P&O Cruise Ships by Size: From Largest to Smallest

With its fleet of just seven ships, P&O Cruises may be small, but this British cruise line (considered to be one of the oldest such brands in the world, with its history traced back to the early 1800s) hardly deserves to be overlooked.

From its largest ship, Arvia, to its smallest and oldest ship, Aurora, P&O Cruises delights travelers with its UK stylings, value and fun for both adults-only cruisers and traveling families. 

Let’s take a look at P&O cruise ships by size, from largest to smallest (measured by gross tonnage), so you can decide which of the fleet is your perfect pick for an upcoming voyage. 

Arvia

Arvia is the newest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, and it’s technically the biggest P&O cruise ship, though the average person isn’t going to really notice that much of a difference between Arvia and her sister ship Iona. Both are in the line’s Excel class. 

Designed for fun-in-the-sun Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries, the ship is also the largest ever built specifically for the British market. That said, it’s hardly the largest in the world, with a more modest size as compared to, say, that of the ships in the mammoth Royal Caribbean Icon class. 

The family-friendly ship features more than 2,600 cabins across its 16 decks, four pools (including an infinity pool) and more than 30 food and beverage options.

• Gross Tonnage: 185,581 GT
• Length: 345 meters/1,131 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,200
• Crew Capacity: 1,800
• Entered Service: 2022

Iona

At the time of this Excel-class vessel’s debut, it was the largest ever built for P&O Cruises. It’s extremely similar to sister ship Arvia, but is just slightly smaller in terms of gross tons and length. However, it boasts the same number of guest cabins and houses the same number of cruisers and crew members. 

The LNG-powered, family-friendly ship is ideal for its scenic European itineraries, with its three-deck atrium with panoramic views; glass dome-covered pool area; 18 hot tubs; and more than 15 restaurants, as well as myriad watering holes. 

• Gross Tonnage: 184,700 GT
• Length: 344 meters/1,128 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,200
• Crew Capacity: 1,800
• Entered Service: 2021

Britannia

At 143,000 GT, Britannia is quite a bit smaller than Iona. However, that doesn’t mean that this ship doesn’t still offer plenty to love. It proudly claims one of the largest outdoor promenades in the P&O Cruises fleet. There are still four pools (though only four whirlpools). There are more than a dozen restaurants and half a dozen bars and lounges. 

As the name suggests, this ship delivers British goodness in spades (and, as it was christened by Elizabeth II herself, it ought to!), from the British-style breakfasts to the UK-sourced liquor selection. It makes sense then, that Britannia remains the P&O Cruises flagship, despite newer, bigger ships coming along. It embodies the line’s vibe and caters to its core audience with gusto. 

• Gross Tonnage: 143,000 GT
• Length: 330 meters/1,082 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 3,647
• Crew Capacity: 1,350
• Entered Service: 2015

Ventura

In terms of P&O ship sizes, Ventura lands fully in the middle of the pack. This ship holds about 3,000 or so passengers, so it’s definitely not overwhelmingly big, but it still offers plenty of variety for families and couples alike — and on that note, it’s worth mentioning that Ventura is definitely a family-focused ship (although a handful of solo cabins are available). 

The ship features a lot of the spaces and venues that are considered P&O Cruises staples. For example, there’s The Glass House (a wine bar and restaurant developed by Olly Smith) and Sindhu (developed by a Michelin-starred chef and a favorite for its Indian fare), as well as the adults-only Retreat terrace. The Reefs Kids Club also earns high marks.

• Gross Tonnage: 116,017
• Length: 290 meters/951 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 3,078
• Crew Capacity: 1,205
• Entered Service: 2008

Azura

Azura is very, very similar to Ventura, but just slightly smaller. Cruisers have reported noticing minimal differences between the two, though some think that Azura is the overall nicer ship (but, of course, as with all cruise ships, others disagree — you’ll need to try both and make up your own mind!). Any feelings, though, of Azura being nicer, could be thanks to some very recent changes. 

While it did enter service in 2010, the ship was heavily refurbished in 2025, bringing the vessel up to modern standards. The line particularly paid attention to updating the ship’s bars and restaurants, such as the brand-favorite Sindhu, Glass House, Epicurean and Oriental Restaurant. Likewise, the cabins were given new carpets, curtains and upholstery, as well as new lighting and USB chargers in some.  

• Gross Tonnage: 115,055 GT
• Length: 290 meters/951 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 3,100
• Crew Capacity: 1,250
• Entered Service: 2010

Arcadia

While definitely small, Arcadia is unique among the P&O Cruises ships we’ve discussed thus far, because it’s an adult-only ship. That’s right. Whereas some cruise lines develop all their ships with cruisers of all ages in mind, and others build their brands around being exclusive for the over-18 set, P&O Cruises blends the best of both worlds with some ships in its fleet for all, and some for adults only. 

The ship has a low-key, calm and relaxed atmosphere, with the average age trending upward. As of 2024, it received a refurbishment, with new upholstery and furnishings in the cabins and suites, as well as new bathrooms in some. Bars and restaurants likewise received an upgrade, as did carpets and upholstery throughout the ship’s other public spaces. 

Fun fact: According to P&O Cruises, out of all its fleet, Arcadia covers the most nautical miles each year. 

• Gross Tonnage: 83,781 GT
• Length: 285 meters/935 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 2,094
• Crew Capacity: 866
• Entered Service: 2005

Aurora

Last, but certainly not least, Aurora is the oldest and smallest ship in the fleet, and it’s also just for adults (well, at least most of the time — as of December 2026, it will allow children on select, but not all, itineraries).

Ideal for an intimate and classic cruise experience, Aurora has grown an ardent fanbase of return cruisers who enjoy the ship’s simple deck plan, accessibility and style, though many acknowledge that, given the ship’s age, it will continue to show wear and tear, no matter how many refits it receives. 

• Gross Tonnage: 76,152 GT
• Length: 270 meters/885 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 1,874
• Crew Capacity: 850
• Entered Service: 2000