Highlights of our summer 2027 holidays

We’re launching a spectacular season of cruise holidays, bringing you brilliant itineraries filled with exciting new experiences. Not sure where to begin? These four holiday highlights are sure to inspire your wanderlust

6 min 23 Jan 2025

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Aurora is sailing to new horizons in Norway…

Aurora will sail to uncharted territory in 2027 when she visits the port of Harstad, Norway, a maiden call for the P&O Cruises fleet.

Harstad is a gem of northern Norway, located on the country’s largest island, Hinnøya. It may be remote, but with rich history, mind-blowing scenery and a sizeable population of around 20,000, there’s plenty of fun and adventure to be had.

Some must-see sights include Trondenes Church, the northernmost surviving medieval building in the world; the Adolfkanonen, one of the largest land-based guns from the Second World War; and the Våg sea sauna, set in the harbour near the city centre. When all that exploring makes you hungry, Harstad’s food scene punches above its weight with local delicacies such as cured meats, juicy locally grown strawberries and fresh seafood from the crisp fjordic waters.

Harstad is part of our series of scenic cruises, and it’s easy to see why. Its sheltered location keeps it protected from the worst of the Arctic weather, so you’ll find it’s surprisingly green. Fjords and inlets weave through islands with white-sand beaches and landscapes carpeted in lush forests, surrounded by mountainous peaks. You can immerse yourself in this magnificent terrain by taking to the water in a kayak, birdwatching in the Vesterålen Archipelago or hiking up to Gangsåstoppen for stunning views.

You can join Aurora on her Harstad expedition on cruise R706, departing 14 May 2027.

Summit to Keipen mount over North Sea, The ocean north of Andenes, Aunfjellet, Harstad , Troms county, Norway

…and embarking on adventures in Africa

Ever the explorer, Aurora will also be stopping in some stunning African ports of call. On R703, a 19-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise, she’ll stop in Alexandria, Egypt, and from here you can tick a big one off your bucket list: the Pyramids of Giza. As the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World left standing, these iconic structures need no introduction. They’ve been sitting on the sands of the Sahara for some 4,500 years and, to this today, much about their purpose and construction remains a mystery, with new discoveries being made regularly. Don’t miss your chance to see them in person – it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Keen to head off the beaten path? Aurora has a 19-night voyage in June, R708, that features two ports in the Atlantic islands of Cape Verde – Praia, the capital city on the island of Santiago, and Mindelo on the island of St Vincent – as well as a call to Morocco.

Praia is a delight to explore, from the cobbled streets of the historic Plateau district to the lively Sucupira Market. And of course, as Praia means ‘beach’ in Portuguese, you won’t have trouble finding a spot to soak up some sun. Quebra Canela Beach is a good place to start. Mindelo, meanwhile, is lively and colourful with pastel-painted buildings and an intoxicating blend of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences. From here you can travel to the golden sands of Baía das Gatas beach, and Monte Verde, the island’s highest point, and be rewarded with panoramic views.

Aurora’s adventure also calls in Casablanca. Morocco’s biggest city is ‘new’ by some standards, having been heavily developed over the last century. As such, it’s a vibrant, urban place where Art Deco architecture built during the French-colonial period sits alongside whitewashed Moorish buildings, and mosques mingle with modern skyscrapers.

Fans of Morocco will also love Aurora’s 21-night Western Mediterranean cruise R715, which featuring three Moroccan ports – Agadir, Casablanca and Tangiers.

We’re adding Albania to our itinerary

The Albanian Riviera is quintessential holiday vibes: soft-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters backed by olive groves and charming villages. It’s also off the typical tourist trail, giving it a laid-back feel. So naturally, we’re thrilled to be heading the Albanian port of Sarandë for two cruises in 2027 – the first time we’ve visited since 2018.

Azura will visit first on Eastern Mediterranean fly-cruise A717, while Arcadia makes the only call sailing from Southampton in October on J714.

First things first: those beaches. Sarandë sits on the Ionian Sea, sharing a coastline with Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. And you’ll find the stunning shores those countries are famous for here, too – pristine, dreamy and oh-so pretty. Bathe in the clear waters of Flamingo beach, revel in the party atmosphere at Mango beach, or take the short drive to Ksamil and sink your toes into its white sands.

But of course, there’s life beyond the beach, and you’ll find plenty of it here. Sarandë itself is a modern city with a bustling seafront and fantastic restaurants. At the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, you’ll find an ancient city with beautifully preserved Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins. Or you can stare into the Blue Eye, a natural spring that pumps crystal-clear, ice-cold water up from a deep underwater cave, resulting in a deep-blue natural wonder that resembles a human eye.

Beach Pasqyra (Plazhi i Pasqyrave) between Ksamil and Sarande, Albania.

Britannia will see the total solar eclipse

Britannia’s Mediterranean Islands cruise B719, adds an otherworldly dimension to an already incredible holiday – the chance to witness the total solar eclipse. When our flagship is docked in the Spanish port of Cádiz on 2 August 2027, guests will be treated to this rare cosmic event, which occurs when the sun, moon and Earth all align. The eclipse will be most visible in this part of southern Spain, and to see it from the deck of a cruise ship will make the experience truly unforgettable.

Britannia is following in Ventura and Arcadia’s footsteps: both ships will give guests the opportunity to see this spectacular natural phenomenon in 2026 – Arcadia in Reykjavik and Ventura in El Ferrol.