August Cruises

[Holidayfun141]

We are considering a P and O cruise in August, never been on a cruise during School Holidays , is there much difference in that we love to find a spot and relax outside, we are looking at Brittania , and it seems their are plenty of cabins left, are families more likely to prefer Iona and Azura.

 

 

[Cruiser5137]

All three ships are family friendly so will be busy in August. All have an adult-only Retreat which you can book for an extra charge (approx £245 per person for a 14 night cruise). Families looking for two weeks in the Med are likely to go for Britannia or Azura rather than Iona which I believe is still doing one week cruises to Norway in August. Azura cruises are all fly-cruises, however,  so you need to factor that into your equation. 

[Holidayfun141]

Cruiser5137 , Thank you for your helpful advice, the Retreat sounds ideal, exactly what we are looking for .

[Britboys]

3 hours ago, Holidayfun141 said:

We are considering a P and O cruise in August, never been on a cruise during School Holidays , is there much difference in that we love to find a spot and relax outside, we are looking at Brittania , and it seems their are plenty of cabins left, are families more likely to prefer Iona and Azura.

 

 

I've not been on Britannia but believe the Serenity Pool area is also adult-only. No idea how busy it gets though.

[Megabear2]

9 hours ago, Britboys said:

I've not been on Britannia but believe the Serenity Pool area is also adult-only. No idea how busy it gets though.

You are correct, but there's debate elsewhere about upcoming "small extra charges" for some areas here.  It is a very popular and therefore busy area.  Incidentally because The Retreat does not offer many full sun seating areas or a swimming pool, the people in that area also use Serenity Pool which makes it even busier.

[Brimming irk]

Thoroughly recommend the Retreat for the extra c£250. Adult only & peaceful plus view over the front of the ship is great. Service from the staff is great and when I was on in December 2021 the cost includes light meals - breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. 

 

[Fionboard]

Serenity pool is adult only and peaceful (although can be busy) and free, as are meals on board. On port days and in bad weather you may not use the Retreat so could be a waste of money. 

[Gettingwarmer]

1 hour ago, Fionboard said:

On port days and in bad weather you may not use the Retreat so could be a waste of money. 

Are you sure. Many people stay on board on port days. 

[Fionboard]

Yes, have met some who never get off. Might as well stay in a good all inclusive hotel -would probably be cheaper! Still cannot count on the weather though. 

[Host Sharon]

On 7/15/2022 at 6:30 PM, Holidayfun141 said:

We are considering a P and O cruise in August, never been on a cruise during School Holidays , is there much difference in that we love to find a spot and relax outside, we are looking at Brittania , and it seems their are plenty of cabins left, are families more likely to prefer Iona and Azura.

 

 

Have you looked at the adult-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora. Plenty of space and no extra charges like The Retreat.

[Cristaltips]

7 hours ago, Host Sharon said:

Have you looked at the adult-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora. Plenty of space and no extra charges like The Retreat.

Arcadia and Aurora are SO much more expensive to sail on than the larger ships. It seems that P&O are pushing the larger “family friendly” vibe and if you want a smaller adult only ship, you’re going to pay a premium for it, unfortunately.

[Britboys]

3 hours ago, Cristaltips said:

Arcadia and Aurora are SO much more expensive to sail on than the larger ships. It seems that P&O are pushing the larger “family friendly” vibe and if you want a smaller adult only ship, you’re going to pay a premium for it, unfortunately.

There are deals to be had on the smaller ships and if you don't require a balcony, they are not hugely more expensive - especially if you are going to pay an extra £250 per person for the retreat.

[Billish]

3 hours ago, Cristaltips said:

Arcadia and Aurora are SO much more expensive to sail on than the larger ships. It seems that P&O are pushing the larger “family friendly” vibe and if you want a smaller adult only ship, you’re going to pay a premium for it, unfortunately.

If you book early enough Arcadia is not that more expensive, especially as the balcony cabins all have sofas,  and would be considered deluxe cabins on other ships.