P&O Cruises vs Cunard: which suits you?
P&O Cruises and Cunard offer different approaches to a holiday at sea. Use your preferred itinerary, ship and cabin to compare them together, then check the current terms for your chosen sailing.
Compare Southampton sailingsStart with your preferred onboard atmosphere
P&O offers a range of ships for family holidays and adults. Cunard emphasises ocean travel, enrichment and a more formal sense of occasion. These are broad differences, not guarantees about every passenger or sailing: the specific ship and itinerary still matter.
Look carefully at dining and accommodation
Compare the accommodation category and its dining arrangements. Cunard’s Britannia and Grill categories differ; P&O also offers different cabins and fare choices. Check included restaurants, paid alternatives and any reservation arrangements against how you like to spend your evenings.
Compare the full fare before deciding
Price both holidays for the same guests and broadly equivalent cabins. Put drinks, Wi-Fi, service charges, travel and excursions alongside the base fare. Packages and offers can change, and a benefit shown on an operator’s promotion page may not apply to the fare you select.
Compare the details together
| What to compare | P&O Cruises | Cunard |
|---|---|---|
| Ship choice | Family-friendly and adult-only options | Choose the Queen and voyage that suit your plans |
| Accommodation | Compare cabin and fare categories | Compare Britannia, Club and Grill categories |
| Evenings | Check the ship’s current dress guidance | Check formal-night and evening dress guidance |
| Total cost | Check fare inclusions and optional extras | Check fare inclusions and optional extras |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cunard always more expensive than P&O?
There is no universal price rule. Compare actual sailings, cabin categories, availability and fare inclusions for your dates.
Can I compare both cruise lines in Ocean Scanner?
Yes. Search the shared catalogue, select up to three cruises and open Compare to review their itinerary, fare and cabin information together.
Check the official information
Our planning advice is independent. Use the operator’s current information to confirm policies and availability.