P&O Cruises vs Ambassador Cruise Line

If you’re trying to choose between P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line, you might assume the decision is pretty simple.

After all, P&O is known for its huge modern ships like Iona and Arvia, while Ambassador sails much smaller, older vessels that focus on a more traditional cruise experience.

But that comparison doesn’t really tell the whole story.

In reality, the two cruise lines overlap far more than most people realise. P&O Cruises still operates several smaller ships with a classic cruise feel, while Ambassador has built a loyal following thanks to its friendly service, excellent food and some surprisingly good-value fares.

I’ve cruised many times with both lines, and while they definitely have their differences, I wouldn’t say they’re aimed at completely different types of travellers.

In fact, depending on the itinerary, the ship and what you value most in a cruise, either one could end up being the better choice.

But before you decide, there’s something important to understand about how these two cruise lines actually compare.

Fleets Compared – Are Bigger Ships Better?

One of the biggest differences between P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line is the size and age of the ships.

P&O Cruises’ fleet includes some of the largest cruise ships ever built specifically for the British market, while Ambassador focuses on smaller, classic cruise ships that offer a more traditional onboard experience.

However, it’s worth remembering that P&O’s fleet is actually quite varied. Alongside the huge ships like Iona and Arvia, they also operate smaller, mostly adults-only ships that feel much closer in style to Ambassador’s vessels – although they are all bigger than even Ambassador’s biggest ship.

Here’s a combined table showing both fleets ranked by size…

Ship	Cruise Line	Year Built	Gross Tonnage	Length (feet)	Guest Capacity
Arvia	P&O Cruises	2022	184,700	1,128	6,264
Iona	P&O Cruises	2021	184,089	1,128	6,264
Britannia	P&O Cruises	2015	143,730	1,082	4,406
Ventura	P&O Cruises	2010	116,017	955	3,727
Azura	P&O Cruises	2008	115,055	951	3,737
Arcadia	P&O Cruises	2002	84,342	951	2,458
Aurora	P&O Cruises	2000	76,152	886	2,258
Ambience	Ambassador Cruise Line	1991	70,285	804	1,400
Renaissance	Ambassador Cruise Line	1993	55,575	719	1,100
Ambition	Ambassador Cruise Line	1999	48,123	709	1,200

Now, let’s take a closer look at the ships in each fleet…

P&O Cruises: Modern mega-ships and classic adults-only vessels

P&O Cruises currently operates seven ships, ranging from huge, modern resort-style vessels to smaller ships with a much more traditional cruise atmosphere.

The newest ships, Arvia and Iona, are by far the largest. Each carries over 5,000 guests and features a huge range of facilities including the glass-roofed SkyDome, multiple pools and whirlpools, large theatres, a four-screen cinema and a wide choice of bars and restaurants.

These ships feel like floating holiday resorts, with lots going on throughout the day and several entertainment venues running at the same time.

Alongside them, Britannia, Azura and Ventura offer a similar style on a slightly smaller scale and remain extremely popular with families.

But P&O Cruises also has two ships that feel much more traditional – Arcadia and Aurora, which are adults-only for most of the year. These ships are smaller, calmer and attract guests who prefer a classic cruising experience rather than the buzz of the newest mega-ships.

This variety is one of P&O’s biggest strengths, because it means the cruise line caters to a wide range of cruising styles.

Read more: P&O Cruise Ships Compared

Ambassador Cruise Line: Smaller ships with a traditional cruise feel

Ambassador Cruise Line currently operates three ships, all of which originally sailed for other cruise lines before being refurbished for the Ambassador fleet.

The largest is Ambience, which joined the line when Ambassador launched in 2022. Originally built as Regal Princess, she carries around 1,400 guests and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of lounges, live music venues and traditional dining spaces.

Ambition, slightly smaller, joined the fleet in 2023 and offers a similar experience with around 1,200 guests onboard.

Ambassador’s newest addition is Renaissance, which operates fly-cruises in the Caribbean and expands the cruise line’s offering beyond UK sailings.

What all three ships have in common is their smaller size and classic cruise design. They don’t have the huge waterparks or endless restaurants found on the newest mega-ships, but they do offer a friendly onboard atmosphere where it’s easy to find your way around and get to know fellow guests.

During my recent cruise on Ambience, I noticed how relaxed the ship felt – it was never crowded, service was excellent, and after a few days you start recognising the same faces around the ship.

It’s a very different experience from sailing on a 5,000-guest resort ship. In my opinion, these ships hit the sweet spot in terms of size. They’re no so big that you get lost, but not so small that you get bored.

Read more: Ambassador Cruise Line Ships Compared

How to Choose

If you love the idea of large resort-style ships packed with variety – multiple dining venues, big production shows, several pools and plenty going on – then P&O Cruises has the clear advantage.

But if you prefer smaller ships where everything feels more relaxed and easy to navigate, Ambassador’s fleet can be very appealing.

It’s also worth remembering that P&O’s Arcadia and Aurora offer a more traditional adults-only experience that’s actually quite similar in style to Ambassador’s ships.

So the real difference isn’t just ship size – it’s how much choice you want onboard.

If you enjoy the buzz of a big ship with lots of venues and activities, P&O Cruises will probably suit you best.

If you prefer a calmer atmosphere where the focus is on good food, friendly service and the destinations you’re visiting, then Ambassador can be a fantastic option.

Destination Choices

When it comes to where they sail from, P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line take quite different approaches.

P&O Cruises focuses heavily on Southampton departures, with some ships offering fly-cruise programmes depending on the season.

Ambassador Cruise Line, on the other hand, has built its brand around regional UK departures, which can make cruising much more convenient if you don’t live near the south coast. You can’t sail from Southampton, but you can sail from London Tilbury, Bristol, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast and Liverpool.

For some people, that difference alone can make the decision much easier.

P&O Cruises: Huge variety of itineraries from Southampton

The vast majority of P&O Cruises sailings depart from Southampton, which has long been the UK’s main cruise port.

To make things easier, they offer coach travel from a wide range of pick-up points across the UK. I love the P&O Cruises coach. It makes starting your holiday so easy. You don’t need to head down the day before, and there’s no chance of missing the ship as the coaches are chartered by P&O Cruises.

P&O Cruises offers an enormous range of itineraries from Southampton. You’ll find everything from short two-to-four-night mini cruises to Northern Europe, to longer sailings around the Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean, Canary Islands and beyond.

Norwegian Fjords are particularly popular with P&O guests, as the ships often sail round-trip from the UK without requiring flights.

P&O also offers fly-cruises, most commonly to the Caribbean during the winter season and the Mediterranean in the summer. Flights depart from several UK airports and transfers are included, making the process relatively straightforward.

For travellers who want something truly epic, P&O Cruises also operates world cruises and grand voyages, which can last several months and visit destinations across multiple continents.

This wide range of itineraries means there’s usually something available regardless of how much time you have to travel.

Ambassador Cruise Line: No-fly cruising from around the UK

Ambassador Cruise Line takes a slightly different approach, focusing strongly on no-fly cruising from regional ports around the UK.

Their ships regularly depart from ports including:

• London Tilbury
• Liverpool
• Bristol (Portbury)
• Newcastle
• Dundee
• Belfast
• Portsmouth

For many people, this makes cruising much easier. Instead of travelling across the country to Southampton, you may be able to embark much closer to home.

When I cruised with Ambassador previously from Bristol, the port was only a ten-minute drive from my house – cruising really doesn’t get much easier than that!

Ambassador itineraries mainly explore Northern Europe, including the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic, Iceland, the British Isles and the Canary Islands.

More recently, the cruise line has also expanded into fly-cruising, with Caribbean sailings available via UK flights on their newest ship, Renaissance.

While Ambassador’s itinerary range isn’t quite as extensive as P&O’s, the convenience of regional departures can be a major advantage.

And when it comes to fly cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line proudly partners with Virgin Atlantic for its charter flights. P&O Cruises, on the other hand, has been known to offer more budget flights including Norse Atlantic and EasyJet.

How to Choose

If you prefer the widest choice of itineraries, including longer voyages and world cruises, P&O Cruises offers far more options overall.

However, if convenience matters most and you’d rather avoid travelling to Southampton, Ambassador’s regional departures can be incredibly appealing.

For many cruisers, the idea of simply driving to a nearby port, parking the car and stepping onboard is one of Ambassador’s biggest selling points.

Ultimately, the best choice may come down to where you live and how far you’re willing to travel before your cruise even begins.

Staterooms and Suites

Both P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line offer the classic range of cabin types you’d expect on a mainstream cruise: Inside cabins, Ocean View rooms, Balcony cabins and Suites.

But while the overall structure is quite similar, there are a few interesting differences in the types of cabins available, the amount of space you’ll get and what extra perks come with the suites.

Cabin Types

Ambassador keeps things relatively simple when it comes to accommodation.

Across the fleet you’ll generally find five categories:

• Inside cabins
• Ocean View cabins
• Balcony cabins
• Suites
• Deluxe Suites

This straightforward approach makes it easy to understand what you’re booking, and most cabins follow a traditional cruise ship layout with comfortable beds, plenty of storage and a compact bathroom.

P&O Cruises uses a similar structure but offers a little more variety on some ships.

Alongside the usual Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite categories, many P&O ships also feature Mini-Suites, which offer a little more living space and upgraded perks compared with standard balcony cabins.

On the newest ships, Iona and Arvia, you’ll also find Conservatory Mini Suites, which have a winter-garden style seating area between the cabin and the balcony.

These are particularly popular on colder itineraries such as the Norwegian Fjords, as they allow you to enjoy the views even when the weather isn’t perfect.

P&O’s newest ships also introduced one of the most talked-about cabin types in recent years – the Promenade cabins.

These balcony-style cabins open directly onto the ship’s promenade deck. Some guests love the easy access to fresh air, while others aren’t so keen on the lack of privacy since people can walk right past your balcony.

They’re definitely a bit controversial, and opinions are very mixed.

Suite Perks

If you often like to splash out on a suite for your cruise, you’ll know that it comes with much more than just a larger room. On most cruise line, including P&O Cruises, suite guests are given a whole range of extra benefits to enjoy across the ship such as special suite-only restaurants and butler service.

However, Ambassador Cruise Line has a different attitude towards suites. Their ethos is that all guests are treated equally, so while the suites themselves are gorgeous and come with extra amenities like fruit bowls, bathrobes and coffee machines, you shouldn’t expect the same VIP experience as you may get when you book a suite on P&O Cruises.

However, Ambassador Cruise Line does offer free wifi for suite guests, something which P&O Cruises does not.

Refurbishments and Condition

Even though several ships in both fleets are older, the cruise lines work hard to keep cabins feeling fresh and comfortable.

P&O Cruises operates a rolling refurbishment schedule, with ships typically undergoing major updates roughly every five years. This helps ensure cabins and public areas remain modern and well maintained.

Ambassador has also invested heavily in refurbishing its ships since acquiring them. Public areas have been refreshed and cabins updated where needed, creating a pleasant balance of classic cruise design with modern touches.

On ships in both fleets I noticed that while there were a few small signs of the ship’s age – such as limited plug sockets – the cabins were spotless, comfortable and very well maintained.

How to Choose

Both cruise lines offer comfortable accommodation across a range of budgets, and the overall cabin experience is more similar than you might expect.

If you like a wider range of cabin options, including mini-suites and some unique room types, P&O Cruises offers more variety – especially on the newest ships.

If you’re happy with a simpler, more traditional cabin structure, Ambassador keeps things straightforward and easy to understand.

For most travellers though, whichever cruise line you choose, you’ll find cabins that are comfortable, well maintained and perfectly suited to a relaxing cruise holiday.

Dining

Food is a big part of any cruise, and both P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line offer plenty of choice when it comes to dining.

On both cruise lines you’ll find the familiar cruise setup:

• a main dining room serving multi-course meals
• a buffet restaurant for casual dining
• poolside snacks and lighter options during the day
• speciality restaurants available for an extra charge

The biggest difference isn’t necessarily the quality of the food, but the number of venues and the overall dining style.

P&O’s larger ships naturally offer more variety, while Ambassador keeps things simpler with a more traditional cruise dining experience.

Ambassador Cruise Line: Traditional dining with excellent food

Dining on Ambassador Cruise Line follows a fairly traditional cruise structure, and in my experience the food quality is excellent.

On Ambience, you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner either in the main dining room or the buffet, and the menus are very similar in both venues. The choice really comes down to whether you want a quick casual meal or a more relaxed dining experience with full table service.

Dinner is served at two traditional seating times, which many seasoned cruisers actually prefer because you sit with the same waiters and often the same tablemates throughout the cruise.

Outside the main restaurants, there are plenty of other options throughout the day:

• a poolside snack bar serving burgers, hot dogs and pizza
• afternoon tea each afternoon
• late-night canapés served in the bars

There are also speciality restaurants, which are very reasonably priced at around £20–£30 per person. During my cruise, we ate at the Indian restaurant Saffron, and it was genuinely one of the best curries I’ve ever had at sea.

Another thing that impressed me was how well dietary requirements were handled. As a vegan, I found there were always good options available and everything was clearly labelled.

Overall, the dining experience feels classic and relaxed – the kind of cruise where dinner is an event in itself rather than just something you fit in between activities.

Read more: Why Ambassador Cruise Line Is a Dream for Cruisers With Dietary Requirements

P&O Cruises: More choice, especially on the newer ships

Dining on P&O Cruises follows a similar overall structure, but on the larger ships you’ll find many more venues to choose from.

Every ship offers at least one main dining room, a large buffet and several speciality restaurants, but the bigger vessels – especially Iona and Arvia – have a much wider selection of dining options spread throughout the ship.

I particularly like The Quays food court on Arvia and Iona which offers cuisine from around the world. There’s also a Mediterranean restaurant and an American diner which are available for no extra charge.

Read more: Every Restaurant On P&O Arvia (What’s Included & What Costs Extra)

On some ships you can also choose between set dining times or more flexible dining arrangements, which can be helpful if you prefer a less structured evening schedule.

How to Choose

Both cruise lines offer a strong dining experience, but they approach it slightly differently.

If you enjoy having lots of dining venues to choose from, especially speciality restaurants and casual eateries, P&O Cruises has the advantage – particularly on the newest ships.

If you prefer a simpler, more traditional dining experience where the focus is on high-quality meals in the main restaurants, then Ambassador Cruise Line does this extremely well.

In my experience, Ambassador’s food quality is the most impressive, while P&O Cruises offers a bit more variety overall.

So the decision really comes down to whether you prefer more choice or a more traditional cruise dining style.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Ambassador Cruise Line and P&O Cruises are some of the best cruise lines in terms of food. See who else made the list.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

When you’re not exploring ashore, both P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line offer plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained onboard.

Neither cruise line focuses on the kind of high-adrenaline attractions you’ll find on some of the American mega-ships – there are no rollercoasters or surf simulators here – but both offer a good mix of daytime activities, live entertainment and relaxed spaces to unwind.

The main difference comes down to ship size and variety.

Ambassador Cruise Line: Sociable activities and classic cruise entertainment

On Ambassador Cruise Line, the entertainment programme feels very traditional and sociable – and there’s a lot more going on than you might expect from a smaller ship.

During the day, you’ll usually find a wide range of activities taking place around the ship, such as:

• bridge tournaments
• dance classes
• watercolour painting
• craft sessions
• cooking demonstrations
• choir rehearsals
• guest lectures

On my cruise, there were often several activities happening at the same time in the mornings, so deciding what to do could actually be the hardest part.

In the evenings, the entertainment continues with live music throughout the ship, as well as quizzes, bingo, comedians and game shows.

Each night there’s also a West End-style theatre show, and the cast are incredibly talented.

And look out for special sailings that have guests onboard – TV presenters, sports stars etc.

One thing I noticed was how friendly and sociable the atmosphere felt. Because the ships are smaller, it’s easy to start recognising people around the ship and conversations tend to happen naturally in the bars and lounges.

It’s a very relaxed style of entertainment that focuses more on live music, socialising and classic cruise traditions.

P&O Cruises: More venues and bigger productions

Because the ships are larger, P&O Cruises naturally offers a wider range of entertainment venues and activities.

During the day you’ll find many of the same classic cruise activities as Ambassador – quizzes, dance classes, craft sessions and guest speakers – along with gyms, spas and sports courts.

On the newest ships, there are also a few extra features, and having tried they, they are a lot of fun!

For example, Arvia and Iona include attractions such as:

• a high ropes course (Arvia)
• mini golf
• a sports arena
• the SkyDome, a huge glass-roofed space used for pool parties, live music and aerial shows

These ships also have multiple bars and lounges running entertainment at the same time, so there’s usually something happening somewhere on board.

Evenings on P&O ships often feel a little more polished and theatrical. The Headliners Theatre Company produces original shows exclusively for the cruise line, and there are also guest entertainers, tribute acts and comedians performing regularly.

Depending on the sailing, you may even see well-known performers appear onboard, including famous singers and comedians. I once saw Ronan Keating perform, which was excellent!

How to Choose

Both cruise lines offer plenty to do onboard, but the style of entertainment is slightly different.

If you enjoy large theatres, multiple entertainment venues and a wide choice of activities running throughout the ship, P&O Cruises has the advantage – particularly on the newest ships.

If you prefer a more relaxed and sociable atmosphere, where the focus is on live music, quizzes and traditional cruise entertainment, then Ambassador Cruise Line does this extremely well.

In many ways it reflects the overall style of the ships themselves:
P&O offers more variety, while Ambassador focuses on a friendly, classic cruise atmosphere.

Kids’ Facilities

When it comes to cruising with children, P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line are now taking very different approaches.

P&O Cruises offers a mix of family-friendly ships, while Ambassador has decided to focus entirely on an adults-only experience from 2027 onwards. While the cruise line used to welcome children on selected itineraries, that is no longer the case.

P&O Cruises: Ships for families and adults-only travellers

Five of P&O Cruises’ seven ships are designed to be family-friendly, with dedicated kids’ clubs, family cabins and activities aimed at younger guests.

The clubs are divided into age groups from toddlers through to teenagers, with organised activities such as crafts, games, movie nights and sports tournaments.

The newest ships – Iona and Arvia – offer the most for families, with large kids’ club areas, multiple pools, sports courts and family entertainment throughout the ship. We’ve had a great time whenever we’ve sailed on these ships.

A particularly fun touch for younger cruisers is the partnership with Aardman Animations, which means children can meet characters like Shaun the Sheep and Gromit during special onboard events.

Read more: Cheap P&O Cruises in School Holidays: How to Find the Best Deals

At the same time, P&O still offers options for travellers who prefer a quieter cruise.

Arcadia and Aurora are traditionally adults-only ships, although from 2026 onwards P&O has begun offering a small number of family sailings on these ships, which has proved somewhat controversial among long-time guests who prefer them to remain child-free.

Ambassador Cruise Line: Adults-only cruising

Ambassador Cruise Line has always been aimed primarily at adult travellers, and from 2027 onwards all sailings will be adults-only.

In the past, the cruise line offered a small number of multi-generational sailings during school holidays, but these are being phased out as the company focuses on its core market.

This means Ambassador cruises tend to attract couples, solo travellers and groups of friends looking for a quieter onboard atmosphere.

The overall vibe is generally relaxed and sociable rather than family-focused.

How to Choose

If you’re travelling with children, P&O Cruises is the clear choice, offering dedicated kids’ clubs, family-friendly entertainment and ships designed with families in mind.

If you prefer a child-free cruise environment, Ambassador’s adults-only approach may be very appealing.

P&O still offers adults-only ships too, so travellers who enjoy the P&O style but want a quieter atmosphere can still find sailings that suit them.

Price

When comparing P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line, the prices can sometimes look quite different at first glance.

Ambassador often advertises very attractive headline fares, with some cruises available for surprisingly low prices per night.

But as with most cruise holidays, the base fare only tells part of the story.

Once you factor in things like gratuities, drinks packages and cabin type, the overall value can become much closer than you might expect.

Ambassador Cruise Line: Excellent value and great solo deals

One of Ambassador’s biggest selling points is its value for money.

Cruises are often priced very competitively, and it’s not unusual to see fares advertised at around £50 per person per night on some itineraries.

Despite the lower prices, the cruise still includes the essentials you’d expect:

• accommodation
• full-board dining
• entertainment and activities
• afternoon tea

From my own experience, the food quality and service were excellent for the price of the cruise.

Where Ambassador really stands out is with solo travellers. The cruise line frequently offers very low or even no single supplements on selected cabins, which can make cruising much more affordable if you’re travelling alone.

Read more: The Hidden Cost Of Solo Cruising – And How To Beat It

However, there are a few extra costs to keep in mind.

Unlike P&O Cruises, gratuities are not included in the fare, and a daily service charge is added to your onboard account. Drinks packages and speciality dining are also optional extras. Worth knowing, if you get a drinks package, that then covers the cost of your gratuities as well.

Even with these added costs though, Ambassador can still work out to be excellent value overall.

Read more: Ambassador Cruise Line Drinks Packages Guide

P&O Cruises: Mid-range pricing with some strong deals

P&O Cruises generally sits in the low- to mid- range of cruise pricing, offering good value for the level of ships, facilities and entertainment available onboard.

The cruise fare includes:

• accommodation
• main dining and buffet meals
• entertainment and activities
• gratuities

Having tips included can make it easier to budget, as there’s no daily service charge added to your onboard account.

P&O often runs attractive promotions too. One of the most popular is the third and fourth guest deals, where additional guests in a cabin can sail for a heavily reduced price or sometimes even free.

These offers can make a big difference for families or groups travelling together.

There are also new all-inclusive options if you want to add drinks packages and WiFi at the same time.

Read more: P&O Drinks Packages Guide

Because P&O operates larger ships with more facilities and dining venues, fares are often higher than Ambassador’s entry-level prices – particularly on the newest ships such as Iona and Arvia.

But the extra onboard choice and modern ships are part of what you’re paying for.

How to Choose

If you’re looking for the lowest headline price, Ambassador Cruise Line will often come out a little cheaper.

It’s also a fantastic option for solo travellers, thanks to the regular single-supplement deals.

However, if you prefer larger ships with more facilities, and you like the simplicity of having gratuities included in the fare, P&O Cruises may offer better overall value for your style of holiday.

As always with cruising, the best approach is to price up everything you realistically plan to use – including drinks packages and any extras – before comparing the total cost.

The cheapest cruise on paper isn’t always the best value once everything is added together.

Final Word

Both P&O Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line offer fantastic cruise holidays for British travellers, but they appeal to slightly different preferences.

P&O Cruises has the advantage when it comes to ship choice and onboard variety. With everything from huge modern ships like Iona and Arvia to smaller adults-only vessels such as Arcadia and Aurora, there’s a wide range of experiences available within the same cruise line.

Ambassador Cruise Line, meanwhile, focuses more on traditional cruising values. The ships are smaller, the atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, and the emphasis is on friendly service, good food and excellent value.

If you love big modern ships packed with entertainment, restaurants and facilities, then P&O Cruises will probably suit you best.

But if you prefer smaller ships, a more traditional cruise atmosphere and excellent value for money, Ambassador Cruise Line is definitely worth considering.

In reality, both cruise lines are very much designed with British travellers in mind – so whichever you choose, you can expect familiar food, friendly service and plenty of tea and gin along the way.

They’re both excellent choices and I’m sure you’ll have a great time whichever you choose.

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