It does exactly what it says on the tin – a little floating Britain at sea. If your idea of holiday heaven involves waking up to the smell of proper English bacon, dunking a Tetley tea bag in your mug, and slathering HP sauce on your fry-up while sailing past Mediterranean coastlines, P&O Cruises might just be your perfect fit.
It’s one thing to enjoy a proper cuppa in the drizzle of a British winter, but is there anything more bizarre than taking that same wet-weather mentality to the Caribbean? Picture this: tropical sun, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches – and then stepping back onboard for a roast dinner, Yorkshire puddings, and a pub quiz. Welcome to P&O Cruises, where the comforts of Blighty follow you wherever you go.
The British Bubble
P&O Cruises is unapologetically British, and for some, that’s the whole point. Fancy Tetley tea by the pool or HP sauce with your breakfast fry-up? You’ve got it. Roast dinners, English bacon, and Yorkshire puddings? Check, check, and check. Even the entertainment – comedians, tribute acts, karaoke nights, and West End-style shows – feels more at home on an ITV Saturday night than under Caribbean skies.
For a bit of nostalgia, P&O has you covered. On Arvia, you can catch Take That the Musical – perfect if you’ve ever swayed along to Never Forget at your local pub. And for younger (or young at heart) cruisers, Wallace and Gromit are P&O’s unofficial mascots. You’ll find them popping up in activities, movies, and photo ops. It’s pure British charm, with a touch of “Pass the cheese, Gromit!” thrown in for good measure.
Food Glorious Food
P&O’s culinary offering can feel like a home-from-home affair. While other cruise lines lean into local flavours, P&O delivers hearty British staples. But, to be fair, it’s not all shepherd’s pie and baked beans.
They boast what’s arguably the best Indian restaurant at sea, Sindhu. Whether you’re craving a spicy curry or chicken tikka masala – Britain’s beloved “national dish” – you’re in for a treat. And for vegans and vegetarians, Green & Co. on Arvia is a standout. This innovative restaurant serves plant-based dishes that’ll have you double-checking whether it’s really not meat. Fancy reading more about it? Check out our review here.
That said, the buffet might not whisk you away on a culinary adventure. Instead, it’s more likely to remind you of a good old British high street café – or dare we say it, BHS. Remember that?! A nostalgic trip down memory lane as you queue for your plate of chips and beans.
There’s a positive, though – the drink and spa prices are pleasantly similar to what you’d pay at home, rather than one of the inflated prices you’re often hit with on American cruise lines.
Destinations Versus Expectations
The Caribbean is a dream destination for most travellers – the kind of place where you sip rum punches on a sun-kissed beach or wander vibrant markets filled with local crafts and tropical fruits. But on P&O, it’s more about ticking off the ports than diving into the culture.
The itineraries are solid, taking you to iconic spots like Barbados, St Lucia, and Antigua. But once you step back onboard, the British bubble resumes – from the bingo hall vibe of the entertainment venues to the familiar smells wafting from the buffet. If you’re craving local flavour, you’ll need to get it while ashore because it’s straight back to fish and chips when you return.
For those who normally pack Heinz baked beans or tea bags in their luggage for a trip abroad – you can leave them at home. P&O has already stocked them, ready and waiting for you onboard.
Our Experience
We’ve cruised with P&O twice – once aboard Ventura to Amsterdam (spoiler: the crowd wasn’t exactly soaking up culture in the Rijksmuseum) and again on Arvia for a short hop to Bruges and Cherbourg. Both trips were solid, affordable, and low-key, but they left us wondering how the same experience would translate in more exotic locales.
Would we enjoy the Caribbean as much if it felt like a British seaside holiday transplanted to the tropics? Or would we be better off with a line that leaned into the vibrant culture, food, and energy of the region? It’s a question worth asking before booking.
Is It for You?
P&O Cruises is perfect for travellers who want all the comforts of home, wherever they go. If you like knowing exactly what you’ll get – from roast dinners to karaoke nights – and don’t mind skipping the immersive cultural experience, it’s a great fit.
But if you’re the type who dreams of blending into the rhythm of the islands, soaking up the local culture, and savouring every moment of being somewhere different, P&O might feel like a missed opportunity. After all, if you’ve flown halfway around the world to the Caribbean, do you really want to spend your evenings at a floating British holiday resort?
Final Thoughts
Although it’s not for us – we love to experience new cultures, immerse ourselves in local food, and connect with the people – we completely understand why P&O’s approach works for many. After all, as our motto suggests: “There’s a cruise for everyone.”
So, if a roast dinner under the Caribbean sun sounds like perfection, or if you prefer your adventures with all the comforts of home, P&O Cruises might just be the one for you.