Cruise Blog

Cunard has introduced two bundled packages that combine drinks, Wi-Fi and onboard dining credit into a single daily rate. If you're trying to work out whether either package makes sense for your voyage, here's a full breakdown of what's included, what it costs, and whether the maths actually adds up. What Are the Cunard Signature Packages? The packages come in two tiers: the Signature Package and the Premium Signature Package. You can add either one at the time of booking, or

P&O changed their alcohol policy in May 2024, and a lot of people still haven't heard. If you've got an old forum post open in another tab telling you to pack a couple of cans for your cabin, close it. The rules have changed. Here's what actually applies now. What you can bring on board Each guest aged 18 or over (21 if you're embarking from a US port) can bring one litre of wine or champagne on embarkation day. That's it. One bottle, per person, on the day you first board. I

We've just come back from nine nights on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady in a Rock Star Brilliant Suite, and we want to give you the honest answer to the question we had before we booked. Is it actually worth it? We've put together a full video review on our YouTube channel covering everything — the cabin, the Rock Star Agent, Richard's Rooftop, the drinks situation, priority boarding, and how it all stacks up against the alternatives. But if you'd rather read first, here's our f

Just three weeks to go – your P&O Cruise is getting seriously close now! 🛳️ If you’re wondering what to do 3 weeks before your P&O Cruise, now’s the time to start tying up a few loose ends and getting into proper prep mode. From online check-in to packing plans, this is when things start feeling very real (and very exciting). Here’s everything you need to do 21 days before your cruise to make sure you’re fully sorted and ready to set sail stress-free. 💻 1. Complete Online C

The countdown’s on – just four weeks until your P&O Cruise! If you’re wondering exactly what to do 4 weeks before your P&O Cruise, don’t panic – we’ve got your back. This is the perfect time to get everything sorted so you’re not rushing at the last minute. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifteenth, there are a few essential things to tick off your list right about now – and we’re here to walk you through it all in plain English. Let’s get stuck in… ✨ Log in to My P&O

P&O Iona offers a wide range of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. These include complimentary dining options, such as the main dining room, where passengers can enjoy a three-course meal with waiter service, as well as casual options, such as self-service buffets and cafes. There are also specialty restaurants on board Iona, which require an additional fee. These restaurants offer a more elevated dining experience and a wider range of cuisine option

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

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

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

Planning your P&O cruise ? If you’re wondering what you can or can’t bring aboard regarding alcohol and soft drinks, you’re not alone....

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...

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 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’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...

There’s something really exciting about stepping onboard a cruise ship for the first time – the sheer size of it, the feeling of...