P&O solo cruises: How well does P&O Cruises cater for single guests?

P&O solo cruises can be just the ticket for those with the wanderlust bug but without anyone cramping your style, ahem, in the bedroom.

That’s right, with a whole cabin to yourself and the world at your feet, a holiday for just you can open up a host of opportunities and awesome memories to treasure, not to mention a whole lotta new friends, if that’s what you want.

P&O Cruises is just one of many cruise lines catering to the solo travel market – but how well do they do meet the needs of single travellers?

Do P&O do cruises for single people?

Yes! While P&O Cruises doesn’t do voyages for just solo cruisers, it welcomes groups of all sizes, with solo seafarers actively encouraged to come along for the ride. So whether you’re hopping on a fly cruise to the Caribbean or you’re looking to sail from Southampton to the Canary Islands, there’s something that will suit you.

There are plenty of ways P&O offer single jetsetters a smorgasbord of fun, from accommodation to dining, so if you’re thinking “Can I go on a cruise as a single person?” then the answer is a resounding yes! Here’s why…

Solo cabins
Solo dining
Solo activities
Solo deals

P&O singles cruises: Rooms

A P&O Cruises solo traveller can choose between a single cabin or a standard cabin if they fancy more room. For the former (and ship dependent) Inside solo cabins are best if you’re looking to save the pennies, a Sea View cabin serves up a – yes you guessed it! – a view, while a single Balcony cabin will deliver an al fresco space if you’re keen for a treat.

On average there are around 17 single cabins per P&O ship at 101-130sqft while classic rooms start from 134sqft. Amenities include air conditioning, a telephone, a hair dryer, a safe, a vanity/writing desk and chair, tea and coffee-making facilities, and White Company toiletries.

What’s more the in-cabin TV offers free comedy, movies, news, documentaries and more – so if you fancy a quiet night in there’s plenty to keep you entertained (and no one to judge your film preferences!).

There’s room service too so you actually need to leave your cabin at all if you want the me-time. A Continental room service breakfast is included at no extra cost but other meals will cost a little extra. The good news is, the P&O room service menu is available 24/7 so your cravings can be met at any hour!

– READ MORE: How can cruising become more inclusive? –

P&O cruises for singles: Dining

P&O cruises for solo travellers help any potentially lonely diners by offering a shared table where holidaymakers can eat with other cruisers if they wish.

Club Dining is P&O’s traditional experience, ideal for single passengers who enjoy sharing a table with the same group of fellow travellers at the same time every evening – although it’s not available on the line’s newer ships, Arvia and Iona.

Alternatively, relish the freedom of dining alone! There are heaps of restaurants to choose from, both included and speciality and the best thing about being a P&O Cruises solo traveller is that you can pick whichever one your mood desires – no worrying about pleasing others. Oh, and eating solo is great for people watching…

– READ MORE: What is dining like on P&O Cruises ships? –

Solo cruises P&O: Activities

Taking P&O solo cruises does not mean you’ll be stuck twiddling your thumbs. No other sector of the travel industry tries so hard to keep guests entertained as cruising does – and P&O Cruises lays a lot on for its holidaymakers.

There’s loads to do onboard that you needn’t feel awkward doing solo, from the swimming pools, cinema and library to the gym, toe-tapping live shows and comedy nights.

If you fancy activities that help you make friends there are hosted activities such as workshops and dance classes, while P&O also organises coffee mornings and drinks receptions specifically for solo travellers. Alternatively, pull up a seat in the casino or in one of the bars and get chatting to others. Plus there’s the spa and shops to check out too!

Shore excursions are a really easy way to spark conversations with other guests, whether you like the idea of a simple walking tour or an active adventure. Cruises really bring like-minded, friendly folk together so you’re bound to find someone to buddy up with. Maybe you can make dinner plans with them for later?

– READ MORE: Everything you need to know about P&O drinks packages –

P&O solo cruise deals

It’s always worth keeping an eye out as to how you can save money when it comes to cruises. Sometimes P&O Cruises removes the single supplements on select cruises so you can bag a roomier, well, room for a good price so keep your eyes peeled for P&O cruises with no single supplements. Otherwise you’re looking at potentially a 50 percent levy, unfortunately.

For a guaranteed P&O cruise with no single supplement you’ll need a solo cabin – but they tend to get booked up well in advance. If you have the chance, consider booking your spot this year to take advantage of early bird discounts and secure one of the few available single cabins for cruises sailing one or even two years ahead.

Be aware that single cabin prices rise closer to the sailing dates and last-minute discounts are rare due to high demand – so booking early is likely your best option for getting the best rates on solo cruise cabins. Do always compare the single occupancy price with a double cabin, though – it may only be a little bit more to spread out. Latest ship Arvia, for instance, has very small single cabins indeed, which may not appeal to some guests.

Speaking to a travel agent about your cruise holiday requirements is nearly always your best bet for nabbing P&O solo cruise deals or escaping P&O single supplements so shop around and see what you can find by chatting to a friendly advisor. Now, let’s nail those solo travel goals!

Do P&O have adult-only ships?

Yes, P&O has two adult only cruise ships – Arcadia and Aurora, so if you’re after a solo cruise without any kids in the way, this duo are your best bet.

Check out our guide all about the P&O ships exclusively for adults.

– READ MORE: The best singles cruises for a hook-up –