Your guide to dining and bars on P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises – comforting classics and modern dining

Good

Included Dining

Specialty Restaurants

Bars & Lounges

Coffee & Desserts

Beverage Packages

Allergy & Diet Options

A P&O Cruises holiday is a celebration of Britain’s modern love affair with food. It is a place where comforting classics, elegant fine dining, and vibrant global flavours all come together, served with a distinctly warm and friendly spirit.

The cruise line’s long-standing partnerships with some of the UK’s most respected chefs add a layer of genuine quality, ensuring that every meal feels like an event without ever becoming pretentious. From a perfectly poured pint in a cheerful pub to a glass of champagne in a quiet lounge, the experience is designed to feel both special and wonderfully familiar.

What is the food like on a P&O Cruises holiday?

Dining on a P&O Cruises ship reflects the best of British culinary tastes, balancing tradition with a touch of contemporary flair. The main dining rooms offer a polished yet flexible service, where guests can choose between the structure of set dining times or the freedom to arrive whenever they please. Menus are thoughtful and varied, featuring everything from classic roast lamb with mint sauce to fragrant Thai green curries.

For those seeking a more casual experience, the Horizon buffet restaurant is a constant hub of activity. It offers an impressive variety throughout the day, from a full English breakfast in the morning to themed international spreads in the evening. Across all the inclusive venues, the service remains friendly and attentive, with a presentation that feels both refined and welcoming.

P&O Cruises speciality dining

Where P&O Cruises truly excels is in its collection of speciality restaurants, which transform a simple dinner into a memorable occasion. On board its newest ships, Arvia and Iona, guests will find a remarkable range of choices. Green & Co., with its accompanying Mizuhana sushi bar, offers an innovative plant-led menu that feels fresh and exciting. The Keel & Cow serves gastropub fare with a modern twist, including perfectly cooked steaks and signature burgers.

Across the fleet, other standout venues delight the senses. The Epicurean delivers a fine dining experience with a creative, contemporary edge, perfect for a formal night at sea. Sindhu presents exceptional Indian-inspired cuisine in an opulent setting, with fragrant curries and delicately spiced tandoori dishes that have become firm guest favourites. For a more relaxed but equally delicious meal, The Glass House pairs exquisite small plates with expertly selected wines, creating a perfect foodie haven for a long sea-day lunch.

Bars and lounges

Each P&O Cruises ship is home to a distinctive collection of bars and lounges, designed to suit any mood or moment. A signature across the fleet, The Crow’s Nest is an elegant, panoramic lounge perched at the top of the ship, offering sweeping ocean views that make it the ideal spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Brodie’s captures the comforting charm of a traditional British pub, serving a wide selection of beers and ales in a lively setting.

On Arvia and Iona, the SkyDome offers a touch of Riviera glamour. By day, it is a sun-drenched pool area, but by night, it transforms into a vibrant entertainment venue with a buzzing bar scene under a magnificent retractable glass roof. Whether it is a quiet glass of wine at The Glass House or a celebratory gin and tonic in the grand atrium, the bars on board provide the perfect backdrop for life at sea.

Allergies and dietary requirements

P&O Cruises is commendably attentive to the dietary needs of its guests. Menus in all restaurants provide clear labelling for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, and dedicated menus are available to ensure everyone can dine with confidence. The kitchen staff are well-trained to handle specific requirements, although it is always recommended that guests with complex or severe allergies notify the cruise line before sailing. The line’s strong partnerships with established British suppliers ensure that ingredients are of a high standard and fully traceable, offering a reassuring sense of safety and inclusivity at every meal.