SHIPS
Child-free ships: Arcadia (2005), Artemis (1984)
Family-friendly ships: Aurora (2000), Azura (2010), Oceana (2000); Oriana (1995), Ventura (2008)
SO WHAT''S IT REALLY LIKE?
P&O Cruises has always been a traditional cruise company, never quite matching the quality aboard the Cunard Line ships, which have more international passengers. However, it has been reinventing itself, and the result is a contemporary onboard cruise product well aimed at the high-street traveler. It specializes in providing all the little things that British passengers have come to expect, including tea/coffee making sets in all cabins, and a wide choice of Indian-cuisine themed food.
Traditionally, P&O Cruises was known for British families who wanted to sail from a UK port – except for winter Caribbean cruises from Barbados. But now it’s also known for having child-free ships, and so the two products differ widely in their communal spaces. It also makes an effort to provide theme cruises – antiques, art appreciation, classical music, comedy, cricket, gardening, jazz, Scottish dance, etc. The ships typically carry ballroom dance instructors. Bed linen is not changed as often (twice a week) as on some lines, like MSC Cruises (every two days).
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010
