P&O Cruises food: What is dining like on P&O Cruises ships?

Is food included on P&O Cruises?

Yes, the main dining options on P&O Cruises are complimentary. Guests can enjoy a smorgasbord of cuisines all included in the price across the P&O Cruises food menu, whether you fancy modern British classics or more exotic flavours inspired by the destinations visited on your holiday.

P&O Cruises buffet

Onboard P&O Cruises ships – available to book via travel agent Bolsover Cruise Club – the buffet presents an excellent choice for casual, all-day dining, starting with breakfast. Freshly made snack options, lunch and afternoon tea are also available if you want a bite to eat during the day.

Come evening, the buffet serves main courses that are ideal for fuelling up after a day of exploring ashore. Should you feel peckish after dinner (or indeed after a few drinks in the bar) a selection of nibbles ranging from pizza to sandwiches is also offered.

P&O Cruises Main Dining Room

Main dining rooms on P&O Cruises ship provide an elegant ambience and a convivial atmosphere where you can be treated to silver service from the head waiter and their team plus a five-course P&O cruises food menu, safe in the knowledge it’s all included in the price of your holiday. You can even don your fancy attire if you want to!

Dining onboard is simplified with the options of either Club Dining or Freedom Dining (ship dependent – not all have both) in the Main Dining Rooms. Club Dining means you’ll be seated with the same cruising companions at a designated time daily. Freedom Dining allows you the flexibility to arrive and be seated at your convenience within the specified serving window for the venue.

P&O Cruises included restaurants

The line also offers a selection of other restaurants included in the cost of your fare – although not all are found on every ship. For instance, American eatery 6th Street Diner is exclusive to new ship Arvia, while Taste 360 and The Quays (a multi-venue food court) are on both Iona and Arvia.

P&O Cruises speciality restaurants

P&O Cruises speciality dining choices provide intimate dining venues, an impressive array of cuisine and celebrity chef restaurants – but entail an additional cover charge.

Whether you seek a romantic dinner for two, want to celebrate an occasion, or simply have a change of scenery, these restaurants promise a great culinary experience. From the refined elegance of The White Room to the laid-back vibe of The Keel & Cow, there is a dining option to suit every taste. The Epicurean on Iona and Ocean Grill on Arcadia stand out as signature speciality restaurants, with the latter crafted by famous three Michelin-starred chef, Marco Pierre White. Here you can feast on such dishes as Dorset crown lamb rack, paprika spiced battered cod fillet and Marco’s warm chocolate brownie.

Meanwhile, The Glass House – complete with a curated wine selection overseen by British wine connoisseur Olly Smith – draws inspiration from a London wine bar and is found onboard Aurora, Azura, Ventura, Iona, Britannia and Arvia. This venue not only offers an extensive wine list but also a light food menu chosen to complement the wines available – think sticky oxtail bonbons and peppered cheese polenta chips as well as steaks if you fancy something heartier.

Those with a penchant for something sweet from food on P&O Cruises ships can indulge in the familiar taste of home with Jude’s Ice Cream or head to Ripples where Snowflake Luxury Gelato serves the best of British and Italian cultures in a host of artisan flavours. Alternatively, have an evening in and enjoy room service in peace and privacy!

P&O Cruises celebrity chefs

The British cruise line has also collaborated with celebrity chefs – dubbed Food Heroes – to elevate the dining experience even further onboard.

These renowned figures in the culinary world include the masterful Marco Pierre White and multi-award-winning wine expert, Olly Smith, as well as Kjartan Skjelde, a Norwegian chef and restaurateur, acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro, and skilled Caribbean chef Shivi Ramoutar.

These culinary luminaries ensure travellers visiting specific popular destinations have the opportunity to tuck into dishes that give a flavour (no pun intended) of the history, culture and lives of the local communities.

Olly Smith Wine cruises: Look out for cruises with Olly Smith himself onboard when guests can sample a specially curated selection of wines, If you’ve ever pondered the ideal wine pairing for one of your favourite dishes, now is the perfect moment to seek Smith’s expert advice.

Marco Pierre White culinary cruises: Marco Pierre White, the youngest recipient of three Michelin stars, and mentor to renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Curtis Stone, is attending several cruises in 2024. Participate in a hands-on cookery class or attend a masterclass where Marco demonstrates his foodie feats.

P&O Cruises dietary requirements

Should you have any specific dietary needs, P&O Cruises can provide a comprehensive and diverse menu tailored to your requirements, provided the cruise line is informed in advance of your sailing. The brand recently won ‘Best Cruise Line for Vegan Food’ in the PETA UK Travel Awards so you know it does dietary requirements well!

P&O Cruises can provide “a limited unsupervised” kosher option and P&O Cruises Halal food is also available, although exact dishes may not be possible. With both these dietary requirements – and whether you’re diabetic or vegetarian, you require vegan food on P&O Cruises, or need a fat-free or gluten-free diet, it’s recommended you reach out to the cruise line to communicate your preferences ahead of travel.

P&O Cruises food allergy needs

Those with food allergies or intolerances must get in touch with P&O Cruises’ Customer Contact Centre on 03453 555 111 (local call charges apply) before embarking. If you have booked experiences involving lunch or snacks and require a special diet, you should liaise with the Shore Experience Desk onboard.

FAQs

Can I pay for speciality meals before I travel on P&O Cruises?

Yes, you have the option to reserve P&O Cruises speciality restaurants through My P&O Cruises from 14 days before your holiday, up until midnight the night before you set sail. For the majority of these venues, you can settle the cover charges at the time of booking. However, certain restaurants have individually priced dishes and the charges are settled after your meal.

Can you pre book restaurants on P&O Cruises?

Yes, simply head to My P&O Cruises to pre-book P&O Cruises restaurants ahead of your sailing. This is available from 14 days before your voyage, up until midnight the night before you depart. Note some P&O Cruises venues are non-bookable and only offer virtual queues or walk-ins.

Do P&O Cruises have kettles in cabins?

Yes, P&O Cruises provides kettles in all cabins along with instant coffee and tea plus UHT milk and cups.