Cruise Blog

If you’ve ever got on board and thought, “Right… drinks, Wi-Fi, and the odd speciality meal is going to add up,” P&O have basically bundled those things into one easy add-on. P&O’s new all-inclusive packages let you upgrade at the point you book and (in their words) save compared to buying those bits separately on board.  So what do you get? Both packages include three things: A drinks package Wi-Fi Speciality dining credit (to spend in the speciality restaurants) That’s th

Norway’s fjord ports are some of the best places in the world to swap coach tours for something a bit more active, and the good news is that P&O Cruises visit many of the highlights. Olden , Hellesylt & Stavanger are among the most popular Norwegian ports on P&O Cruises itineraries, which means you’ve got a great mix of adventures right on your doorstep as soon as you step off the ship. In this guide you’ll find a mix of water-based and land-based activities in these key P&

Hellesylt is a tiny stunner of a cruise port tucked into the Sunnmøre region, right at the mouth of the Geirangerfjord. It’s all waterfalls, quiet village charm, and mountains that look like someone turned the contrast up a bit too high. Most ships stop here briefly before heading deeper into the fjord, so it’s one of those grab-a-coffee-and-gasp sort of ports. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of this cruise port, what to do in a day, and how to make the most of your st

Haugesund is a lively coastal town in southwest Norway, often called the home of the Viking kings. The area grew from a small fishing settlement into an important North Sea trading centre. In 872 AD, history was shaped nearby at the Battle of Hafrsfjord, where King Harald Fairhair united Norway into a single kingdom. Later, herring fishing boomed in the 19th century, fueling rapid growth and giving the town real maritime grit. Today, the harbour welcomes visitors from around

When you’re booking a P&O Cruise, choosing the right cabin can make a big difference to your holiday. Whether you fancy being close to the lifts, want a midship cabin for stability, or prefer a quiet spot at the back with sweeping wake views – knowing how to request a specific cabin is key. Here’s how it all works and what you need to know before you book. Understanding how cabin allocation works P&O Cruises offers two main types of fares that affect how your cabin is chosen:

Virgin Voyages has refreshed how Wi‑Fi works when you book. From 7 October 2025, the type of Wi‑Fi you get included now depends on the fare you choose, and there are clear upgrade paths if you need more speed or extra devices. If you’re sailing on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady or Brilliant Lady soon, this guide breaks down what’s new in plain English. We’ll cover the tiers, who gets what, how to upgrade on board, and our honest advice on when it’s worth paying fo

Worried you might feel seasick on your cruise? You’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the biggest concerns for first-time cruisers - and even seasoned travellers sometimes get a queasy moment or two. The good news is that with the right prep (and a few clever tricks), seasickness can be avoided or at least kept well under control. Let’s look at why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you start to feel a bit off while you’re at sea. What Actually Causes Seasickn

If you’re gearing up for a voyage with Virgin Voyages, here’s something you’ll want to know before you sail. The cruise line has recently introduced a redesigned, fully updated app - and if you still have the old one, it’s time to make the switch. In this blog we’ll walk you through what’s changed, how to use the new version effectively, and why it matters for your next cruise. What’s changed with the Virgin Voyages app The “Original Sailor App” is being retired Virgin Voyage

Planning your first cruise? Brilliant choice. Below are 100 practical, no-nonsense tips pulled together from our research and experience to help you book smart, pack right, and have a cracking time at sea.  1) Choose the right cruise line and ship Not all lines feel the same. Match the ship’s vibe to you, whether that’s family-friendly, adults-only, party, or chilled.  2) Pick an itinerary you’ll love overall Don’t book for one dream port in case it’s skipped for weather. Cho

From 12 October 2025, the EU started phasing in the Entry/Exit System (EES) across its external borders. It replaces manual passport stamps with a digital record and biometric checks for non-EU visitors, including Brits. Full rollout is due by 10 April 2026. In plain English: on your first post-launch entry to the Schengen Area you’ll have your passport scanned, fingerprints taken and a photo captured. After that, future trips should be quicker. For cruisers, what actually h

P&O Cruises has introduced something brand new for winter sailings in the Caribbean – The Caribbean Pass. It’s a paid add-on designed to...

The festive season at sea is always something special, and if you’re sailing with P&O Cruises over Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve in...

Book your 2026 adventures now - and here’s why these two should be on your radar. Olden Adventure kindly invited* us to sample two of...

One of the questions that comes up time and time again before a Princess cruise is whether you really need to pack formal wear. The...

If you’ve booked your very first P&O cruise – or you’re thinking about it – congratulations! Cruising with P&O is a brilliant way to...

When we first cruised with Virgin Voyages, we had no idea what a “Grog Walk” was. We saw it pop up in the app, thought the name sounded a...

If you’re thinking about booking a Princess cruise or have already secured your holiday at sea, one of the questions you might be asking...

One of the biggest questions people ask before their first Princess cruise is about drinks. With so many bars, lounges, and restaurants...

If you’re planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise, one of the most common questions is: which side of the ship is best – port (left) or...

On our last Virgin Voyages cruise, we decided to take advantage of their My Next Virgin Voyage offer. It’s a scheme where, while you’re...

If the thought of gliding through glassy waters, surrounded by towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and colourful little villages sounds...

If you’re anything like us, cruising is just as much about the experiences on board as the destinations you visit. And one experience we...

If you’re planning a Princess Cruises holiday in 2026, there are a few important updates you’ll want to know about. Princess has recently...

If you’ve ever wondered what a cruise day really looks like on P&O Britannia, this post is for you. We’ve just come back from an...