworm) in close quarters
- COVID-19 protocols may still apply (World of Cruising)
The implication: weigh the upsides against the uncertainties to decide if P&O is right for you.
How to plan your P&O cruise step by step
- Choose your ship – compare Arvia/Iona for modern vs Britannia/Arcadia for classic (Wikipedia)
- Book early – secure preferred dining time and cabin category
- Join Peninsular Club – free membership, earn loyalty points (P&O Cruises)
- Pack health essentials – hand sanitizer, flip-flops, motion sickness bands
- Review travel insurance – at least £2 million medical cover
- Check cancellation policy – understand refund terms for changes
The catch: following these steps transforms planning from daunting to manageable.
Timeline: P&O Cruises history
- – P&O founded as Peninsular Steam Navigation Company (Wikipedia)
- – First dedicated cruise ship, Pacific Princess
- – Carnival Corporation acquires P&O Princess Cruises
- – Launch of Iona, first LNG-powered ship
- – Launch of Arvia, second LNG ship
- – Current sailings from Southampton; some 2026 cruises cancelled
The pattern: P&O’s history shows continuous evolution.
Clarity check: what’s confirmed and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- P&O Cruises is a British line based in Southampton (Wikipedia)
- Fleet consists of 7 ships as of 2024
- Charlie Charlie Charlie means man overboard on Carnival group ships (Wikipedia)
What remains unclear
- Exact list of cancelled 2026 cruises not fully disclosed
- Frequency of free upgrades varies by sailing
- Healthline advises pre-cruise health check – exact timing is unclear
The implication: always verify the latest updates directly with P&O.
Expert perspectives
“P&O Cruises is the oldest cruise line in the world, dating back to 1837, and has evolved from a mail steamer company into a modern cruise operator.”
– Wikipedia (cruise history reference)
“First time cruisers should book a healthcare appointment 4 to 6 weeks before departure to review vaccines and preparations.”
– Healthline (travel health guidance)
“P&O Cruises launched three 2024 wellness cruises with TV presenter Cherry Healey, focusing on wellbeing at sea.”
– Seatrade Cruise News (industry coverage)
The pattern across all these insights: planning ahead – from health checks to dining strategy – transforms a potentially stressful vacation into a safe, enjoyable cruise. For the UK traveller weighing a P&O booking in 2024, the choice is clear: pick the ship that matches your comfort needs, follow basic hygiene protocols, and accept that some factors like upgrades and itineraries remain out of your hands. Either you adapt and enjoy, or you risk a memorable trip for the wrong reasons.
wonderandsundry.com, wynnfamilymedicine.com, cruise1st.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest P&O ship?
As of 2024, Arcadia (launched 2005) is the oldest active ship in the fleet. (Wikipedia)
Are P&O cruises all-inclusive?
No – drinks, gratuities, and specialty dining cost extra. Standard meals in main dining rooms are included. (P&O Cruises)
Do you need a passport for a P&O cruise from Southampton?
Yes – a valid passport is required for all cruises, including those that visit EU ports. (P&O Cruises)
Can I bring my own alcohol on a P&O cruise?
P&O permits one bottle of wine or champagne per person at embarkation. Hard liquor is not allowed. (P&O Cruises)
How much is Wi-Fi on P&O cruises?
Wi-Fi packages vary by ship and duration; expect around £15-25 per day for a standard plan. Check your cruise personaliser for current prices.
Can I cancel a P&O cruise and get a refund?
Cancel before the final payment due date for a full refund. After that, cancellation fees apply. Review the booking terms at pocruises.com.
What is the dress code for P&O cruises?
Daywear is casual; evening dress code varies by dining room. Formal nights require suits or dresses. (P&O Cruises)
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