- Empowering girls and celebrating International Women’s Day
Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day – a time to celebrate women’s achievements and focus on advancing gender equality through collective action and support. To mark this important day, P&O Cruises and our Carnival UK charity partner, Saints Foundation, invited 43 Southampton secondary school girls on board Iona for an inspiring and eye-opening event. - March: A month of inclusion, empowerment and respect
March is a month rich with opportunities to recognise, celebrate and deepen our commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Across the globe, several awareness days and cultural moments fall within the month – each one reminding us of the importance of dignity, respect, equity, and the power of diverse voices. From International Women’s Day and - An unforgettable Caribbean adventure
This month, Iona returned from an incredible 35‑night Caribbean adventure. Throughout the cruise, teams across the ship pulled together to host a fantastic mix of activities for guests and crew, making the most of every destination. Exploring the Caribbean together Crew made the most of the opportunity to experience the Caribbean up close, taking - Iona Visit The Carnival Maritime Fleet Operations Centre in Hamburg
Earlier this month, a group of Deck and Hotel officers from P&O Cruises’ Iona visited the Carnival Maritime Fleet Operations Centre (FOC) in Hamburg for an in‑depth operational briefing and guided tour of the state‑of‑the‑art facility. The FOC serves as Carnival Maritime’s 24/7 technical nerve centre, providing real‑time support to the fleet through continuous - Queen Anne supports South African Day Care Centre
In a heart‑warming gesture of community support, Queen Anne has donated a significant quantity of towels and bedding to the Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust in South Africa. The donation was thoughtfully organised by Sinobuhle Ncube, one of Queen Anne’s dedicated Bar Supervisors. Recognising an opportunity to support a deserving organisation back home, Sinobuhle coordinated - Ship Teams Unite On The Football Pitch
Arvia, Iona, and Queen Victoria recently took to the football court, making the most of the fresh air and the chance to enjoy some light‑hearted competition. With crew from three ships coming together, the game offered not only physical activity but also a fun break from routine and a great opportunity to connect with colleagues - Inclusion and belonging – why they matter
At Carnival UK, Cunard, and P&O Cruises, inclusion and belonging are key to who we are and how we work together. We believe that when people feel truly included and that they belong, they’re able to be themselves, do their best work, and contribute fully to our shared success. Belonging means feeling seen, heard and - Ventura celebrates hidden talents
Ventura recently crews hidden talents with a ship’s company talent, sharing skills and passions often unseen behind the scenes. Planned by Ventura’s Entertainment Manager, HR Manager and Crew Welfare Officer, the event gave many colleagues the chance to perform in front of guests and fellow crew – a lifelong dream for some. It was a - A fresh new look for Ventura
One of the ways we create unforgettable holiday happiness is by keeping our ships in tip‑top shape and fully compliant. To make sure every guest continues to enjoy a seamless experience, Ventura will be heading into refit this week. During her time in dry dock, some of her much‑loved spaces will be refreshed with stylish - Queen Mary 2 reunites with The Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years
Cunard marked a rare and historic maritime moment on 2 February, when Queen Mary 2 anchored off the coast of Long Beach to reunite with her legendary namesake, the historic Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years. Katie McAlister, Cunard President, said: This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy - World of Cunard Competition 2026
Lights. Camera. Action! The World of Cunard Competition is back with a new theme: Mastery. Find out more about this year’s competition and how to enter, below. This year we’ll be selecting a winner and a runner up from each Cunard ship. There’s $1,000 up for grabs for the overall winner, plus $1,000 to go towards your crew - Queen Mary 2’s historic first transit through the Panama Canal!
Queen Mary 2 completed her historic first transit through the Panama Canal this weekend, marking a major milestone in her 2026 World Voyage. Guests traveling on board were treated to a rare moment as she began her historic passage through the canal’s new set of locks on Saturday, 24 January. Following an overnight stay at - Arvia and Iona visit Caribbean
Last week, P&O Cruises marked a truly special moment when Arvia & Iona, arrived together in St Maarten for the first time. In a spectacular scene at the port of Philipsburg, the two Excel-class ships berthed side-by-side. The landmark call brought crew and guests out onto decks and balconies, where Arvia’s Captain Robert Camby and - Introducing our Core Values
Together with all brands in our Carnival family, we’re taking a fresh look at the way we talk about the principles that guide us in our purpose to deliver unforgettable holiday happiness to our guests. Our Core Values, or what was known as our Culture Essentials, are the non‑negotiable ways of working that are central - Taking root in our destinations
On Friday 12 December 2025, we joined forces with our long-standing partner, Coast is Clear Foundation, for a landmark tree-planting event in Pembroke, Malta. Together with local schoolchildren, community leaders, and volunteers, Sophie Portlock, Vice President of Sustainability, joined the efforts in planting 250 trees – the largest tree-planting initiative ever undertaken by the foundation! We’re - Cunard announced as Headline Partner of the Olivier Awards
Cunard is proud to announce its new role as Headline Partner for the Olivier Awards, the UK’s most prestigious celebration of theatre. This acclaimed collaboration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the awards, which will take place on Sunday 12 April 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall and will be broadcast on BBC Two. As - Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 depart for 2026 world voyages
Cunard’s Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 set sail on their 110-night world voyages on Sunday 11 January. Guests on board Queen Anne will visit over 30 different ports and destinations including overnights stays in Cape Town, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Los Angeles, Colombo and Honolulu. Queen Mary 2 will start her epic world voyage - Spicing Up Life Onboard
Recently, a group of talented ladies from the galley fondly nicknamed the “Spice Girls” – came together with Chef Anthony to create something truly special for crew onboard Britannia. Their mission? To enhance the crew mess experience by preparing one dish for every nationality onboard. The result was a vibrant celebration of flavours and cultures, - Festive Magic at Sea
The holiday season is a special time, and for crew the whole of December was filled with joy and celebration. While being away from home over the festive season can be challenging, the incredible efforts of teams across our ships ensured that the festive spirit shone brightly. Here’s a look back at what’s been happening … Arcadia: A Season to Remember On Arcadia, the celebrations - Behind the Scenes in Azura’s Engine Room
Crew members on Azura recently took part in an exciting behind-the-scenes tour of the Engine Room. The initiative was designed as an engagement activity, giving crew the opportunity to explore one of the ship’s most complex and essential operational areas. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with crew expressing appreciation and newfound respect for the - P&O Cruises launches all-inclusive packages
As of today, P&O Cruises launches two brand-new all-inclusive packages! From just £49 per person per day, ^ guests can enjoy their favourite drinks, stay connected with Wi-Fi, and get credit to use in one of P&O Cruises speciality restaurants. Going live as P&O Cruises heads into its biggest booking period, these packages give guests - Iona Debut’s a New Epicurean Menu
In November Iona’s Epicurean launched its highly anticipated new menu, marking the first complete refresh since 2016. Guests were treated to an exciting culinary experience, with early favourites quickly emerging: Prawns as the standout starter, Wagyu beef as the most popular main course, and Tiramisu delighting diners for dessert. The successful launch was the result - How we’re boosting the UK economy
As the largest cruise operator in the UK, we’re extremely proud of the significant contribution our organisation is making to the UK economy. Earlier this year, we published our first Economic Impact Report in the UK. The research, commissioned independently from WPI Economics, is unique because it uses data from across the entire UK-based operations - Captain Meets Captain
To earn the title of captain is no mean feat. it requires years of dedication, exceptional skill, boundless passion and inspiring leadership. So what kind of magic might be made when two of Southampton’s best and brightest captains met face to face? P&O Cruises recently invited Southampton Football Club Captain Jack Stephens to meet their - Celebrating Women Onboard
The Women Seafarer Groups on Iona and Azura recently brought female crew together for onboard events that encouraged connection, storytelling, and recognition of the valuable contributions of female crew. Azura hosted a morning of games, team challenges, chats and nibbles in the Ivory Suite. With 48 crew members attending, the atmosphere was vibrant and full - Thank you to our 2025 Coastal Clean Heroes!
With our fleet of 11 ships sailing the world’s oceans, we’re committed to our responsibility of helping to preserve and protect our marine environment. One of the ways we do this is by giving back to our local communities and the destinations we visit through our programme of coastal cleans. 2025 has seen our biggest - Reflecting on a Remarkable Summer Season
Earlier this year, the curtain fell on another unforgettable summer season in Malta for Azura. To mark the occasion, Team Azura hosted a heartfelt gathering to thank the many partners whose dedication and expertise ensured a seamless season. The event welcomed an impressive line-up of stakeholders who played a vital role in delivering exceptional experiences - Honouring Balinese Traditions at Sea
On 18 November, ships across our fleet came alive with colour, culture, and spirituality as we celebrated Galungan, one of Bali’s most significant Hindu festivals. Galungan symbolises the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil) and marks the time when ancestral spirits return to visit the Earth. The celebrations conclude with Kuningan Day, when the - Holidays Everyone Can Get on Board With
P&O Cruises is making it easier than ever for larger families to holiday together, with the introduction of five-berth cabins on Arvia, Britannia, and Iona. Starting in summer 2026, families of five can enjoy more choice, flexibility, and unforgettable moments in one cabin. Availability by ship: Arvia: 15 Conservatory Mini suites Britannia: 12 Superior Deluxe - La Coruña by Bike
Adventure met natural beauty when Ventura’s crew embarked on an unforgettable bike tour through the stunning Galician city of La Coruña. Cycling along scenic coastal paths, the Atlantic Ocean stretched endlessly from the iconic Tower of Hercules, standing proudly as a sentinel over the sea, to peaceful promenades lined with history. This experience offered something - Celebrating International Men’s Day
To mark International Men’s Day, many of our ships hosted events to help break down the stigma and stereotypes that surround men’s mental and physical health, societal expectations and lack of positive role models. On Arcadia, Welfare Officer, Clyde, hosted a special Men’s Forum focused on Men’s Health and Grooming. Crew members enjoyed a short presentation - Britannia, Iona & Azura Score in Friendly Matches
Over the past few weeks, P&O Cruises crew have shown that the spirit of competition and collaboration extends far beyond the ocean waves! Britannia vs. Oasis of the Seas On Tuesday, 18 November, the Britannia Football Team welcomed players from Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas for a thrilling 5-a-side tournament at the Arena court - A moment of peace in Kusadasi
On a bright and peaceful day in Kusadasi, a group of crew members stepped away from the bustle of ship life, on Arcadia, to experience one of Turkey’s most sacred and serene landmarks – the House of the Virgin Mary. Nestled in the hills near the ancient city of Ephesus, the site is believed to - Celebrating wellbeing onboard Arcadia
October was a month of compassion, connection and care aboard Arcadia, as crew members came together to mark two important global health events – World Mental Health Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. World Mental Health Day On 10 October, the ship’s Welfare Officer, alongside the Medical and Spa teams, hosted a thoughtful and restorative - Exploring Saint Lucia
In a wonderful show of care and connection, Arvia’s Welfare Office, led by Ana Maria and the HR team, recently treated Arvia crew members to a truly unforgettable experience: a guided tour through the lush Saint Lucia rainforest. From the moment the group stepped into the tropical landscape, the day offered a welcome escape from - International Men’s Day and why it matters
Today marks International Men’s Day, celebrated worldwide on 19 November to help break down the stigma and stereotypes that surround men’s mental and physical health, societal expectations and lack of positive role models. It’s about removing the fear and perception that asking for help makes you “weak” and that men should “toughen up” or “get - Team Aurora Shines Bright
Congratulations to Team Aurora who recently secured the bronze award in the prestigious ‘Battle of Ships’ competition. This achievement is a true reflection of the dedication, hard work, and excellence in service delivery demonstrated by her outstanding crew. The celebrations didn’t stop there though! The ship came alive with light, laughter, and an overwhelming - An Uplifting Refit for Iona
P&O Cruises is always looking for ways to make its fleet even better – and Iona, its first Excel-class ship, recently came back from her first-ever refit in Rotterdam (4–23 October) with a fresh new look and some exciting upgrades. SkyDome gets a glow-up The biggest change? A brand-new SeaScreen in the SkyDome – just like - Honouring Remembrance Day
Today marks Remembrance Day – a moment to reflect on the impact of conflict, and honour those who have served in the Armed Forces, past and present. More than a historical observance, Remembrance Day is a shared act of respect. It recognises the courage and sacrifice of individuals who have defended freedoms and supported peacekeeping - Britannia’s Epicurean New Menu Roll Out
On 17 October, Britannia’s Galley team unveiled a stunning new menu at the Epicurean restaurant, marking a proud moment for our culinary colleagues. Following a month of dedicated trials, the team delivered a soft launch that showcased their creativity, precision and passion. A true testament to teamwork and innovation. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible






































