Posts in category: P&O Cruises

When you book a suite on a cruise, it’s not really about the extra space. That is nice to have, but it’s something you can probably get by without.

Instead, it’s about the perks that you get by booking a suite. Not just the location on the ship, but all the extras that are included to make your cruise feel even more special.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the different types of suites offered on P&O ships, and the perks you get both for full suites and mini-suites. And then I’ll explain whether they’re worth it.

P&O Cruises suite types

There are five main types of suites on P&O Cruises ships, although they aren’t identical from ship to ship either. Some are larger than others, but they offer a broadly similar experience when you’re on-board.

Here’s a quick guide to the suites you can book on a P&O Cruise:

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the different types…

Mini Suite

The standard Mini Suites are found on the adults-only ships Arcadia and Aurora.

These are rooms that are a middle ground between a balcony cabin and a full suite. They have a more spacious lounge area and a larger balcony too, but they’re not quite as big as a suite. You still get a lot of the suite benefits though, which I’ll cover in detail below.

Whereas with most cruise lines, a Mini Suite tends to be a minor upgrade over a balcony cabin, with P&O it’s treated more like a full suite, just in a smaller space.

Conservatory Mini Suite

Conservatory Mini Suites are some of the newer cabin types with P&O Cruises, available on Iona and Arvia. 

They have bi-folding doors instead of sliding doors, so you can completely open up to the outdoor space of your balcony. And because there’s an extra lounge area between the bed and the balcony, you can create a beautiful space to unwind.

Again, Conservatory Mini Suites get most of the benefits of a full Suite. 

Suite

A standard Suite option is available on all P&O Cruises ships. The smallest suites are some of the options on Britannia, whereas the biggest are some of the suites on Arcadia.

With a suite you get much more room than you would in a regular balcony cabin, meaning you can relax a little easier in your lounge, or enjoy a dressing area where you can get ready for your glamorous formal night.

All of the standard suites have a balcony, usually a lot more spacious than you’d get with a balcony cabin.

Family Sea View Suite

The Family Sea View Suite is another exclusive cabin type for Arvia and Iona. Situated towards the front of the ship, these suites are designed for families, capable of sleeping up to 4 guests.

They aren’t huge, but they are right-angle rooms with a curved wall, so you do get a spacious bedroom and lounge area, along with a good-sized bathroom. You’re also right next to the Epicurean restaurant where suite guests can enjoy an exclusive breakfast.

There are two of these suites on each ship, on the Promenade deck. This means there’s no balcony, as the name suggests – instead, the promenade is right outside your window. So bear that in mind, since you are quite exposed if people are walking around the ship.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suites are available on Azura, Ventura and Aurora, with the Aurora Penthouse Suites being the biggest suites in the entire fleet. 

These are much more spacious, with the Aurora’s suites being split over two levels – lounge and balcony on the lower level, along with a small bathroom, and the bedroom and main bathroom upstairs with a second balcony.

Penthouse Suites don’t come with extra perks but just offer a lot more space.

P&O Cruises suite perks

Here’s a full look at all of the perks you’ll get as a suite guest when sailing with P&O.

Butler service

All guests in a full Suite with P&O have access to a butler service. You don’t have to use them (some people aren’t comfortable with it), but they are there to help in any way that they can.

P&O’s butlers also serve daily canapes in your suite from 4pm until 6pm, if you want them.

Whirlpool bath

Most (not all) suites on a P&O Cruises ship come with a whirlpool bath in the bathroom. You’ll need to check your specific suite to make sure.

It’s quite luxurious to have a whirlpool bath every evening. If it’s something you enjoy then why not ask your butler to make sure it is ready for you at the same time every day?

Free room service

When you’re staying in a regular cabin on a P&O Cruises ship, some of the room service items have a charge associated with them. Not so if you’re in a suite – everything is included. You can order from the main dining room too, and have it delivered to your suite for no extra charge.

Exclusive breakfast

Suite guests are welcome to dine at the Epicurean Restaurant for breakfast (Glass House for Aurora and Arcadia guests). Here guests can enjoy a range of delicious breakfast items in a calmer atmosphere, away from the crowds in the main dining room or the buffet.

Canapes on Celebration Nights

As well as the welcome reception, suite guests are invited to events on Celebration Nights on the ship, where canapes will be served once again. It’s a good chance to enjoy some fine dining treats before dinner and meet your fellow suite guests.

Daily fresh fruit

Every day, fresh fruit will be provided in your suite for you. It’s a small touch but it’s nice to be able to enjoy a healthy snack each day, and the fruit quality is pretty good too – no brown bananas or soggy oranges here.

Priority check-in and boarding

When you arrive at the cruise terminal to check-in for your cruise, there’s a priority line for suite guests. This means you can bypass the waiting and get your suitcase checked, and all of your details confirmed.

Later, when it’s time to board, suite guests are the first to be invited onto the ship, alongside those in the highest loyalty tier. Basically, there’s a lot less waiting around at the port, which is always a good thing. However…

Access to an exclusive hospitality lounge

While you are waiting at the port to board the ship, after you’ve checked in, you will have access to an exclusive hospitality lounge. It may not always be a separate room, but it might be a section of the room that only suite guests are welcome to sit in.

Here you’ll be served complimentary teas and coffees along with a selection of biscuits – don’t eat too many or you’ll spoil your cruise appetite! Just be aware that priority boarding can be pretty quick so you may not be able to make much use of this perk, since you may be on the ship before you know it.

Priority disembarkation

When it’s time for your cruise to end, suite guests get priority disembarkation too. This might not sound like a great perk, if you’re new to cruising – why would you want your holiday to end sooner?

But when you’re dealing with thousands of people leaving the ship at once, trying to get their cars out of the car park, or trying to order a taxi, then you’ll realise why this is such a valuable perk to have.

Welcome reception with canapes

Suite guests, along with those in the higher ranks of the cruise line’s loyalty club, will be invited to a welcome reception when they are onboard. This will usually be held in one of the dining areas.

Here guests can enjoy a selection of canapes along with some complimentary drinks. The reception tends to run until mid-afternoon so you’ve time to then go and settle into your cabin before dinner on the first night.

Champagne, mineral water and chocolates on arrival

When you do get into your suite for the first time, there will be a few little treats left to welcome you. The first will be a bottle of Champagne, specifically Baron de Marck. It’ll be on ice, and there will be Champagne flutes (along with a selection of other premium glasses) ready.

As well as the champers, you’ll also have some bottles of mineral water and a small box of Belgian chocolates.

Luxury toiletries

The White Company is a luxury toiletry brand that P&O Cruises has partnered with. Every guest will get a beautiful box of toiletries that includes shampoo, conditioner, bath and shower gel, hand and body lotion, and two small luxury soaps.

You get toiletries in any cabin on the ship, but not to this same standard. Either use them for the cruise or keep them to take home with you later if you prefer.

Coffee machine

Every suite has its own Senso coffee machine, with a selection of coffee pods provided. These are topped up throughout your cruise, and you can ask your cabin steward or butler for more if you’re a caffeine addict.

It’s not the luxury coffee you’ll get at some of the bars on the ship, but it’s a step-up from the basic coffee sachets included in the rest of the cabins on the ship.

Guests will be able to choose from a pillow menu on their cruise. If you’re someone who likes a particularly soft pillow, or a firmer one, just ask the butler or cabin steward and they can swap it out for you.

Indeed if there’s anything the butler can help you with, just ask – they’re employed to make your cruise as special as possible.

Other small touches

There are a selection of other small touches always provided for Suite guests, including a bathrobe and slippers – you can’t keep them, but you can use them for the duration of the cruise.

You’ll also get an atlas and some binoculars, so you can enjoy the view better from your balcony or window. And there’s also a selection of magazines provided so that you’ll have something to browse through if you finish your holiday novel (because everyone takes a holiday novel, right?).

P&O Mini Suite benefits

Mini Suites on a P&O Cruise (including Conservatory Mini Suites) get a lot of the benefits that full Suites get. They just tend to have smaller space, and they’re missing some of the more exclusive benefits.

The only benefits that you’re missing are the butler service, the whirlpool bath, the free room service, the exclusive restaurants, the canapes on Celebration Nights and the daily fresh fruit.

This means you still get:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Access to an exclusive hospitality lounge
• Priority disembarkation
• Welcome reception with canapes
• Champagne and chocolates on arrival
• Luxury toiletries
• Coffee machine
• Pillow menu
• Bathrobe & slippers
• Atlas and binoculars
• A selection of magazines

A lot of cruise lines will only give you a couple of basic benefits for booking a Mini Suite, so this is much better. It makes a Mini Suite definitely worthy of consideration when booking a P&O cruise.

P&O Cruises’ family ships don’t have Mini Suites (only Conservatory Mini Suites on Arvia and Iona), but they do have Superior Deluxe Balcony rooms which are basically the same thing, with a few less perks.

You do still get the sparkling wine, chocolate, fruit, bathrobe, slippers, atlas and binoculars. Plus a bathtub, two TVs and some extra space.

We stayed in one of these cabins on Azura and we loved it! Take a look at my video below for a closer look…

Upgrading to a Suite – worth it?

There’s no simple answer to the question ‘Is a Suite worth it?’ when booking a cruise because it depends on your budget, and how much use you would get out of the perks offered.

I’ve done a few price checks on some P&O Cruises, and as a guide, a Mini Suite is around twice the cost of an Inside Cabin, and costs around 50% more than a Balcony Cabin.

Whereas a Suite, on average, is around 250% more than an Inside Cabin, and around 80% more than a Balcony Cabin.

So bearing that in mind – would you rather book one Suite cruise and get all the perks listed above, or would you prefer to book two cruises in an Inside Cabin, with money left spare?

The perks list with P&O is pretty good when compared to some other cruise lines, but only you can determine whether that makes it a worthy investment. If those perks will make-or-break your cruise then go for it, but otherwise consider downgrading your cabin and putting the savings towards speciality dining, or a second cruise.

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

When you book a cruise with P&O Cruises Ventura, how do you know which cabin number to pick to make sure you get a good one?

You have the option to choose your cabin number if you book Select Fare. (If you book a Saver Fare, it will be chosen for you.) So what are the best cabins on P&O Ventura? And which are the cabins to avoid? Read on to find out.

I’ve read Ventura cabin reviews from hundreds of people who have cruised on this ship. I’ve also studied P&O Cruises’ deck plans carefully, to pull together all the information about the best and worst cabins on Ventura.

During my research, I noted that the vast majority of people who have cruised on Ventura were very happy with their cabins. However, there are a few cabins on Ventura that you may want to avoid.

Ventura Cabins

Ventura has 1,555 cabins which can accommodate between 3,106 and 3,727 passengers, depending on how many extra beds are in use. The ship has inside cabins, outside cabins, balcony cabins and luxury suites.

Ventura has 18 decks and nine of them have cabins. Ventura’s cabins are located on the Lido Deck, Riviera Deck, A Deck, B Deck, C Deck, D Deck, E Deck and P Deck.

The decks on Ventura have letters and names, and each deck also has a corresponding number. Deck 5 is the lowest deck and Deck 19 is the highest. This makes it easy to use the Ventura deck plan to find your cabin.

The table below shows which cabin types are available on each deck on Ventura:

Ventura Cabin Sizes

Cabins on Ventura come in various sizes:

Inside cabins on Ventura are roughly all the same size. The other cabin types, such as outside and balcony, vary quite a lot. Outside cabins with partially obstructed views vary the most, as they can be anywhere between 155 square feet and 261 square feet (14.4 and 24.2 square metres). That’s almost twice as large!

However, it’s worth noting that the outside cabins at the front of the ship have a sloping wall with the window on, similar to what you might see in an attic bedroom.

This means that not all of the space is useable, as you can’t stand up by the window. These types of cabins aren’t as spacious as they sound on paper, but are great for providing extra space for young children to play.

Of course, size isn’t everything. And when people book suites, they don’t usually do it just for the extra space. P&O Cruises also offers some very generous benefits to suite guests.

The Worst Cabins on Ventura

Like every cruise ship, there are some cabins to avoid on Ventura. These may be noisy, have a less-than-perfect balcony, or be in a poor location on the ship.

To help you avoid the worst cruise cabins, I have a free checklist that shows you what to look out for. If you’d like a copy, just leave your email address below and it will be sent straight to your inbox.

1. Noisy Cabins on Ventura

Of those who left a negative review of their cabin on Ventura, the thing that seemed to bother them most was noise. Ventura is fairly old for a cruise ship (she was built in 2006), and may not be quite as insulated as some of the more modern ships.

Most cabins on Ventura were reported as being very quiet, but there are some locations which can be a little noisy at certain times.

It’s important to remember that noise complaints are always subjective. People who go to bed early are likely to be disturbed if they choose a cabin above a nightclub. Those who like to sleep in may be woken early by the sound of sun loungers being moved by the pool in the morning.

The noisiest cabins on Ventura

E101-E204: These cabins are directly above the Arena Theatre, and music can be heard in these rooms during performances. Performances usually go on until 11.30pm most evenings, so if you plan on heading to bed before this time, you should avoid these cabins. If you tend to stay up later than this, you won’t have a problem.

E720, E722, E724, E726, E728, E730: The cabins are directly above the Havana nightclub – specifically, directly above the speakers on the ceiling of Havana. Havana is a late-night venue, and the music continues until at least 1am and sometimes as late as 3am, depending on the cruise. As well as being able to hear the music, cruisers have reported that vibrations from the speakers can make the coat hangers in the wardrobe clatter together in the night. However, the music really isn’t that loud through the ceiling, so unless you need perfect silence to sleep, most people will be just fine here.

Balcony cabins and suites R321 – R523: These cabins and suites are all directly below the sunbathing area on the Lido Deck. This means that you may hear some noise when sun loungers are being moved early in the morning. The pool deck staff have been trained not to drag them across the floor, but most passengers wouldn’t think about this. If you like to sleep in late, I would avoid these cabins.

2. Windy Cabins on Ventura

D105, D106, D109, D110: These suites and balcony cabins are right at the front corner of the ship, beneath the bridge. The reason why cruise ships don’t have balconies facing forward is that it would be too windy. These balconies are on each side, but because they are so far forward, they can be incredibly windy to the point of being unusable when the ship is moving. However, there is no problem when the ship is in port.

3. Ventura Cabins with Fixed Twin Beds

D101, D102, P201, P202, P203, P204, P205, P206, P207, P208, P209, P210, P211, P214, P217, P218, P221, P222, P225, P226, P229, P230, P233, P234, P323, P324, P325, P328: These cabins have fixed twin beds, which cannot be converted into a double. If you prefer single beds then you’ll have no problem. But for couples who prefer to share a bed during their holiday, you’ll want to avoid these cabins.

4. Ventura Cabins Near the Smoking Areas

No reports of affected cabins!

On many cruise ships, you’ll find balcony cabins which are located directly above smoking areas. This can be very unpleasant for anyone who wants to sit out on their balcony, if they can smell cigarette smoke drifting up.

On Ventura, the location of smoking areas has changed many times over the years. On recent cruises, the location of smoking areas on Ventura have been:

• Prom Deck – All along the starboard side
• Prom Deck – Port side between The Tamarind Club and The Red Bar
• Lido Deck – Starboard side of the Terrace Bar
• Sun Deck – Starboard side of Breakers Bar 

Suggested read: 7 easy ways to remember port and starboard

These smoking areas have all been carefully positioned and are not below balconies, so nobody should be affected by smoke.

Smoking in your cabin and on your balcony is prohibited. So if you’re a smoker, choosing a cabin near a smoking area can be a great idea. You won’t have far to travel if you want a cigarette when you first wake up or before you go to bed.

5. Ventura Cabins with Overlooked Balconies

All Superior Deluxe balconies on D Deck: If you want privacy on your balcony, you should avoid Ventura balcony cabins on D Deck. These Superior Deluxe balconies are positioned on an overhang above the lifeboats. Although this means that they are larger than standard balconies, everyone above you can look down onto your balcony.

Personally, I don’t think that these are the worst Ventura cruise ship cabins. Having an overlooked balcony wouldn’t bother me one bit. I can’t imagine what I would be doing out there that I wouldn’t want anyone to see!

But, if you want a Superior Deluxe balcony which isn’t overlooked, you should instead choose one on E Deck. (Tip: Go for the starboard side so as not to be disturbed by noise from the nightclub.)

All balcony cabins on C Deck: C Deck balconies are partially overlooked from the decks above. However, they are the biggest standard balconies on the ship at nine feet by nine feet (7.5 square metres). They have a ceiling overhang to cover the first five feet, so they do offer some privacy.

With these cabins, you need to choose between a larger balcony which is partly overlooked, or a smaller balcony with privacy for the same price. If you would rather have a larger balcony, stick with C Deck. You can always sit by the balcony door if you insist on not getting dressed! If you value your privacy more than space, choose a balcony cabin on B Deck or above and you won’t be overlooked at all.

6. Ventura Cabins with Shaded Balconies

A201, A202, A203, A204: These cabins are shaded by the deck above.

All balcony cabins and suites on Riviera Deck: The deck above overhangs the Riviera Deck, so every balcony on this deck will be in the shade.

Balcony cabins L218-L312: The deck above overhangs much of the Lido Deck, so these balconies will be in the shade.

If you love to sunbathe on your balcony, you’ll probably want to avoid balconies that don’t get any direct sunshine. However, if you prefer to sit in the shade, one of these could be ideal. On a cold-weather cruise, you probably won’t notice if your balcony is in the shade or not. The overhang may even help to keep off some of the rain!

7. Ventura Cabins in Awkward Locations

Any number under 300: The lowest numbered cabins are towards the front of the ship. This is at the opposite end of the ship to The Reef kids’ club. If you don’t have kids, this won’t matter at all. But for parents who plan to take their children to the kids’ club multiple times per day, it can be a little inconvenient to have a cabin that’s very far away.

If your children are likely to fall asleep watching a film in the kids’ club in the evening, you’re probably going to have to carry them to bed. Walking the full length of a ship carrying a sleeping child, while wearing a ballgown and heels, isn’t the most fun. Trust me, I’ve done it!

At the back (also known as the ‘aft’) of Ventura, you’ll find the buffet restaurant, the main dining rooms, Havana nightclub, the Terrace Pool, the Terrace Bar and The Epicurean restaurant. At the front of the ship are the theatre, the spa, the gym and The Retreat. If you struggle to walk long distances, your best bet is to choose a cabin which is as close as possible to the mid-ship lifts.

8. Ventura Cabins Which Could Make You Seasick.

L101-L250, R201-R250, R718-R751, A 201-A217, A746-A753: If you’re prone to seasickness, avoid cabins at the front and back of the highest decks of the ship. This is where most movement can be felt. The locations where you’ll feel the least movement are mid-ship on the lower decks.

Whether or not you can feel the ship move depends very much on where you’re cruising to, the time of year and the weather. Cruises which travel around the Bay of Biscay (between France and Spain), particularly in the autumn and winter, tend to have a reputation for rough seas. However, this doesn’t mean that this will happen on your cruise or that you will feel seasick.

Ventura’s Obstructed View Cabins

An obstructed view cabin is one which has a part of the ship blocking all or part of your sea view. Obstructed view cabins can be outside cabins with windows or balconies. On Ventura, all the obstructed view cabins are outside (window) cabins.

On Ventura, the lifeboats are stored on E Deck, outside the cabin windows. Depending on which E Deck cabin you choose, you may have a clear view between the lifeboats, a partially obstructed view, or a view which is totally blocked by a lifeboat.

How Much Can You See Out of an Obstructed View Window?

View obstructions vary from a lifeboat completely blocking the window to just a thin pole or some ropes outside the window. Photos of the views from most obstructed view cabins on Ventura are available online.

Is it a Good Idea to Book an Obstructed View Cabin on Ventura?

An obstructed view will always be cheaper than a clear view. In some cases, it can even be cheaper to book an obstructed ocean-view cabin than an inside cabin! Think about the value you place on having a window, and what you expect to see out of the window, to decide whether it’s worth the extra money or not.

If you have concerns about feeling claustrophobic in an inside cabin, or would like a balcony but don’t trust your children to behave on it, then an ocean-view cabin can be a good idea.

P&O Ventura Balcony Cabins

Ventura is unusual in that the balconies are different sizes, depending on the deck you choose. This means that some are overlooked from above and some are shaded by the deck above.

Here’s a deck-by-deck guide to balcony cabins on Ventura:

• Lido Deck – Most balconies are shaded, the worst deck for seasickness
• Riviera Deck – All balconies are shaded
• A Deck – The four balconies at the front of the ship are steel-fronted
• B Deck – Standard balconies
• C Deck – Larger balconies for the same price, but partially overlooked
• D Deck – Superior Deluxe balconies, overlooked from above
• E Deck – Superior Deluxe balconies, not overlooked, aft only

The Best Cabins on Ventura

Most of the reviews of cabins on Ventura are glowing. In fact, some cruisers loved their cabins so much that they booked the same cabin number again for another cruise!

Best Inside Cabins on Ventura

“Inside cabin P243. Had it twice and had to settle for p239 next time as couldn’t get it for next Aug. Great location, quiet but close to the atrium and just past the art gallery.”

Ruth Palmer

“We’ve had B412, inside cabin, port side, three cruises running and booked the same cabin for our next cruise. It’s midship, so handy for the lifts from the Atrium.”

Ruth Grant

Best Outside Cabins on Ventura

“E418 says slight obstruction, just a pole. Booked same cabin this year”

Sandra Hopkins

Best Balcony Cabins on Ventura

“C530. Absolutely loved it. Huge balcony. We have booked it again for next year,”

Yas Firth

“R209 with balcony almost right at the bow and high. It was superb! The captain and bridge crew wave to you every morning and night.”

Bronnie Paterson

Best Suites on Ventura

“My husband and I stayed in R415 (Ellora Suite). We LOVED it! Fantastic big balcony, bottle of champagne and choccies on arrival and canapes every evening from the Butler who was brilliant (lots of information on what to do and where to go). It was close to the lifts but we didn’t hear the noise of people coming and going.”

Emma Vernon

Have You Cruised on Ventura?

Please feel free to leave a cabin review in the comments below, so that I can update this article with more information and help more UK cruisers book the best cabins on Ventura.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Finding the best cabins on Britannia isn’t straightforward. Whilst most cabins on this ship are fantastic, there are some that you may wish to avoid.

Britannia cabin reviews show that the vast majority of cruisers were very happy with their cabins and suites on the ship. I wouldn’t say that there are any bad cabins on Britannia, but as with any cruise ship, some cabins are less desirable than others.

Read on to find out which cabins to avoid on P&O Britannia. And, what you can do to make sure that you get one of the best cabins when you book your cruise.

P&O Britannia cabin types

P&O Britannia has 1,837 cabins (also known as staterooms). These are located on decks A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and the Lido Deck.

These are the cabin types on Britannia:

• Single Inside – 134 sq. ft.
• Standard Inside – 170 sq. ft.
• Single Balcony – 134 sq. ft. with a 36 sq. ft. balcony
• Fully Obstructed Balcony – 205 to 212 sq. ft. with a 36 sq. ft. balcony
• Standard Balcony – 212 sq. ft. with a 36 sq. ft. balcony
• Superior Deluxe Balcony – 281 sq. ft. with a 36 sq. ft. balcony
• Suite – 382 to 689 sq. ft. with a 72 sq. ft. balcony

38 of the above cabins are accessible (adapted) cabins. Of these, two are suites, two are superior deluxe balconies, 24 are balcony cabins and ten are inside cabins.

Britannia Cabin Grades

As well as cabin types (e.g. inside, balcony), P&O Cruises also assign a grade to each cabin. You can read more about what this means here: P&O Britannia Cabin Grades Explained

Outside Cabins on Britannia

Britannia is unusual compared to other cruise ships in that every outside cabin has a balcony. There are no cabins that have just a window on this ship.

7 cabins you shouldn’t book on P&O Britannia

Like every ship, there are some cabins on Britannia that you might want to avoid if possible. These may be noisy, smelly, have a poor layout, or be in an awkward location.

To help you avoid these dodgy cabins, I’ve created a cabin checklist that you can get for free. Just enter your email address in the form below and you’ll receive it in your inbox.

Read on to learn which cabins to avoid on Britannia…

1. Noisy cabins

One of the things that cruisers complain about when reviewing a cruise cabin is noise, and certain locations are likely to be noisier than others.

However, this is, of course, subjective. For example, if you like to party into the small hours yourself, you’re much less likely to be disturbed by a cabin near the nightclub, than someone who likes to get an early night.

The noisiest cabins on P&O Britannia

A702, A704 A706 A708, A710, A712, A714, A716: These balcony cabins are directly below the smoking area of the Sunset Bar. In the early hours of the morning, people go outside for a cigarette and sometimes drag chairs across the floor, which can be heard in the cabins below. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to avoid booking these cabins.

G201 to G225: These balcony cabins are directly above the Headliners Theatre and music can be heard in these rooms during performances. Shows are on until around 11.30 pm most evenings, so if you like an early night, you should avoid these cabins. If, however, you don’t tend to be asleep before 11.30 pm on holiday, you will have no problem here.

A612: This balcony cabin is opposite a service door. The deck plan doesn’t show what exactly is behind this door, but it has been reported that it is can be noisy.

E714 to E717, E722 to E725, E730 to E733 These inside cabins are at the back of the ship. Passengers have reported that a lot of vibration can be felt in this area.

These earplugs on Amazon are highly recommended for sleeping.

2. Cabins with smoky balconies

Smoking on Britannia is permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas. If you book a cabin directly above a smoking area, you may sometimes be able to smell cigarette smoke on your balcony.

However, this very much depends on which way the wind is blowing – some people who have stayed in cabins directly above smoking areas have reported that they never smelled any smoke, but others have been able to.

If you want to make sure that you never smell cigarette smoke on your cruise, avoid these cabins to be safe.

Cabins above smoking areas on Britannia

G401, G403, G405, G407, G409, G411, G415, G417, G421, G425, G429, G433, G437: These balcony cabins are directly above the smoking area outside the Java coffee shop. This smoking area is likely to be in use for much of the day and cigarette smoke could drift up to the balconies above.

Important Note: There used to be a second smoking area on Deck 7 near the rear of the ship at the Live Lounge, and it used to be on the port side with even-numbered cabins. A reader then emailed me to tell me it had moved to the starboard side.

I spoke to P&O to confirm and they said that the only smoking area on Deck 7 was at the Java bar, with those staterooms listed above. If you want to play it safe, then avoid cabin numbers G630 to G727 on both port and starboard side, in case the smoking areas move again.

3. Cabins with an annoying layout

Many cabins on Britannia sleep three or four people. In addition to the standard twin beds (which push together to convert to a king-size bed), extra beds can take the form of single sofa beds, double sofa beds or Pullman beds.

Read more: What is a Pullman bed on a cruise ship?

In certain three-berth cabins, when an extra bed is in use, it can give the room an awkward layout.

Cabins with beds across the balcony doors

A118, A119, A122, A123, A248, A253, A536, A539, C111, C112, C116, C117, C129, C121, C230, C231, C540, C543, C703, C704, D252, D253, D540, D543, D628, D629, D720, D721, E252, E253, E518, E519, E532, E535, E628, E629, E728, E729, F228, F229, F528, F533, F607, F608, F610, F609, F707, F708, G334, G335, G602, G601, G709, G710: These balcony cabins all sleep three people, with the third bed taking the form of a Pullman bed, which is lowered from the ceiling. Oddly, when the bed is down, it is positioned right across the balcony doors!

Also, the kettle is located in the corner of the room under the bunk bed. This would make going out on to the balcony for a cup of tea before bed or first thing in the morning very tricky.

These cabins are noted with a square symbol on the Britannia deck plan.

4. Cabins that might make you seasick

If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to avoid cabins where motion can be felt the most.

These cabins tend to be at the front of the ship and on higher decks. For the most stable cabin, choose a low, mid-ship cabin instead.

Worst cabins for seasickness

A101 to A110: These balcony cabins and suites are located on deck 15, right at the front of the ship. This is the worst position on the ship for someone who suffers from seasickness as the movement of rough seas can be felt the most. However, if the seas are calm, you won’t feel any movement at all, even in this location.

You can buy all kinds of seasickness remedies on Amazon.

5. Cabins that are a long walk from anything

Britannia is a large cruise ship and anyone with limited mobility or young children will benefit from booking a cabin close to places they are likely to go several times per day, such as the buffet, pool or kids’ club.

Worst locations for families

Anywhere in the forward part of the ship: The Reef kids’ club on Britannia is located at the aft (back) of the ship on deck 17. Lifts are plentiful, so it doesn’t really matter how many decks below the kids’ club you are, but it’s advisable not to choose a cabin at the front of the ship, as you will face a very long walk to the kids’ club. This is particularly important if your children are likely to fall asleep watching a movie at the end of the night and then need carrying to bed! Look for cabins numbered 600 and above for the best locations close to the kids’ club.

Furthest cabins from the lifts

Cabins A-G 100-139: There are three banks of lifts on Britannia, located mid-forward, midship and at the aft (rear). Cabins right at the front of the ship (numbered 100-139) are the furthest from any lifts. These cabins are also at the opposite end of the ship from key areas such as the Horizon buffet, the Sunset Bar and smoking area, The Reef kids’ club, the Live Lounge and the main dining rooms.

I’ve always used this pushchair from Amazon which has a huge hood to keep the sun off and a good rain cover too.

6. Cabins with balconies behind lifeboats

Britannia has a category of cabins called ‘obstructed view cabins’. These are all on G Deck and are just above the lifeboats.

An important thing to know about obstructed view cabins is that the view from some is much better than others, but there is no difference in price.

It’s not advisable to book a cabin with a fully-obstructed balcony on Britannia, because you could choose one that’s positioned in between the lifeboats, with a near perfect view, for the same price!

To see what I mean, take a look at this video which shows a ‘fully-obstructed balcony cabin with the lifeboat blocking some of the view…

Now, take a look at this video, which shows the same type of cabin, but this one is positioned in between the lifeboats…

Fully obstructed Balcony Cabins

G310 to G308, G314 to G325, G330 to G402, G442 to G504, G510 to G517, G522 to G535, G603 to G615, G618 to G627: These cabins are all directly behind the lifeboats. Take a look at the deck plan and move a few cabins down to find a much better view for the same price.

7. Cabins with windy balconies

When a cruise ship is moving, the windiest part of the ship will be right at the front. For this reason, most cruise ships do not have forward-facing balconies. Britannia is an exception.

There are six P&O Britannia balcony cabins with forward-facing balconies, all on A Deck. These are located just above the bridge, so offer spectacular views, if you’re able to actually sit on your balcony to see them.

Cabins with restricted access to the balcony when the ship is at sea

A101 to A106: These cabins come with a warning that says ‘restricted access to balcony (when at sea).

This means that, if it gets too windy, you will not be able to use your balcony. You are also not permitted to use the outside light at night time. Plus, the balconies have steel fronts, rather than glass, so you need to stand up to see the sea.

Whilst you might not get as much use out of the forward-facing balconies on Britannia, compared with the ones that face towards port or starboard, one advantage of the forward-facing balconies is that they are three or four times as large.

Great cabins to book on Britannia

On the whole, most reviews show that cruisers were very happy with their cabins on Britannia, praising lots of different aspects of all different cabin types.

If you manage to avoid all of the cabins mentioned in this article, then you can be confident that you have chosen one of the best cabins on Britannia.

These are the positives that people often mention about their cabin:

• Storage – Lots of storage in the separate wardrobe area and in the bathroom
• Showers – The showers have glass doors rather than those shower curtains which stick to your leg
• Toiletries – The toiletries provided are White Company and smell amazing
• Huge beds – The beds are slightly larger than a UK king size
• Obstructed balcony views – Sometimes these are hardly obstructed at all, and much cheaper than standard balcony cabins. Just take care not to pick one that’s directly behind a lifeboat.
• Solo cabins – These are all located together on a corridor by the Crow’s Nest bar and the library

Here’s how to get the best cabin on any P&O ship

So now you know which cabins to avoid on P&O Britannia, but how do you make sure you get a good one? Well, it’s actually really easy!

Choose a Select Fare

P&O Cruises have three fares – Early Saver, Saver and Select.

The Select fares enable you to select which cabin number you want when you book.

With a Saver fare or Early Saver fare, your cabin number is allocated to you at some point between booking and departure. This is also known as a ‘guarantee cabin’ as you are guaranteed a cabin of the grade which you select (or sometimes better, in the case of free upgrades).

When you book a Select fare cruise with P&O Cruises online or over the phone, you’ll be given some cabin numbers to choose from. Look at the P&O Britannia deck plan here, and choose one which suits you best.

Other Select Fare benefits

Booking a Select fare gives you other benefits too in addition to choosing your cabin number. There may be free extras like car parking, a coach transfer to the port or free on-board spending money. Those booked on Select fares can use shuttle buses in port free of charge and have the first choice of dining times.

Of course, Select fares cost a little bit more than Saver fares and Early Saver fares, so you’ll need to weigh up how important it is to be able to choose your own cabin as well as calculating the value of any added extras.

Don’t ignore Saver Fares (if you don’t care about your cabin)

The vast majority of cruisers on P&O Britannia are very happy with their cabin, so even if you choose a guarantee cabin, chances are, you’ll be just fine.

On our cruise, we booked a Saver fare and were allocated cabin A121 which was about as far away from the kids’ club as you can get

Did I moan about carrying a sleeping child the full length of a 300-metre corridor whilst wearing heels and a ballgown? Yes, I did. Would I pay an extra £100 to be nearer? No way!

As I see it, that’s more money in the pot for our next cruise!

Related posts:

More cabin guides:

Here’s how you can check the cabin location yourself

Unfortunately, I am no longer able to respond to individual requests to check if particular Britannia cruise ship cabins are good or not. I loved doing this but it was just too time-consuming for me with so many requests.

If you’d like to check your cabin, I suggest looking up the number on the Britannia deck plan. Use the key to look up the meaning of any symbols. Then, you can use my free checklist to make sure that there are no issues with your cabin’s location.

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Aurora is one of P&O Cruises’ adults-only ships (the other being Arcadia). She is much-loved by cruisers, many of whom return to this ship again and again.

Choosing the best cabin for your cruise is important, particularly on an older cruise ship like Aurora which has some cabins that you may prefer to avoid.

I’ve condensed all the information from Facebook groups, forums and Aurora cruise reviews into one easy-to-understand guide to help you to see which are the best and worst cabins on Aurora. I’ve also had a good look at the ship in person to spot any potential balcony issues.

Aurora’s cabins – a summary of options

Let’s start with some information about the different cabin types on Aurora so that you know what there is to choose from.

How to find the best and worst cruise ship cabins

You can easily spot the best and worst cabins with this free checklist which shows you exactly what to look for on the deck plan for any ship…

Cabins you’ll want to avoid on Aurora

According to the vast majority of Aurora reviews, people were very happy with their cabins. However, there are some cabins on Aurora which, depending on your circumstances, you may wish to avoid. These may be noisy or have poor sea views or something else to put you off.

1. Noisy cabins

Soundproofing technology has improved since Aurora was built in 2000. Being an older ship, cruisers have reported that they have often been disturbed by things like neighbours opening and closing drawers loudly.

If you’re a light sleeper, it’s particularly important that you find one of the quietest cabins on this ship.

Inside cabins B184, B185, B186, B187 B192, B193, B194, B195, B200, B201, B202

Aurora has a fitness room in the centre of Deck 11 and if you choose a mid-ship inside cabin on Deck 10, then you could be directly below it.

It’s never a wise idea to book a cabin below a gym, as you can often hear the sound of weights being dropped or people jumping around.

The gym on Aurora opens at 7 am and P&O Cruises have asked that guests do not use the free weights or the treadmills before 8 am. Early risers will have no problems, but if you like to sleep in, you should avoid these cabins.

• Inside cabins: D110 to D151
• Balcony cabins: D102 to D153

Above the theatre is always a risky location for a cruise ship cabin, as noise from theatre shows and rehearsals often travels upwards through the ceiling. Of course, if you don’t go to bed until after the shows have finished, then this won’t be a problem for you.

Balcony cabins: L119 to L132

Balcony cabins in the mid-forward section of the Lido Deck are directly below the Sun Deck. This means that you may be able to hear sun loungers being put out in the morning and noise from people outside. In foggy weather, the ship’s foghorn will be quite loud in this location too.

Inside and balcony cabins: F100 to F149

If you choose a cabin right at the front of the ship on the lowest deck, you may hear noise and feel vibrations from the bow thrusters and anchor winch when the ship is entering and leaving port.

As cruise ships tend to arrive in port very early in the morning, this noise could start as early as 4 am and last for up to an hour.

2. Cabins with poor sea views

• Deluxe Balcony cabins: D197, D199, D201, D203, D205
• Balcony cabins: D200, D202, D204, D206, D208, D210

In 2019, Aurora became an adults-only ship and the kids club was converted into extra cabins. The balconies on these cabins have poor views due to the metalwork around them.

The steel frontage of these balconies means that if you want to see the sea, you’ll need to be standing up. They are also shaded from the sun. If you prefer the shade and are happy to stand, then these could be perfect for you. But those who like to sit and sunbathe on their balconies should avoid these cabins.

• Forward-facing sea view cabins: A100, A101, A102, A103, B104, B105, B107, C100, C101, C102 C103, C105
• Aft-facing sea view cabins : A309, A310, A311, A312, A313, A314, A317, A318, C302, C304, C306, C321, C323, D209, D211, D212, D214

Forward-facing and rear-facing cabins on Aurora don’t offer the best sea views. The design of the ship means that there is some deck in between the window and the sea. You can look out to sea just fine, but you won’t be able to look straight down to the water. This isn’t an issue for many cruisers who love these cabins all the same.

Note that this deck space at the front of the ship isn’t publicly accessible, so nobody will be peering into your cabin.

The aft cabins have reflective glass so you can see out but nobody can see in during the daytime. At night though, people could see in, so you need to remember to close the curtains when you have the light on!

Larger obstructed view cabins: D189, D191, D193, D195

An obstructed view cabin is one with a lifeboat blocking the view from the window or balcony. In general, the level of obstruction varies from total to barely any at all, depending on the ship and the cabin.

Unfortunately, the obstructed outside cabins on Aurora are right behind the lifeboats, so the view is very poor and probably not worth the extra money to upgrade from a large inside cabin.

To decide for yourself whether obstructed view cabins on Aurora are worth it, take a look at these photos:

3. Cabins with fixed double beds

Balcony cabins: C124, C127, C308, C325

Most cabins on Aurora have convertible beds which give you the option of a double or a twin. However, there are a few cabins on Aurora which have fixed double beds. If you’re cruising with a friend or relative who you don’t usually share a bed with, then you should avoid these cabins to make sure that you each get your own bed.

4. Cabins with overlooked balconies

Balcony cabins: A106 & A107

Almost all of the balconies on Aurora are private and not overlooked, with the exception of two. These two cabins, which are marked with a V on the deck plan, are located right below the bridge.

If an officer on the bridge were to look down, facing the aft, they would see straight onto your balcony. This is unlikely to be much of an issue, but if you book these cabins, you might want to ensure that your curtains are closed before changing.

5. Cabins with interconnecting doors

If you have two cabins for your group, then interconnecting doors are great. But, if you just have one cabin, then you should avoid these if possible.

One reason, of course, is that you would be leaving the interconnecting cabins free for larger groups who might need them.

But a second, and very important, reason is that interconnecting doors hamper the soundproofing of the cabin. While you may not hear noises between the walls, you’re much more likely to hear your neighbours chatting or watching TV if you have a door between your cabins.

6. Cabins with pull-down beds

D116, D117, D140-143, D148-151, D171-173, D178-181, E114-115, E118-121, E124-157, E159, E168, E173, F136-150, F156-167, F169, F171, F175, F178, F180-192, F194-199, F201, F203-212, F214-216, F218-221, F225-237

Pullman beds are also something that you should avoid if you only have two people in your cabin. These extra beds come down from the ceiling. But, rather than being hidden within the ceiling as on more modern ships, on Aurora, they are always visible, and you may find that you bash your head on them when getting in and out of bed.

If you do have three or four in your cabin and want extra beds, you also have the option of a room with a single or double sofa bed. You may find that these are more practical and comfortable than the pull-down beds.

The best cabins on the ship

Now you know which cabins to avoid, here’s a guide to the best cabins on Aurora.

Of course, you get what you pay for. You need to remember that whilst larger cabins and those nearer to the middle of the ship are generally considered to be better, they’re also more expensive than standard-sized cabins and those at the front and aft of the ship.

If you’re booking a long cruise or have limited mobility, then the upgrade to a larger room or better location is worth it. Otherwise, consider the cost of the upgrade and what else you could spend that money on when deciding.

The biggest cabins

If you enjoy having a large cabin to spread out in, then you’ll be pleased to know that Aurora offers a great selection of larger cabins. These are ideal for longer cruises such as world cruises where you may have a lot of luggage.

If you want a big cabin on Aurora, choose from:

• Larger Inside cabins: On B Deck
• Larger Obstructed View cabins: On D Deck
• Larger Sea View cabins: On C Deck & D Deck
• Deluxe Balcony cabins: On B Deck & D Deck
• Penthouse suites: On B Deck

The best inside cabins

The best inside cabins on Aurora are the larger inside cabins on B Deck. Of these, B200 would be the best one, as this is the closest to the midship lifts.

Here’s what a standard inside cabin looks like…

Now, take a look at this video from Jamie’s Holiday Channel to see how spacious a larger inside cabin on Aurora is!

The best sea view cabins

Aurora has standard-sized and larger sea view cabins. The larger outside cabins on C Deck are around 50% bigger than standard cabins and come with a double sofa bed as well as a double or twin beds.

Here’s what a standard Sea View cabin looks like…

Now, take a look at this video from JB@Sea to see how much more space a larger sea view cabin has…

Of the larger sea view cabins, the ones in a mid-forward location are the best as they are the closest to the lifts and in a more central position on the ship.

The best balcony cabins

The best balcony cabins on Aurora are the Deluxe Balcony cabins on B Deck. As well as being 18% bigger, the Deluxe Balcony cabins have a curtain between the sofa and the bed.

The best location for Deluxe Balcony cabins on Aurora is midship – those cabins are numbered B182 to B219. I find it best to be located close to the lifts, but not right outside them as being right outside the lifts can sometimes be a little noisy.

The best suites

Aurora has several suites, including mini-suites, suites and penthouse suites. The top suites on Aurora are the penthouse suites – the Library Suite and the Piano Suite.

The Piano Suite on Aurora comes complete with an actual piano, whereas The Library Suite comes with your very own library of books.

Which to choose depends entirely on your personal preference. When deciding, be sure to consider the special suite benefits that come with each.

This video shows you what to expect in the Piano Suite on Aurora:

The best accessible cabins

Aurora has a selection of cabins that are available for wheelchair and scooter users. These have wet rooms with a shower, wide doors, level entry and other accessibility features.

Accessible cabins are always popular and can sell out quite quickly so be sure to book in advance if you need one of these.

The best cabins for smokers

D196 to D214 are near a smoking area. D210 is the nearest.

P&O Cruises only permits smoking in designated smoking areas, not on your balcony, in the casino or in any other public area. So, if you like to smoke cigarettes, e-cigs, cigars or a pipe during your cruise, then it might be a good idea to book a cabin near one of the smoking areas.

The smoking areas can change from time to time, but cruisers have consistently reported that the smoking areas on Aurora are located in two places:

• Lido Deck: Port side, forward, by the Riviera Bar
• Prom Deck: Port or starboard side, aft.

Suggested read: 7 easy ways to remember port and starboard

Conclusion

P&O Cruises’ Aurora is a much-loved cruise ship with a range of cabins and suites that can accommodate solo travellers, couples and groups of friends.

Choosing the best cabin is very much down to personal preference, as the best cabin for one person might be the worst for someone else. This guide to Aurora cabins should help you to make the right decision.

Of course, you may decide that you don’t mind which cabin you get. In which case, you may be best to book a Saver Fare, where your cabin number is allocated to you. These are generally cheaper than the Select Fare.

Related posts:

More cabin guides in this series:

Thank you to members of the following Facebook groups for sharing your insights and photos to help me write this post:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

P&O Cruises don’t include WiFi in your cruise fare (pretty much no cruise line does), so if you want to use the internet while at sea, you’ll need to pay for it.

In this guide, I’ll show you all of the P&O Cruises internet packages and how to buy them, so that you can access the internet during your cruise without spending any more than you need to.

But wait – do you even need WiFi?

Before you go ahead and buy a wifi package, let’s think about whether you actually need one or not…

Can you use mobile data?

Whenever the ship is docked, you’ll usually be able to access 3G, 4G or 5G data. Even since Brexit, many mobile phone providers let you use your standard data allowance in Europe for no extra cost.

Outside of Europe, you’ll likely have to pay for data on your phone. But this doesn’t always cost a lot, so be sure to check with your mobile network before you go.

You can also use mobile data while at sea, but I definitely would not recommend that. Once the ship leaves port, your phone will connect to a maritime network and it will cost you a lot.

You can understand how much data roaming at sea costs and why here: How to Avoid Roaming Charges on a Cruise.

You could try switching off…

Unless you have a family member or urgent business to worry about back home, you might consider turning your phone off while your ship is at sea.

Most cruises have no more than two consecutive sea days and it can be great to spend time connecting with the people you’re with without looking at your phone.

If there’s ever an emergency at home, your family members would be able to contact the ship and pass on a message.

The ‘My Holiday’ platform still works without WiFi

During your cruise, you can use P&O Cruises’ My Holiday to view your onboard account, make dining and theatre reservations, join virtual queues and book shore excursions.

The My Holiday planner isn’t an app, it’s a website. But you won’t need a WiFi package to access it, as you can do so using P&O Cruises’ limited free WiFi. Just connect to ‘P&OCruises_Guest_WIFI’ and then use your browser to visit myholiday.pocruises.com.

P&O Cruises Wifi Packages

If you’ve decided that you would like to have internet access during your P&O Cruise, here’s how you can arrange that…

P&O Cruises offer two different wifi packages, plus a ‘Pay Per Minute’ option:

P&O Cruises’ Essential WiFi is only for social media, web browsing and email. So you can check your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as send messages via WhatsApp.

With this package, it used to be the case that you couldn’t check your emails or browse the web for information. But, after some feedback from guests with complaints along the lines of “I bought the internet package and I can’t use the internet”, web browsing and email is now included.

Ultimate WiFi gives you a faster connection and allows you to use voice and video calling, and stream music and video in addition to browsing the internet, sending emails and using social media and WhatsApp.

I’ve had a bad experience with the Ultimate WiFi before. I bought it on my late-2022 cruise on Arvia and it was so slow that it was virtually unusable. It wouldn’t allow me to upload videos to social media so I couldn’t update my Instagram stories.

On Christmas Day, the WiFididn’t work at all (I expect that was because of the increased number of guests wanting to use it).

But – and it’s an important but – the WiFi has been upgraded to Starlink since then, which is the speedy satellite WiFi that’s becoming standard across the fleet. So it should be much more reliable.

When’s best to buy the WiFi?

If you intend to buy a P&O Cruises WiFi package for your whole cruise, then you can buy before your cruise or once on board. 24-hour plans can only be purchased on board.

Before you cruise

To buy a WiFi package before your cruise, you’ll need to log in to the P&O Cruises Planner. Alternatively, you can call P&O Cruises’ contact centre on 0344 338 8003 (local call charges apply).

Buying onboard

Once you’re onboard your P&O Cruises ship, it’s easy to buy a WiFi package. Just open the My Holiday planner and navigate to WiFi.

Alternatively, you can connect to the free guest WiFi, go to internet.pocruises.com and follow the on-screen instructions.

You’ll see all of the WiFi options along with prices. Just tap the one you want and it will be billed to your onboard account.

Sharing a WiFi package

One important thing to know about the P&O WiFi is that you can use it on multiple devices, so long as you don’t connect both devices at the same time. So if there are two of you, you can just purchase one package and take it in turns to use it.

This does, however, mean that you can’t use the WiFi to message each other while you’re on the ship. But, it can save you quite a lot of money.

If you try to log in when the other person is already logged in, you can tap a button to kick them off the WiFi so you can use it.

There is a 10% discount for multiple devices, but this is only if two devices are registered to the same guest.

WiFi for medical devices

If you need internet access for medical reasons such as a continuous glucose monitoring device for diabetes, you can get this free of charge on P&O Cruises. Just ask at the reception desk on board for a free internet voucher.

No smartphone?

Most P&O Cruises ships have a library with public computers that you can use to access the internet if you don’t have a working smartphone or tablet. These are open 24 hours per day. However, the newer ships, Arvia and Iona do not have public computers.

Should you need to print anything off, you can do so in the library for 30p per sheet. A scanning service is also available at Guest Services.

Is the WiFi worth it?

WiFi at sea is never as fast as the WiFi that you’re used to at home, even with the Starlink upgrades. The speed that you’ll get depends on where you are on the ship and how many other people are using the WiFi at the same time.

There are always blackspots on cruise ships, so head to a public lounge for your best chance of getting a good signal.

But it won’t be as problematic now that Starlink is installed. You shouldn’t struggle to get online at all, especially if you pay for the Ultimate WiFi package – there might just be one or two spots where it’s a struggle.

Personally, I don’t think that buying WiFi for your whole cruise is worth it. There are lots more fun things to be doing on a cruise ship rather than looking at your phone!

But, if you really need to stay in touch on sea days, then buying a P&O Cruises’ WiFi package in 24-hour blocks is a good option.

Related posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me