P&O Cruises vs MSC Cruises

P&O Cruises and MSC Cruises are two of the most recognisable names in cruising, especially if you’re travelling from the UK. But the experience you get on board each one feels quite different.

P&O Cruises is a long-established British cruise line with a loyal UK following and a distinctly familiar, home-from-home style.

MSC Cruises, meanwhile, is quickly becoming a global brand offering large, modern ships, a European atmosphere, and often extremely low headline prices that appeal to travellers looking for value.

I’ve cruised with P&O Cruises eight times and MSC Cruises four times. I like them both, but for very different reasons.

So, if you’re trying to decide between P&O Cruises and MSC Cruises for your next holiday, here’s an in-depth look at how they compare.

Ships

Both cruise lines have impressive fleets, but they offer very different atmospheres at sea. Before diving into the details, here’s a quick look at what sets their ships apart and who each style tends to suit.

P&O Cruises Ships

P&O Cruises’ fleet is one of the most varied in the UK market, ranging from two (mostly) adults-only ships with a traditional ambience to modern resort-style vessels that carry over 5,000 guests.

Ship	Gross Tonnage	Decks	Length (Metres)	Guests
Arvia	184,700	20	344	6,264
Iona	184,089	20	344	6,264
Britannia	143,730	18	330	4,406
Ventura	116,017	19	291	3,727
Azura	115,055	19	290	3,737
Arcadia	84,342	11	290	2,458
Aurora	76,152	13	270	2,258

The newest sisters, Arvia and Iona, are the largest ships ever built for British travellers. They feature a stunning glass SkyDome with a retractable roof, multiple pools and whirlpools, an impressive choice of bars and restaurants, and a fresh, contemporary décor that combines relaxed resort styling with a distinctly British feel.

Britannia, Azura and Ventura sit in the mid-size range and remain extremely popular with families thanks to their layout, large kids’ clubs and varied dining.

Arcadia and Aurora, both adults-only for most of the year, offer a more traditional cruise experience with an elegant, understated style and a quieter atmosphere.

Across the fleet, you’ll notice a consistent style that aligns closely with British tastes: bright, airy public spaces, a wide choice of familiar dining venues, large theatres, and plenty of spots for daytime lounging.

The larger ships offer more variety and buzz, with several lounges and entertainment venues running at once, while the smaller ships attract guests who prefer a calmer, more intimate experience.

Read more: Best & Worst P&O Cruises Ships Ranked By Reviews

MSC Cruises Ships

MSC Cruises is starting to become more well-known for its spectacular, modern mega-ships featuring glamorous atriums, dramatic architecture and a European resort style.

Ship	Gross Tonnage	Decks	Length (Metres)	Guests
MSC World America	216,638	22	333	6,764
MSC World Europa	215,863	21	333	6,762
MSC Euribia	184,011	19	331	6,334
MSC Virtuosa	181,541	19	331	6,334
MSC Grandiosa	181,541	19	331	6,334
MSC Bellissima	171,598	19	316	5,686
MSC Meraviglia	171,598	19	316	5,655
MSC Seascape	170,412	19	312	5,877
MSC Seashore	169,400	19	339	5,632
MSC Seaside	153,516	19	323	5,336
MSC Seaview	153,516	19	323	5,119
MSC Preziosa	139,072	18	333	4,345
MSC Divina	139,072	18	333	4,345
MSC Splendida	137,936	18	333	4,363
MSC Fantasia	137,936	18	333	4,363
MSC Magnifica	95,128	16	294	3,013
MSC Poesia	92,627	16	294	3,013
MSC Orchestra	92,409	16	294	3,013
MSC Musica	92,409	16	294	3,013
MSC Opera	65,591	13	275	2,579
MSC Lirica	65,591	13	275	2,548
MSC Sinfonia	65,542	13	248	2,546
MSC Armonia	65,542	13	275	2,520

The MSC Cruises fleet is one of the fastest-growing in the world and includes some of the largest cruise ships afloat, such as the World Class, Meraviglia Plus and Seaside EVO ships, all of which comfortably exceed 5,000 guests at full occupancy.

These vessels feature dramatic interior design, sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases, multi-storey LED screens, indoor promenades, large pool decks, and a wide mix of bars, lounges, speciality restaurants and entertainment spaces.

Even MSC’s older Musica and Fantasia Class ships feel impressively modern, albeit a bit smaller, with many having undergone refurbishments that keep them competitive with newer vessels.

The line also offers the MSC Yacht Club on an increasing number of ships – a private, suite-only enclave with its own restaurant, lounge, sundeck and concierge service. This ship-within-a-ship concept adds a touch of luxury to what is otherwise a mass-market cruise experience.

While MSC’s ships can feel busy, especially on sailings where guests embark and disembark at different ports along the itinerary, they offer an enormous amount of choice and create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Read more: MSC Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst

How to Choose

If you prefer ships with a distinctly British ambience, lots of familiar touches, and a more structured sense of order, P&O Cruises’ fleet will feel like a very natural fit. Their ships, even the newer ones, prioritise a familiar style and an easy learning curve for first-time cruisers.

P&O’s ships can also feel less crowded – there’s just a calmer vibe. Loyal P&O cruisers will sometimes say that the newer mega ships aren’t quite as relaxed as the older ones, but there’s definitely a quieter atmosphere than that on MSC’s biggest ships.

If, instead, you’re drawn to dramatic interiors, large-scale entertainment venues, and a more cosmopolitan resort feel, MSC offers some of the most visually impressive and modern ships at sea.

Those wanting an elevated experience can also consider MSC Yacht Club, which has no equivalent on P&O Cruises.

Destinations

When it comes to where they sail, P&O Cruises and MSC Cruises take two very different approaches. One focuses on convenience and UK-friendly routes, while the other offers global flexibility and huge variety.

P&O Cruises Destinations

P&O Cruises is the obvious choice if you prefer to sail directly from the UK. The vast majority of itineraries depart from Southampton, offering everything from short two-to-four-night mini-breaks in Northern Europe to longer voyages to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Norwegian Fjords and beyond.

These no-fly options are ideal if you prefer a stress-free start to your holiday without airports, baggage limits or transfers.

The cruise line also operates fly-cruises, mainly to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canary Islands, with flights from ten UK airports. This gives guests across the country flexibility, and the transfers are well organised, making the process relatively seamless.

P&O Cruises also offers longer grand voyages and world cruises, which appeal to travellers seeking extended, multi-continent itineraries – something that MSC offers in a different format.

MSC Cruises Destinations

MSC Cruises has a truly global footprint with a vast range of departure ports – more than 60 worldwide. Their Mediterranean programme is one of the most extensive in the industry, with multiple ships operating year-round through Italy, Spain, France and Greece.

The line’s Caribbean offering is also significant, with many itineraries including a visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas.

Across Europe, MSC itineraries operate differently from P&O: guests can often embark and disembark at different points along the route.

A seven-night Mediterranean sailing might have new passengers joining at several ports during your cruise. This offers incredible flexibility and a huge number of date options, but it does create a constant flow of movement around the ship.

MSC Cruises also operates strong programmes in the Middle East, South America and South Africa – regions where P&O Cruises has little to no presence.

How to Choose

Choose P&O Cruises if you prefer the convenience of sailing round-trip from the UK or want a wide choice of British-friendly itineraries with flights included.

Choose MSC Cruises if you prioritise flexibility in departure ports, want more choice across Europe and the Middle East, or like the idea of combining your holiday with a visit to Ocean Cay.

Staterooms and Suites

Both cruise lines offer the classic cabin categories, but the feel, layout and perks can vary quite a bit. Here’s what to expect depending on the style of holiday you prefer.

P&O Cruises Accommodation

P&O Cruises offers the familiar four cabin categories: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Suite.

Cabins across the fleet tend to follow a clean, contemporary British design, with plenty of storage, decent wardrobe space and comfortable bedding. Balcony cabins are particularly popular on the newer ships, as they give you a quiet private area away from busy public decks.

Suites on P&O are a genuine step up from standard cabins, both in terms of size and included perks.

Guests staying in suites benefit from:

• butler service
• daily breakfast in an exclusive restaurant
• priority check-in (on Southampton departures)
• a whirlpool bath in most suites
• complimentary room service
• champagne and chocolates on arrival
• canapés on celebration nights
• an atlas and binoculars for scenic sailings
• the option to order main dining room meals to your suite.

These touches combine to create a semi-luxury experience without the high price tag of premium cruise lines

Read more: P&O Cruises Suite Benefits: Why Upgrade?

The line also offers dedicated single cabins on selected ships, which is a big advantage for solo travellers who want to avoid paying full fare for a double room. Family cabins are available too, with some accommodating up to six guests, making them a practical choice for larger family groups.

MSC Cruises Accommodation

MSC Cruises also offers the typical four cabin types, but the experience can vary more widely depending on which ship you choose.

The newer ships feature contemporary cabins with glossy finishes, large floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and modern bathrooms.

One of the biggest distinctions with MSC is the fare structure. Your chosen fare – Bella, Fantastica or Aurea – determines your cabin allocation and perks.

Bella is the entry-level option and often restricts you to less desirable cabin locations, including balcony cabins with metal balustrades instead of glass. Fantastica offers more choice, while Aurea includes access to private sun decks on some ships and priority embarkation.

Read more: MSC Bella Vs Fantastica Vs Aurea: Which To Choose?

At the top end sits the MSC Yacht Club, arguably one of the strongest suite experiences in the mainstream market.

Yacht Club guests stay in a private area of the ship with access to an exclusive restaurant, lounge and sundeck.

It also includes

• butler service
• premium drinks in Yacht Club venue
• a dedicated concierge
• priority boarding and disembarkation
• an elevated level of service throughout.

It’s a completely separate atmosphere from the main ship and can be an excellent option for travellers who like the idea of a luxury experience while still having access to a large resort-style vessel.

MSC Cruises also provides single cabins on some ships in limited numbers, though some of these use sofa beds rather than standard mattresses – be warned!

Family accommodation is generally very good, with some cabins accommodating up to six guests and the option for connecting rooms.

Read more: MSC Cruises Cabins to Avoid (Some Don’t Even Have Real Beds!)

How to Choose

If you value a homely, British-inspired cabin design complete with a kettle and tea bags, want well-equipped single cabins, or prefer an extensive suite package included in the fare, P&O Cruises has the edge.

If you like sleek, modern décor with more choice at the upper end, or you’re interested in the private-club-style luxury of the MSC Yacht Club, MSC will be the better fit.

Travellers choosing an MSC cruise should also pay attention to the fare type, as it significantly affects cabin placement and perks.

Dining

Food is a big part of any cruise, and this is an area where the lines take noticeably different paths.

P&O Cruises Dining

Dining on P&O Cruises feels comfortably familiar, with menus designed to suit British tastes but with enough variety to keep things interesting during longer itineraries.

Each ship offers at least one main dining room, serving classic multi-course meals each evening, alongside a large buffet restaurant for more casual dining.

The ships all have a selection of speciality restaurants, which vary by the ship – but they can include Sindhu for modern Indian cuisine, The Keel & Cow for steaks and gourmet burgers, The Glass House for wine-paired dishes, and a handful of other venues such as Taste 360 for grab-and-go bites.

Larger ships such as Iona and Arvia offer the broadest selection, with dining concepts spread across different decks, while the smaller adult-only ships have fewer venues but retain a high standard of cooking and service.

A particularly popular feature is the children’s tea, an early sitting that allows younger passengers to eat before visiting the kids’ clubs, giving parents a quieter, more relaxed dinner later on.

Read more: Don’t Miss Out On The Amazing Food Aboard P&O Cruises

MSC Cruises Dining

MSC Cruises has a distinctly Mediterranean approach to dining, with menus that incorporate Italian, French and Spanish influences alongside familiar international dishes.

The main dining rooms are stylish and lively, with menus that change every night, and the buffets are extensive, often serving fresh pizzas and pasta dishes well into the evening.

Speciality dining varies by ship but typically includes steakhouse options, seafood restaurants, teppanyaki venues, sushi bars and a chocolate and gelato shop onboard most new ships.

MSC’s biggest ships offer a particularly tempting range of speciality options that rival those on American mega-ships.

One important distinction is that MSC’s service style can feel more European – meals may be slightly slower paced, and certain elements such as the availability of condiments or the order of service might differ from what British guests are used to.

Many travellers enjoy the international feel, but those expecting a British dining style may find the experience different.

And in terms of quality, people report mixed things. Some love the MSC food, others find it a bit limited in quality or variety. The sevice in the main dining room can sometimes be slow. It’s always good to read some reviews before you book.

Suggested read: Eating Vegan on MSC Cruises

How to Choose

Choose P&O Cruises if you prefer familiar British dishes, well-established evening dining routines, and a selection of speciality restaurants that feels curated rather than overwhelming.

Choose MSC Cruises if you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, want to sample a wider range of international flavours, or like the idea of freshly made pizza available at all hours.

Guests who enjoy variety will find MSC particularly appealing on the newest ships, while those who prefer consistency may lean towards P&O Cruises.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

From theatre shows to poolside fun, both cruise lines keep guests busy, but the vibe is very different.

P&O Cruises Entertainment and Activities

P&O Cruises offers a traditional but varied mix of activities during the day, including pool relaxation, gym classes, craft workshops, dance lessons and deck games.

The SkyDome on Arvia and Iona is a highlight, providing an indoor-outdoor space that can host lectures, live bands, aerial shows and daytime entertainment even in cooler weather.

Evening entertainment is a strong point for P&O Cruises. The Headliners Theatre Company produces original West End-style shows, and there are regular live singers, tribute acts, comedians and game shows throughout the ship.

Venues like The Limelight Club offer dinner-and-show experiences, while the Crow’s Nest and The Glass House provide live music in a more intimate setting.

Overall, entertainment feels polished and familiar, leaning towards British musical styles and humour.

MSC Cruises Entertainment and Activities

MSC Cruises offers a busier, more cosmopolitan style of onboard entertainment.

Daytime activities include fitness classes, pool games and dance sessions, but the real wow factor appears on the larger ships.

Attractions such as the F1 simulator, flight simulators, multi-storey dry slides, the Robotron robotic arm ride and expansive water parks give MSC an edge in headline-grabbing features.

Evenings on MSC ships are lively, with big theatre shows that rely heavily on music, dance, acrobatics and visual effects – ideal for multilingual audiences.

Rather than focusing on scripted comedy, which doesn’t translate easily, MSC leans into universal entertainment styles that appeal across nationalities.

Live music is a major part of the nightlife, with many ships offering multiple lounges featuring singers and musicians until late into the evening.

How to Choose

P&O Cruises is the better choice if you prefer traditional entertainment styles, polished theatre productions and a programme designed around British tastes.

MSC Cruises is better suited to guests who enjoy a more high-energy, international atmosphere with lots of visual spectacle and a wide range of immersive onboard attractions.

Those sailing with teens or active adults may find MSC has more headline features, while P&O provides a calmer, more familiar environment.

Kids’ Facilities

Travelling with children? Both lines cater well for families, but the style of the kids’ clubs and the overall atmosphere can feel quite different.

P&O Cruises for Families

P&O Cruises offers excellent family facilities on most of its ships, with age-grouped kids’ clubs covering children aged from two all the way to seventeen. The clubs run structured sessions featuring crafts, games, sports, movie nights and educational activities.

The family-friendly ships – Britannia, Ventura, Azura, Arvia and Iona – also offer pools suitable for children, family cabin options, and an evening nursery service for under-fours.

One recent change to be aware of is the introduction of pre-booking fees for kids’ club sessions. Parents can still try to join sessions on a walk-in basis, but on busy sailings, especially school holidays, availability may be limited unless you reserve in advance.

Read more: P&O Cruises Sparks Backlash With New Kids’ Club Charges

P&O Cruises also has the advantage of the children’s tea, a thoughtful feature that helps with evening routines by letting kids eat early before heading to the kids’ club.

MSC Cruises for Families

MSC Cruises is very popular with families, particularly in Europe, and offers a lively, friendly kids’ programme. The clubs are divided into multiple age groups with dedicated play spaces, and the line has long-standing partnerships with Lego and Chicco, which means younger children have access to high-quality toys and themed activities.

Teen spaces on the larger ships include VR equipment, gaming consoles and well-designed lounge areas that teens genuinely enjoy.

MSC also offers a Baby Club for under-threes, which is a standout feature compared with many mainstream cruise lines. Recent enhancements allow parents to leave babies as young as six months with trained staff during certain supervised sessions, giving families more flexibility. However, children under two are not permitted on longer cruises (11 nights or more).

Read more: MSC Changes Popular Infant Policy At Short Notice & Cancels Impacted Guests’ Bookings

Because MSC attracts a multilingual audience, children often mix with peers from across Europe and beyond. Many families see this as an enriching experience, while some more reserved children may find it less familiar at first.

How to Choose

If your family values a familiar British environment with structured routines, P&O Cruises may feel more comfortable, especially for younger children who benefit from a consistent format.

However, if you like the idea of your children engaging with a wider international mix of peers, or if you have babies or toddlers who would benefit from dedicated facilities, MSC offers excellent family value.

Teens in particular often find MSC’s ships more exciting, thanks to the range of digital and high-energy attractions.

Price

Pricing is one of the biggest deciding factors for many travellers, and both P&O Cruises and MSC Cruises have some excellent deals avbailable.

P&O Cruises Pricing

P&O Cruises is generally positioned mid-market, offering good value for the UK audience.

The fare includes full-board dining, entertainment, gratuities and essential activities, which keeps onboard spending optional rather than expected.

While drinks packages cost extra, the pricing tends to be straightforward, and P&O frequently offers deals that include onboard credit or free parking for Southampton departures. Value will vary by ship and season, with summer sailings and school holiday dates naturally costing more.

P&O Cruises often has deals where the third and fourth guest in a cabin sails for £99 or sometimes even for free. I’ve taken advantage of this many times, both with my family and also with groups of friends. This can make your cruise half price!

Thanks to these offers, I’ve booked cruises for under £45 per person, per night.

Suggested read: How To Find Cheap P&O Cruises in School Holidays

MSC Cruises Pricing

MSC Cruises is frequently one of the cheapest mainstream cruise lines for base fares, particularly in Europe outside peak seasons.

However, this lower upfront cost may be reflected in certain aspects of the onboard experience, such as service consistency or the busy nature of embarkation days when passengers join at multiple ports.

Gratuities are included on European departures but added on cruises from the US, which can affect comparisons depending on the itinerary.

MSC’s pricing structure – with Bella, Fantastica and Aurea fare types – means the cheapest fares come with restrictions on cabin choice and dining flexibility, so it’s worth checking whether upgrading makes sense for your needs. The MSC Yacht Club is more expensive, but it offers far better value than many luxury cruise lines.

There some great deals to be had, particularly on one-way repositioning cruises. If you’d like to explore a European city before and then after your cruise, you can bag a bargain. I once paid just £99 for a cruise with MSC Cruises!

Read more: MSC Cruises: What’s Included (and What Costs Extra)

How to Choose

If you’re attracted by very low fares and are happy with a more international, occasionally busier onboard atmosphere, MSC can offer outstanding value.

However, if you prefer a more predictable, familiar experience with fewer surprises in terms of service style or onboard routine, P&O may work out better overall.

When comparing the two directly, it is important to price up everything you’ll realistically want to use – drinks packages, WiFi and speciality dining – as MSC’s lowest fares may look enticing but don’t always reflect the full cost of the holiday.

Final Word

P&O Cruises and MSC Cruises both offer fantastic holidays at sea, but they appeal to different types of travellers.

P&O provides a comfortable, familiar experience designed around British tastes, with excellent entertainment, well-structured kids’ clubs and the convenience of sailing from the UK on many itineraries. MSC offers a far more cosmopolitan atmosphere with modern, eye-catching ships, flexible boarding arrangements, and often very low prices that can be hard to ignore.

If you enjoy a British-style holiday with consistent service and entertainment, P&O Cruises is likely the better match. If you’re drawn to glamorous ships, Mediterranean influences and a livelier, more international crowd, MSC Cruises will be a great fit – especially if you’re looking for a bargain or a ship packed with modern features.

Whichever you choose, both cruise lines offer memorable holidays with plenty to enjoy, whether you’re soaking up sunshine in the Med or sailing from Southampton to explore Northern Europe.

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