Article by Ian Gilder – Adore Cruises
P&O Cruises are the leading cruise line out of the UK and arguably have the most followed and loyal cruisers in the industry. Their ships have no gimmicks, so it’s interesting to consider how have they managed to get to this stage where many people return, often on multiple annual trips to sail on their vessels.
The answer is quite simple. they understand their customer and off the discerning British cruiser exactly what they want. At the risk of stereotyping every English person, we generally prefer to stay in our comfort zones and if that means holidaying with other like minded Brits and eating ham, egg and chips and not trying local delicacies such as paella so be it. That’s why places such as Majorca and Spain are so popular for many who would prefer their adventures to be somewhat tamer than they might like to admit.
So is P&O cruises Majorca at sea? Fortunately not, because P&O pride themselves for being • ??Middle England’ to coin a phrase and their guests are people who like nice things and enjoy • ??bragging rights’ with their friends about what cabin they have secured and which exotic ports of call they will be visiting.
So, why are P&O Cruises so successful? The answer is choice. They now have a choice of 7 ships but unlike companies such as Royal Caribbean International, they are all very different and appeal to different people and markets. They all provide the same high class service and the food is very British. They all have pubs which you can go to at lunchtime and get firm favourites such as Shepherd’s Pie, Sausage and Mash with Onion gravy and even a curry (strange a curry is now considered to be British!). They all have similar likeminded Brits sailing onboard
Mentioned earlier in this article, all of the ships are different and therefore attract different people. Firstly you have their newest ship, the Azura, launched in April of this year and she is already pulling in excellent reviews. Azura is the largest in the fleet but is a typical cruise ship with no gimmicks. However, she does have some additional facilities to the rest of the fleet including the first specialty Indian restaurant at sea, Sindhu, the brain child of Michelin rated restaurant Atul Kochhar. Guests can also sip premium vintage wines selected by wine expert Olly Smith and grab a bite to eat at the same time.
The Ventura is the family friendly ship of the fleet and was generally unloved when she was launched as traditional P&O cruisers went on her to find she was geared towards children. Extra facilities include a large scaletrix track, circus skills school, rock school for the teens and some of the largest kids clubs afloat. This ship does not only welcome children, she craves them.
If you don’t fancy holidaying with children P&O does have the answer for you. It is has two children friendly ships. The first is the Artemis which is the oldest ship in the fleet which will be be departing and replaced with the Adonia later in 2011. However, if you like the big ship feel with no children around there is the Arcadia. This ship is indulgent and stylish and is the perfect choice for the discerning cruise customer.
The remainder of the fleet consists of the Oceana – an older and smaller ship but is still large enough to be in the category of mega liner as it holds over 2000 guests. If you was to describe her it would be fun loving and glamorous. The last 2 ships are the sisters Oriana and Aurora. Both of whom are timeless classics with a cosmopolitan and refined feel.
If you are looking for a cruise, you want to be away with similar likeminded British people you won’t go far wrong with P&O cruises.
About the Author
Cruise Holidays with P&O the UK’s largest cruise line. over 230 desitnation available Worldwide. Adore Cruises specialise in discounted cruise holidays and Members of the Association Of Cruise Experts (ACE), Bonded with ABTA and ATOL.
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