Life on Board: What to Expect on a Cruise

Thinking about where to head on your first cruise? The good news is that once you’ve made that all-important decision, the rest is catered for. All you need to think about is where you’re headed when to set sail, and which ship best suits you. 

On a cruise, you’ll have everything you need onboard. 

Just a short stroll from your cabin, you could find world-class entertainment facilities, spas and swimming pools, luxury dining rooms, and more. If you’re ready to daydream about your onboard experience a little bit more, we’ve outlined everything you should know below. 

• Comfortable accommodation

One of the first things you’ll notice when you board the ship is the range of room types available. From cosy interior cabins to roomy, luxury suites with private balconies, there’s something to suit every preference and budget.

Many cabins are equipped with modern tech too, including flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Bluetooth speakers. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, some suites come with butler service and exclusive access to private swimming pools!

• Culinary delights

Most ships feature a variety of restaurants, ranging from elegant main dining rooms to casual buffets and specialty eateries. No matter what you usually like for dinner, there’ll be something to suit you!

You can indulge in gourmet meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, savour international cuisines, or enjoy special, themed dining experiences. And for anyone with specific dietary needs, many cruise lines offer options to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements.

• British favourites

The typical cruise is tailored to British tastes and cultural norms. If you’re looking for fish and chips by the seaside, you won’t need to go far. 

Likewise, on board a top-class ship like those in the P&O Cruises fleet, you can expect elegant décor, attentive service, and a range of activities tailored to British tastes. From traditional afternoon tea to West End-style shows, modern cruises provide an excellent option for anyone looking to explore the world with home comforts to enjoy too. 

• Thrilling activities

Thanks to an impressively wide variety of activities and entertainment options available, there’s never a dull moment on a cruise ship. 

During daytime hours, you could take part in gentle classes like Pilates and yoga, or something more intense like spin. If you’d like some fresh air, you could enjoy a swim in the pool, play a hilarious game of mini-golf, or dare to try the surfing simulator, a popular feature on many ships.

After sunset, the ship comes alive with evening entertainment. Whether you watch live music, laugh at comedy acts, or dance the night away, there’s truly something for everyone.

• Ultimate relaxation

Finally, whether you prefer to pass the time stretched out on a lounger or engrossed in an action-packed multiplayer game to switch off, you’ll have plenty of options onboard. 

Modern cruise ships boast fantastic leisure facilities, with some opening spa and wellness facilities for ultimate relaxation on your trip. From massages to movie nights, cruise liners make it possible to choose a different activity every evening. But there’s no pressure to join in, so you can try as much or as little as you’d like to.