Choosing between MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises can be a tough call. Both offer exciting itineraries, excellent value, and memorable onboard experiences—but they appeal to different types of travellers.

Whether you’re after international flair and futuristic ships or a home-from-home British cruising style, this side-by-side comparison will help you decide which line is the better fit for your next adventure.

✨ Overview: MSC vs P&O Cruises

🛳️ Ship Style & Onboard Design

If you’re drawn to modern design, high-tech features, and resort-style vibes, MSC Cruises may be the better choice. Many of their ships are among the newest at sea, boasting LED promenades, water parks, robot bartenders, and spacious atriums. Ships like MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa offer a sleek, cosmopolitan experience.

P&O Cruises takes a more traditional approach, but with a modern British twist. Newer ships like Iona and Arvia feature SkyDomes, infinity pools, and elegant public spaces with a more understated, classic feel. The layout tends to feel familiar and easy to navigate for UK guests.

What to consider:

• Prefer a glamorous, international hotel-at-sea feel? MSC could be for you.

• Want a refined British experience with modern touches? P&O may suit you better.

🍽️ Dining Experience

MSC Cruises brings a Mediterranean heart to its dining, with lots of Italian influence and international variety. Expect fresh pasta, seafood, pizzas, and colourful presentation. While the main dining rooms and buffets are included, specialty restaurants like Kaito Sushi or Butcher’s Cut come at an extra cost. Dining times are flexible but can feel busy.

P&O Cruises is tailored to British tastes, with menus featuring roasts, curries, pies, and puddings alongside international favourites. Meal times are structured and traditional dining is popular, though flexible dining is also available. Marco Pierre White menus and wine pairing options at The Glass House offer something a little more special.

What to consider:

• Foodie after variety and Mediterranean flair? MSC might suit you.

• Prefer hearty British dishes and familiar favourites? P&O could be ideal.

🎭 Entertainment & Onboard Atmosphere

Entertainment on MSC ships is bold, fast-paced, and often multilingual. Expect acrobatics, dance shows, live music, and high-energy theatre. Some ships even have immersive shows in dedicated venues (pre-booking required).

P&O Cruises leans into more traditional entertainment—think West End-style productions, live bands, comedy, game shows, and guest speakers. Sailaway parties and ballroom dancing give the ships a warm, community feel.

What to consider:

• Love bright lights and energetic evenings? MSC offers a lively vibe.

• Prefer relaxed entertainment with British humour? P&O feels familiar and easy-going.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families & Adults

MSC is a great choice for families, with kids’ clubs split by age (including baby care), family cabins, and fun features like VR zones, waterslides, and LEGO® partnerships. Children under 18 sometimes cruise free (on select sailings), but this offer is not always available.

P&O Cruises also caters well to families, especially on larger ships like Iona, Arvia, and Britannia. There are well-run kids’ clubs, splash zones, and family-focused shore excursions. On the flip side, adult-only ships like Arcadia and Aurora provide peaceful escapes.

What to consider:

• Travelling with children and want techy fun? MSC ships offer lots to keep them busy.

• Want a balance of family space or adults-only tranquillity? P&O gives you both.

🌍 Destinations & Itineraries

MSC Cruises has a strong presence in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Emirates, and South America, with options in Asia and Africa too. Their itineraries are often port-packed but may include shorter stays. Many cruises require flying to European ports like Genoa or Barcelona.

P&O Cruises is rooted in no-fly cruising from Southampton, visiting the Canaries, Norwegian Fjords, Western Med, and more. Fly-cruises are available too (e.g. to the Caribbean), but the majority are ideal for those who prefer to stay closer to home.

What to consider:

• Looking for global destinations and don’t mind flying? MSC opens up the world.

• Prefer sailing from the UK with familiar ports and easy travel? P&O is a strong choice.

💷 Pricing & Inclusions

Both MSC and P&O include gratuities in their fares, which helps keep things simple.

MSC offers different price tiers (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea), each with varying benefits. Drinks, Wi-Fi, and some activities may cost extra unless part of a promotion or package.

P&O Cruises pricing is generally more straightforward. The fare includes dining, entertainment, gratuities, and is charged in GBP, making it easier for UK travellers to budget. Drinks and Wi-Fi are extra unless you book a special deal.

What to consider:

• Want pricing flexibility and frequent promotional packages? MSC may appeal.

• Prefer simple fares in GBP and clear inclusions? P&O makes budgeting easier.

✅ Which Cruise Line is Right for You?

Here’s a quick summary to help guide your decision:

MSC Cruises may be right for you if:

• You enjoy modern, glitzy ships with an international crowd

• You’re travelling with children or teenagers

• You want to cruise globally and don’t mind flying

• You like a mix of onboard energy and stylish surroundings

• You’re looking for flexible pricing options with potential upgrades

P&O Cruises may be right for you if:

• You prefer a British cruising experience with no-fly options

• You enjoy familiar entertainment and dining

• You’re looking for adult-only or multigenerational cruise options

• You want straightforward pricing in pounds

• You like a more traditional atmosphere with a modern edge

Why Book with Ocean World Travel?

Founded in 1995, Ocean World Travel is a proudly family-run business with over 30 years of cruise expertise. As cruise specialists who are truly oceans apart from the rest, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect holiday at sea—tailored exactly to your needs.

We offer friendly, impartial advice, competitive prices, and first-hand knowledge of all the major cruise lines, including MSC and P&O Cruises. Whether you’re booking your very first cruise or planning your next big adventure, our team will guide you every step of the way.

And the best part? We discount every cruise, meaning you’ll always get incredible value without compromising on service.

📞 Call us today on 02380 714790 to speak with a cruise expert and start planning your dream getaway.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sipping a cappuccino in a sunlit atrium on an MSC ship or enjoying a roast dinner on a P&O sailing from Southampton, both cruise lines offer something special.

The best choice comes down to what kind of holiday you’re after. Take a moment to think about your travel preferences—and you’ll soon know whether MSC or P&O is your perfect match at sea.