P&O Cruises Announce Passenger Experience to be Enhanced

The new initiatives and refinements on P&O Cruises are part of a £13.5 million programme designed to further improve the entire passenger experience on the company’s fleet of five ships – rising to six with the introduction of Britain’s largest Superliner Ventura next April.

A new cruiseline brochure has been produced giving details and timelines for each improvement under P&O Cruises' Elevation initiative. Some of the more obvious changes will be made to every cabin, where all beds will be cushioned by a Slumberland eight-inch deep ‘Gold Seal’ posture sprang mattress. Senseo coffee machines will be added to all suites and mini-suites.  

All passengers will be welcomed to their cabins on the cruise ship by a single stem flower in a stylish vase and a selection of confectionary in a bon-bon dish, both items are being created by leading designer Nick Munro. Children on board will not be left out with an in-cabin welcome, including specially designed duvet covers, balloon and sweets. 

All executive chefs have been inducted in the prestigious international society, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and will be adding more gala dinners. Bistro tasting menus will also be on board Aurora and Oceana with dishes including pan-fried cod loin with tiger prawn thermidor risotto, slow cooked Gloucester old spot pork belly and a trio of mini crème brulees with an almond biscuit. 

Master of Wine, Conal Gregory, has shared his extensive knowledge to encourage passengers to become wine savvy. As one of only 257 masters of wine in the world, he has trained P&O Cruises wine stewards to ensure passengers are pairing the right wines with certain foods and keeping them up to date with wine/grape trends. 

Golf fans are also in for a treat on board Arcadia, Oceana and Aurora as new golf coaching is available and escorted trips are available to golf courses around the world. 

New shore excursions have been added to include once in a lifetime experiences, such as an evening concert, a visit to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, salmon safari in Stavanger, and specially designed family tours. 

Recent research has found that nearly two thirds (62%) of people in the UK admit to having all the material things that they need in life* – thus, when looking for a special holiday experience, people want a special experience and that extra touch of luxury. 

P&O Cruises' head of brand marketing Philip Price said: “Today’s cruise passenger is looking to step away from everyday life and to have new experiences. It is not always the big things that make the difference – it is also the little things. 

“Elevation is a promise we give to each and every one of our customers that we will constantly endeavour to exceed their expectations. From Egyptian cotton sheets to a mouth watering afternoon tea, we strive to make each and every one of our passengers exceptionally well looked after.”