British cruise line P&O Cruises operates many itineraries to the Norwegian fjords and beyond throughout the year from its base in Southampton. Here's what to expect from the experience.
Cruising in Norway has never been more popular. Ships of all shapes and sizes bring travellers from around the world to the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, charming coastal towns, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Norway’s natural beauty, particularly in the scenic western fjords, makes it an ideal destination for cruise enthusiasts seeking a mix of adventure and tranquility. Meanwhile, the enchanting northern lights have created year-round cruise demand.
The ships of British line P&O Cruises are a common sight up and down the Norwegian coastline. Carrying a predominantly British crowd, P&O is a favourite of many British holidaymakers. Let's take a closer look.
P&O Cruises Itineraries in Norway
With the rise in demand from British cruisers, lines like P&O Cruises are stepping up to offer tailored Norway cruises that allow passengers to explore iconic sights, from the famous fjords to vibrant coastal cities.
All itineraries, which P&O call “cruise holidays”, leave from and return to Southampton cruise port on the south coast of England. This means there will always be at least one sea day at the beginning and end of a cruise.
Norwegian Fjords: The most common and popular itinerary is a 7-day Norwegian fjords trip on Iona or Britannia. Leaving from Southampton, these trips call at two or three coastal cities together with one or two fjord villages.
Typically, the coastal cities will be one of Bergen, Haugesund, Stavanger, Ålesund or Kristiansand. Usually, the ships call at Olden and sometimes another destination too.
While advertised as Norwegian fjords itineraries, these 7-day itineraries typically only spend one day inside the fjords, although the coastal scenery is still impressive on other days.
These trips offer great value though, and are a terrific introduction to the Norwegian coastline. Just be sure to make the most of that day sailing along the fjords. Booking an excursion in Olden is a good idea to maximise the value from the day.
Midnight Sun: Some of P&O's smaller, older ships sail much farther north in the summer to allow guests to experience the midnight sun in the Arctic region of Norway. These often include port calls in Tromsø and Honningsvåg, from where passengers can take a bus excursion to the North Cape.
Northern Lights: From September onwards, P&O Cruises offers some itineraries to the north of Norway that are specifically designed to allow guests to see the aurora borealis. For example, a 12-day sailing on Aurora in October 2025 includes overnight stops in Hammerfest, Alta, and Tromsø.
Why Your Choice of Ship Matters
P&O Cruises is undergoing a transformation as bigger ships join its fleet. The smaller, older ships are more traditional, with two vessels exclusively set aside for adults.
The newest vessels are the largest to regularly set sail from Britain. They are more action-packed and geared towards families, attracting a younger and livelier demographic.
For example, Arvia, Britain’s biggest cruise ship, features a swimming pool and performance area with retractable roof, an adrenaline-pumping rooftop rope course, an American-style diner, and an immersive escape room experience.
Arvia's sister ship, Iona, seems to spend the most time in Norway. P&O Britannia also spends time touring the fjords during the summer. Although not as big, Britannia still has a lot of features of modern ships and is suitable for families.
You won't find these sort of facilities on the smaller, older vessels. So, before you book, research the ship thoroughly to ensure it meets your expectations.
A Traditional, British Onboard Experience
So, although the line is one undergoing a dramatic change, P&O Cruises still retains its traditional British onboard experience.
For example, you can expect at least one formal night, while a dress code and/or adult only policy is in place in certain parts of the ship. For example, shorts and casual wear aren't permitted in the ‘Crow's Nest' venue during the evening.
These traditions remain an important part of the experience for P&O Cruises regulars.
The line has the oldest heritage of any cruise line in the world, tracing back to the launch of passenger operations by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company in 1837.
Entertainment On P&O Cruises
Evening entertainment on P&O is centred around the Headliners Theatre, which hosts nightly performances by the ship’s resident show company, as well as performances from visiting artists.
This could include individual cabaret acts, cover bands, magicians, and stand-up comedians. Live musicians perform in bars and lounges throughout the ship to entertain those choosing not to attend a show.
On the newer ships, the SkyDome is a swimming pool with large screen showing family-friendly movies by day and a lively alternative performance space by night.
Daytime entertainment varies by ship. All ships in the fleet offer swimming pools, hot tubs, spa treatments, and a packed program of onboard activities especially on sea days. British favorites including trivia and bingo are especially popular.
Newer ships include more amenities such as multiple cinema screens, more infinity pools and hot tubs, an escape room, and an outdoor rope course.
On all except the adult-only ships, children are well catered for through kids clubs split into age groups, and menus in the restaurants focused on the preferences of younger guests. There’s even afternoon tea geared to children, hosted in the buffet.
What to Expect from Guest Cabins
P&O Cruises ships are known for their high number of balcony cabins, and that’s even more so on the newer ships. Ocean view cabins are relatively rare and often sell out quickly, whereas inside cabins are more numerous and can offer fantastic value.
Whether you need a balcony cabin is a personal choice. Personally, I always opt for an inside cabin. However, Norway cruises are one case when I would consider splashing out for an upgrade.
Enjoying the sailaway (which can take hours along a fjord) from the comfort and privacy of your own balcony certainly has value.
Housekeeping has been cut back in recent years, but once-a-day cleaning should be enough for the majority of people. As a British cruise line, a kettle is provided in all guest rooms with tea bags and instant coffee replenished daily.
Otherwise, tea and coffee is always available from refreshment stations onboard, such as in the buffet restaurant.
Dining On P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises sit between the fixed dining concepts offered by the likes of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and the freestyle dining pioneered by Norwegian Cruise Line.
Main dining rooms offer fixed dining times, but depending on the ship, may also offer numerous flexible dining options. On the newer ships, an app-based booking system has been introduced, which will alert guests when their preferred table is ready.
All ships in the fleet offer casual dining options in the form of a buffet restaurant, which has longer opening hours than the main restaurants. For those relaxing by the pool, a selection of ‘grab and go’ fast food options is usually available.
Newer ships also offer alternative casual dining options including the food hall inspired ‘The Quays’, a Mediterranean-themed restaurant ‘Olive Grove’, and, on Arvia, the American diner, all included in the cruise fare.
All ships also offer premium restaurants at an additional charge, but these charges are reasonable compared to competing lines.
One point of frustration among regular P&O cruisers is the line’s recent change to its beverage packages. There are now two packages including alcoholic drinks and two without, with higher prices than before.
Although the soda package and non-alcoholic package do provide value, the beverage packages with alcohol seem unlikely to prove good value for the majority of people.
Fare Classes on P&O Cruises
A must-know before booking is the different fare classes offered on P&O Cruises, for these can impact the onboard experience.
Guests booking a ‘Select Price’ fare can select their specific cabin when booking, use shuttle buses in port without charge, and have priority for dining arrangements and any upgrade opportunities. They can also choose between onboard spending money, free car parking, or complimentary coach transport to and from Southampton.
Guests who choose the Saver and Early Saver options will save money on their cruise fare, but receive fewer perks. They are also likely to be allocated a cabin in a less favourable part of the ship, such as the lower decks or at the front or back.
Peninsular Club for Frequent Cruisers
P&O Cruises’ loyalty program is known as the Peninsular Club. Membership is based on the number of nights cruised, with cruisers becoming a member once they reach 15 nights on board.
At that level, members receive a 5% discount on selected cruises and the same discount on onboard spend. Perks at higher levels include bigger discounts, priority booking, onboard cocktail receptions, and complimentary champagne.
Have you ever taken a P&O Cruises holiday in Norway, or are you planning to? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences down in the comments.
