Travel Advisors Blog

P&O Cruises launches redesign of award winning website

2011-10-13T08:00:00.001-07:00

P&O Cruises has redesigned several areas of www.pocruises.co.uk, building on the hugely successful and award winning website which was voted ‘Best Cruise Website’ in the consumer category of the Travolution Awards yesterday.

The new version of the site offers an improved layout and additional homepage features, several new pages of content, and a new intelligent search function.

Highlights of the redesign include:

· A new homepage
· A new intelligent and responsive cruise search with a wider range of filter choices, understanding what options to display as search is filtered
· A choice of how results are displayed – either in a list or on a grid
· A dedicated offers area
· A ‘recently viewed’ feature that recognises which cruises have been viewed by each user and lists them for easy link back
· Dedicated new pages on cruises from Southampton, world cruises, and winter sun fly cruises – all presented clearly on the homepage and for the first time, with lead-in pricing
· Value message and reasons to choose P&O Cruises displayed on the home – what’s included in the price and key USPs of the brand
· All social media channels displayed on the homepage – blog, Facebook, Twitter and the P&O Cruises community

P&O Cruises head of brand marketing, Philip Price, said: “Our website is one of the key means of communication for both existing customers and newcomers. This means it has to cater exceptionally well for both audiences, we aim to make it easy to find and navigate and engaging so that once they’re there, they stay and look around. In addition we need to constantly update the content and make it interesting and varied for our existing customers, who frequently visit the site and know it well.

“The changes we’ve made are part of an ongoing programme to make it the best site it can possibly be. To date in 2011, visits have increased by almost 80% year on year and 55,000 people ‘like’ us on Facebook, so digital marketing is a huge success story for us.”

The Travolution Awards represent the highest recognition for online innovation and excellence in the UK travel industry. The Consumer Awards, sponsored by Teletext Holidays, are voted for by around a million Teletext customers and readers of Associated Newspapers’ titles.

From ships officer to Barbados rugby star

2011-10-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

As England’s rugby team competes in the World Cup in New Zealand, P&O Cruises own rugby team, the Ventura Vikings, is getting set for its fourth season playing in the Caribbean.

The Vikings rugby team was established in 2008 by Ventura’s youth director, Mark Price (33), after he decided to do something about missing his rugby playing days at home.

The first season saw Mark taking a bag of old rugby shirts and boots sourced from his local rugby club, Tynedale in Northumberland, out to the Caribbean. His first major challenge was to convince 15 fellow crew members, almost exclusively football players, that rugby was the sport for them.

Mark explained the rules of the game to them as they travelled on the coach to their first match at the Barbados Rugby Club’s home ground, the prestigious Garrison Savannah.

Support for Ventura’s rugby team has increased over the following three seasons with players now consisting of crew and officers from all areas of the ship.

Success has been mixed with just five wins over the past three seasons, however the team members are not disheartened.

Mark, whose job involves overseeing the day to day running of all the children facilities on board said:

“We have made a lot of friends in Barbados and the game is bringing the crew together which is fantastic. Everyone who has been involved has really enjoyed the experience and while not every result went our way, we go from strength to strength with every match.

“Last season we only just lost against Barbados’ national team so we are really looking forward to getting back out to the Caribbean this winter and giving it another shot.”

Support for the team continues to grow, with banners displayed around the capital, Bridgetown, announcing the arrival of the “mighty Ventura Vikings all the way from the UK” every time the ship arrives in port.

The Vikings fourth season starts in November and runs until March 2012, while Ventura is in the Caribbean. Rugby matches are played on the ships turnaround days in Barbados.

P&O Cruises hits 50,000 "likes" on Facebook

2011-10-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

The P&O Cruises Facebook page has hit the 50,000 ‘likes’ mark through an engaging social media strategy encompassing regular discussions, polls, competitions, photographs, advertising and e-marketing.

A recent competition celebrating the heritage of P&O Cruises took the page up and over the 50,000 target. It invited users to suggest captions for photographs from the line’s archive collection. The competition is running for eight weeks with a different photograph every week. The person with the overall most popular caption will win one of the sought after Grand Event cruises, a 17 night Central Mediterranean cruise departing on Ventura on July 3, 2012.

The Grand Event is part of the special celebrations marking the 175^th anniversary of when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was founded in 1837. The Grand Event will see all seven ships in the home-port of Southampton for the very first time. The ships will sail out in procession and all seven cruises will have a special heritage theme.

In addition to competitions, the P&O Cruises Facebook page provides users with the opportunity to share their questions about cruising and their experiences and photos of life on board with thousands of other like-minded people. Photo albums of the P&O Cruises ships and destinations visited are all on the page and regularly updated, along with videos and images of special events such as naming ceremonies.

P&O Cruises head of brand marketing, Philip Price, said: “Social media is an important part of our marketing strategy and we increasingly use it as a means of regular contact with our passengers. The immediacy of online marketing lends itself very well within our brand as it enables us to engage with customers and encourage them to share their experiences with others.

“We’ve also found Facebook very useful as a customer services tool – during the bad weather last winter we were able to use Facebook as another means of urgent and immediate communication with passengers regarding flight changes and travel plans.

“Positive feedback from users shows that this form of communication and interaction with them is well received and breaking through 50,000 ‘likes’ is a fantastic achievement.”

For more information visit www.facebook.com/pandocruises

Olly Smith’s custom blends bring the house down in the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition

2011-10-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

The house wines blended exclusively for P&O Cruises by Olly Smith have been highly commended in the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The Porta Palo Red 2010 vintage won Silver (Best in Class) and Porta Palo Rose 2010 vintage won Bronze in the same competition.

The wines were blended specially for P&O Cruises by Olly Smith at the Settisoli vineyard in Sicily, Italy. The wines are stocked on all seven ships in the P&O Cruises fleet and are firm favourites with passengers.

Olly Smith, said: “I'm so pleased and proud that these Porta Palo wines have won awards. I passionately believe that you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy good wine and my mission continues to be to share the best wines I can find with the entire P&O Cruises fleet. Cheers!"

Olly oversees The Glasshouse on board Azura. A new wine bar concept for P&O Cruises, The Glasshouse is a must for wine lovers. Featuring a state of the art Enomatic wine system, passengers can choose to try any of the 32 wines by the glass. A bottle can be opened, then preserved by using revolutionary inert gas so it does not react to the oxygen in the air allowing the flavours and characteristics of the wide range of selected vintages to remain intact, as if the bottle had just been opened and therefore able to be enjoyed by many.

Olly travels regularly throughout the year and in 2012 will travel on the following cruises:

· A208 – a 14 night Western Mediterranean cruise, April 15 – 29
· A211 – a 14 night Baltic cruise, May 19 – June 2
· A216 – a seven night Norwegian Fjords cruise, July 14 – 21
· A226 – a 13 night Canary Islands cruise, November 19 – December 2

No-fly festivities in the sun with P&O Cruises this winter

2011-09-22T02:23:00.000-07:00

P&O Cruises has confirmed several special guest entertainers for three highlight cruises this winter. Legendary pop group, The Searchers; Drifters lead singer, Ray Lewis, with his act Still Drifting, and the ultimate Abba tribute band, Voulez Vous, will entertain passengers on board Oceana in November and December.

Family friendly ship Oceana will cruise year round from the UK for the first time this winter, visiting destinations with guaranteed warm weather and winter sunshine, such as the Canary Islands, Egypt and Greece.

Legendary pop group, The Searchers, will perform on a 24-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise departing on November 21. The band will perform as part of a wider 60’s and 70’s theme for the cruise, also launching a new production show by the onboard headliners theatre company.

Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Cadiz, Alexandria, Cairo / Giza (from Port Said), Limassol, Haifa, Ashdod, Athens (from Piraeus), Katakolon, Messina, Valencia and Lisbon. Prices are from £1,944 per person based on two sharing.

Ex-Drifters lead singer, Ray Lewis, will perform with his act Still Drifting on a 12 night Canary Islands Christmas cruise, departing December 15. This cruise will take all the effort out of Christmas, with carol-singing at sailaway, festive decorations throughout the ship, Santa's Grotto for children, a pantomime performance, parties for all ages, gift and of course, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Madeira, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lisbon. Christmas Eve is spent in Lisbon and Christmas Day is at sea. Prices are from £1,319 per person based on two sharing.

Ultimate Abba tribute band, Voulez Vouz, will perform on board a 12 night Canary Islands New Year cruise departing December 27. The band will perform on New Year’s Eve providing a real highlight, alongside the spectacular Tenerife fireworks display. New Year’s Eve is celebrated on board with a black tie ball and countdowns in all bars.

Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Oporto, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira and Lisbon. Prices are from £1,359 per person based on two sharing.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “These cruises are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy some winter sun but still want to benefit from all the conveniences of sailing from the UK – no flights, no airports and the holiday starts as soon as you get on board. Our cruises are a home away from home and with a unique party atmosphere on board, are the perfect choices for the festive season.”

For more details or to make a booking call the team at Travel Advisors UK Ltd on 01246 555777.

Singing sensation Gareth Gates to star on weekend cruise

2011-08-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Pop Idol star and number one artist, Gareth Gates, will perform on a two night cruise on board P&O Cruises Oceana departing September 3, 2011.

Gareth will perform three shows in the 500-seat Footlights theatre on board. His performances will include his hit singles such as Spirit in the Sky, Anyone of Us, and his version of Unchained Melody – the second biggest selling single of the last decade. There will also be opportunities after the shows for photos and autographs.

The cruise departs from and returns to Southampton and calls in Bruges, from Zeebrugge. Balcony cabins are available and priced from £406 per person based on two sharing on a full board basis including all main meals and entertainment including the Gareth Gates performance.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Entertainment is one of the key elements of any cruise holiday and we are proud of our vast range of entertainment and guest appearances. Gareth is a worldwide pop star and we are very excited to have him perform on board Oceana. We are sure he will be a great hit with passengers on this weekend cruise.”

Gareth Gates said: "I'm really excited about performing on board Oceana, I've never been on a cruise ship before but I've always wanted to and so this is going to be a fantastic experience for me."

For more information or to book call Travel Advisors UK Ltd on 01246 555777.

P&O Cruises offers a 15% discount and free on board spending money on 2012 holidays

2011-07-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Early booking discounts of up to 15% and free on board spending money of up to £700 per person, is being offered by P&O Cruises throughout July for those booking early on 2012 holidays.

The offers are available for bookings made before July 31, 2011, on all holidays from January 2012 to March 2013, published in the P&O Cruises 2012 second edition brochure, out now.

This is a collection of 215 holidays on all seven ships, visiting 84 countries and 255 individual destinations, including 13 new ports.

A 14 night Western Mediterranean cruise on board Oceana (E224) departing October 17, 2012, is priced from £1,099 per person (was £1,299) including a 15% discount, and also includes £60 per person free on board spending money.

Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Cadiz, Barcelona, Villefranche, Florence/Pisa (from Livorno), Rome (from Civitavecchia), Alicante and Gibraltar.

The maximum saving on seven night cruises is £100 per person (all seven night southern and northern cruise breaks) and £40 free on board spending money.

P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 and will be celebrating 175 years of ocean travel in 2012. On July 3 2012 all seven ships will be together in Southampton for the first time ever for The Grand Event and the subsequent seven Grand Event cruises will be heritage themed with special on board entertainment including a 175^th Anniversary Gala dinner, heritage art display, guest speakers and more.

Limited spaces are still available on four of the Grand Event cruises:

· Adonia – a 21-night Central Mediterranean cruise (D208) priced from £3,729
· Arcadia – a 14-night Norway and Iceland cruise (J208) priced from £1,889
· Aurora – a 17-night Baltic cruise (R208) priced from £2,599
· Ventura – a 17-night Central Mediterranean cruise (N216) priced from £1,939

Managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “We have an exciting year in 2012 and we are offering one of our most diverse and adventurous programmes yet, with the greatest choice of ex-UK cruises including 148 round-trip cruises from Southampton.

“Cruising with us is excellent value for money and those who book early get the best choice of ship, cabin, destination and date with the added bonus of early booking discounts and incentives. Plus, if you book now, there is still time to be part of a once in a lifetime historical occasion, with our Grand Event on July 3, 2012.”

For more information or to book call Travel Advisors UK on 01246 555777.

Highlights of the 2012 cruises available in the Second Edition 2012 brochure are:

Adonia

· Sailing 12 ex-UK cruises from April to October 2012 and six Mediterranean fly cruises from October to December 2012
· Itineraries range from seven night Fjords to 23 night Eastern Mediterranean cruise
· New ports: Ancona, Brindisi, Durres, Honfleur, Kalmar, Portimao, Pula, Rapallo, San Sebastian, Sanary Sur Mer and Trapani
· Cruising to the Mediterranean, Northern & Western Europe and Round Britain
· Prices from £899 per person for a seven night northern cruise break departing in August 2012
· Highlight cruises include a 14 night Central Mediterranean fly cruise departing in October 2012 with prices starting from £1,819 per person

Arcadia

· Sailing 17 ex-UK cruises from April 2012 to January 2013
· Itineraries range from seven night Fjords to 24 night Canada & New England
· New ports: Charlottetown
· Overnight calls in Venice, Istanbul, New York, Quebec and St Petersburg
· Cruising to Mediterranean, Northern Europe, North America, Atlantic coast and Caribbean
· Prices from £779 person for a seven nights Fjords cruise in May 2012
· Highlight cruises include a 20 night Black Sea cruise departing in August 2012 with prices starting from £2,249 per person

Aurora

· Sailing 18 ex-UK cruises from April 2012 to January 2013
· Itineraries range from two night cruise break to 24 night Canada & New England
· New ports: Charlottetown
· Overnight calls in New York, St Petersburg and Quebec
· Cruising to the Mediterranean, Northern & Western Europe, the Caribbean and North America
· Prices from £279 per person for a two night cruise break in August 2012
· Highlight cruises include a 24 night Canada & New England roundtrip from Southampton departing in September 2012 with prices starting from £2,599 per person

Azura

· Sailing 24 ex-UK cruises from March 2012 to January 2013
· Itineraries range from two night cruise break to 24 night Black Sea or Caribbean
· Cruising to the Mediterranean, Northern & Western Europe, Atlantic Islands and the Caribbean
· Prices from £219 per person for a two night cruise break departing December 2012
· Highlight cruises include an 11 night Atlantic Coast cruise departing in December 2012 with prices starting from £819 per person

Oceana

· Sailing ex-UK all year, 30 cruises from April 2012 to March 2013
· Itineraries range from two night cruise break to 35 night Caribbean cruise. Also including a seven night Christmas cruise to Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, and a four night New Year cruise to Belgium and The Netherlands
· Cruising to the Mediterranean, Northern & Western Europe, Atlantic Islands and the Caribbean
· Prices from £219 per person for a two night cruise departing in either September or December
· Highlight cruises include a 35 night Caribbean round trip departing January 2013 with prices from £2,789 per person

Oriana
· Sailing 24 ex-UK cruises from March 2012 to March 2013
Itineraries range from three night cruise break to 35 night Caribbean
· New ports: Rijeka
· Cruising to the Mediterranean, Northern & Western Europe, Atlantic Islands and the Caribbean
· Prices from £309 per person for a three night cruise break in May 2012
· Highlight cruises include a 14 night Music Festivals at Sea cruise to the Baltic departing in August 2012 with prices from £1,599 per person

Ventura

· Sailing 21 ex-UK cruises from March to November 2012 and eight Caribbean fly cruises from November 2012 to March 2013
· Sailing two Caribbean transatlantic fly cruises in November 2012 and March 2013
· Itineraries range from two night cruise break to 21 night Caribbean transatlantic cruise
· Cruising to the Mediterranean, Northern & Western Europe, Atlantic Islands and the Caribbean
· Prices from £229 per person for a two night cruise break departing in October 2012
· Highlight cruises include a 14 night Icelandic cruise departing in June 2012 with prices from £1,599 per person
Ends

Please note
Lead in cruise fares are per person and based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin.

‘Awe inspiring adventures’ as Azura embarks on maiden world cruise in 2013

2011-06-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

The newest P&O Cruises ship and the largest ever in the fleet to embark upon a world cruise will depart in spring 2013. The maiden Azura Grand Odyssey is 110 nights and takes in 32 ports in 19 countries.

The cruise is one of a wide selection in the 2013 World Cruise brochure, which also includes itineraries on board Arcadia, Aurora and Adonia – the latest and smallest ship to have been added to the fleet. At just 710 passengers, Adonia sits at the opposite end of the scale to Azura, which can carry 3,100 passengers.

This is the largest ever P&O Cruises world programme, with the four ships visiting 94 destinations in 52 different countries and collectively covering 131,824 nautical miles. The four ships represent a 23% increase in world cruise capacity compared to 2012.

A video news release highlighting the popularity and growth of world cruises is available on the P&O Cruises YouTube channel and Facebook page. It can be downloaded for hosting on independent sites from www.youtube.com/pandocruises.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “P&O Cruises knows ocean travel like no other. With every passing year more passengers are attracted to our world cruises, seeing a world cruise as the perfect opportunity to travel the world in comfort and style, choosing a luxury cabin and unlimited luggage over youth hostels and a backpack.

”In 2013 we are offering a selection of awe inspiring adventures, with cruises on some very special ships. These are the ultimate cruises, exploring different parts of the world and providing the holiday of a lifetime always with the ‘P&Oness for which we are renowned.”

The world cruise programme offers the best ever value with Early Booking savings and free on board spending money, which increases per person depending on the grade of cabin booked, available for bookings made before November 30, 2011. In addition, an extra 10% discount is available for bookings made by August 31, 2011.

Passengers booking the 110 night Azura Grand Odyssey before August 31, 2011, will receive Early Booking savings of between £800 to £2,000 per person, plus the additional 10% discount, and free on board spending money of between £220 to £1,100 per person (an inside cabin compared with a suite).

In addition to the four full world cruises, 18 line voyages are available on Aurora, Arcadia and Azura. The line voyages go to or from Australia and New Zealand and range from 40 to 69 nights in duration.

Prices are from £3,059 (cruise only) for a 41 night Southampton to Perth (from Fremantle) cruise on Azura, including Early Booking savings of £300 and free on board spending money of £90 per person. The cruise calls in Barcelona, Athens (from Piraeus), Cairo / Giza (from Port Said), transit Suez Canal, Safaga, Dubai, Mumbai, Colombo, Langkawi, Bangkok (from Laem Chabang), Singapore, Bali and Perth (from Fremantle).

Holiday Package Add-ons including flights, transfers and overnight hotel stays where necessary, are available for purchase from £600 per person for the above Southampton to Perth (from Fremantle) package on Azura. Alternatively prices are ‘cruise only’ so that passengers can arrange their own flights and pre or post cruise holiday extensions.

Pre and post cruise city stays are offered in Auckland, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane, priced from £79 per person per night (SkyCity Hotel, Auckland).

The 2013 World Cruise brochure also offers two ‘Boomerang’ cruises – offering a circumnavigation of the globe on two different ships (sail out on one, return with a different) with extended free time in Sydney. The first Boomerang cruise sails from Southampton on Aurora and returns on Azura, after three or four nights in Sydney.

The second Boomerang cruise sails from Southampton on Azura and returns on Arcadia, after two or three nights Sydney.

The Azura Grand Odyssey departs on January 7, 2013, highlights are:

· 110 nights
· 32 destinations in 19 countries
· 36,999 nautical miles
· Cruises via the Middle East, India, Australia, the Far East and South Africa
· Highlight ports of call include Bangkok, Singapore, Bali, Melbourne, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Mauritius and Cape Town
· Extended two day calls in Dubai, Singapore (two separate calls), Sydney, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Cape Town
· Prices for the 110 night Grand Odyssey are from £8,099 after Early Booking savings plus 10% discount, and includes £220 free on board spending money

“Azura’s maiden world cruise visits many ports of call for the first time – including those in Australia – the home of her Godmother, prima ballerina Darcey Bussell. Her maiden call into Sydney will be celebrated in true P&O Cruises style when we hope to reunite Darcey with her ship for the first time since performing her Godmother duties in April 2010,” continued Marlow.

“This is a classic itinerary featuring some of the most exciting and cultural destinations around the world. The ship itself takes inspiration from around the globe, with an Indian fine dining restaurant, Sindhu, Italian inspired casual restaurants Verona and Venezia, and wines from all over the world selected and served by the glass in The Glass House wine bar.

“These features combined with her variety of bars, restaurants, dance floors, spa, gym, shops, theatre and library make Azura the perfect ship for travelling the world and many of our passengers will be excited to hear that she will be offering her maiden world cruise so soon after entering service.”

The smallest ship in the fleet, Adonia, has her second world cruise in 2013, an 85 night port-rich exploration of South America. Departing on January 8, 2013, highlights are:

· 85 nights
· 35 destinations in 17 countries
· 22,802 nautical miles
· Highlight ports of call include Manaus, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Coquimbo (Chile) and Lima
· Cruises through the Beagle Channel and the Panama Canal
· Sails by Cape Horn, Amalia Glacier and PIO X Glacier
· Return sail to UK via the Caribbean, calling at smaller islands not visited by other ships in the fleet, St. Barts and Virgin Gorda
· Prices for the 85 night South American Odyssey are from £7,649 after Early Booking savings plus 10% discount, and includes £200 free on board spending money

The Aurora World Circumnavigation departs on January 7, 2013, highlights are:

· 106 nights
· 39 destinations in 25 countries
· 37,243 nautical miles
· Cruises via the Caribbean, North America, New Zealand and Australia, Japan, China, India and the Middle East
· Highlight ports of call include San Francisco, Honolulu, Bora Bora, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Osaka, Xingang, Shanghai, Ko Samui, Mumbai, Safaga and Haifa
· Includes new port of call, Sokhna in Egypt
· Transits the Panama Canal and Suez Canal and features extended two day calls in San Francisco, Hong Kong and Dubai
· Prices for the 107 night World Circumnavigation are from £8,549 after Early Booking savings plus 10% discount, and includes £220 free on board spending money

The Arcadia South America and Pacific Adventure departs on January 5, 2013, highlights are:

· 99 nights
· 32 destinations in 20 countries
· 34,780 nautical miles
· Highlight ports of call include Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Papeete, Bora Bora, Suva, Sydney, Auckland, Pago Pago, Honolulu and San Francisco
· Sails by Cape Horn, Amalia Glacier, PIO X Glacier, Easter Island and Pitcairn Island
· Cruises through the Beagle Channel, Milford Sound and Panama Canal
· Prices for the 99 night South America and Pacific Adventure are from £8,099 after Early Booking savings plus 10% discount, and includes £200 free on board spending money

The World Cruises 2013 can be booked from July 14, 2011. To request a copy of the brochure call 01246 555777

Shorter cruise sectors are also available and can be found in the Winter Holidays brochure, on sale July 15, 2011.

A taste of the exotic with new winter holidays from P&O Cruises

2011-06-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

P&O Cruises is offering a new collection of exotic fly-cruise holidays on four ships in early 2013. 50 new holidays are on offer on Adonia, Arcadia, Aurora and Azura.

These exotic cruises are presented in a new Winter Holidays brochure, combined with cruises on the other three ships in the P&O Cruises fleet – Oceana, Oriana and Ventura – offering holidays throughout the winter to the Caribbean, Canary Islands and Mediterranean.

All cruises in the Winter Holidays brochure can be viewed online at www.pocruises.co.uk. Cruises on Oceana, Oriana and Ventura are on sale now and the new exotic cruises can be booked from July 15, 2011.

The new exotic fly-cruise holidays combine iconic, far-flung destinations and start from just 13 nights in duration and £989 per person, based on Azura’s Mumbai to Singapore, calling in Colombo, Langkawi, Bangkok (from Laem Chabang) and Singapore.

Free on board spending money, which increases per person depending on the grade of cabin booked, and Early Booking savings are available for bookings made before November 30, 2011. In addition, an extra 10% discount is available for bookings made by August 31, 2011.

A video news release highlighting the popularity and growth of exotic holidays is available on the P&O Cruises YouTube channel and Facebook page. It can be downloaded for hosting on independent sites from www.youtube.com/pandocruises.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “These exotic fly-cruise holidays are perfect for those who unfortunately can’t be away for more than a few weeks but want to explore a particular part of the world, on a cruise that is tailor made to combine some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

“No other kind of holiday offers the chance to visit destinations such as Singapore, Bali, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney in little more than two weeks without having to live out of a backpack or take several long flights. Passengers simply wake up in all these different destinations and the days in between are spent relaxing at sea. It is a leisurely way to explore the world and one that more and more people are enjoying each year.

“Time of year is a key factor when choosing a holiday and with more people taking a winter holiday it was a logical step for us to introduce this new brochure which contains all our winter programme between October to April 2012/13.”

Highlights of the exotic holidays available on each ship are:

Adonia

· Three cruises from 20 to 33 nights in duration
· Cruises available are Southampton to Rio de Janeiro (32 nights), Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso (20 nights) and Valparaiso to Southampton (33 nights)
· Prices from £2,024 for the 20 night cruise to £3,329 for the 33 night cruise
· Free on board spending money available of between £50 per person for an inside cabin and £220 for a suite on a 20 night holiday

Arcadia

· Seven cruises from 18 to 35 nights in duration
· Cruises available include Southampton to Buenos Aires (18 nights), Valparaiso to Sydney (22 nights) and Brisbane to San Francisco (27 nights)
· Prices from £1,529 for an 18 night cruise (Southampton to Buenos Aires) to £2,924 for a 35 night cruise (Buenos Aires to Sydney)
· Free on board spending money available of between £40 per person for an inside cabin and £190 for a suite on an 18 night holiday

Aurora

· 17 cruises from 13 to 45 nights in duration
· Cruises available include San Francisco to Auckland (17 nights), Sydney to Hong Kong (23 nights) and Singapore to Southampton (30 nights)
· Prices from £1,124 for a 13 night cruise (Bangkok to Dubai) to £3,599 for a 45 night cruise (San Francisco to Hong Kong)
· Free on board spending money available of between £30 per person for an inside cabin and £150 for a suite on a 13 night holiday

Azura

· 23 cruises ranging from 13 to 42 nights in duration
· Cruises available include Dubai to Singapore (17 nights), Mumbai to Sydney (28 nights) and Hong Kong to Cape Town (21 nights)
· Prices from £989 for a 13 night cruise (Dubai to Bangkok or Mumbai to Sydney) to £3,149 for a 42 night cruise (Sydney to Cape Town).
· Free on board spending money available of between £30 per person for an inside cabin and £150 for a suite on a 13 night holiday

All prices are per person based on two sharing the lowest grade cabin and include Early Booking savings and the additional 10% discount available for bookings made before August 31, 2011.

Holiday Package Add-ons including flights, transfers and overnight hotel stays where necessary, are available for purchase from £750 per person* for a 14 night Dubai to Bangkok cruise on board Azura. Flights are from London, regional connections are available and priced from £139 per person (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester or Newcastle).

The Winter Holidays brochure also contains no-fly cruises from Southampton, such as:

· 23 night Caribbean cruise on board Arcadia, departing November 25, 2012. Priced from £1,759
· 24 night Eastern Mediterranean cruise on board Oriana departing January 6, 2013. Priced from £1,829
· 35 night Caribbean cruise on board Oceana, departing January 2, 2013. Priced from £2,789

To request a copy of the brochure call 01246 555777

Details of full world cruises, longer line voyages and Boomerang cruises, which offer circumnavigations of the globe on a combination of two ships, can be found in the 2013 World Cruise brochure, on sale July 14, 2011.

P&O and Cunard 2013 World Cruise Itineraries and Prices released

2011-06-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

P&O Cruises offers the greatest choice of ex-UK World Cruises with 4 sailings from Southampton in 2013 - visiting 94 unique destinations in 52 different countries and covering 131, 824 nautical miles. There are great savings to be made for those who book early (by 31st August 2011). Not only is there Early Booking Savings, with savings up to £4,000 per couple for Azura‟s 110- night Grand Odyssey voyage (based on A grade Suites) to take advantage of, but an additional Saving of 10%. Plus there‟s onboard spending money from £160 per couple up to £2,200 per couple.

Cunard is delighted to announce the 2013 World & Exotic Discoveries programme: between January and April 2013, the youngest fleet in the world will trace three epic routes to an array of enticing destinations. The 2013 programme offers opportunity to join their elegant ships on an array of different sections of their grand adventures, from 8 to 106 nights

Queen Victoria will follow the curve of the world to the west in 105 nights, weaving around North and Central America, the Panama Canal, Pacific Isles, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, Suez Canal and the Mediterranean. Her programme will feature overnight stays in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sydney and Dubai.
Queen Mary 2 will set off east, across four continents in 106 nights, through the Mediterranean and Red Sea, Arabia, Asia’s southern shore, Australia and looping round New Zealand before returning via southern Africa. Her programme will feature overnight stays in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Cape Town.
Queen Elizabeth will follow her own extended route to Oceania and home again. In 91 nights she will cross the Atlantic and the Caribbean, transits the Panama Canal, visit Central America, Pacific isles before exploring four calls in New Zealand ahead of her journey home.
Although intriguingly different, these three itineraries have a common thread, each ventures to Australasia and home again thereby offering the tantalizing possibility to glide Down Under aboard one elegant Cunarder, and return home in the company of another.

To obtain full details and pricing please contact Travel Advisors UK Ltd on 01246 555777 and pre register with us prior to going on sale on 13th July for P&O and 14th July for Cunard (Gold Tier members only on the 13th+14th)

P&O Cruises ‘Getaway’ fares offered on small ship, Adonia

2011-06-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

P&O Cruises is now offering ‘Getaway’ prices and inclusive flights on selected Adonia Mediterranean fly cruises.

The ‘Fly Med Getaway’ promotion applies to cruises from ten to 14 nights in duration that depart between October 29, 2011 and January 3, 2012. Prices are inclusive of flights and fuel supplement. Bookings must be made within June and July.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Adonia is our latest ship and has been received exceptionally well. Celebrating her addition to our fleet, these Getaway fares enable even more people to try her. Adonia offers our only Mediterranean fly cruises and these are a fantastic holiday choice for those seeking winter sunshine and the chance to visit up to 13 different places in 14 days.”

Named last month by global singing star, Dame Shirley Basey, Adonia is exclusively for adults and carries just 710 passengers. On board there are eight bars including P&O Cruises signature ‘Crow’s Nest’, a library, Oasis Spa and gym, classic dining room and two specialty restaurants: Sorrento Italian and Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White.

Sample Cruise:
D114. 3 -13 January 2012, seven nights.
Ports of call include Trieste, Venice, Koper, Hvar, Bari, Katakolon, Nauplia, Istanbul, Mytilene, Ephesus (from Kusadasi), Rhodes, Santorini, and Athens (from Piraeus).

‘Getaway’ fares from £1,452. Based on two adults sharing an inside cabin. This includes return flights, all accommodation, main meals and entertainment.

Bookings must be made before July 31, 2011. To book call 01246 555777.

All bookings made in the Fly Med Getaway promotion must be paid in full at the time of booking, are not combinable with any other offers and are applicable to new bookings only. Specific cabins cannot be booked - only cabin grade - with cabin numbers being allocated no less than 14 days before departure.

P&O CRUISES ANNOUNCES NEW 141,000-TONNE SHIP TO ENTER SERVICE IN MARCH 2015.

2011-06-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

LARGEST EVER CRUISE SHIP BUILT FOR BRITAIN WILL BE A “MODERN CLASSIC”

P&O Cruises today announced that it will expand its fleet with a 141,000-tonne cruise ship, built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, scheduled to enter service in March 2015.

The as-yet-unnamed 3,611-passenger vessel will be the largest in the P&O Cruises fleet, as well as the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British market.
To be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard, the all-in cost is approximately €155,000 per lower berth. Ushering in an exciting era for P&O Cruises, the ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities, along with many of the brand’s classic and iconic features. Specifications and new product innovations will be announced at a later date.

Commented Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc’s chairman and CEO, “P&O Cruises is Britain’s number one cruise operator, and is synonymous with high quality holidays that celebrate its rich British heritage. The UK continues to be a key growth market and innovative vessels such as this new P&O Cruises ship – targeted specifically to British clientele – underscore our commitment to leading the expansion of this important cruise region. With a progression of highly successful new ships introduced over the last 15 years, P&O Cruises is uniquely experienced in designing vessels to meet the specific needs and aspirations of British passengers. This newly ordered ship will underline P&O Cruises’ position as Britain’s favourite cruise line.”

P&O Cruises Managing Director Carol Marlow said, “This next-generation ship will deliver the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, with ‘sophisticated wows’ and new features to attract thousands of newcomers to our brand, and equally to resonate with existing P&O Cruises passengers by giving them the ‘P&O-ness’ they recognise and love. She will offer ‘the best of the best,’ combining the favourite classic features of Oriana and Aurora, the choice and variety of Azura and Ventura, and a host of new ideas and concepts which together will deliver to our passengers the holiday of a lifetime, every time they travel with us.”

About P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was awarded the lucrative Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Today, as trusted cruise experts, P&O Cruises has a fleet of seven ships offering holidays tailored to British tastes combining genuine service, a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time they travel. Azura was launched in April 2010, officially named by Darcey Bussell CBE and small ship Adonia was added to the fleet in May 2011, named by Dame Shirley Bassey, DBE.

P&O Cruises Fleet:
Ship Named Godmother Passengers

Oriana 1995 Her Majesty The Queen 1,828
Aurora 2000 HRH Princess Anne 1,870
Oceana 2003 HRH Princess Anne 2,016
Arcadia 2005 Dame Kelly Holmes DBE 2,016
Ventura 2008 Dame Helen Mirren DBE 3,078
Azura 2010 Darcey Bussell CBE 3,100
Adonia 2011 Dame Shirley Bassey DBE 710
Newbuild 2015 to be confirmed 3,611

Dame Shirley Bassey names Britain’s latest cruise ship Legendary singer centre stage at naming ceremony for Adonia

2011-05-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Britain’s greatest and best loved female performer, Dame Shirley Bassey DBE, named Adonia, the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet today, in a sparkling ceremony in Southampton.

As Dame Shirley said the immortal words “I name this ship Adonia, may God bless her and all who sail in her” a magnum of Hush Heath Balfour rose British sparkling wine hit the hull of the ship in an explosion of pink bubbles.

Aided by master of ceremonies, actor and star of Downtown Abbey, Hugh Bonneville, around 500 guests witnessed the celebrations with afternoon tea, Hush Heath sparkling wine and tributes to Dame Shirley in performances of her greatest hits.

“I have had the most exciting career imaginable, but to be invited to be Godmother to a cruise ship is something very special and very personal,” said Dame Shirley.

“Dame Shirley is Britain’s most successful female artiste ever, a national treasure who defines the word ‘superstar’ and she is now one of our most celebrated godmothers. With Dame Shirley’s blessing I am sure Adonia will have a long and illustrious time with P&O Cruises and become a favourite within the fleet as she charms all those who sail on her,” said P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow.

Adonia provides an extensive range of on board facilities, yet carrying just 710 passengers is small enough to be able to reach off the beaten track ports of call. Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned.

Speaking at the naming Ms Marlow said: “ It is by no means for the first time that we have been able to claim that we are bucking the trend and going against the fashion of the time. Most cruise lines - including P&O Cruises - have gone down the road of building bigger ships with an extraordinary level of choice and range of facilities. But we also appreciate that whilst larger ships offer a special experience, and definitely have their place in cruising, there is still a role for smaller ships which offer passengers a more intimate ambience and experience - and not just on-board. They can be used as pathfinder ships exploring those ocean routes less travelled, to intriguing ports and destinations that see few if any other cruise ships including Zadar in Croatia, Koper in Slovenia and Savona in Italy.”

Adonia’s maiden cruise on Sunday May 22 is a 16 night cruise to the Western Mediterranean, which includes calls to Alghero in Sardinia; Portofino in Italy; Sete in France; Port Mahon in Menorca and Barcelona in Spain.

P&O Cruises pathfinder ship Adonia arrives in homeport for the first time

2011-05-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

The latest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, Adonia, arrived into its homeport, Southampton, this morning.

Adonia is berthed at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal where it will be named in a glittering ceremony by Dame Shirley Bassey DBE tomorrow, Saturday 21 May. Dame Shirley will be joined on the stage by actor Hugh Bonneville, most recently acclaimed as the Earl of Grantham in ITV’s Downton Abbey and in a nautical Captain’s role in ‘Dr Who’.

Adonia provides an extensive range of on board facilities, yet carrying just 710 passengers is small enough to be able to reach off the beaten track ports of call. Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “We are delighted to welcome Adonia into her homeport for the very first time. She is the perfect addition to our fleet and will celebrate all those things our regular passengers love about cruising with us – a classic dance floor, Crow’s Nest observation lounge, formal nights, classical music recitals, guest speakers, silver service dining and a dedicated card room.

“Her naming ceremony is going to be a spectacular affair and will give Adonia the best start to her life with P&O Cruises. We look forward to sending her off on her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean on Sunday.”

Adonia’s maiden cruise is a 16 night cruise to the Western Mediterranean, which includes calls to Alghero in Sardinia; Portofino in Italy; Sete in France; Port Mahon in Menorca and Barcelona in Spain.

P&O Cruises takes delivery of Adonia, the ‘pathfinder’ ship

2011-05-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

P&O Cruises has taken delivery of the latest addition to its fleet, Adonia, today May 3 at 3pm.

Adonia is currently in the Bahamas undertaking a refit before coming to Southampton for her inaugural celebrations and maiden season.

At 30,000 tonnes and carrying just 710 passengers, Adonia is able to reach many lesser visited, off the beaten track, ports of call, yet is big enough to provide an extensive range of modern on board facilities. Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned.

Adonia will be named by Dame Shirley Bassey, DBE in a glittering ceremony in Southampton on Saturday May 21, 2011. Dame Shirley will be joined on the stage by actor Hugh Bonneville, most recently acclaimed as the Earl of Grantham in ITV’s Downton Abbey and soon to appear in a nautical Captain’s role in ‘Dr Who’.

“Dame Shirley is Britain’s most successful female artiste ever; a national treasure who defines the word ‘superstar’, Hugh is one of Britain’s most popular actors. We are Britain's favourite and most successful cruise line and can trace our roots back further than any other line. All in all it’s a perfect combination and one which will give Adonia the best start to her life with P&O Cruises“ said P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow.

“Adonia will be the jewel in the P&O Cruises crown and will celebrate all those things our regular passengers love about cruising with us – a classic dance floor, Crow’s Nest observation lounge, formal nights, classical music recitals, guest speakers, silver service dining and a dedicated card room. Loyal cruisers and those new to cruising alike will be charmed by the refined P&O Cruises experience Adonia will offer,” continued Carol Marlow.

Over 500 invited guests will witness the naming ceremony on Adonia’s Lido deck in Southampton Docks on Saturday, May 21, prior to the vessel’s maiden voyage the following day, a 16 night cruise to the Western Mediterranean, which includes calls to Alghero in Sardinia; Portofino in Italy; Sete in France; Port Mahon and Barcelona in Spain.

Hugh Bonneville to take to the stage at the launch of Britain’s newest cruise ship

2011-04-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hugh Bonneville, celebrated star of ITV’s ‘Downton Abbey’ will act as master of ceremonies at the naming ceremony for P&O Cruises newest ship Adonia, on May 21, 2011.

Hugh will share the spotlight with Adonia’s godmother, Dame Shirley Bassey, DBE, as he welcomes her to the stage to name the ship with the official bottle breaking ceremony.
Hugh has had a long and distinguished career, starring on both the big and small screen, including roles in ‘The Vicar of Dibley,’ and ‘Notting Hill’. He is taking time out from filming the second series of Downton Abbey to join the celebrations on board Adonia.
P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said “We are delighted that such an eminent British actor has agreed to join us for the occasion, and we’re sure that it will add an extra element of glamour and distinction to the event.”

Adonia is considerably smaller than the larger ships of today. Carrying just 710 passengers, the ship will be able to reach off the beaten track ports of call, yet is big enough to provide an extensive range of on board facilities. Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned.

CUNARD EMBARKS ON 2011 TRANSATLANTIC SEASON WITH NEW DIMENSION IN ENTERTAINMENT

2011-04-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Flagship Queen Mary 2 introduces 3-D films and new interactive Insights Programmes

As Cunard Line prepares to launch flagship Queen Mary 2’s seventh transatlantic season on 26 April 2011, the company announced on 15th April 2011 a new dimension in entertainment. New on board entertainment experiences include 3D films through a partnership with RealD, dynamic, interactive songwriting workshops, and RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) “street theatre” performances and writing workshops.

3-D Partnership with RealD

Starting on Transatlantic Crossings in early May, Queen Mary 2 will offer 3D films in association with RealD, the world’s most widely used digital 3D projection technology, presented in the ship’s stadium-style seating theatre, Illuminations.

Throughout June, the opera “Carmen” - a co-production of RealD and London’s Royal Opera House – will be featured, providing viewers the best seat in the house, taking them on a magic carpet ride into the heart of this famed opera - immersing them into this exciting story of love, jealousy and betrayal. CARMEN IN 3D is a dazzling film, filled with some of the best-loved music ever written - and performed by a world-class cast. With English subtitles throughout, it is the perfect event for life-long opera fans and first-timers alike.

In addition, forthcoming summer 3D blockbusters will be shown including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Professional Insights Songwriting Programme

Also new this year, professional songwriter and producer Chris Difford, formerly of the 1970’s British new wave band Squeeze, will conduct songwriting workshops with four other professional song-writers as part of the Professional Insights series.

With Difford’s songwriting programme, guests will be able to collaborate in small groups with guitarists, pianists, singers and bass players from Queen Mary 2’s performance company. The best songwriters then will have the opportunity to record their songs in a studio on board to take home. Difford and the songwriters also will be performing well-known Squeeze favourites during the voyage. Difford’s Professional Insights songwriting programme will be offered on the following voyages:

*10 -17 May (Southampton – NY)
*24 June - 1 July (Southampton – NY)
*15-22 August (Southampton – NY)
*20-27 Sept (Southampton – NY)
*27 Sept – 7 Oct (New England and Canadian Sojourn)

Peter Shanks, Cunard President and Managing Director, says:

“Cunard’s guests have come to expect top-notch entertainment and enrichment programmes, and our new offerings will enhance their experience even more. Once again, the worlds of theatre, music and literature truly come alive on board, providing guests the combination of accessible world-class entertainment with the opportunity to tap into their own creative sides.”

Chris Difford

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)

The RADA graduate company continues to celebrate its longstanding relationship with Cunard with daily workshops and classic performances.

This year, RADA will go beyond the Royal Court Theatre to feature several new interactive offerings including dramatic re-enactments throughout the ship. These “street theatre” performances will be taken from such classic works as Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing:

The Pilgrim’s Journey: The actors will travel in costume around the ship in characters from The Canterbury Tales as they would travel to Canterbury; they will stop several times for a short scene / improvisation.

Much Ado Around the Ship: Two groups of actors will perform short scenes from the play around the ship.

A Bedtime Story: Taking place in the Grand Lobby, one of the RADA actors will sit in an armchair, surrounded by a small group of guests and read a bedtime story; requests can be taken for night 6.

The Canterbury Tales Performance, Royal Court Theatre: RADA will perform a different Canterbury Tale each month, performing the complete works over the course of two years. At the end of each performance, the audience will be encouraged to choose their favourite tale; the actors will then ask for short stories to be called The Cunard Tales to be written by members of the audience; these will then be workshopped and performed by the actors and participants in Workshop 3.

Also new for 2011, RADA appears in two of Queen Mary 2’s lounges, blending musical components with performances featuring poetry, piano and jazz including:

Jazz Poetry with the Mark Hodgson Trio, Chart Room: The actors will perform rhythmic, jazz and rap poetry accompanied by the trio.

Passion and Piano, Winter Garden: The actors will read passionate poetry and prose accompanied by the piano. They will also read chosen pieces and take requests from the audience.

Azura celebrates first birthday with a little help from her Godmother

2011-04-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

April 10 marked the first full year in service for P&O Cruises Azura. To celebrate, Godmother Darcey Bussell sent a specially signed birthday card to the ship, Captain and crew.

The card, signed: “Happy 1^st Birthday Azura! I wish I could be with you all. Have a wonderful celebration. Love Darcey” will be displayed on board in the atrium for passengers to see.

Azura is currently on a 14 night Mediterranean cruise that will see birthday celebrations including a gala night with special birthday theme and a ‘reveal’ of the framed card to passengers on board.

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “One year ago we welcomed Azura into our fleet with a sparkling naming ceremony. Darcey Bussell was a perfect Godmother and gave Azura a wonderful entry into our fleet. Since then, Azura has had a very successful first year in service, and has received consistently excellent feedback from our passengers. May there be many more years to come!”

Here’s a look back at Azura’s first year in numbers:

· 3,400 Wine Flights sampled in the Glasshouse
· 507 bottles of Veuve Cliquot enjoyed
· 154 Champagne breakfasts in bed served
· 40 renewal of vows ceremonies conducted
· 65,000 passengers entertained at the Captain's Welcome on Board parties
· 515 massages enjoyed in The Retreat
· 3,573 portions sold of the most popular starter in XVII, the Crayfish and Lobster Cocktail
· 2,200 portions sold of the most popular main course in XVII, the 'Beef Fillet Rossini'
· 2,477 portions sold of the most popular dessert in XVII, the Crepe Suzette Flambee
· 219,127 hands of Blackjack dealt
· 103,469 nautical miles sailed, the equivalent to almost five times around the world or 653 trips between London and Manchester