Latest news with #P&Ocruises
The Independent
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
A decade at sea: How P&O Cruises' Britannia still flies the flag for British cruising
It's not every day an aged punk rocker saunters across the dance floor of a cruise ship bar as an elderly gentleman sits on a walker, belting out a pretty decent version of We Are Human by the Killers. But this is no ordinary sailing. I stepped aboard P&O Cruises flagship Britannia for a few days in June as part of its 10th-anniversary cruise to find out how one of the brand's oldest ships retains its appeal. In an industry racing toward ever larger, glitzier mega-ships, it felt oddly refreshing to celebrate a ship that's just trying to be a cruise ship. This is also an interesting time to sail with P&O Cruises after the brand has faced challenges in recent months, from norovirus outbreaks to last-minute cruise cancellations. Yet despite attracting some criticism, the bookings keep coming, and P&O Cruises has built a loyal following over the years, particularly for Britannia. The ship has a special appeal for loyal fans. Christened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in March 2015, the ship's 308-foot-long union jack (the longest in the fleet) still flutters proudly across the bow like a banner for a bygone era of cruise holidays, where entertainment meant variety acts rather than virtual reality goggles. But more on that later. While Britannia's naming ceremony had a brass band, fireworks and confetti, the anniversary celebrations started with a celebratory flag tucked inside a tote bag in my cabin, while bunting gently swayed above the atrium where a golden frame of Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth, dominates the entrance. It felt more like a quiet nod to a milestone, rather than a shout. Gill Knight, 68, is one of 74 guests on board who were also on the maiden voyage. She remembers Jonathan Wilkes entertaining passengers 10 years ago. A decade later it is the operatic tones of Welsh Britain's Got Talent finalists Richard and Adam Johnson and actor and singer Lee Mead entertaining the crowd. There were other surprise acts such as appearances from TV personality Stephen Mulhern and a return from Wilkes, but passengers were most excited by drag artist La Voix, who has become an almost permanent fixture on board P&O Cruises ships. Britannia's success seems to sit not in celebrity, but in its consistency. Gill, who was travelling with her partner Steve, remains impressed. She told The Independent: 'Everything feels just as good as it was on the maiden voyage. 'We have come back three times on Britannia, visiting places such as Monte Carlo, Rome and the Norwegian fjords. It is the value for money, the staff and the amazing shows that appeal to us.' Britannia's first voyage was on 13 March 2015 for 14 nights around the Western Mediterranean and it has completed 3,267 days of service since. It feels poignant then that its anniversary cruise travelled around the British Isles, visiting destinations such as Invergordon, Kirkwall, Liverpool and Belfast, especially as the key phrase I hear from passengers as I wonder Britannia's 17 decks, with the red, blue and white of the union flag reflecting on its central atrium's chandelier, is that it feels very British. The question of what it means to be British often leads to clashes on radio phone-ins or TV debates, yet from the on-board pub Brodie's which serves bar staples such as London Pride and Guinness as well as craft ales, to the buffet, hich serves Marmite on toast for breakfast among other things, delicious curries for lunch or dinner and soft scones at afternoon tea, it is easy to see why Brits feel at home on board. Even the polite queuing among passengers waiting to get into the main dining room or collecting pens for the quiz in the Crystal Room feels stereotypically British, with none of the jostling you sometimes find on American ships. ' Britannia has an elegance to her,' says Jacqui Waterfield, 63, who has sailed on Britannia six times since 2017. 'The wood, fabrics and artwork are more traditional British style than the newer ship's modern take on style. 'I have always been impressed by Britannia, from the first time I sailed on her. I like that she is large enough to have separate adults-only areas, particularly on the open decks, so it gives you a choice of where to spend your days. 'There is a serenity about Britannia that reminds me of how cruising used to be in the 1970s when I first started going on them with my parents.' The ship's appeal may have been helped by an upgrade last year, where much of the decor was modernised; the interiors now have the feel of a boutique London hotel. The in-cabin kettle – a rarity these days on many modern ships – and the countless teabags available in the room and at the Horizon buffet emphasise the brand's commitment to British sensibilities. It is what Paul Clarke, 63, describes as a 'home-from-home experience.' Clarke has sailed with his wife Lynne on Britannia four times since 2021, including in the Caribbean and the Baltic region. He says: 'It's not as busy as other ships and you get the feeling that you know almost everybody on board. 'It is like meeting old friends whenever we return, as bar staff know our drinks [order] and waiting staff get to know our eating habits.' There may not be any waterslides or robots, but Britannia offers depth over dazzle. At the high-end Limelight Club, I found myself roped into an immersive murder mystery dinner where I had to help remove one of the 'victims', while in the Glass House, wine expert and TV presenter Olly Smith talked us through vintages as if he were selecting tunes for a dinner party. He also fondly recalled being on the maiden voyage and seeing Her Majesty the Queen tapping her foot along to the band. A celebratory menu during the sailing was curated by Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White and included traditional British favourites such as pea soup and roast beef, taking me back to Sunday lunches at home. I particularly enjoyed trying a few glasses of the Britannia 10 cocktail (for research purposes, of course), created to celebrate the ship's milestone. The deliciously zingy citrus cocktail is made with English sparkling wine, elderflower, lemon and Marabelle Gin, provided by P&O Cruises brand partner Salcombe Distilling Co. The 10th-anniversary celebrations also stretched beyond the ship. The sailing was used as an opportunity to launch the search for the next winners of the Pride of Britain Awards, sponsored by P&O Cruises, and people could make nominations at a booth set up at each port stop during the sailing. Three staff members from P&O Cruises parent brand Carnival UK also took part in a six-day 230-mile relay Beat Britannia race against the ship from Liverpool to Southampton, raising more than £9,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Saints Foundation. A practice 5km walk around with one of the participants, Sam Cox, and other passengers during the ship's traditional Trek the Deck was enough for me, and it is pretty impressive that the runners actually beat the ship home to Southampton by a few minutes to wave it back into port. Back on board, the bunting eventually moved from the atrium to the pool deck, finding some sun amid the inclement British weather, where passengers waved their flags while singing We are Sailing on the final evening. President of Carnival UK and President of P&O Cruises, Paul Ludlow, described the ship to The Independent as the jewel in the crown of the fleet, which he attributes to its facilities and choice of destinations. It may not have the hi-tech, adventure-packed appeal of a mega-ship, but Britannia still has plenty of British charm and lots to sing about, even 10 years on.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
P&O Cruises confirmed as new Saints front-of-shirt sponsors
Saints CEO Phil Parsons: "P&O Cruises has already become an integral part of the Saints family." (Image: Stuart Martin / Southampton Football Club) SAINTS have confirmed club partner P&O Cruises as its new front-of-shirt sponsor, replacing Rollbit ahead of the 2025/26 season. Crypto gambling website Rollbit became the club's front-of-shirt sponsor ahead of the Premier League last season but a new logo will now feature. Advertisement This announcement develops a partnership which has already seen P&O Cruises sponsor the club's shirt sleeves and charity Saints Foundation. The P&O Cruises logo will now sit on the front of the men's first team shirts, and will feature on the retail range of both adults and kid's shirts. British cruise line P&O Cruises, one of the most popular and recognisable passenger cruise lines in the world, is headquartered in Southampton. Continuing a "thriving partnership", P&O Cruises will also remain on the women's first team's sleeve and as the title partner of Saints Foundation. On the announcement, Saints CEO Phil Parsons said: "P&O Cruises has already become an integral part of the Saints family. We are delighted to extend our partnership with such a fantastic company. Advertisement "Having P&O Cruises as our new front of shirt partner is a natural and exciting progression that speaks to the values we both hold dear, pride in our city and a belief in the power of community. "I'm really looking forward to building on our relationship even further over the coming years.' Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow added: 'We are delighted to continue to support our home team. "Contribution to the local community, regional economy and to the club and its fans is vital and we look forward to a successful season.' The partnership will continue to offer exclusive benefits and experiences, including cruise offers and giveaways for Saints supporters. For P&O Cruises guests, potential prizes include match tickets for, meet and greet events with players, and special onboard coaching sessions.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly finalist left red-faced as she's brutally snubbed from TV BAFTA dinner – despite awards show nomination
STRICTLY Come Dancing finalist Tasha Ghouri was forced to watch from the cheap seats as her co-star won a Bafta TV award. The snubbed Love Islander missed out on a top ticket to the event, which honoured Chris McCausland with TV moment of the year. 5 Instead, model Tasha was a guest of P&O Cruises and sat with professional Strictly dancer Vito Coppola on the upper balcony. The 26-year-old cheered as the clip played of the show's first blind contestant waltzing to You'll Never Walk Alone with dance partner Dianne Buswell. Tasha had her fingers crossed as she waited with baited breath for the result to be announced - and fought back tears when Chris won the prestigious gong. She and Vito proudly yelled out in support of Strictly - who was up against tough competition from the wedding scene in Gavin and Stacey and Rivals' naked tennis. Dianne took to the stage to accept the publicly-voted P&O Crusies Memorable Moment award without Chris, who wasn't able to attend the awards do. After the ceremony, she joined a host of telly stars invited to enjoy a slap-up three-course meal, while Tasha went to a drinks reception on another floor. She met up with fellow Strictly star JB Gill who turned up to the after-party while Bafta guests dined downstairs. Tasha called it the "most gorgeous catch up" as they cheersed to Strictly's success. She said: "First TV @bafta with @pandocruises such a lovely evening celebrating talent in the TV industry, so so inspiring." Meanwhile Chris posted on X about his Bafta award: "Oh my goodness. Me and Dianne only just went and won a f***ing Bafta didn't we. "Thank you so much to everybody that voted!" Tasha Ghouri breaks down in tears as she's comforted about future as Strictly tour ends amid split from Andrew Le Page 5 5 5
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stacey Solomon lets rip after losing out to Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder at the BAFTAs as 'gutted' star fumes 'we were ROBBED' in rare uninhibited rant
Stacey Solomon furiously let rip in an online rant after losing out on a prize during Sunday night's 2025 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises. The 35-year-old presenter's BBC show Sort Your Life Out was nominated in the Factual Entertainment category but lost out to Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder's programme Grand Tour. However, while she congratulated the winners, Stacey couldn't help but reveal how 'gutted' she was for her team who 'deserved' the award as she declared that they were 'robbed'. In a rare uninhibited rant, the star - who also missed out on a solo gong for Entertainment Performance - took to her Instagram stories to share her devastation at the loss. Dressed in a green Nike sweater and blue cycle shorts, Stacey watered her vegetable patch while expressing to her fans how she felt about the loss. Stacey, who on Sunday dazzled in her repurposed wedding dress, fumed: 'We didn't win a BAFTA. And I know I'm supposed to take it gracefully like a champ but, I'll be honest, I'm devastated! Laughing at her reaction, she continued: 'I'm not handling it very well, I'm taking it very gracefully - I'm devastated! I'm devastated for our whole team, like I'm so gutted for our team. 'Everyone got dressed up and was really hopeful, I think because they work so hard. It's not an easy show to make, Sort Your Life Out and the team work so hard to make it happen and they so deserve the BAFTA. 'The Sort Your Life Out team deserved a BAFTA and I'm devastated. I'm not saying that everyone else didn't deserve their BAFTAs, they absolutely did. People think making TV is really easy and it's not, so everyone deserves recognition. But I'm just gutted for my whole Sort Your Life Out family because I feel like they deserved a BAFTA. I'm gonna say it - I'm gutted!' Going on to reveal what it takes to make their show, she went on: 'We'll pack up a house and within seven days that house is packed up, into vans, over to a warehouse, laid out on the floor, we go through it meticulously, we make sure it doesn't just get chucked away. We donate, we recycle, we resell things. We put it all back and try and put it in systems to help families move forward...' She also gave a shout out to the families who give up their time and open their homes to TV audiences, especially when they run the risk of being judged. Waving her hose in the air, a fuming Stacey concluded: 'I'm gutted!' before praising her whole team and noting they planned to give it their all for series six. Meanwhile, the wife of Joe Swash also made her feelings clear in the comments section of her co-star Dilly Carter's post. Professional organizer Dilly penned a somewhat more gracious message after losing out on the prize, noting that she was chuffed to even be nominated. Dressed in a green Nike sweater and blue cycle shorts, Stacey watered her vegetable patch while expressing to her fans how she felt about the loss 2025 BAFTA TV AWARD WINNERS AT A GLANCE Drama Series - Blue Lights (BBC One) Limited Drama - Mr Bates vs the Post Office (ITV1) International - Shogun (Disney+) - WINNER Scripted Comedy - Alma's Not Normal (BBC Two) Entertainment - Would I Lie To You? (BBC One) Entertainment Performance - Joe Lycett, Late Night Lycett (Channel 4) Strictly Come Dancing: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell's Waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone (BBC One) Factual Entertainment - Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour (BBC Two) Factual Series - To Catch a Copper (Channel 4) Specialist Factual - Atomic People (BBC Two) Live Event Coverage - Glastonbury 2024 (BBC Two) News Coverage - BBC Breakfast: Post Office Special (BBC One) Single Documentary - Ukraine: Enemy In The Woods (BBC Two) Leading Actress - Marisa Abela, Industry (BBC One) Leading Actor - Lennie James, Mr Loverman (BBC One) Supporting Actress - Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer (Netflix) Supporting Actor - Ariyon Bakare, Mr Loverman (BBC One) Female Performance in a Comedy - Ruth Jones, Gavin & Stacey (BBC One) Male Performance in a Comedy - Danny Dyer, Mr Big Stuff (Sky Comedy) Reality - The Jury: Murder Trial (Channel 4) Soap - EastEnders (BBC One) Daytime - Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure (BBC Two) - WINNER Current Affairs - State of Rage (Channel 4) Shortform - Quiet Life (BBC Three) Sport - Paris 2024 Olympics (BBC Sport) Children's Non Scripted - FYI Investigates: Disability and Me (Sky Kids) Children's Scripted - CBeebies As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe (CBeebies) Alongside a red carpet video, she said: 'Walking out, like we walked in, with our heads high and super proud of what we have achieved as a show, as a production. It's so easy in these moments to feel sad because we haven't won and forget about where we actually are. In a room full of incredible talent. But in the actual room. 'Some people dream of their show being nominated so for us to have been nominated twice is unreal. So let's celebrate the show and just how far it's come. It wasn't so long ago we were just filming a pilot. Huge congrats to @rylan and @robrinder. Thank you for all the love and support as always. Now let's get back to filming series 6.' On Sunday, Stacey turned heads on the red carpet after she re-purposed her wedding dress for the ceremony. The ceremony has been championing sustainability in recent years and as part of its pledge, guests are asked to wear something already in existence - from their own wardrobe or rented. And as well as Vicky Pattison, Stacey used the occasion to bring out her most special garment for another outing. Stacey took to her Instagram ahead of the ceremony to share a slew of snaps in her dazzling outfit, which she revealed had been made from her bridal gown from her wedding to Joe Swash in July 2022. She showcased her tiny waist and toned legs in reworked dress, which had been altered into a fashion-forward playsuit, as she insisted wearing her wedding look only once 'feels like a travesty'. Keeping the corseted bodice from the original dress, Stacey removed the off-the-shoulder sleeves and added dramatic pointed detailing to the neckline. Meanwhile, the wife of Joe Swash also made her feelings clear in the comments section of her co-star Dilly Carter's somewhat more gracious post While her skirt was changed into shorts, with a thigh-high slit cut into the sparkling skirt overlay, allowing a glimpse at her long legs underneath. Revealing the sweet origin of her outfit, Stacey also explained why she decided to re- wear her special dress from her wedding day. She wrote: 'I decided to have my wedding dress re worked for today because wearing it once feels like a travesty to me. I wanted to get her out of the box & take her out on another special day. 'Thank you @fayesawyerstylist & Issy for transforming my wedding dress into something so special & beautiful. I love you girls. Thank you penny for making me feel so beautiful as always. HERE WE GO! Fingers crossed'. Meanwhile Vicky rewore one of her collection of dresses from her nuptials to Ercan Ramadan. The 2025 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises saw a slew of celebrities take home awards celebrating excellence in TV on Sunday, at the glitzy ceremony held in the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. Mr. Bates vs The Post Office led the big winners of the evening, scoring two more awards to add to the ground-breaking ITV show's ever-growing list of accolades. However, it was the BBC who came out on top, scoring 17 wins in total after a year of triumphant programming, in the ceremony - presented this year by actor Alan Cumming. While Netflix smash Baby Reindeer and the climactic Gavin & Stacey Christmas special also won key awards. Widely expected to claim much of Sunday evening's spotlight, Mr. Bates vs The Post Office picked up an early award for Limited Drama. Accepting the gong from Russell Tovey and Daniel Mays, producer Patrick Spencer said: 'We could only film this because Polly Hill at ITV saved us from getting cancelled and this story only had the impact it did because the people who watched it stood up as one and demanded action with such rage, that the government had no choice but to respond. Mr. Bates vs The Post Office led the big winners of the evening, scoring two more awards to add to the ground-breaking ITV show's ever-growing list of accolades (Toby Jones, Monica Dolan and Alan Bates pictured) 'Our show didn't change the law, the people of this nation did. They showed in their response to Mr. Bates vs The Post Office that our country cannot abide liars and bullies.' He added: 'May it be a warning to those who are supposed to have our backs, that they better not abuse their power. 'When accepting this award, we would like to go on record that being trusted by the post-masters to tell their story has been the greatest privilege of our lives.' ITV went on to claim a Special Award, presented by Baroness Floella Benjamin - for its work in commissioning Mr. Bates vs The Post Office. Urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government to rush through arranged compensation payments for affected former postal employees, ITV boss Kevin Lygo said: 'Hurry up and pay these people what they are due.' The night began with Jessica Gunning collecting the award for Best Actress after winning accolades for her portrayal of crazed stalker Martha in Richard Gatt's hugely successful Netflix drama Baby Reindeer. Danny Dyer then forced the BBC to do some quick editing, after he let slip several swear words during his acceptance speech for best Male Performance in a Comedy. The actor, 47, won his first BAFTA for his role as Lee in Mr. Bigstuff, and allowed his excitement to get the better of him in his typically expletive-laden speech. After first saying: 'F***ing hell, I'm choked up', the EastEnders star then shared a sweet and hilarious tribute to Mr. Bigstuff writer and his co-star Ryan Sampson, which led him to turning the air blue once more. Danny said: 'But I got to dedicate this to Ryan Sampson. One of the greatest things to come out of Rotherham. Which is not saying much. 'But one of the best actors this country's ever produced, I'm telling you. Never done the same thing twice. Which is not something I can say. 'He wrote this part for me, so you know... I'm getting choked up again, f**k me. So you won this for me mate, I really appreciate it, thank you so much.' He finished by addressing his two daughters Dani, 28, and Sunnie, 18, who were sat in the audience and took the opportunity to swear one last time, declaing: 'Girls, Sunnie and Dani. I've done it girls, I've f***ing done it!' However, the BBC were less than impressed by the star breaking the watershed, with host Alan being forced to say: 'I've been asked to apologise for the naughty language there.' And when the moment was aired just an hour later, the broadcaster made sure to trim down Danny's speech and cut out all of his curses. Alan later accidentally let slip a swear word of his own, while presenting the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship award to journalist Kirsty Wark. The Scottish star suffered an unfortunate blunder by mistakenly introducing the award as the 'b*****d fellowship', and upon realising his error, the mortified actor let loose yet another swear, as he sheepishly muttered: 'Oh f*** me!' The Fellowship is the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA upon an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television.
TTG
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TTG
Create memorable moments with P&O Cruises with 5% holiday savings
Between May 8 and May 12, 2025, a 5% saving is available to all new Select Price or Early Saver bookings for holidays departing before March 27, 2027. Additionally, guests can save 15% on classic drinks packages for all new and existing bookings. BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises will be broadcast on Sunday May 11, 2025, on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm. P&O Cruises will host more than 100 travel agents at the prestigious awards ceremony. Example itineraries: Escape on a five-night mini-break to Belgium and the Netherlands onboard Aurora. Departing from Southampton on Wednesday May 20, 2026, visit Rotterdam and Zeebrugge from £499 per person (J604). Fly directly to Malta and set sail on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise onboard Azura, departing August 7, 2025. Calling into Civitavecchia, Livorno, Ajaccio and Messina, prices start from £979 per person including return London flights (A530). Experience the Norwegian fjords on one of P&O Cruises newest ships. Departing Southampton on August 9, 2025, Iona will visit Stavanger, Olden, Flam and Haugesund. Prices start from £879 per person (G525). All prices are based on two people sharing an inside cabin. Holidays can be secured with a 10% deposit.
