New research from P&O Cruises has revealed that more than a third of Brits (40%) would swap all their Christmas presents for an impromptu warm-weather holiday this festive season.   The study* highlighted a substantial appetite for festive getaways, with one in two respondents (53%) claiming they would gladly trade Christmas with the in-laws for some winter sun this month.   The research also revealed that a quarter of Brits (24%) say their New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to travel more, with Millennials (38%) and Gen Z (35%) driving this trend – whilst 67% of Millennials secretly research winter sun holidays between Christmas and New Year’s.   Other key findings include:

• Londoners are most likely to ditch Christmas with their in-laws (60%) this year, versus just 44% of people living in the South West – the region most loyal to family
• Millennials are the keenest generation (54%) to swap all their Christmas presents for a festive getaway, with men (43%) more interested in this trade-off than women (38%)
• One in three Brits (32%) say they need a holiday to recover from hosting at Christmas
• Almost half of the population (48%) say the best Christmas present their boss could give them this year is extra annual leave to take a holiday
• More than a quarter of Brits (28%) have argued with loved ones about who they'll spend Christmas with

  With the average Brit expected to spend in excess of £500 on presents and food this Christmas**, a P&O Cruises festive holiday is a great alternative for people looking to escape to warmer climes – with this 14-night Caribbean Islands Fly Cruise currently starting from just £2,329 per person based on two people sharing a balcony cabin.   P&O Cruises offers a varied programme of winter sun sailings to destinations across Europe and the Caribbean, and guests can enjoy the magic of Christmas in some of the world’s most picturesque destinations.   From seasonal menus to live family entertainment, on board children’s activities and regular cruises sailing from Southampton, P&O Cruises is perfectly placed to accommodate this demand.   Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it can come with a few familiar pressures. Our new research shows that many of us are looking for festivities that feel brighter, warmer, and far more relaxing. A festive holiday with P&O Cruises means sunshine instead of snow, unique experiences and family time together without the stress. Whether guests choose the Caribbean or the Canary Islands, it’s a truly memorable way to enjoy the season.”   Festive highlights from P&O Cruises include:   14-night Caribbean Islands Fly Cruise on Britannia Britannia’s 14-night roundtrip cruise from Barbados on 12 December 2025 (B529) sails to Saint Maarten, Antigua, St. Vincent, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Curacao and Aruba. Prices currently start from £2,329 per person based on two people sharing a suite.

P&O Cruises has unveiled new five-berth cabin designs coming to three ships in the fleet. The new larger family sized cabins will be introduced on board Arvia, Britannia and Iona. The expanded accommodation choices will be available for summer 2026 cruises and include balcony cabins and conservatory mini suite cabins for families of five. Fifty five-berth cabins are being introduced across the three ships. Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We're delighted to be expanding our family holiday offerings on Arvia, Britannia and Iona from next summer. We’re always looking for new ways to make family experiences easier, more comfortable and better value.”

  P&O Cruises has introduced new five-berth cabins on board Arvia, Britannia and Iona in a bid to make holidays at sea even easier – and better value – for bigger families.   The expanded accommodation choices will be available from summer 2026 and include balcony cabins and conservatory mini suite cabins for families of five.   50 five-berth cabins are being introduced across the three ships, giving families extra flexibility to maximise time spent together without compromise.   The introduction of extended family-friendly cabins is part of P&O Cruises’ continued commitment to delivering flexible holidays for families of all ages and sizes.   With varied dining choices, live family entertainment, on board children’s activities and regular cruises sailing from Southampton, P&O Cruises is proud of its family holiday offerings.   Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “With more families choosing P&O Cruises, we're delighted to be expanding our family holiday offerings on Arvia, Britannia and Iona from next summer. We know that family holidays create memories that last a lifetime, and we’re always looking for new ways to make those experiences easier, more comfortable and better value. We understand that every family is unique, and our new five-berth cabins mean that larger families can enjoy being together in one space without compromise.”

  P&O Cruises has announced a new partnership with leading plant-based food brand BOSH! that will elevate its on board menus with exclusive BOSH! dishes.   The collaboration has seen more than 40 new plant-based dishes added to P&O Cruises Freedom and Club dining restaurant menus, which are now available fleetwide.   The partnership reinforces P&O Cruises commitment to modern and authentic culinary experiences, reflecting a growing demand for healthy, sustainable dining options at sea.   BOSH! will bring its trademark creativity and accessible, plant-based cooking to main dining menus across the P&O Cruises fleet, with standout dishes including a plant-based Gnocchi with Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce and Key Lime Chocolate Pie.   Led by founding duo Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, BOSH! has developed a rotating collection of starters, mains and desserts that can be paired with specific itineraries across the world, offering guests fresh variety and the opportunity to discover innovative and bold-flavoured plant-based cuisine.   Marking an exciting evolution of P&O Cruises food proposition, the new plant-based dishes from BOSH! are designed to appeal to both plant-based lifestyles and flexitarian diners on board.   The announcement comes as P&O Cruises refreshes its wider Freedom and Club dining menus, with its team of development chefs creating an incredible 535 new dishes for guests, including three new concepts: Signature Selections, Locally Inspired and Home Comforts.   Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Teaming up with BOSH! allows us to elevate our food proposition to new heights, bringing guests the kind of contemporary plant-based dishes they increasingly enjoy at home. Choice, quality and bold flavour sit at the heart of the P&O Cruises dining experience, and this collaboration ensures that our plant-based diners and flexitarian guests feel just as inspired by the options available in our main dining restaurants. We’re delighted to welcome BOSH! on board as we continue to evolve our immersive dining experiences for 2026 and beyond.”   Co-founders of BOSH! Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, added: “We’re really proud to be partnering with P&O Cruises to introduce a new line-up of bold, plant-based dishes to their rotating menu. At BOSH!, flavour is everything. We want plant-rich food to feel exciting, satisfying and genuinely delicious, and these dishes deliver exactly that. They’re packed with vibrant ingredients and big flavours, giving guests the chance to enjoy proper feel-good food while they explore the world. We’re confident this new menu will not just meet expectations, but exceed them.”

  Guests on P&O Cruises Caribbean sailings on Arvia and Britannia can now book ceremonies on shore for the first time. To celebrate the launch of the new Ceremonies on Shore, P&O Cruises is offering travel agents 5% commission on all Ceremony packages booked as part of a P&O Cruises holiday.   Carnival UK & P&O Cruises associate vice president, sales & distribution Ruth Venn said: “In addition to the stunning Ceremonies at Sea already offered on board all seven P&O Cruises ships, these new Ceremonies on Shore will boost the current average of around 600 ceremonies across the fleet each year. They will provide agents with the opportunity to use the growing trend of celebrations abroad to reach new audiences and promote P&O Cruises ceremonies.”   “Ceremonies on Shore” offers legal weddings and commitment ceremonies, with guests now able to step off the ship and make their vows on the sandy beaches of Barbados or at the luxury Fairmont Royal Pavilion resort’s private beach or garden.   P&O Cruises ceremony packages include dedicated specialists before and during the cruise and the Ceremony on Shore package includes:  

• Barbados beach wedding on one of three beaches – Batts Rock, Needham’s Point and Little Good Shepherd, or at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion private beach or garden
• Pre-cruise and on-board wedding specialist
• Destination wedding co-ordinator
• Executive transfers to/from ship
• Wedding arch with two floral arrangements
• Couple’s breakfast in bed
• Champagne for toasting
• Matching bouquet and buttonhole
• Dinner for the couple at a speciality restaurant
• Commemorative P&O Cruises champagne flutes
• A commemorative certificate
• £100 per couple towards spa services and treatments
• Wedding night prosecco and chocolate covered strawberries

  To celebrate the launch of the new Ceremonies Sea and Shore packages, P&O Cruises is offering agents 5% commission on the base package only of any Ceremonies package booked as part of a P&O Cruises holiday. This new 5% commission is in addition to the usual base rate commission on the cruise holidays and is applicable to all base packages in the Ceremonies Sea and Shore range booked between 16 October 2025 and 16 April 2026. Agents will also be able to spin the bookings on Shine Rewards Club.   A “Ceremony on Shore’ package starts at £4,999, with options to upgrade the venue, add guests and personalise the experience with additional extras. Ceremonies can also be conducted at sea, offering couples even more flexibility in how and where they celebrate.

  Guests of all ages will be welcomed on board P&O Cruises ships Arcadia and Aurora from December 2026.   Selected cruises on the two smaller ships in the P&O Cruises fleet will be open to families on specific dates, during peak holiday periods and in time for Christmas next year.   The change provides an even wider range of cruise options for multi-generational groups and families, with more holidays available from the home port of Southampton and will add 23% more cruises for families to choose from in school summer holidays in 2027.   Bookings open on October 7, 2025 with cruises available on Aurora from December 11, 2026 and on Arcadia from December 21, 2026.   A total of 12 sailings on Aurora and eight on Arcadia will be available to families through to September 2027. More holidays for winter 2027-28 go on sale on October 14, 2025.   Menus for children will be available together with baby changing and bottle warming facilities and both ships will offer entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy.   There will be a wide range of spaces available for everyone on board – from quiet to more lively spaces and special events.   Carnival UK & P&O Cruises associate vice president, sales & distribution Ruth Venn said: “Recent CLIA data showed that multi-generational travel is a rising trend. Over 30% of families are now cruising with at least two generations onboard.   “In response to guest feedback and increasing demand we are excited to invite all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays meaning the whole family can come together to experience these elegant ships.   “These cruises will provide agents with even more opportunity to promote P&O Cruises.   “Arcadia and Aurora will continue to offer holidays exclusively for adults for the much of the year ensuring guests can enjoy the choice of both family-friendly and adult only cruises when booking a P&O Cruises holiday.”   Aurora will be welcoming guests of all ages on the following cruise holidays:  

• R621 - Short Break to Rotterdam, 4 Nights, 11 December 2026
• R622 - Christmas Scandinavia, 14 Nights, 15 December 2026
• R623 - Short Break to Hamburg, 5 Nights, 29 December 2026
• R704 - Short Break to Rotterdam, 4 Nights, 21 April 2027
• R707 - Northern Europe and Scandinavia, 7 Nights, 26 May 2027
• R709 - Short Break to Rotterdam, 4 Nights, 21 June 2027
• R711 - Southern Cruise Break to Spain, France and Portugal, 7 Nights, 9 July 2027
• R712 - Short Break to Hamburg and Zeebrugge (for Bruges), 5 Nights, 16 July 2027
• R713 - Northern Europe and Scandinavia, 16 Nights, 21 July 2027
• R714 - Short Break to Hamburg and Zeebrugge (for Bruges), 5 Nights, 6 August 2027
• R715 - Western Mediterranean Discovery, 21 Nights, 11 August 2027
• R717 - Short Break to Rotterdam, 4 Nights, 13 September 2027

  Arcadia will be welcoming guests of all ages on the following cruise holidays:  

• J619 - Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands, 16 Nights, 21 December 2026
• J703 - Short Break to Zeebrugge (for Bruges), 3 Nights, 10 May 2027
• J704 - Northern Europe and Scandinavia, 14 Nights, 13 May 2027
• J705 - Spain, 7 Nights, 27 May 2027
• J709* - Norway and Iceland, 14 Nights, 20 July 2027
• J710 - Eastern Mediterranean Discovery, 24 Nights, 3 August 2027
• J711 - Short Break to Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and Rotterdam, 5 Nights, 27 August 2027
• J713 - Norwegian Fjords, 14 Nights, 20 September 2027

  *Please note children on cruise holiday J709 must be at least 12 months old.

  P&O Cruises family day takeover ship visit took place on Saturday September 13, 2025, on board Iona in Southampton with 385 guests, including 90 travel agents and their families.   Guests spent the day exploring Iona’s family-friendly spaces, from swimming pools to entertainment venues, while enjoying lunch. The event offered the chance to discover more than 30 venues and take part in a variety of family-focused activities throughout the ship.   Feedback from agents included:   Michaela Farn, Not Just Travel: “What a fabulous day! None of my family had even been on a P&O Cruises ship before and they absolutely loved Iona. Being able to take some of the family on a ship visit was fantastic.”   Tyrion Kivell-Davies, Travellers World UK: “The staff were all amazing and every single member of staff seemed happy and engaged which made you feel at home straight away. I loved the ship and think the visit may convert my non-cruising husband.”   Kiran Roopra, InteleTravel: “I already have some customers interested in booking a trip on Iona after I shared some information about the family day on social media. The whole experience was seamlessly organised, from the time we showed up to the time we left. I loved how friendly the P&O Cruises team were.”

 

Celebrating contemporary holidays at sea with iconic imagery

  P&O Cruises has partnered with world-renowned photographer Rankin to unveil a unique photographic exhibition at Battersea Power Station in London on September 17-28, 2025.   The exhibition, open to the public and free of charge, will feature a series of captivating images shot on board P&O Cruises Arvia earlier this year.   Showcasing the vibrant energy and contemporary style of a modern holiday at sea, the collection presents life on board as seen through Rankin’s distinctive lens. The photographs highlight joyful moments, luxurious relaxation and the memorable experiences on a P&O Cruises holiday.   The striking images feature acclaimed personalities including performer Layton Williams, Blur bassist and cheesemaker Alex James and P&O Cruises Food Hero Marco Pierre White.   P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “We are privileged to be collaborating with Rankin on this truly special project. These images redefine travel photography and Rankin’s ability to capture the essence of contemporary travel aligns perfectly with our vision for a holiday with P&O Cruises.   “These photographs not only showcase the exceptional experiences on board, but also the joy and individuality of our guests. Each image brings its own charisma, captured in candid and dynamic moments that epitomise Arvia’s cool and contemporary spirit.   “We are proud to present this exhibition at Battersea Power Station and invite everyone to see cruising in a whole new light.”   The exhibition runs from September 17- 28, 2025 at Battersea Power Station and admission is free.

  P&O Cruises is expanding its partnership development sales team to five with the appointment of Isla Wilson and Amber Eastwood to the positions of partnership development manager, Scotland & Northern Ireland, and partnership development manager, North England, respectively.   Amber has a strong background in retail and business development, having held roles at Thomas Cook, Hays Travel, Barrhead Travel, Cruise118 and, most recently,  Red Sea Holidays. Her hands-on experience as a travel agent gives her a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing partners today.   Isla brings a wealth of cruise industry experience and a deep commitment to creating unforgettable journeys. Her approach centres on building collaborative partnerships and promoting meaningful travel experiences that enrich lives.   Isla has been tasked with forging new relationships with the Northern Ireland trade  as well as taking on the SPAA relationship in Scotland, while Amber will assume responsibility for agents in the North of England. Along with Sarah Bytheway and Hayley Gadd, who cover the South of England, they will form a dynamic team dedicated to delivering tailored support and engagement to travel agents across the UK and Ireland.   Reporting into Lynsey Roberts, business manager for partnership & regional development, the expanded team is set to enhance P&O Cruises’ regional presence and strengthen relationships with the trade.   Ruth Venn, associate vice-president, sales & distribution for P&O Cruises, comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome Amber and Isla to the team. Their experience and passion for the industry will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our partnerships and provide meaningful, localised support to our travel agent community.”   Paul Moran, senior manager, trade sales, adds: “The expansion of our partnership development sales team clearly demonstrates our commitment to working with – and supporting – our trade partners. I’m confident that Amber and Isla will make a great impact and bring energy and fresh ideas to the team.”   Both Isla and Amber will kick off their official engagements hosting agents on ship visits on Aurora in Liverpool and Greenock, followed by visits to their accounts’ head offices in their regional areas.

P&O Cruises is deepening its partnership with hometown team, Southampton Football Club. The cruise line is becoming an official front-of-shirt sponsor starting from the 2025-26 football season. It marks an expanded collaboration in their existing partnership. P&O Cruises logo will be displayed on the front of all men’s first team shirts, including both adult and kid’s replica kits. Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow said, “We are delighted to continue to support our home team. Contribution to the local community, regional economy and to the club and its fans is vital and we look forward to a successful season. The cruise line has previously been the official sleeve partner for both the men’s and women’s first teams as well as the title partner of the Saints Foundation. It will continue to be emblazoned on the women’s first team’s sleeve and continue as the headline sponsor of the Saints Foundation, the club’s official charity.

P&O Cruises is teaming up with a trio of top local chefs for a culinary experience for fly-cruise guests sailing from Barbados this winter. Celebrated chefs Sophie Michell, Adrian Cumberbatch and Damian Leach will create ‘A Taste of Barbados’ on board two ships. Guests on Caribbean fly-cruise sailings on Arvia and Britannia will be treated to the new culinary experience throughout the season from October 2025 to March 2026. The ships will offer a range of food events and local dishes in collaboration with the three chefs alongside signature Caribbean cocktails by mixologist Shane McClean. Guests can savour dishes made by the chefs as part of live cookery demonstrations. Sophie Michell, chef patron of the renowned Local & Co in Speightstown, Barbados, will curate a five-course dinner for weekly hosted dinners in The Cookery Club on Britannia. She will regularly attend these, engaging with guests about the menu and local food culture, and sharing stories about her life on the island. Reservations for the special hosted dinners can be made upon boarding. Guests can also sample created dishes in the buffet, featuring local ingredients selected by the chefs. A Taste of Barbados will include dishes such as lobster, local fish, aromatic saltfish with roast breadfruit, ginger sweet potato purée and spiced pineapple chutney. Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “P&O Cruises is the only major cruise line to fly guests direct to the Caribbean from seven departure cities around the UK with itineraries designed specifically for British guests.” “Our aim is always to curate experiences for our guests which are unique and memorable. It is fitting that A Taste of Barbados will bring the island’s best chefs and top mixologist on board.” “They will introduce an authentic Caribbean vibe with these very special events.”

Norse Atlantic Airways has renewed its fly-cruise partnership with P&O Cruises for the upcoming winter 2025/2026 cruise season in the Caribbean. Between November 2025 and March 2026 Norse Atlantic will offer direct flights to Barbados and Antigua, taking guests to Arvia or Britannia for 14-night Caribbean cruise holidays. The dedicated charter flights will operate weekly from London, Birmingham and Manchester. “We are proud to renew our partnership with P&O Cruises for fly cruises to the Caribbean. We look forward to welcoming P&O Cruises’ guests throughout the season ahead," said Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways. P&O Cruises guests flying with Norse Atlantic have the choice of two cabin options, Economy and Norse Premium. Customers get complimentary drinks and a main meal plus a selection of entertainment options during the flight. The Norse Premium cabin offers a 43" seat pitch and 12" recline, along with additional amenities including priority boarding and enhanced dining. Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said "Norse Atlantic Airways proved itself as a great addition to our offering, with guests and travel partners sharing positive feedback about our bespoke in-flight proposition."