If you’re a UK cruiser trying to pick the perfect P&O ship, you’re not alone — with seven ships in the fleet, including two adults-only vessels and some modern mega-ships, it’s a tough call.
You might assume that newer equals better, but that’s not always the case. Many long-time cruisers still rave about the older ships in the fleet for their calm, classic feel, while others love the energy and amenities that come with the bigger, newer ships like Arvia or Iona.
To find out what regular cruisers really think, I dove deep into real-world passenger reviews and ranked every P&O ship from best to worst based on average ratings across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor.
💡 Spoiler: The results might surprise you. The oldest ship in the fleet tops the list — and the newest sits at the bottom.
🥇 1. Aurora – Small, Adults-Only, and Surprisingly Loved
Despite being the oldest ship in the fleet, Aurora wins the top spot in this year’s rankings.
Launched in 2000 and sailing exclusively for adults, she may be half the size of Iona and Arvia, but guests adore her for her calm ambiance, tight-knit community feel, and no-kids-allowed policy.
Reviewers consistently praise the ship’s excellent itineraries and friendly, attentive crew — a welcome throwback to the golden age of cruising.
With fewer passengers onboard, everything feels a bit more personal and relaxed.
That said, she’s starting to show her age. Multiple reviews mention tired furnishings, worn-out areas, and the need for a serious facelift.
🛠️ Good News: A major refit is already scheduled for April 2025, promising upgraded cabins, new furniture, and refreshed open decks.
✅ Best for: Couples and solo travelers who want a peaceful, traditional cruise experience.
🥈 2. Britannia – Stylish, Spacious & Well-Loved
When Britannia launched in 2015, she brought a bold new feel to the fleet — modern, refined, and significantly larger than her predecessors.
Guests continue to praise her for being beautifully balanced: large enough for variety, but not overwhelming.
Many reviews call out how spacious she feels, even during sea days, and highlight the wide array of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options onboard.
But not everything is perfect. The buffet and main dining room receive mixed reviews on food quality and variety — some guests love it, others expect more.
Still, those inconsistencies don’t stop Britannia from holding strong in the #2 spot.
🍷 Pro tip: For a special evening, book The Epicurean — it gets rave reviews for service and presentation.
🥉 3. Azura – Friendly, Familiar, and Family-Friendly
Azura strikes a sweet spot — not too big, not too small, and packed with little touches that keep guests coming back.
With four pools, a solid kids’ club, and an adults-only spa terrace, it caters to all ages without leaning too far in either direction.
Passengers frequently mention how warm and welcoming the crew is, and the ship itself gets top marks for being clean, well-maintained, and easy to navigate.
The only recurring complaint? Evening entertainment. Compared to what you’ll find on American lines or larger ships, the shows and nightlife feel limited, and guests hoping for something dazzling may leave a little underwhelmed.
🧘 Best for: Cruisers who prefer relaxed days by the pool, friendly service, and a more low-key atmosphere after dark.
4. Iona – A Floating City With Mixed Vibes
If you’re looking for variety, Iona delivers — she’s one of the largest ships ever built for the UK market, and it shows. From the kids’ clubs and live entertainment to a gin distillery, casual and fine dining options, and multiple bars, she’s buzzing from morning to night.
Guests love the modern decor, food selection, and especially the evening entertainment, with plenty of venues offering different vibes each night.
There’s truly something for everyone, especially families or multi-generational groups.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Some cruisers say the ship lacks “soul” or feels too much like a floating resort — chaotic, busy, and impersonal at times.
You’ll even see reviews calling her “Butlins at sea” — though others lovingly describe her as “somewhere between Butlins and Cunard.”
She’s due for a refurb in late 2025, so it’s likely her scores will climb higher in the future.
🛝 Best for: Families and groups who want a holiday packed with choices and lively energy.
⚓️ 5. Ventura – Great Value with a Familiar Feel
Ventura is Azura’s nearly identical sister ship — same size, similar layout, and a balanced mix of family fun and adult-only spaces.
While she doesn’t boast flashy features, guests consistently say she offers excellent value.
You’ll find plenty of loungers, a good selection of food venues, and a helpful, friendly crew. Most reviews reflect a solid, well-rounded experience, especially for the price.
Where Ventura drops a few points is with returning cruisers — long-time P&O fans often note a gradual dip in quality, from more relaxed dress codes to cabins that feel a bit tired. But first-timers or value-focused travelers rarely complain.
🎯 Verdict: A dependable choice for cruisers who want a low-stress, classic experience without blowing the budget.
🚫 6. Arcadia – Quiet, Adult-Only Charm That Needs a Touch-Up
Arcadia is the second adults-only ship in the P&O fleet — slightly bigger than Aurora, but still much more intimate and relaxed than the mega-ships.
What sets her apart is the laid-back atmosphere and how easy it is to feel like you’re part of a small community.
The crew gets to know guests, and with fewer distractions on board, it’s a ship that encourages real connection.
That said, guests do comment on the dated decor and aging public spaces, though Arcadia just underwent a refit in November 2024, so that should help improve her future review score.
🕯️ Best for: Adults seeking traditional cruising with a slower pace and fewer crowds.
🧳 7. Arvia – A Modern Giant Still Finding Its Groove
Arvia is the newest and largest ship in the P&O fleet — and while she’s loaded with smart design and fun family features, she comes in last on this list.
Why? Her early teething issues. A chaotic debut Christmas cruise left a trail of negative reviews, and a few guests have criticized the disorganization, flight hiccups, and a lack of atmosphere compared to smaller ships.
But there’s good news. Many recent passengers report having a fantastic time, praising the food, entertainment, and top-notch kids’ facilities.
Like any new ship, it’s taken time to settle in, and review scores should keep rising.
🚀 Tip: If you’re cruising as a family or love Caribbean itineraries, Arvia still deserves your consideration.
⚖️ More Useful Info to Pick the Perfect P&O Ship
🛳 Biggest Ship:
Arvia holds the crown as P&O’s biggest ship ever, just edging out her sister, Iona. Both are ideal for families or those who want lots of choice on board.
💑 Best for Couples:
If peace and quiet are your priorities, look no further than Aurora and Arcadia. These are adults-only ships with a traditional, romantic feel. For a more modern touch, Britannia offers stylish bars and varied dining.
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families:
Hands down, it’s Iona. Her kids’ clubs, casual eateries, and UK sailings make her a hit with families, and there’s something for every age group.
The Bottom Line
It might raise a few eyebrows to see Arvia, the newest and most modern ship, sitting at the bottom of the rankings. But let’s be clear — she’s not a bad ship.
In fact, all of the ships in the P&O fleet have more positive reviews than negative, which says a lot about the brand’s consistency.
The real story here is that P&O’s smaller, older ships still have serious charm. Long-time cruisers love them for their peaceful atmosphere, traditional service, and tighter-knit onboard community.
And when you look at Aurora topping the list, it’s a reminder that cruising isn’t always about water slides and wow-factor shows — sometimes it’s about comfort and familiarity.
Across the board, P&O manages to balance modern amenities with classic cruising. Whether you’re a family seeking fun, a couple looking to unwind, or a solo traveler craving serenity, there’s a ship that will feel like it was designed just for you.
🔍 Need help narrowing it down?
– For peace and quiet: Aurora or Arcadia
– For value: Ventura or Azura
– For families: Iona or Arvia
– For something stylish and balanced: Britannia
P&O might be tailored for the British market, but their ships are proof that British cruising doesn’t have to be boring — it can be exciting, relaxing, and deeply personal too.
