Top 3 P&O Cruises sailings we’d love to experience

Scotland, Ireland & Guernsey

15 June 2019 | 13 nights | Oriana

Stay closer to home but feel a world away aboard Oriana. This 13 night cruise on 15 June 2019 takes in some of the stunning coastlines of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands and remote islands. You sail from Southampton with a day at sea to settle in to your beautiful new home for the next 13 nights. Your first port of call is Killybegs in Ireland. This charming fishing town is the perfect introduction to seeing the true spirit of the Irish culture. You could opt for an excursion to Donegal and experience the dramatic landscape of the country, or enjoy an Irish coffee and traditional Irish folk music. Oriana then docks in Greenock, just a short distance away from the lively Glasgow with a rich art heritage. Head to sea and continue to Torshavn in the Faroe Islands. Explore the natural beauty of this remote destination. Stroll around the quaint town of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, search for seabirds and seals, or say hello to the ponies which get their name from the island they roam. The majestic St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. Discover the history of the island or sample a fine whisky. Now over half way through your charming cruise experience, begin your way back down the west coast of the UK. Visit the Irish capital, Dublin, and head to Temple Bar to have a famous pint of Guinness, or head out of town and discover the rolling hills of County Wicklow. The colourful houses and grand cathedral nestled on the steep hillside will probably be the first thing you notice as you sail into Cobh harbour, the gateway to Ireland’s second largest city Cork. Kiss the Blarney Stone, or learn about the history of the town, which was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. It won’t be your last port of call though, as you enjoy a day exploring Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Once home to Victor Hugo, and an important defence in the war, the main town on the island, St Peter Port, is a beautiful place to stroll down the winding Georgian streets. Walk out to Castle Cornet, which stretches out into the sea. Take a boat trip to nearby Herm or Sark, a must for any nature lover.

Christmas in the Caribbean & Auld Lang Syne in the Azores

9 December 2018 | 28 nights | Arcadia

Swap the chill of Christmas at home, and chill by the pool in the Caribbean aboard Arcadia, a ship exclusively for adults. This incredible 28 night cruise on 9 December 2018 takes in the beauty of the Caribbean islands and Azores without the need to fly. You start and end your cruise in Southampton with your first port of call being Bermuda. After spending 5 nights at sea, you’ll have an overnight stay to fully explore this glorious island. The popular Nassau is most-loved for its superb beaches, straw markets, and plenty of Caribbean rum! You then visit Grand Turk with pearly white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. It’s the ultimate paradise island. The island of sunshine and smiles, St Maarten is divided into two separate countries owned by the French and Dutch, despite the total island being just 34 square miles. You’ll spend Christmas Eve in Antigua. Immerse yourself in the history of Nelson’s Dockyard, as you explore its pretty harbour and quaint colonial village. After spending Christmas Day at sea, you’ll arrive in St Lucia on Boxing Day. Towering over the island, the two volcanic spires of The Pitons are an iconic sight to see when visiting. Explore the tropical rainforest on a hike or go on a quad bike adventure. Barbados is a diverse island like no other. Here you’ll find the iconic red British phone box shaded by palm trees, white sandy shores, and blue seas…it’s a far cry from the more common sight on a grey, raining street corner in Britain! You will then begin a transatlantic crossing back to the UK over the New Year period, with one final stop in the Azores on 2 January 2019. Praia da Vitoria is situated on the unspoilt coastline of Terceira, part of the Azores archipelago. Discover the tranquil springs, lakes, and pastures, or the small towns bursting with character. You then return to Southampton on 6 January.

Dubai, Arabian Gulf & India

18 November 2019 | 24 nights | Oceana

This incredible cruise takes in the heritage of India and the futuristic skylines of Dubai and the Middle East. Begin your cruise by flying out to Dubai where you join the beautiful Oceana. Don’t worry about trying to see everything Dubai has to offer during your first day, as you’ll be back here for an overnight stay later in the cruise. Sail to Khasab, capital of Oman, and also referred to as the ‘Norway of Arabia’ due to its fjord-like craggy inlets and mountain-lined coast. Take a scenic sailing down the Omani fjords on a traditional dhow boat and keep a look out for dolphins too. Muscat is a magical modern metropolis. Explore one of the traditional Souk markets, or head to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which is nothing short of stunning. Despite being one of the smallest countries in Asia, Manama in Bahrain is packed with exciting things to do. Racing fans will love a visit to the Bahrain International Circuit. Get a taste of local culture and take part in a Bahraini food trail and cooking class. or simply explore the island at leisure. With an overnight stay in Abu Dhabi, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this impressive city. Fun-seekers should head to Ferrari World, or see the beauty of the Arabian Desert on a thrilling desert safari. Escape the busy city life for island life as you explore the oasis of Sir Bani Yas Island. Half of this small 34 square-mile island is a nature reserve home to lush vegetation and 13,000 animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. You then return to Dubai for an overnight stay. Head to the top of the Burj Khalifa, shopaholics will love the enormous Dubai Mall, or why not relax on Jumeirah Beach. If you missed out on seeing something in Abu Dhabi, you’ll have the chance with another overnight stay. Head to India to explore the picturesque port of Cochin. With lines of fishing nets gracefully hanging down from bamboo frames along the waterfront, you’ll experience the authentic heritage of India. With stunning beaches, lush valleys, rivers, and coconut groves, Mormugao is just waiting to be explored. Visit one of the most vibrant cities in the world, Mumbai. From the bustle of Nariman Point to the seren greenery of Malabar Hill, Mumbai is such a fascinating city, and the perfect way to conclude your cruise as you then sail back to Dubai where you disembark and fly back to the UK.

Inspired by one of these amazing P&O Cruises sailings? There’s plenty more incredible cruises to choose from. Call one of our friendly travel team on 0800 368 9059 for more information or to book.