A P&O cruise is often seen as one of the most affordable ways for UK travellers to enjoy a high-quality holiday at sea. With food, entertainment, accommodation, and transport wrapped into one price, cruising can deliver remarkable value. But here’s the catch: when you sail matters just as much as which ship or itinerary you choose.
Many people ask the same question before booking: Which is the cheapest month to take a P&O Cruise? The short answer is that some months consistently offer much better value than others, but the full picture is more interesting—and more useful—than a single date on the calendar.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the cheapest months to cruise with P&O, explain why prices fluctuate, and help you decide whether saving money or sailing in peak conditions matters more to you. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to time your cruise for maximum value.
Before pinpointing the cheapest month, it’s important to understand why cruise prices rise and fall.
P&O Cruises prices its sailings based on demand. When ships are likely to sell out easily—such as during school holidays or summer months—prices rise. When demand drops, prices fall to encourage bookings and fill cabins.
Several factors influence demand:
UK school holiday dates
Weather conditions in cruise regions
Popularity of itineraries
Length of the cruise
Time remaining before departure
Cruises are also priced dynamically, meaning fares can increase or decrease depending on how well a sailing is selling. However, even with dynamic pricing, certain months are consistently cheaper than others.
For most years, January is the cheapest month to take a P&O Cruise.
After the festive season ends, demand for holidays drops sharply. Many people have spent heavily over Christmas and New Year and are less inclined to book travel immediately afterward. As a result, cruise lines lower prices to attract passengers during this quieter period.
January sailings often feature:
Significantly reduced fares
Lower deposits
Better availability of cabins
Occasional added perks like onboard credit
This applies especially to cruises departing from Southampton, which are particularly convenient for UK travellers.
While January cruises are usually cheaper, they may come with some trade-offs, which we’ll explore later.
There are several reasons why January stands out as the cheapest month:
Once the Christmas holidays are over, demand for travel slows dramatically. Families return to work and school, and discretionary spending is reduced.
January is firmly outside peak travel periods. There are no school holidays, no major UK public holiday blocks, and minimal competition for cabins.
Many itineraries during January involve cooler weather, particularly for northern European cruises. While some travellers enjoy this, others prefer warmer conditions, reducing overall demand.
January cruises are often shorter on average, which naturally lowers prices and appeals to budget-conscious travellers.
Although January is usually the cheapest, it’s not the only affordable option. Several other months offer excellent value.
February often delivers prices nearly as low as January. Demand remains subdued, especially outside the Valentine’s Day period.
Key advantages of February cruising include:
Lower fares than spring and summer
Fewer families onboard
Quiet ships with relaxed atmospheres
Weather conditions are similar to January, and itineraries often focus on nearby destinations or repositioning cruises.
November is another excellent month for budget travellers.
After the busy summer and autumn seasons, cruise demand drops again. The period between the October half-term holiday and the festive season is particularly quiet.
November cruises often feature:
Discounted fares
Attractive repositioning itineraries
Calm onboard environments
For travellers who don’t mind shorter days and cooler temperatures, November can be a hidden gem for savings.
The first half of December, before Christmas sailings begin, can also offer good value.
Prices usually rise sharply around Christmas and New Year, but the early December window often remains affordable. These cruises can be especially appealing for couples or retirees looking for a peaceful escape before the holiday rush.
Understanding the expensive months helps clarify why certain times of year are cheaper.
Summer is the most expensive time to cruise with P&O. School holidays drive demand, and popular itineraries sell out quickly.
During these months, you can expect:
Higher base fares
Fewer discounts
Busy ships with many families
Even outside summer, prices spike during:
Easter holidays
October half-term
Christmas and New Year
These sailings are rarely cheap, regardless of when you book.
It’s important to separate when you sail from when you book.
The cheapest month to take a cruise is usually January, but the cheapest time to book a cruise can vary.
Early booking can secure lower prices on popular itineraries, especially for peak seasons. However, early prices for off-peak months are already relatively low.
Last-minute deals can appear when ships still have unsold cabins. January and February sailings are more likely to see late discounts because demand is lower.
That said, waiting too long always carries risk, especially if you want a specific cabin type.
Not all routes are priced equally, even in the cheapest months.
These are often the cheapest options in January and February. They include scenic sailings, short port stops, and sea days that keep costs down.
Winter sailings to the Canary Islands are popular but can still be good value in January and early February.
Occasionally, P&O offers repositioning cruises during shoulder seasons, which can deliver exceptional value for longer sailings.
A common concern is whether cheaper cruises mean a worse experience.
The short answer is no.
Onboard service, food quality, entertainment, and facilities remain the same regardless of when you sail. The main differences are:
Weather conditions
Passenger demographics
Daylight hours
Port availability
For many travellers, especially those who enjoy quieter ships and relaxed pacing, off-peak cruising is actually preferable.
January and February cruises are especially well suited to:
Retirees and flexible travellers
Couples seeking peaceful holidays
Solo travellers
First-time cruisers on a budget
They are less ideal for families with school-age children or travellers who want guaranteed sunshine.
While cost savings are attractive, weather plays a role in your experience.
Expect cool temperatures, shorter days, and potentially rougher seas. However, onboard activities are plentiful, and ships are well-equipped for winter sailing.
Canary Islands and southern Mediterranean itineraries still offer mild, pleasant weather, even in winter months.
Savings vary by itinerary and year, but it’s not uncommon to see:
20–40% lower fares compared to summer
More availability in inside and balcony cabins
Reduced supplements for solo travellers
Over a full cruise, this can translate into hundreds of pounds saved per person.
To get the best possible deal, consider the following strategies:
Be flexible with dates
Choose inside cabins for the lowest fares
Look for shorter cruises if budget is tight
Avoid school holiday crossover dates
Consider Southampton departures to avoid flight costs
Not necessarily. The “best” month depends on what you value most.
If your priorities are:
Lowest price: January
Good value with slightly better weather: February or November
Balance of cost and conditions: Late March or early December
Sometimes paying slightly more delivers better weather or longer daylight hours, which may be worth it for certain travellers.
So, which is the cheapest month to take a P&O Cruise?For most travellers, January consistently offers the lowest prices, followed closely by February and November.
If saving money is your top priority and you’re flexible with travel dates, these months provide outstanding value without compromising the onboard experience. While you may sacrifice some sunshine or warmer temperatures, what you gain in affordability, tranquillity, and availability often more than makes up for it.
Ultimately, the cheapest cruise is the one that fits both your budget and your expectations. With the right timing, a P&O cruise can be one of the most cost-effective and enjoyable—holidays you’ll ever take.
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