Tips and Tricks On-Board Activities Entertainment

How to bring a bit of BAFTA glitz to your holiday

As the BAFTA Television Awards 2024 draws closer and we look forward to the star-studded ceremony, we thought we’d share some tips for how you can bring a bit of BAFTA glitz to your holiday…

5 min 10 Apr 2024

Editorial Team

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1. Dress to the nines

On every P&O Cruises holiday you can enjoy at least one Celebration Night and this calls for your best awards-show glam. Think Black Tie tuxes, your sharpest suit, floor-length gowns, that LBD (little black dress)… You could even book into Oasis Spa and Salon for a blow dry, professional shave or manicure and treat yourself to a little extra pampering. This is your chance for a night of full-on glamour.

Amy's top tip:

I try to save a bit on luggage by only packing one pair of heels, and don’t forget that there are laundry rooms on every floor so you can iron anything anytime (and do your washing too if you like!), and send things to the dry cleaners onboard. My mission is to actually come home with a case full of clean holiday clothes - ready for my next trip!

Young family dressed up for Celebration Night on board

My advice is GO FOR IT! In these days after Covid when we are used to dressing down, this is your opportunity to shine - quite literally! Think New Years Eve and pack your sparkles, feathers and sequins. Sam goes for the full black tie, dinner suit and bowtie. It’s so fab as you have seen everyone in their swimwear by the pool, then bam, it’s like being in a James Bond movie. I love it.

Amy Hart

2. Have your red carpet moment

Once you’re dressed to impress, even the most camera-shy are going to want a photo or two looking their best. Why not head to your ship’s atrium where the backdrop is fitting for that red carpet moment? Whether it’s the sweeping marble staircases of Arvia and Iona, the glittering starburst chandelier of Britannia or Aurora’s towering 35-foot sculpture, you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect photo opportunities. We also have professional photographers on board to really make you feel the BAFTA experience and capture a picture you can treasure for years to come.

We love our professional photos from the photographers onboard, and on celebration nights they set up in lovely locations around the ship. I have our photos in frames around the house and am always reminded of our special moments onboard.

Amy Hart

3. Did someone say 'champagne'?

Would it be an evening of glitz and glamour without a little glass of fizz to toast the occasion? Why not pick one of your ship’s favourite bars for a pre-dinner drink? You could choose an expertly selected wine by Olly Smith in The Glass House. Or opt for cocktails and a view in The Crow’s Nest. We’ll cheers to that!

The Glass House wine flights

4. Enjoy fine dining by one of Britain's best chefs

Every Celebration Night features a spectacular five-course menu devised by the Godfather of British cooking himself, Marco Pierre White. You can dine in style in our Freedom and Club restaurants with five incredible courses, signature service and pick drinks pairings to complement. How does roasted rump of lamb á la Dijonnaise or pan-fried tiger prawns with garlic and chilli and a ciabatta croute sound? Our mouths are watering already…

Amy's top tip:

Booking one of the speciality restaurants onboard is a great idea on Celebration Night as it makes things extra special, but you should think about doing this at your earliest opportunity by logging into My Cruise when you have booked, as they can get snapped up.

The main restaurants go that extra mile on Celebration Night with menus curated by legendary chef Marco Pierre White (who I had the pleasure to meet recently). My only advice is to try not to have too big a lunch (or afternoon tea!) so you have room to enjoy it all.

Amy Hart

Marco Pierre White's Beef Wellington

5. Where are you going for the after party?

Every awards ceremony is followed up by a lavish after party and our Celebration Nights are no exception! Maybe you want to dance to a live band or pick a DJ set under the stars in SkyDome? Perhaps you fancy something a bit more mellow like an acoustic set and a drink to round off the evening? The silent disco will have music for everyone or you could opt for a night cap on your own balcony and watch the world go by.