Key Aspects:
- P&O Cruises’ newest ship is Arvia, which debuted in 2022.
- P&O Cruises’ oldest ship is Aurora, which debuted in 2000.
- Even P&O Cruises’ older ships have received substantial refits and refurbishments over the last five years, keeping the fleet up to date as much as possible.
P&O Cruises is a British cruise line with a small fleet of seven ships. Arvia is the newest and biggest ship for P&O, debuting in 2022, so it’s going to be the ship passengers will want to pick if they value newer amenities and high-end features.
Meanwhile, the oldest ship, Aurora, first entered service in 2000, though it’s been kept more or less up to date, so cruisers shouldn’t be overly concerned regarding its age if it otherwise looks like it’ll fit their needs.
Whichever ship you’re considering sailing on, though, don’t underestimate this brand due to the modest P&O fleet size. This is a line with a history dating to the 1800s, with vessels that make their way onto our list of the top largest cruise ships in the world.
Here’s what you need to know before you make your next booking.
In This Article:
Arvia (2022)
As mentioned, Arvia is the newest ship for P&O Cruises, but it’s also the biggest if you’re comparing P&O Cruises vessels by size. The large ship was built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft at their shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
The Excel class ship proudly displays a few modern features, such as a retractable glass SkyDome. It’s also powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which has been gaining popularity among many cruise lines due to its environmental friendliness (though the industry does admit there are both pros and cons to the option).
The family-friendly ship was built with warm-weather destinations in mind, serving itineraries to the Mediterranean and beyond. Thus, it features four pools, including an infinity pool, and lots of choices for dining and drinking.
- Entered Service: 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 185,581 GT
- Length: 345 meters/1,131 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 5,200
- Crew Capacity: 1,800
Iona (2021)
Arvia’s sister ship Iona debuted just one year before Arvia, making it one of the newer P&O ships you could choose for a cruise.
Iona was also built by Meyer Werft and is likewise LNG-powered. Iona is just a little bit smaller than Arvia (but she was the largest ship built for P&O Cruises ever, at her time of launch). Iona introduced the Excel class to the world and, as such, also features the SkyDome, as well as the three-tier atrium that has become associated with these ships.
- Entered Service: 2021
- Gross Tonnage: 184,700 GT
- Length: 344 meters/1,128 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 5,200
- Crew Capacity: 1,800
Britannia
Six years prior to Iona’s debut, Britannia proudly took to the high seas as P&O Cruises’ flagship vessel. In 2015, Britannia was introduced after being built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, as the largest ship ever constructed by Fincantieri on P&O Cruises’ behalf.
Yes, Britannia is now smaller than the newer ships in the fleet, but it’s become a beloved staple thanks to just how well it, as its name suggests, fully embraces British culture and caters to the British cruise market. It also has one of the largest outdoor promenades of all the other P&O ships.
- Entered Service: 2015
- Gross Tonnage: 143,000 GT
- Length: 330 meters/1,082 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 3,647
- Crew Capacity: 1,350
Azura (2010)
There was a similar gap between Britannia and Azura, with Azura coming onto the scene in 2010. Again, she was built by Fincantieri in Italy, with construction beginning in 2008. Azura is very similar to sister ship Ventura, and the ship has received upgrades to keep it modern, to make up for its more than 15 years of age.
Most recently, in 2025, refurbishments affected the ship’s bars and restaurants, as well as cabins.
- Entered Service: 2010
- Gross Tonnage: 115,055 GT
- Length: 290 meters/951 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 3,100
- Crew Capacity: 1,250
Ventura (2008)
Ventura first set sail a mere two years before Azura, debuting in 2008.
Built by Fincantieri, the ship is modestly sized and was most recently refitted in early 2026. Cabins and suites received new carpet, curtains, bedside lampshades and armchairs. Public spaces such as the Atrium and multiple bars and restaurants received new life as well. Even the theater, spa and shopping areas were given a bit of an upgrade.
In short, this is a ship that, while on the older side, has been lovingly restored to keep up with modern guests’ demands.
- Entered Service: 2008
- Gross Tonnage: 116,017
- Length: 290 meters/951 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 3,078
- Crew Capacity: 1,205
Arcadia (2005)
Now we’re getting into some of P&O’s smaller ships. Arcadia is more than two decades old at this point, and is both the second-oldest and second-smallest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet. The ship is also one of the few adult-only cruise ships within the P&O family.
As P&O has done with all its older ships, the cruise line gave this one a refresh in recent years. In 2024, a refresh resulted in new carpets, furnishings and similar in cabins and suites, as well as new furnishings and accents in popular restaurants and bars. A broad range of other changes were made in further public spaces, such as a new dance floor being added in the theater and new gaming machines in the casino.
Arcadia was built by Fincantieri.
- Entered Service: 2005
- Gross Tonnage: 83,781 GT
- Length: 285 meters/935 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 2,094
- Crew Capacity: 866
Aurora (2000)
Then, finally, we get to the smallest P&O ship, as well as the oldest P&O ship: Aurora. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany and delivered in April 2000, this is a ship that does, admittedly, show her age, but she’s been refitted numerous times, most recently in 2025.
Like Arcadia, Aurora is also adults-only, and these refits brought cabins, restaurants, bars, the spa and more up to modern standards. More of a traditional ship, don’t expect anything overly flashy here — just good ol’ fashioned ocean cruising.
- Entered Service: 2000
- Gross Tonnage: 76,152 GT
- Length: 270 meters/885 feet
- Passenger Capacity: 1,874
- Crew Capacity: 850
