I've cruised with P&O Cruises eight times and I'm just about to embark on my ninth.  Over the years, I've also sailed with Princess, Norwegian, MSC, Costa and Royal Caribbean, so I feel I've got a pretty good basis for comparison.  Every cruise line has its strengths, but for the last ten years P&O has been my cruise line of choice. For me, it comes down to one simple thing, they offer fantastic itineraries at prices that represent excellent value for money.  Whether it's exploring the Norwegian Fjords, soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine or discovering somewhere completely new, P&O always seems to have an itinerary that catches my eye without emptying my bank account.

One thing I've always appreciated is the standard of the accommodation.  The cabins are consistently clean, comfortable and well presented, with everything you need to make your holiday relaxing.  After a busy day exploring ashore or an evening enjoying the entertainment, it's always nice to come back to a cabin that feels welcoming.

The food is another reason I keep coming back.  There's plenty of choice, whether you're after a leisurely breakfast, a casual lunch or a lovely evening meal. I've always found the quality to be consistently good and, even on longer cruises, I never get bored with the options available.

I'm also a fan of the layout on most of the P&O ships.  They feel easy to get around, with plenty of places to sit, relax and simply watch the world go by.  The one exception for me is Britannia. I know she's a favourite for a lot of people, but I've never really warmed to her.  Having lifts only at the front and rear of the ship means there's quite a bit of walking if your cabin is midships. It's certainly not a deal-breaker, but compared to the rest of the fleet, she's probably my least favourite.

One ship that does hold a special place in my heart is Aurora. I absolutely love her promenade deck.  There's something so relaxing about being able to walk all the way around the ship with uninterrupted sea views.  Whether it's an early morning stroll with a coffee or watching the sun disappear over the horizon in the evening, it just feels like proper cruising.  Sadly, it's a feature that's becoming harder to find on modern ships, and it's one of the reasons Aurora remains one of my favourites.

The entertainment has always been another highlight for me.  Whether it's West End-style theatre shows, live music, comedians, quizzes or just sitting in one of the bars listening to a pianist with a cocktail in hand, there's always something going on.  If you fancy a quieter evening, there are plenty of comfortable lounges where you can simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. I also enjoy spending a bit of time in the casino. I'm certainly not a high roller, but I do like having a flutter on the roulette table or trying my luck on the slot machines.  It's all part of the holiday for me, and the atmosphere is always friendly and fun. And, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I'm a bit of a bingo fanatic!  So, I'm always pleased to see there's usually bingo every day if you fancy joining in.  I never miss it when I'm on board.  Whether I win or not (usually not!), it's always a laugh, and it's another great way to meet people and enjoy the sea day.

One feature I particularly love is that P&O has two adults-only ships.  Sometimes it's lovely to enjoy a peaceful holiday without the hustle and bustle that naturally comes with family cruises.  Don't get me wrong, the family-friendly ships are great too, but I really like having the choice.

What keeps bringing me back, though, is the overall experience.  The staff are always friendly, welcoming and incredibly hardworking.  The ships are well maintained, everything runs smoothly, and I know exactly what sort of holiday I'm going to get.  That consistency is something I really value. After eight cruises, and with my ninth just around the corner, it's fair to say P&O has earned my loyalty.  Will I sail with other cruise lines again?  Probably.  But when it comes to combining fantastic destinations, comfortable ships, great food, excellent entertainment and genuine value for money, P&O continues to tick all the boxes for me.

Now all that's left to do is pack my suitcase, start the countdown, and look forward to cruise number nine.  I can't wait!

Thank you Nicola for being our 'go to' for all things cruise! 

Ms S Picton