P and O Cruises are renowned for being one of the most popular cruise lines in the UK. Their celebration of all things British makes you feel right at home when you get on board. With an impressive fleet of 7 ships, ranging from small and intimate to large and innovative, it can be hard to choose the right one, so we’ve picked our top 3 P&O cruise ships.
Aurora
Aurora was launched in 2000 and was built as an ocean-going liner, with a classic tiered stern and wide, open decks. The beautiful atrium lies at the very heart of the ship, with the wonderful furnishings and decor adding a real sense of grandeur and sophistication. Thanks to the varied lengths and destinations of the itineraries offered on Aurora, she is hugely popular and appeals to couples, friends and families alike. The spacious decks provide plenty of space to relax and enjoy your days at sea, and there are several swimming pools to cool off in, including a paddling pool for young children. The children’s facilities are really excellent, providing lots fun games and activities for children of all ages. For the grown-ups there is plenty to do too, with superb daytime and evening entertainment available. The on board theatre has regular evening production shows, and there is also a cinema which shows all the latest blockbuster films, as well as a few classics too.
Ventura
Ventura was the first of the P&O ships to be built specifically for British holidaymakers, and along with sister ship Azura, she is one of the largest and most innovative ships in the fleet. At over 116,000 tonnes the ship can carry up to 3,500 passengers at full capacity and features numerous bars, entertainment lounges, and restaurants. With a focus for family entertainment, the ship has a wealth of activities and facilities for children of all ages. Amongst the newly added features are a huge digital Scalextric track, and Cirque Ventura, the very first circus school at sea. It sits high up at the very back of the ship and as well as bungee trampolines, children can learn to juggle, tight-rope walk, uni-cycle, and also take part in circus shows, all free of charge. Ventura also has several restaurants on board with menus designed by top celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. The White Room is one of the larger of the speciality restaurants which he created both the menu and also some of the design of the restaurant, whilst out on deck there is Frankie’s Pizzeria, which is inspired by his chain of restaurants with jockey Frankie Dettori.
Adonia
Adonia is the newest addition to P&O’s fleet, having only joined in May 2011. Christened in a lavish ceremony by singer Dame Shirley Bassey, the ship is fast becoming a firm favourite with P&O passengers. Sailing with as few as 700 passengers at a time, Adonia is known as a pathfinder ship, and will take you to smaller ports that her larger sisters can’t reach. Adonia is the second ship in the fleet that is exclusively just for adults, and many of the activities on board are focused around relaxation and well-being. The decor and atmosphere reflect a more traditional cruising era, with intimate dining rooms and cosy bars and lounges. Wood-panelled walls and leather armchairs can be found in numerous places, whilst the grand staircase in the atrium is reminiscent of cruise ships of yesteryear. There is a distinctive modern twist to the ship though, with a fantastic spa and health centre, superb evening shows with live music, dancing and comedy, and a wonderful choice of delicious cuisine in the on board restaurants.
Image by happyskrappy
