P&O Cruises Ireland
A P&O cruise from Ireland typically costs €750–€1,950 per person including flights. Known for their "British at Sea" style, P&O is a top choice for Irish travellers due to their direct Barbados charter flights from Dublin and their policy of including all tips in the cruise fare.
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Is P&O Cruises Good for Irish Travellers?
P&O Cruises offers a "home away from home" experience that resonates strongly with many Irish holidaymakers. As a British line, the atmosphere on board is familiar, comfortable, and welcoming. From the proper cups of tea to the traditional evening entertainment, P&O focuses on providing a classic cruise experience without the high-energy "gimmicks" of some US-based lines.
For travellers from Ireland, P&O is particularly attractive due to its logistical convenience. During the winter months, they operate direct charter flights from Dublin (DUB) to Barbados, making them the easiest way for Irish guests to reach the Southern Caribbean. For Mediterranean sailings, they offer flight packages to Malta or direct sailings from Southampton (which many Irish guests reach via a short flight to London or a ferry).
The single biggest benefit for the budget-conscious Irish traveller is P&O's policy on gratuities: they are included in the fare. On most other lines, you can expect to pay an extra $15–$20 per person per day in tips, which can add hundreds of Euro to the cost of a family holiday. With P&O, the price you see is much closer to the final price you'll pay, providing excellent peace of mind.
P&O Cruises Pricing Guide for Ireland
P&O is positioned as a "Value-Premium" line. Here is a rough guide to what an Irish traveller can expect to pay for a 7-night fly-cruise:
- Mediterranean Fly-Cruise (Malta): €750–€1,250 per person. Includes flights from Dublin and all tips.
- Caribbean Fly-Cruise (Barbados): €1,350–€1,950 per person. Includes direct charter flights from Dublin.
- Southampton Departures: Often available from €600 per person for 7 nights, though you must factor in the cost of getting to the port.
Top Tip for Irish Guests: Look for their "Select Price" fares if you want to choose your specific cabin and get perks like onboard spending money. If you just want the lowest price and don't mind where your cabin is, their "Early Saver" fares offer incredible value.
P&O Cruises Pros and Cons
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How Does P&O Cruises Compare?
When compared to MSC or Royal Caribbean, P&O offers a much more traditional and calm experience. While it lacks the "bells and whistles" of the mega-ships, it wins on transparency and ease of budgeting due to the inclusive tips. Compared to Princess Cruises (a sister line), P&O is more focused on the British market, whereas Princess has a more international, slightly more premium feel. For Irish families, the choice often comes down to the direct Barbados flight—if you want the Caribbean without the US immigration hassle, P&O is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions about P&O from Ireland
Are gratuities included on P&O Cruises?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages for Irish travellers booking P&O is that tips (service charges) are already included in your fare. This means there are no daily gratuity charges added to your onboard account, making it much easier to manage your budget compared to US-based lines.
Does P&O fly from Dublin to the Caribbean?
Yes, P&O Cruises operates highly popular direct winter charter flights from Dublin (DUB) to Barbados. This is a massive benefit for Irish cruisers as it allows you to fly direct to the sun, bypass US immigration entirely, and be on your ship within hours of landing.
Is the currency on board P&O Cruises Euro or Sterling?
P&O Cruises is a British line, so the onboard currency is Pound Sterling (£). While Irish guests book their cruise in Euro, any purchases made on board (like drinks or excursions) will be charged in Sterling. We recommend using a travel-friendly card like Revolut to get the best exchange rates.
Is P&O Cruises good for families from Ireland?
P&O is excellent for families. They have specific 'Family-Friendly' ships (like Iona and Arvia) that feature dedicated kids' clubs, family-specific cabins, and great entertainment for all ages. They also offer adult-only ships (like Aurora and Arcadia) for those looking for a quieter getaway.
What is the food like on P&O for Irish guests?
The food on P&O is very familiar to the Irish palate, focusing on 'British at Sea' classics. You'll find a proper cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, and high-quality Sunday roasts. They also have specialty restaurants by celebrity chefs like Marco Pierre White, offering a premium dining experience at a reasonable cost.