If you’ve ever searched for a cruise departing from the UK, you’ve probably come across both Marella and P&O Cruises.
They’re two of the biggest names catering to British travellers, but the onboard experience feels quite different once you’re on board.
From dining and entertainment to how the fares are structured, there’s a lot to weigh up – especially if you’re trying to decide which one gives you better value.
So, let’s compare Marella and P&O Cruises side by side, to help you figure out which one suits you best.
The Biggest Difference – One Is ‘All Inclusive’
The most important distinction between Marella Cruises and P&O Cruises is how much is included in the fare – but it’s not quite as simple as one being “all inclusive” and the other not.
Both cruise lines are great choices for British travellers because they already include gratuities in the fare. That’s quite different from the American cruise lines, where daily service charges are often added to your onboard account.
The real difference lies in drinks and flights.
With Marella Cruises, your standard fare includes a wide range of drinks – everything from draught beer and wine by the glass to cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and speciality coffees.
In fact, the selection is roughly equivalent to what you’d get with P&O Cruises’ Classic Drinks Package, which costs around £50 per person, per day on top of your fare.
Read more: What’s Included with Marella Cruises?
That makes Marella’s pricing far easier to budget for. There’s no bar bill waiting at the end of your cruise, and you can order your G&T or cappuccino without worrying about what’s included.
Marella’s fares also include flights and airport transfers on almost all itineraries, which we’ll explore more in the next section when we look at destinations – because that’s where the two cruise lines differ again.
It’s worth noting, though, that Marella’s “all inclusive” doesn’t cover everything. Speciality restaurants still cost extra, just as they do on P&O.
Both cruise lines also offer upgraded drinks packages if you’d like a little more choice.
- On Marella, you can upgrade to the Premium All Inclusive package (around £13.50 per person, per day) for premium spirits, branded beers, cocktails and a wider wine list.
- On P&O Cruises, the Deluxe Drinks Package starts at around £60 per person, per day, adding premium wines, craft beers, and barista coffee to the mix.
Read more: P&O Drinks Packages: Are They Really Worth the Money?
So, while Marella is undoubtedly the simpler and more inclusive option upfront, both cruise lines can be tailored to suit how you like to holiday – whether that’s a truly all-in experience or a pay-as-you-go approach.
This table shows the differences in what you get when you book a P&O cruise, versus a Marella cruise…
| P&O Cruises | Marella | |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Meals and snacks | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Drinks | ✗ Not included (unless you add a drink package) | ✓ Included |
| Entertainment & activities | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Gratuities / tips | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Flights | ✓ Included (except when cruising from UK) | ✓ Included |
| Coach Transfers | ✓ Included overseas (Sometimes included in UK for Select Fares) | ✓ Included |
| WiFi | ✗ Not included | ✗ Not included |
| Speciality dining | ✗ Not included | ✗ Not included |
| Shore excursions | ✗ Not included | ✗ Not included |
| Spa / salon | ✗ Not included | ✗ Not included |
| Laundry | ✓ Included (self-service) | ✗ Not included |
P&O Cruises has bigger and newer ships
One of the clearest contrasts between Marella and P&O Cruises is ship size and style. P&O’s newer flagships are among the largest ever built for the British market, while Marella’s ships are mid-sized and more informal, with a friendly, familiar feel.
Here’s a combined table showing the ships for both fleets, ranked by size – although it also highlights how all of the P&O ships have a higher guest capacity, and were built more recently…
| Ship | Cruise Line | Year Built | Gross Tonnage | Length (feet) | Guest Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arvia | P&O Cruises | 2022 | 184,700 | 1,128 | 6,264 |
| Iona | P&O Cruises | 2021 | 184,089 | 1,128 | 6,264 |
| Britannia | P&O Cruises | 2015 | 143,730 | 1,082 | 4,406 |
| Ventura | P&O Cruises | 2010 | 116,017 | 955 | 3,727 |
| Azura | P&O Cruises | 2008 | 115,055 | 951 | 3,737 |
| Arcadia | P&O Cruises | 2002 | 84,342 | 951 | 2,458 |
| Marella Voyager | Marella Cruises | 1997 | 77,302 | 866 | 1,912 |
| Marella Explorer | Marella Cruises | 1995 | 76,988 | 861 | 1,924 |
| Aurora | P&O Cruises | 2000 | 76,152 | 886 | 2,258 |
| Marella Explorer 2 | Marella Cruises | 1996 | 71,545 | 807 | 1,814 |
| Marella Discovery | Marella Cruises | 1995 | 70,000 | 866 | 1,830 |
| Marella Discovery 2 | Marella Cruises | 1996 | 69,472 | 866 | 1,836 |
P&O Cruises: Large and Modern with a British Touch
P&O currently operates seven ships, ranging from huge, modern vessels to smaller, traditional ones. The newest sisters, Iona and Arvia, each carry around 5,200 guests and bring a real “wow” factor – glass-roofed SkyDomes, multiple pools and hot tubs, big production theatres and a choice of over 20 bars and restaurants.
Alongside them, Britannia, Azura and Ventura offer a similar mix of modern design and family-friendly spaces, while Arcadia and Aurora cater exclusively to adults for much of the year.
The overall style is distinctly British, with crisp contemporary interiors, afternoon tea, and entertainment designed to appeal to UK tastes. Larger ships have more choice and buzz, while the smaller, older vessels offer a quieter, more traditional cruise experience that many repeat guests love.
Read more: P&O Cruise Ships Compared
Marella Cruises: Smaller, Friendly and Easy-going
Marella’s fleet is smaller, made up of five mid-sized ships – Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, and the newest, Marella Voyager, which joined the fleet in 2023 after a complete refurbishment.
These ships carry between 1,800 and 1,950 guests, so they feel much more intimate than the P&O giants. It’s easy to find your way around, and after a few days, you’ll start recognising familiar faces among both guests and crew.
Décor across the fleet is relaxed and contemporary, with comfortable lounges, a mix of bars and casual dining spots, and a warm, approachable style. Marella Voyager in particular feels the most modern, with refreshed venues and some new bar and restaurant concepts added in her refit.
The line also offers Marella Explorer 2 as an adults-only ship, while the rest of the fleet welcomes families. This balance works well for couples seeking peace and quiet, or for families who like a relaxed, no-fuss holiday atmosphere.
Read more: Marella Cruise Ships Compared
How to Choose
If you love the idea of large resort-style ships packed with variety – more dining options, big shows, several pools and plenty going on – then P&O Cruises has the advantage.
If you prefer something smaller and more sociable, where you can quickly feel at home and enjoy a more personal service, then Marella’s ships are a great fit.
Both lines offer adult-only choices, but the overall vibe differs: P&O feels a little more polished and “big ship British,” while Marella is more relaxed, cheerful, and informal – the kind of cruise where the crew soon know your name and your favourite drink.
P&O Cruises Offers More Destinations
When it comes to where they sail, P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises take quite different approaches. P&O’s strength is in its wide range of itineraries departing from the UK, while Marella focuses on fly-cruises that get you straight to the sunshine.
P&O Cruises: Sailing from the UK to the World
P&O Cruises primarily sails from Southampton, making it a convenient choice if you prefer to skip the airport entirely. From there, you can explore an impressive mix of destinations – from short mini-breaks to Bruges or Amsterdam, to longer voyages around the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe, or down to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
P&O also offers fly-cruises, mainly in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canary Islands, for those who prefer to start their holiday in warmer weather. Flights are available from ten UK airports, with transfers included, so you can choose whichever departure point suits you best.
For those with more time on their hands, P&O also runs world cruises and grand voyages, sailing across multiple continents – something Marella doesn’t currently offer.
Marella Cruises: Sunshine-Focused Fly-Cruises
Marella Cruises specialises in fly-cruises, whisking you directly to the heart of the action with minimal sea days. You’ll typically fly from the UK to join your ship in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, or the Caribbean.
Because these itineraries start close to the main cruising regions, you’ll visit more ports and spend less time at sea – ideal if you prefer waking up somewhere new each day rather than long stretches of ocean.
Marella flights depart from up to 16 UK airports, giving plenty of flexibility no matter where you live.
Another advantage for Marella guests is the option to book Cruise & Stay holidays. Since Marella is part of TUI, it’s easy to combine your sailing with a few extra nights in one of TUI’s hotels. Whether you fancy a beach break before you embark or a few relaxing days afterwards, it’s all packaged neatly together.
How to Choose
If you prefer to cruise straight from the UK, without worrying about airports or luggage limits, P&O Cruises is the obvious choice. You’ll also find a far greater variety of itineraries, including short UK and European breaks, Northern Lights adventures and world cruises.
If you’d rather fly out and start your holiday in the sunshine straight away, Marella Cruises offers great value, more port days and a much shorter journey to reach warmer climates. It’s a more convenient option for those who like relaxed, destination-focused itineraries with minimal time at sea.
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Don’t miss the latest Marella Cruises offers…
Staterooms and Suites
Both Marella and P&O Cruises offer the familiar four main cabin types – Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite. So whether you’re looking for a good-value option or a little extra space and luxury, you’ll find something to suit.
Room Options
Inside cabins are the most affordable choice, perfect if you’re happy to spend most of your time out and about on the ship.
Oceanview rooms add a window or porthole, giving you natural light and a glimpse of the sea, while Balcony cabins provide your own private outdoor space – ideal for morning coffee or evening sunsets.
At the top end, Suites offer more spacious layouts, upgraded amenities, and various extra perks, which differ between the two cruise lines.
Both Marella and P&O Cruises also cater particularly well to solo travellers, which isn’t something every cruise line can say.
Each has a selection of dedicated single cabins, meaning you don’t need to pay the usual single supplement for a double room.
Suggested read: P&O Cruises With No Single Supplement
Solo staterooms tend to be smaller in size but well designed, with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Families are also well looked after on both cruise lines. Selected ships feature larger family cabins, some of which sleep up to six guests on P&O Cruises and up to seven on Marella, depending on the ship and cabin layout.
Suites and Perks
The big differences start to show once you move up to the suite category.
On Marella Cruises, guests staying in a suite enjoy a few thoughtful extras through the line’s Suite Service programme.
This includes:
- One continental breakfast in bed per week
- Complimentary pressing service for three items
- A coffee machine and upgraded toiletries
- Bathrobes, slippers, and a pillow menu
Read more: A Look Inside Marella Cruises’ Royal Suites
It’s a modest but nice set of touches that make your cruise feel a bit more special without being overly formal.
On P&O Cruises, however, the suite experience is much more extensive.
Guests receive:
- A dedicated butler service and free room service
- Daily breakfast in a private restaurant for suite guests
- Priority check-in and boarding (Southampton departures only)
- A full-size whirlpool bath in most suites
- Champagne and chocolates on arrival, plus free canapés on embarkation and celebration nights
- A fruit basket on request
- The option to order main dining room meals to your suite
- Pillow menu, White Company gifts, and even a set of binoculars and an atlas for scenic sailings
Read more: P&O Cruises Suite Benefits
Altogether, it’s one of the most comprehensive suite packages in the mainstream cruise market, giving P&O the clear edge when it comes to included perks.
Unique Room Types
It’s also worth mentioning a couple of unusual options that make P&O Cruises stand out. The line’s newest ships, Iona and Arvia, feature Promenade cabins – technically balcony or conservatory-style rooms that open directly onto the promenade deck.
They’re great if you like easy access to fresh air, but do note that other guests can walk past outside your balcony area, so they’re not quite as private as standard balconies. Some cruisers love them for the open feel; others prefer a more secluded space.
How to Choose
Both cruise lines deliver comfortable accommodation with plenty of choice for solos, couples and families alike.
If you’re happy with classic comfort and a few thoughtful extras, Marella’s suites will feel like a lovely step up from standard cabins.
But if you’re looking for something closer to a luxury experience – with full butler service, daily breakfast in a private restaurant and a few extra indulgences – P&O Cruises’ suites definitely take the lead. And because many of P&O Cruises ships are newer, you’ll find the decor to be a little more modern than Marella’s cabins which can sometimes feel a little dated.
Dining
Food is a big part of any cruise, and both Marella and P&O Cruises deliver plenty of choice – from classic main dining rooms to relaxed buffets and speciality restaurants where you can splash out on something extra.
A Comparable Dining Experience
In many ways, the overall dining setup on both cruise lines is quite similar. Each offers:
- Main dining rooms, serving multi-course meals with a mix of British favourites and international dishes
- A buffet restaurant for casual, flexible dining throughout the day
- A range of speciality venues – some complimentary, others with a small surcharge
The main difference comes down to ship size and therefore the number of venues available.
On Marella Cruises, you’ll typically find 8 to 10 dining options per ship, depending on the vessel. This usually includes a main restaurant, buffet, poolside grill, coffee shop, and a couple of speciality restaurants such as Surf & Turf, Kora La (Asian fusion), or The Dining Club, a fine-dining venue available on some ships.
Read more: Marella Cruises Dining Options Explained
On P&O Cruises, the larger ships – particularly Arvia and Iona – offer a much wider selection, with around 13 venues to choose from. These include popular favourites such as Sindhu for Indian cuisine, The Glass House wine bar and restaurant, and The Keel & Cow, which serves British gastropub classics.
Smaller ships in the P&O fleet, like Aurora and Arcadia, have fewer venues, so the overall choice becomes more comparable to what you’d find on Marella’s ships.
Read more: Don’t Miss Out On The Amazing Food Aboard P&O Cruises
Family-Friendly Dining
One of P&O Cruises’ unique touches is the children’s tea – an early buffet-style meal designed especially for younger cruisers.
It’s served around 5 pm, so kids can eat before heading off to the evening sessions in the kids’ club, leaving parents free to enjoy a quieter dinner later on. It’s a small detail, but one that families often really appreciate.
Marella Cruises doesn’t have a set time for a kids’ tea but there is a children’s corner of the main buffet, serving some of their favourites.
How to Choose
Both cruise lines offer a good balance of quality and variety when it comes to dining. The menus are largely familiar and designed to appeal to British tastes, but there’s enough international influence to keep things interesting.
If you like a larger selection of speciality restaurants and dining venues, P&O Cruises’ newer ships give you the edge. But if you prefer a simpler, more relaxed setup where most dining is already included in your fare, Marella’s approach will suit you perfectly.
Onboard Activities & Entertainment
When you’re not exploring ashore, there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard both Marella and P&O Cruises.
Neither line goes for the high-adrenaline thrills you’ll find on American family mega-ships – there are no rollercoasters or surf simulators here – but both offer a relaxed mix of classic cruise activities, live entertainment and quiet spots for downtime.
Daytime Activities
During the day, life onboard either line tends to be laid-back. Expect poolside lounging, quizzes, craft sessions and dance classes, along with more active options such as the gym and sports courts.
On one of P&O Cruises’ larger ships, you’ll find a few more bells and whistles…
Arvia features a high ropes course, mini golf, and a sports arena, while the SkyDome hosts everything from live bands to pool parties under its retractable glass roof. There’s also a well-equipped spa, cinema screenings, and plenty of bars and lounges for socialising.
Marella Cruises keeps things slightly more informal but just as enjoyable. Expect pool games, pub quizzes, cocktail-making demos, and live daytime music.
Some ships – notably the Discovery class – also feature mini golf and a climbing wall, while others have adult-only areas for those who prefer peace and quiet. The spa and gym facilities are good-sized for mid-range ships, and there’s always something on the daily programme if you don’t fancy just sunbathing.
Read more: 23 Fun Things To Do On A Marella Cruise
Evening Entertainment
Evenings are where both cruise lines shine, with a strong line-up of live performances and venues to suit every mood.
P&O Cruises leans towards a more traditional style of evening entertainment, with West End-style productions, live music, and comedy shows in the main theatre.
The Headliners Theatre Company produces original shows exclusively for P&O Cruises, and you’ll also find tribute acts, guest entertainers, and pub-style quiz nights.
Depending on the ship, you may even see big-name performers – Gary Barlow and Olly Murs have both appeared on board in recent years and I once saw Ronan Keating perform on Arvia on New Years Eve.
Marella Cruises has its own in-house entertainment team who perform high-energy theatre shows, musicals and themed party nights. You’ll also find live bands, comedy acts, game shows and movie screenings across the fleet.
The atmosphere is friendly and sociable rather than formal – it’s the kind of place where you can dance along without feeling out of place.
How to Choose
Both cruise lines keep their entertainment accessible and familiar, with plenty of variety but without the overwhelming crowds of larger American ships.
If you like polished stage shows and a choice of several lounges and entertainment venues, P&O Cruises’ larger ships offer a little more sophistication and variety.
If you prefer a more relaxed, sociable style of evening with an emphasis on fun rather than formality, Marella’s shows and live music will hit the right note.
Either way, you’ll never be short of something to do – or somewhere to unwind with a drink if you’d rather just enjoy the sea breeze.
Kids’ Facilities
Both Marella Cruises and P&O Cruises cater well for families, with kids’ clubs, family-friendly entertainment, and plenty of flexible dining options. At the same time, each cruise line also operates adult-only ships, so there’s something to suit both family holidays and child-free getaways.
P&O Cruises for Families
Five of P&O Cruises’ seven ships are family-friendly, offering dedicated kids’ clubs for children aged from 2 up to 17. The clubs are divided into age-appropriate groups, each with their own play spaces and activities – from soft play and crafts for little ones, to gaming areas and chill-out zones for teens.
Activities are varied and well thought out, with everything from treasure hunts and sports tournaments to movie nights and talent shows. P&O Cruises also hosts family deck parties and offers a good choice of family cabins, some sleeping up to six people.
However, there is one really important thing to mention – as of June 2025, you’re now charged a free if you want to prebook a place at the kids clubs for your children. It’s around £5 for a daytime session and £9 for evenings.
You don’t have to prebook, but if it’s a busy sailing, there might not be space for your child.
A highlight for many parents is the children’s tea that I mentioned already – it’s a good feature.
P&O Cruises is one of the only cruise lines to allow children in swimming nappies in the pools. The kids club accepts two-year olds (on most other cruises they must be three and toilet trained) and there’s an excellent and free night nursery babysitting service.
So if you’re cruising with a two-year-old, then P&O Cruises is a great choice.
If you’re looking for a child-free atmosphere, P&O’s Arcadia and Aurora are adults-only for most of the year, offering a more peaceful, traditional cruise experience.
Marella Cruises for Families
Marella is also very family-friendly, with M Club providing supervised fun for children aged 3 to 11 and Hideout areas for teenagers to relax and make friends.
The clubs have enthusiastic youth staff organising games, crafts and movie sessions. However, my kids, age 7 and 10 didn’t rate the kids club on Marella anywhere near as highly as the P&O kids clubs which they love.
All the ages were bundled together and they were bored by the activities like singing, colouring and storytime that were mostly geared towards much younger children.
For adults seeking a quieter cruise, Marella Explorer 2 is entirely adults-only, and some other ships operate adult-only sailings at certain times of year, giving travellers a choice of atmosphere.
Read more: What To Know Aboit Marella Cruises With Kids
How to Choose
Families are well catered for on both cruise lines, with friendly youth teams, flexible dining, and plenty to keep kids entertained.
If you prefer a larger ship with more structured clubs and a few extra family amenities, P&O Cruises edges ahead.
Just be conscious of those controversial pre-booking fees on P&O Cruises, especially during school holidays when the kids clubs might fill up.
And if you’d rather cruise without children at all, both lines make it easy – P&O’s Arcadia and Aurora, or Marella Explorer 2, are designed specifically for adults who want a calmer onboard vibe.
Price
At first glance, Marella Cruises and P&O Cruises can look quite different in price – but that’s mainly because they include different things in their fares.
Marella’s prices usually appear higher upfront, but that’s because they already include flights, transfers and drinks.
With most other cruise lines (including P&O Cruises), those extras are paid for separately. So while the base fare might seem cheaper on paper, you’ll need to add the cost of drinks packages if you plan to use them.
On P&O Cruises, the entry-level Saver fares give you the lowest price but less flexibility, while the higher Select fares add perks like onboard credit or free parking in Southampton. You can also tailor your cruise with paid add-ons, like the drinks packages.
Ultimately, the best value depends on how you like to cruise. If you’re someone who prefers a pay-as-you-go approach, P&O Cruises might suit you better.
But if you’d rather have everything bundled in one easy-to-manage price, Marella’s all-in style makes budgeting simple – no surprise bar bills or service charges at the end of your holiday.
The best way to compare is to price up everything you’d realistically want included – from drinks and WiFi to flights – and then look at the total cost side by side. The headline fare only tells part of the story.
Read more: The Real Value of a Marella Cruise
Final Word
Both Marella and P&O Cruises are fantastic choices for British travellers, offering comfortable ships, familiar food, and friendly service – but they appeal to slightly different cruising styles.
Marella Cruises is ideal if you like the idea of an easy, fully packaged holiday where flights, drinks and gratuities are all included, and where you can get straight to the sunshine with more time in port.
P&O Cruises, on the other hand, offers greater variety – from short breaks and world cruises to sailings straight from Southampton – with a little more choice onboard, especially on the larger ships.
In truth, you can’t really go wrong with either, they’re both great choices!
One strange difference I have found lies with the guests. On Marella cruises, everyone seems super happy to be onboard, whereas some P&O cruisers enjoy having a moan at the dinner table!
I suspect that may be because many Marella cruisers have moved over from TUI package holidays and find a cruise to be much better. Whereas P&O cruisers have often been cruising with P&O Cruises for years and like to nitpick about cutbacks.
Suggested read: 20 Perks P&O Cruises Have Quietly Taken Away
Whichever you choose, you’ll be sailing with a cruise line designed around British tastes – and that means great service, familiar comforts, and plenty of tea and gin wherever you go!
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest P&O Cruises offers…
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