Don’t Book The Wrong P&O Cruise Ship – I Tried 5 To Compare

Most people think all P&O cruise ships are basically the same…but they’re definitely not!

I’ve cruised on five different ships in the fleet. The differences in size, atmosphere, and the onboard experiences are huge.

You need to know what you really want from your cruise from the start. You might really regret booking if you pick one that doesn’t suit you.

I’ve cruised on Iona, Arvia, Britannia, Ventura and Aurora. I have only Arcadia and Azura left to try.

What has really surprised me most is just how different they all feel.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

Most people choose based on price or itinerary, but with P&O, the ship matters just as much.

You can have a completely different cruise experience, depending on which ship you pick.

How I’m Comparing Them

I’m going to show you what each ship is like, who it’s best for… and who should avoid it

This will help you pick the right one for you, your travelling companions or your family.

Iona and Arvia

What They Are Like

These are modern, busy mega-ships with lots going on onboard.

They were launched in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

They both offer a very different experience from the traditional P&O cruising of the past.

They will accommodate between 5,200 and 6,500 guests, depending on how many cabin berths are occupied.

If they are sailing in the school holidays, there may be four guests staying in many cabins. Out of school holidays, there will probably only be two guests per cabin. That makes a lot of difference to how busy the ship feels.

These ships were built to attract the family cruise market, and they have been very successful in doing that.

What I Liked

• Loads of choice in cabin types/dining locations, and venues onboard.
• Great for first-time cruisers, it is all very easy with all gratuities included in the fare.
• Plenty to do for children and families.
• You can get some really good, cheap deals if you don’t mind booking an inside cabin.
  • The inside cabin I stayed in on Iona has to rank as one of my favourite inside cabins ever….
• The interior decor is modern and stylish throughout.

Have a look at what you will get if you book the cheapest inside cabin on Iona or Arvia in the video below:

What Might Surprise You

• Arvia and Iona can feel crowded when sailing at full capacity.
  • Avoid peak seasons and school holidays if possible.
    • Many cabins will be at full capacity, with families of four in many of them, leading to more crowded public spaces.

I took one half-term trip on Iona, and there were literally hundreds of children onboard. Trying to walk through the central atrium area was like walking through a busy shopping centre/mall on land.

Arvia and Iona don’t give you that “traditional cruise” experience. Some would love the ships, others would hate them.

When I wanted to book a cheap family trip away that would suit everyone, I booked P&O’s Arvia.

Find out if it was a good choice here:

Who It’s Perfect For

• Families.
• First-time cruisers.
• Those who want a budget-friendly cruise option.
• People who like big ships and lots of options.

Don’t Book This If…

• You want a quiet cruise.
• You like traditional cruising.
• You don’t like crowds.
• You enjoy a smaller ship experience.

Britannia

What She’s Like

Britannia is a more modern ship, but she has a calmer feel than Iona & Arvia.

She was launched in 2015 by Queen Elizabeth II, which was considered a huge honour at the time.

Britannia feels a bit like the middle ground between family cruising and traditional cruising. She accommodates around 3,600 guests.

Britannia was the first P&O ship I ever sailed on, and I took my first ever trip to the Norwegian Fjords on her.

I have returned to the Norwegian Fjords many times since then; it is one of my favourite destinations. I still have very fond memories of that first trip on Britannia with my Mum.

What I Liked

• It was easy to navigate
• It offers a nice balance of things to do, not too busy, but not too relaxing and quiet.

What Might Surprise You

• She is not as exciting as the newer ships, Iona and Arvia.
• She is not as traditional as the older ships in the fleet.

Who It’s Perfect For

• People who want a balance between the two experiences – not too old and fuddy-duddy, not so new and “full on”.
• Couples.
• First timers who don’t want something as overwhelming as Arvia and Iona.

Don’t Book This If…

• You want loads of big attractions and thrilling activities.
• You want a very traditional cruise.

Ventura

What She’s Like

Ventura is an older ship, but she still has quite a lively atmosphere on board.

She feels more classic P&O, with somewhat dated wooden cabin decor and public spaces.

She accommodates around 3100 guests, although she can take up to 3,727 passengers when sailing at full capacity.

What I Liked

• She offers some really good value cruises
• She offers a very standard cruise experience

What Might Surprise You

• She feels dated in places, but still well cared for.
• There is far less “wow factor” than on the newer ships, Arvia and Iona.

Who It’s Perfect For

• People looking for a good value cruise.
• Mixed age groups.
• Those who don’t need the newest or biggest ship.

Don’t Book This If…

• You want modern features.
• You prefer a newer ship generally.
• You are concerned about seasickness.

I didn’t think Ventura handled rough seas very well. The buffet is at the top of the ship at the back. My cup of breakfast tea literally slid across the table one morning; there was so much movement!

Find out about that eventful Christmas Cruise here:

Aurora

What She’s Like

Aurora is a small, traditional ship that offers a slower pace of life onboard.

She is SO different from Iona and Arvia; it is like stepping back in time.

She is the oldest ship in the P&O fleet, built in 1998. She accommodates around 1800 guests- about a third as many as Arvia and Iona.

Expect intimate public venues, traditional teak decks, and dated cabin interiors.

What I Liked

• The relaxed atmosphere
• The chance to try a classic cruise experience.
• The traditional tiered aft of the ship is lovely!

What Might Surprise You

• It is a very quiet, adult-only ship (although a recent change in P&O’s policies will see children allowed on “selected sailings” during the school holidays and at Christmas).
  • There are no children’s venues or facilities onboard though, so I wouldn’t pick this ship if you are sailing with children.
• There is not much to “do” compared to bigger ships.
  • Don’t expect water slides, rock-climbing walls, or thrilling adventure activities.

Who It’s Perfect For

• Traditional cruisers.
• Older travellers.
• People who want a calm, quiet trip.
• People who want to experience smaller, less busy ports.

Don’t Book This If…

• You need entertainment all day.
• You like big, modern ships.
• You aren’t prepared to accept occasional maintenance issues, like broken public toilets!

Aurora has a huge loyal following. I liked her far more than I expected to. She really has a lovely, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. I would love to sail on her again.

Have a look at my cruise on Aurora here:

A Quick Comparison:

If you want a lively, modern, family oriantated cruise: Go for Iona or Arvia

If you want a balance between modern and traditional: Go for Britannia

If you want good value and don’t mind an older ship: Go for Ventura

If you want a traditional cruising experience: Go for Aurora

My Final Thoughts

These ships all sail for the same cruise line, but they feel completely different.

If you pick the right one, you’ll love it.

If you pick the wrong one, it can completely change your trip. You might end up wishing you had picked something different and spent your money on something else!

Have a closer look at Ventura compared to Iona in the video below. The differences in the decor and the atmosphere on board are stark:

Before You Go:

Have a look at the dress codes on P&O ships below. Things vary from one ship to another:

What to Wear on a P&O Cruise – 39 Examples and Enforcement

Have a look at the meals served on P&O ships (with real photo examples) here:

51 Meals I Ate on my P&O Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review