One of the greatest joys of stepping aboard a P&O Cruises ship is knowing that a world of culinary delights awaits you from sunrise to late-night snack time.
Whether you are setting sail on the flagship Arvia or Iona, or enjoying classic elegance aboard Britannia, Ventura, Azura, Arcadia, or Aurora, the dining choices are vast.
However, for first-time cruisers and seasoned sailors alike, it is difficult to navigate what dining is included in your cruise fare and which restaurants cost extra.
Here is a complete breakdown of how to navigate onboard dining without any surprises on your onboard account.
Dining Included in Your Fare
You can easily enjoy a full multi-week holiday without spending a single extra penny on food. P&O Cruises prides itself on high-quality complimentary dining options across every vessel.
1. Main Dining Rooms (Freedom & Club Dining)
The centrepiece of cruise dining, the Main Dining Rooms serve freshly prepared multi-course breakfasts, lunches, and dinners every single day.
Depending on your booking and ship, you can opt for Club Dining (a set time and table with the same tablemates each evening) or Freedom Dining (turn up when you are hungry or queue virtually via the My Holiday app).
The Experience: Daily changing menus featuring classic British dishes, international favourites, and regionally inspired recipes based on where you are sailing.
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Ships: On Arvia and Iona, you will find Freedom dining venues like Meridian, Zenith, Aqua, Coral, Opal, and Pearl. Ships like Britannia, Azura, and Ventura offer venues like Peninsular, Oriental, Bay Tree, Saffron, and Cinnamon.
2. Horizon Buffet & Food Courts
If you prefer casual dining with endless options, the main buffet is open from early morning until late at night.
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The Experience: Self-service stations piled high with hot roast carving stations, salads, curry corners, pasta, cooked breakfasts, and elaborate dessert displays.
3. The Quays (Arvia & Iona)
A game-changer for casual dining on the newer Excel-class ships. The Quays acts as a vibrant street-food hall with live cooking stations.
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What’s On Offer: Hook, Line & Vinegar (crispy fish and chips), The Boardwalk Diner (gourmet burgers and hot dogs), and Asian Beach House (flavorful katsu curries and noodle dishes).
4. Poolside Grills & Pizza Stations
Perfect for a sunny sea day when you do not want to change out of your swimwear.
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The Experience: Grab-and-go poolside options serving freshly baked pizzas, poolside burgers, hot dogs, and fries throughout the afternoon.
5. The Olive Grove (Arvia & Iona)
This warm, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a relaxed sit-down setting for lunch or dinner.
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The Experience: Enjoy complimentary antipasti, pasta dishes, paella, and pizzas. Note: A couple of premium upgrade items on the menu, such as hanging kebabs, carry a minor extra charge.
Speciality Restaurants (Additional Charge)
For date nights, celebrations, or simply elevated culinary exploration, P&O Cruises offers a collection of speciality venues. These carry either a modest fixed cover charge (typically £10-£40 per person) or à la carte pricing.
1. Epicurean
The Vibe: Fine dining at its best.
The Food: Sophisticated modern British cuisine with molecular gastronomy touches, tableside preparation, and impeccable service. Expect dishes like rack of lamb, crepe suzette, and wine-pairing menus.
Available On: All ships.
2. Sindhu
The Vibe: Opulent, dark-wood elegance offering high-end Indian dining.
The Food: Indian-British fusion dishes bursting with aromatic spices. Popular choices include tandoori lamb cutlets, Keralan-spiced crab, and soft soft-shell crab.
Available On: All ships.
3. The Glass House
The Vibe: An upbeat, stylish wine and tapas bar located in the atrium.
The Food: Headed up by TV wine expert Olly Smith, this spot offers light bites, tapas plates, steak offerings, and wine tasting flights. Items are priced à la carte per plate.
Available On: Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura, Ventura, Aurora.
4. The Beach House
The Vibe: Fun, casual, coastal dining.
The Food: Hearty comfort food influenced by Caribbean, South American, and American cuisines. Think sizzler plates, slow-cooked ribs, nachos, and cook-your-own steaks on hot lava rocks.
Available On: Most ships.
5. The Limelight Club
The Vibe: An exclusive, adult-only supper club experience.
The Food: Combines an intimate three-course dinner with live entertainment from West End performers, pop stars, and comedians.
Available On: Britannia, Iona, Arvia.
6. Green & Co featuring Mizuhana
The Vibe: Contemporary and chic plant-forward dining.
The Food: Exquisite plant-based dishes paired with an authentic sushi and sashimi counter where you can watch the chefs work.
Available On: Arvia.