P&O Cruises has confirmed that comedian Jason Manford will bring his touring Manford’s Comedy Club concept on board two of its newest ships for a limited run of sailings in 2026.
The cruise line revealed that the shows will feature exclusively on selected itineraries aboard Iona and Arvia between May and October 2026, offering passengers access to a curated line-up of emerging UK comedy talent.
Handpicked Line-Up Across 35 Sailings
Across the season, 70 comedians personally selected by Manford are set to deliver a total of 140 performances. The shows will take place in the ships’ Limelight Club venues, which combine a cabaret-style setting with a premium dining experience.
Each performance will be ticketed and reserved for adults, with a double-bill format promising an evening of live comedy designed to complement time spent ashore or on board.
The cruises themselves will span a range of European itineraries, including voyages to France, Spain, Italy and the Norwegian fjords.
Paul Ludlow said the partnership enhances the line’s entertainment offering, stating the company was “delighted” to collaborate with one of the UK’s most recognisable comedians.
Manford added that the move represents a new chapter for his long-running comedy brand, describing the project as taking the club “to sea” across 35 cruises.
Example sailings featuring the comedy events include a seven-night Norwegian fjords itinerary departing Southampton on 4th July 2026 aboard Iona, with lead-in fares from £849 per person.
A longer 14-night Spain and France sailing on Arvia departs 16th August 2026, with prices starting from £1,229 per person based on two people sharing an inside cabin.
Onboard Entertainment And Added Value
The Limelight Club venues on both ships are designed to offer a more intimate setting than traditional theatre spaces, positioning the comedy nights as a premium, small-capacity experience within the broader entertainment programme.
Cruises with P&O Cruises already include accommodation, meals, entertainment such as theatre productions and live music, as well as access to pools and children’s clubs. The addition of Manford’s Comedy Club builds on the line’s focus on varied onboard experiences.
The announcement also comes alongside a promotional push for Southampton departures, with selected cruises offering up to £800 in onboard spending credit. The offer applies to new Select Price bookings made between 24th March 2026 and 1st June 2026, covering sailings departing between 1st June 2026 and 29th November 2027.
Guests can also opt for the cruise line’s all-inclusive packages, which bundle drinks, WiFi and speciality dining. The Classic Package is priced at £49 per person per day, with P&O Cruises stating it can offer savings compared with purchasing each element individually on board.
Growing Trend For Specialist Entertainment At Sea
The introduction of a branded comedy club at sea reflects a wider trend among cruise operators to partner with well-known personalities and entertainment brands to create unique onboard experiences.
Manford’s Comedy Club, which has been running for more than a decade on land, has hosted hundreds of comedians across venues ranging from theatres to holiday parks. Its move into the cruise sector signals continued demand for curated, live entertainment that goes beyond traditional cruise offerings.
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