What are the dining options on board?

Dining options

Last updated: 27/09/2024

Dining options for adults

Our diverse range of dining options caters to every taste and preference.

• Freedom dining: Enjoy the flexibility to dine when and where you like in our Freedom restaurants. Choose from a delicious menu of international cuisine.
• Club dining: For a more traditional style, perfect for guests who prefer to share a table with the same group of fellow travellers at the same time each evening.
• Speciality dining: Indulge your senses with our range of speciality restaurants, offering everything from sizzling steaks to authentic Indian cuisine.
• Buffet: Our buffets offer a wide variety of dishes, perfect for casual dining.
• Poolside grills: Enjoy a classic and comforting meal while soaking up the sun.

For more information on our dining, visit our Cruise dining page.

Understanding Club Dining and Freedom Dining

At the time of booking, you’ll be offered the choice of Club Dining or Freedom Dining*. It’s good to understand the difference between them to help you make your choice. Both dining options will take place in the main Freedom and Club restaurants of each ship.

*Club Dining is not available on Arvia and Iona.

• Freedom Dining: Gives you the option to arrive at a restaurant when you like (you may need to wait at busy times), or join a *virtual queue on My Holiday so you can relax at the bar or in your cabin – we’ll let you know when your table is ready.

• Club Dining: If you choose Club Dining (available on selected ships only), you’ll dine at the same time, with the same people each evening. It’s a great way to make new friends, and tables sizes range from two to eight. With Club Dining, you’ll choose your preferred dining time (either an early sitting or a late sitting) and table size when you book your holiday.

Please note: If you’re travelling with a larger party, or a party in separate cabins, you can request to be seated together by linking your bookings. See our article on ‘How to link multiple cabins’ here.

*Virtual queuing is not available on Arcadia or Aurora.

Dining options for children

We offer a variety of options to keep the little ones happy.

• Buffet: Our buffets feature child-friendly options, including pasta, pizza, and fish fingers.
• Freedom and Club restaurants: Children are welcome in our Freedom and Club restaurants, and we offer a children's menu.
• Children's tea: We provide a dedicated children's tea time in our buffets, offering a fun and interactive dining experience.
• Speciality dining: While we don't offer specific children's menus or pricing in our speciality restaurants, we do offer options from the diverse children’s menu from the main dining rooms. Speciality restaurants can be booked via My P&O Cruises from 14 days until departure.

Dining for babies and infants

We understand the needs of families with young children.

• Bottle warmers are available on all our family-friendly ships.
• We have a limited number of steam sterilisers on board (availability may vary by ship).
• We offer a selection of HiPP organic baby food jars.*
• Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the ship.

*Please note: Baby food must be requested at least eight weeks before your holiday by calling our Customer Contact Centre on 0344 338 8003. It is also best to reserve bottle warmers and sterilisers to ensure you have everything you need.

Freedom and Club Restaurants :

• Arcadia: Upper Meridian Restaurant (Club Dining), Lower Meridian Restaurant (Freedom Dining) 
• Arvia: Zenith (Freedom Dining), Meridian (Freedom Dining) 
• Aurora: Alexandria Restaurant (Club Dining), Medina Restaurant (Freedom Dining) 
• Azura: Meridian Restaurant (Freedom Dining), Peninsular Restaurant (Freedom Dining), Oriental Restaurant (Club Dining) 
• Britannia: Meridian Restaurant (Freedom Dining), Peninsular Restaurant (Club Dining), Oriental Restaurant (Club Dining) 
• Iona: Aqua, Opal, Pearl and Coral Restaurant (Freedom Dining) 
• Ventura: Bay Tree Restaurant (Club Dining), Saffron Restaurant (Freedom Dining), Cinnamon Restaurant (Freedom Dining)

You can view example menus by heading to our dining page and selecting the restaurant of your choice. Example menus are not available for all venues. 

Priority dining

You may hear the term ‘priority dining’. This means guests who have chosen the Select Price fare have priority for dining style on ships offering Freedom and Club restaurants, and first for seating time and table size for Club Dining.

Can I dine in my suite?

Yes, you have the ability to order from the main restaurant menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner*. Outside of these hours you may order from the room service menu**.

*In conjunction with the dining times as advertised in the Daily Horizon newspaper, found in your cabin. You will not be charged on standard food items, however there will be an extra charge for drinks.

**Charges apply. Prices will be indicated on the menu available in your in-cabin directory.

Room service

Enjoy the convenience of room service, available 24 hours a day. A variety of dishes are on offer, from breakfast to late-night snacks. Please note there is a small charge for most items, except for continental breakfast which can be ordered by completing the breakfast order card in your cabin the night before. Room service on board Arvia and Iona also have a delivery charge attached. You can also order drinks from our room service menu to enjoy in your cabin. 

Still need help?

Still have questions? Our friendly Customer Contact Centre is always happy to help! Contact us today on 0344 338 8003. 

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