p&o cruises kiel

Kiel, Germany

Cruises from Kiel depart in the summer. This university city in north-central Germany has been an important port since the 10th century and boasts a rich maritime history. Among shore excursions offered in Kiel are sightseeing tours of the historic city center and visits to Molfsee, an open-air museum that replicates rural life in this part of Germany during the last 150 years. Here, weavers, blacksmiths and potters introduce visitors to their crafts. Excursions beyond Kiel go to Schleswig -- northern Germany's oldest city -- and Gottorf Castle, a magnificent residence that houses an extensive collection of art and historic objects from the 12th century to the present.

Kiel, Germany

Get to know what it’s like to visit this destination.

Getting To Know Kiel – Cruise Port Guide

Port snapshot.

Kiel is the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and is located at the end of the Kieler Förde. Originally founded in 1233, the city is a traditional maritime and naval location. The sea is important part of daily life here not just on the many container ships passing through the Kiel canal but also in the leisure pursuits of the people. In fact, two Olympic sailing competitions where held here and various sailing events are throughout the year including Kiel Week, which is the biggest sailing event in the world held on the last week in June. The city turns into a sea of masts and it attracts millions of people from all over the world, with numerous types of ship and sailing craft. It is a mixture of sailing races, tall ship conventions, music and food festivals all rolled into one. Welcome to our Kiel cruise port guide.

Port Location and Facilities

The Cruise Terminal Ostseekai is the main location for cruise ships to dock in the city. It is a fully operational terminal building, with tourist information and shops inside. It is well connected with transport links and is within easy walking distance of the centre of Kiel, with plenty of signage and distance markers to direct you (it is approximately 500m to the Alter Markt).

Additionally, ships may use the ferry terminals at Schwedenkai and Norwegenkai if the Ostseekai is not available. These also have terminal facilities and you can still walk to the city centre from here (Schwedenkai is 800m to the Alter Markt, Norwegenkai is 1.5km to the Alter Markt).

What not to miss

The world’s busiest artificial waterway was built at the behest of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who wished to expand Germany’s maritime warfare capabilities. It also would allow the German navy to move its ships from the Baltic to the North Sea without having to pass via Danish waters. Completed in 1895, it lost its military significance after the First World War and has since become an important passageway for freight and increasingly cruise ships. If you aren’t fortunate enough to be on a ship that can transit the canal, it is easily accessible from Kiel either walking, via public transport, private transport or organised excursions.

• Laboe Naval Memorial

A monument with an observation deck at 85m above sea level with stunning views of the entrance to the Kieler Förde. It was built to remember the World War I dead from the German navy, with those who perished in World War II added after. In 1954 it was rededicated as a memorial for all sailors of all nationalities lost at sea.

• German Submarine U-995

Laid down in 1942 and commissioned in 1943, she served in five wolfpacks of the German Kriegsmarine during World War II. After being surrendered to the British at the end of the war, U-995 entered Norwegian ownership and before being offered to the government of West Germany for one Deutsche Mark, which was refused. She was subsequently saved by the German Navy League and is now a museum ship, located next to the Laboe Naval Memorial.

Kiel Town Hall

The town hall itself was built between 1907 and 1911 and has a 106 metre tower which was based on the campaniles in Venice of which Kaiser Wilhelm II was a fan. It has an operational paternoster lift inside.

Alter Markt

The old market square was originally part of the old city, where traders would gather. Most of the old town was destroyed in the war, but you can still see a few remnants of Kiel around here.

St. Nikolai

Located in the Alter Markt, this is the oldest building in Kiel, which is believed to date back to 1242. Although it was heavily damaged during the war, it has been restored as close to the original as possible, albeit with a simpler contemporary interior. Outside the church is a famous statue called Geistkämpfer (The Fighter of the Spirit) which was originally unveiled outside the Franciscan monastery in 1928 and was a popular piece of art with the locals. It was removed by the Nazi’s as a symbol of degenerate art but brought it back from hiding in 1954.

Warleberger Hof

The City Museum housed in the oldest residential house in Kiel. This 17th century grand house today stands as one of the very few reminders of what this city was in its past, with its preserved historical rooms and art exhibitions. It would be one of the best museums to visit in the city to gain an understanding of its people and its past.

Travel Tips

Tourist information.

NoFlyCruises recommends https://www.kiel-sailing-city.de/en.html the official website of Kiel Marketing.

The currency in Germany is the Euro.

The summer months when cruise ships tend to visit Kiel (May-September) are usually the best months, with typically warm weather and average temperatures between June and August of between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Due to its proximity to the water, Kiel does experience quite a bit of rain in the summer with humidity, with July the wettest month of the year, so worth packing a light rain coat and umbrella if heading out.

Getting Around

Most of the main attractions and shopping and dining opportunities are within easy walking distance of the port area. There is a public transport network of buses and trains should you wish to head further afield.

The best way to experience Kiel is from the water, and there are ferries and harbour cruises that allow you to head out to Laboe with the Naval Memorial and beaches. For more information, prices, routes and schedules check out https://www.sfk-kiel.de/en/index.php

For Hop On Hop Off services, including information on the routes and prices, check out https://city-sightseeing.com/en/7/kiel

Safety whilst ashore

Kiel is considered to be a relatively safe city, but as with any city visit take extra care when in crowded areas and if heading out in the evening.

Where to Eat

NoFlyCruises recommends the following eateries:

Kieler Brauerei , Alter Markt 9, 24103 Kiel, Germany

http://www.kieler-brauerei.de/

When dining out in Germany you cannot beat a traditional beer cellar, and the Kieler Brauerei produces its own beer on the premises, with the chance to see the open fermentation tanks with a guided tour. The food is typical German, with sausages and sauerkraut in abundance, and large sharing platters if you’re travelling in a group.

Schöne Aussichten , Düsternbrooker Weg 16, 24105 Kiel, Germany

http://www.schoene-aussichten-kiel.de/

Just a short stroll from the Cruise Terminal Ostseekai on the banks of the Kieler Förde, the duo behind this restaurant have brought flavours of the world to Kiel, taking traditional German ingredients such as boiled sausage from Holstein and giving it an Asian twist. You can even take some of their ingredients home, as they also sell their sauces and package ingredients in stylish mason jars.

Key highlights of Kiel

• Kiel Promenade (Kiellinie)
• Hiroshima Park
• Alter Market
• St Nicholas Church
• City Museum, Warleberger Hof
• Maritime Museum, Fischhalle
• City Gallery
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Collection of Classical Antiquities (Antikensammlung)
• Zoological Museum (Zoologisches Museum)
• Aquarium GEOMAR
• Old Botanical Gardens
• Flandernbunker

Regular cruise line visitors

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Map : Kiel / Germany

Ships in kiel on 23.09.24.

Note: We can only show those ships here that we have in our database.

Sunrise/Sunset in Kiel on 23.09.24

We have 483 Cruises to Kiel on offer

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Norwegian Fjords Cruises

See Baltic, Scandinavia and Norways breathtaking scenery and natural wonders

Embarking on a cruise through the Kiel Canal in Germany is a mesmerizing journey through one of the world’s busiest and most significant man-made waterways. This engineering marvel, linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, offers travelers a unique perspective of Germany’s heartland. As you navigate its serene waters, you’ll be treated to lush landscapes, quaint villages, and the rhythmic ballet of drawbridges lifting for vessels. The canal, steeped in maritime history, provides a serene contrast to the bustling ports of Kiel and Brunsbüttel at either end. A Kiel Canal cruise promises an intimate and captivating glimpse of Germany’s maritime legacy and scenic beauty.

Cruises to Kiel Canal

Explore cruises to Kiel Canal

AIDAnova, Norwegian fjords from Kiel, October 12, 2024

7-day cruise to Bergen, Nordfjord, Alesund and Stavanger with AIDA Cruises Cruising from: Kiel, Germany; Departure Date: October 12, 2024; Cruise Line: AIDA Cruises; Cruise Ship: AIDAnova; Duration: 7-day cruise; Ports of Call: Kiel, Bergen, Nordfjord, Alesund, Stavanger, Kiel; Discover[…]

AIDAnova, Norwegian fjords from Kiel, September 28, 2024

7-day cruise to Bergen, Nordfjord, Alesund and Stavanger with AIDA Cruises Cruising from: Kiel, Germany; Departure Date: September 28, 2024; Cruise Line: AIDA Cruises; Cruise Ship: AIDAnova; Duration: 7-day cruise; Ports of Call: Kiel, Bergen, Nordfjord, Alesund, Stavanger, Kiel; Discover[…]

MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, August 17, 2024

7-day cruise to Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy and Flam with MSC Cruises Cruising from: Kiel, Germany; Departure Date: August 17, 2024; Cruise Line: MSC Cruises; Cruise Ship: MSC Euribia; Duration: 7-day cruise; Ports of Call: Kiel, Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy, Flam, Kiel;[…]

MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, August 3, 2024

7-day cruise to Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy & Flam with MSC Cruises Cruising from: Kiel, Germany; Departure Date: August 3, 2024; Cruise Line: MSC Cruises; Cruise Ship: MSC Euribia; Duration: 7-day cruise; Ports of Call: Kiel, Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy, Flam, Kiel;[…]

MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, July 20, 2024

7-day cruise to Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy & Flam with MSC Cruises Cruising from: Kiel, Germany; Departure Date: July 20, 2024; Cruise Line: MSC Cruises; Cruise Ship: MSC Euribia; Duration: 7-day cruise; Ports of Call: Kiel, Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy, Flam, Kiel;[…]

MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, July 6, 2024

7-day cruise to Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy & Flam with MSC Cruises Cruising from: Kiel, Germany; Departure Date: July 6, 2024; Cruise Line: MSC Cruises; Cruise Ship: MSC Euribia; Duration: 7-day cruise; Ports of Call: Kiel, Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Maloy, Flam, Kiel;[…]

MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, June 22, 2024

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MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, June 8, 2024

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MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, May 25, 2024

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MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, May 11, 2024

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MSC Euribia, Norwegian Fjords from Kiel, April 27, 2024

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Kiel Cruise Port, Germany

Kiel has a rich history in the maritime industry, but these days the city is more known for its lively student population, casual atmosphere, and urban vibe. The city’s picturesque location on the Kiel Fjord, its contemporary and roomy downtown,[…]

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P&O UK announces new Scandinavia & Baltic Sea cruise itineraries 2024

P&O Cruises UK announced a new series of Scandinavia and Baltic Sea itineraries scheduled for 2024 summer and fall.

The 14- and 16-day long voyages are on three ships ( Britannia , Arcadia , Aurora ) and visit Baltic capital port cities as well as locations with Viking history.

A typical Scandinavia & Baltic Sea itinerary features calls at Kiel (Germany) , Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia) , Visby (Sweden), and Copenhagen (Denmark), starting at GBP 1,299 (~US$ 1,430) per person based on 2 adults sharing a stateroom.

The longer itinerary to Iceland & Norway takes in Belfast (Northern Ireland) , Stornoway (Isle of Lewis and Harris, Scotland) , Reykjavik (Iceland) , Isafjordur (Westfjords Iceland) , Akureyri (Iceland, Lake Myvatn) , Alesund , and Skjolden (Sognefjord, Norway) starting from GBP 1,649 (~US$1,820) per person.

The largest on the Swedish island of Gotland, the walled historic town of Visby is a must for fans of the Viking Age/Middle Ages. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was once among the most influential in the region, believed to have been inhabited as far back as the Stone Age.

Overnights in the Nordic capital cities of Copenhagen (Denmark) , Helsinki (Finland) , and Stockholm (Sweden) are included on selected itineraries and offer more time to experience the modern Nordic lifestyle.

Optional trips include exploring the many of Stockholm (Sweden) in a glass-topped sightseeing boat as well as an excursion to the family-friendly Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen (Denmark).

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Kiel has four cruise terminals . Follow the blue line into the city.

Six berths for big ferry and cruise ships are available and located right in the city center and near the railway station, at the Norwegenkai, Schwedenkai and Ostseekai Terminals.

The new Ostuferhafen has just been completed and will be used for very large cruise ships, complete with a brand new terminal building. However this port is further away from city center,

Printable map to take along.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminals

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Kiel Germany

Sightseeing:

Kiel is at the end of a 17 km long fjord. The sea comes right into the heart of the city. The great natural feature in Kiel is the fjord with its beaches. The maritime aspect of the city with its harbors, the massive passenger ferries and the enormous cranes on the docks – that's typical Kiel.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Tourist Attractions in Kiel.

Getting around Germany is incredible easy. The train network is comfortable, reliable, fast and reasonably priced. German roads are also excellent and motorized transport can be a great way to tour the country.

The national and famous motorway network known as autobahnen, officially there is no general speed limit, but, in an attempt to increase safety and control the pollution, a lot of segments have speed limits (which are strictly controlled). If you rent a car, make sure you stay in the right lane at all times, except when passing! Speeds of 200km or over are not uncommon.

Taxis are dependable, but expensive.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

All shopping areas are only a few footsteps away from the cruise terminals.

Special purchases include precision optical equipment such as binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steel ware, Solingen knives, leather wear, sports equipment, toys from Nuremberg and Bavarian Loden cloth. Special purchases in eastern Germany include musical instruments, wooden carved toys from the Erzgebirge Mountains, and Meissen china.

In Germany snacks (Schnellimbiss) are widely available, especially Bock wurst (boiled sausage), Bratwurst (grilled sausage) and Curry wurst (spiced sausage), as well as fries and hamburgers.

German fast food is cheap, hearty and diverse; there are a number of sausage stands, imbisses and specialty stands; you have many options from which choose. Many of the fast food is of Turkish origin, this food is very popular for being cheap and healthy. The German's favorite Turkish fast food is the Doner Kebab; a thick pita filled generally with either chicken or beef complemented with fresh French fries and salad.

Important things to know about Germany, like tipping, toilets etc.

Euro. There are plenty of ATM machines around.

In smaller establishments ask first if they accept Credit Cards.

Currency Converter

Communication:

German spoken. Germans are regarded as being punctual, disciplined and last but not least, a little formal. In German there are two forms of you: "Du" and "Sie." "Du" is less formal, "Sie" is more so. You almost always should use the "Sie" form and someone's last name with people you don't know.

110 -- Police Emergency 112 -- Fire Emergency or Ambulance Call

Most cafes offer free WiFi.

Webcam of the harbor .

Opening Hours and Holidays:

All stores must close no later than 8 p.m. Some close as early as 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays stores lock up at 1 or 2 p.m.; although in big city centers most stay upon until 2 or 4 p.m.

Sundays all stores are closed, except some bakeries which are open on sunday morning.

Holidays in Germany

End of June: More than three million visitors from all over the world will be diving into the colorful and multi-facetted life of Kieler Woche .

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Cruises from Kiel

Port of Kiel

Ships usually depart from the port of Kiel in the late afternoon or early evening, offering ample time for passengers to check-in and settle in before their journey. The general check-in time may vary depending on the cruise line and ship, but it is recommended to arrive a few hours prior to departure. While in the harbor, enjoy the bustling maritime atmosphere, take in the scenic views of the waterfront, and watch as ships gracefully set sail. The port of Kiel offers excellent facilities, including parking, luggage services, and convenient transportation options, ensuring a smooth and convenient start to your cruise experience.

Destinations from Kiel

Cruises that leave from Kiel in 2024 can take you to a wide variety of destinations that are located all around Europe and even further beyond. Most commonly, cruises from Kiel go to exciting destinations such as the British Isles , Iceland , North Cape , Norwegian Fjords , Svalbard , and countless more Northern European sites.

What cruise lines depart from Kiel?

The port of Kiel is served by a variety of different cruise lines in 2024. These range from those oriented toward families to those that are more elegant and traditional. Kiel port includes itineraries with AIDA Cruises , Costa Cruises , MSC Cruises , and other cruise lines.

Cruise Season

The best time to visit Kiel depends on your preferences and the type of cruise you plan to embark on. Summer months, from June to August, offer pleasant weather and vibrant maritime festivals, creating a lively atmosphere in the city. Spring and autumn provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds, allowing you to explore the city's attractions and neighborhoods at a relaxed pace. Winter months offer a unique charm, with Christmas markets and seasonal events adding a cozy ambiance to the city's streets.

Due to the region's moderately cold climate and short summers, there is a short window of opportunity for cruises to depart from Kiel. The months of May to September, which are considered to be the peack seasons, are the best times to go on a cruise. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights, the best months are from December through March because during this time there are more hours of darkness and the night skies are cleaner. Explore cruises from Kiel that depart in the months of April 2024 , May 2024 , June 2024 , July 2024 , August 2024 , September 2024 , and October 2024 .

Cruise Duration

Cruise Lines offer itineraries from Kiel that range from 7 to 15 days. You can choose cruises lasting from 7-day , 8-day , 14-day , and 15-day , depending on the length of your holiday.

Kiel boasts several modern cruise terminals, each providing exceptional services and amenities. The Ostseekai Terminal and the Norwegenkai Terminal are two prominent terminals within the port. These terminals offer state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious waiting areas, baggage handling services, and seamless embarkation processes. Passengers can also enjoy various amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and tourist information centers, for a delightful pre- or post-cruise experience.

The check-in process for your cruise will depend on your cruise line and ship. It is generally recommended to complete the check-in process a few hours before departure to ensure a smooth start to your voyage. Make sure to have your travel documents, including passports and cruise tickets, readily available for a hassle-free check-in experience. Once you've completed the check-in process, you can familiarize yourself with the ship's facilities and start immersing yourself in the excitement of your cruise journey.

Transportation

Kiel is well-connected to both national and international transportation networks. The nearest major airport is Hamburg Airport, which offers excellent transport links to Kiel, including train services and direct shuttle transfers. From within the city, you can easily reach the port by various means of transportation, such as taxis, buses, or even on foot if you are staying nearby. Kiel's efficient public transportation system ensures convenient access to the port from different parts of the city.

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By holidayhelen , July 20, 2017 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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holidayhelen

Hello - we are cruising on Aurora R722 - 6 Dec - on the P & O website the map of the route clearly shows the ship going through the Kiel Canal. I have asked the question if this is correct and someone said that Aurora was too big to go through the canal. I emailed P & O and they said 'subject to change'.

Does anyone know if it can in fact use the canal? It would be smoother sailing than the north sea!!

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Aurora is too big for the Kiel canal.

AchileLauro

If you accept the information on Wikapedia as being correct then Aurora is too long and has too deep a draught to navigate the canal. She may also be too high to go under the bridges (42m limit).

We navigated the canal on Balmoral some years ago and a most pleasant experience it was too but even Balmoral which is a much smaller ship than Aurora had too lower part of the mast to cruise the Kiel canal.

Bit naughty advertising it is going through then isn't it!!!

http://www.pocruises.com/r722/?search=true

Bit naughty advertising it is going through then isn't it!!!   http://www.pocruises.com/r722/?search=true

Perhaps they got a little confused as Adonia is apparently canal regulations compliant?

I believe that Adonia would be the only P and O ship able to transit the Kiel Canal.

A few years ago we did it on the sister ship Azamara Journey and really enjoyed it.

I believe that Adonia would be the only P and O ship able to transit the Kiel Canal. A few years ago we did it on the sister ship Azamara Journey and really enjoyed it.

If so, how incompetent or careless that this mistake has been made - and moreover not yet corrected. Are these things not checked, read or critically assessed before being advertised? If board members recognise that Aurora cannot transit the Kiel Canal how come it's slipped through the planning, printing and sales stage? If P&O recognise that it's 'subject to correction' I wonder why, having had the error pointed out, that there isn't some urgency involved in correcting the website. Smacks of that totally unbelievable example last year when Geiranger and Flam had both been removed from a one week Fjords cruise and was still being advertised and sold as such some considerable time after the change. Mistakes do happen but what I can't understand is that they don't show their customers the courtesy of making immediate corrections to their website.

If it is true I do find this quite shocking. If I had booked this cruise and it was changed I would go to trading standards. Saying something is subject to change is not a reasonable 'get-out' for selling something which will never be deliverable and not reacting once aware.

I think half the problem is that the people who answer the phones aren't all very familiar with the product, so just read scripted guidance. This means questions asking will the ship sail/dock at XYZ receives the 'subject to change' response without further flagging.

I would call back and ask for it to be escalated.

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happytravelleruk

In 2001 we sailed the Keil canal on Norwegian Dream . At the time it was the largest ship to sail through and people lined the banks waving flags and bands played.There was a special ceremony to lower the funnel at one point to go under a bridge. It was a great experience.

We went through the Kiel canal on Adonia in December 2014 nd were told that she was the only P&O ship small enough to go through. We were also told that she had to be modified after her first trip through because there was something (I can't recall exactly what) that had to be taken down to enable her to go under all of the bridges.

It was something on my bucket list and was a great experience.

2 of the crew cycled along to raise money for Macmillan Cancer, we were encouraged to cheer them on when we saw them cycling and to sponsor them.

Warford Lady

We have been through the Kiel Canal twice on Adonia at the end of a Baltic cruise. A wonderful experience. The captain announced that Adonia was the largest ship able to transit the canal. They had to lower the mast to clear the bridges and when we did go under there was very little clearance. The captain also made great use of the ship's hooter in reply to many small craft on the canal. On our second trip, four of the crew cycled the length of the canal to raise money for Macmillan. Lots of cheering and waving and more use of the ship's hooter. A superb day.

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I have been through the Kiel Canal twice, once on Adonia and once on a Fred ship. I wouldn't pay money to do it again, quite boring actually.

We went through, both ways, in 2014 on the Fred Olsen ship Braemar. Surprisingly enough the captain informed us that it was the largest ship able to navigate the canal, maybe he meant without modification. I personally thought it was great, like a mini river cruise on an ocean going ship. A really pleasant and surprisingly enjoyable experience. I suppose it depends on what you enjoy about cruising, each to his own.

Slow Foxtrot

I personally thought it was great, like a mini river cruise on an ocean going ship. A really pleasant and surprisingly enjoyable experience. I suppose it depends on what you enjoy about cruising, each to his own.

Quite agree. We've been through the Panama and Suez Canals several times but, although completely different, we found the transit of the Kiel Canal aboard Black Watch very enjoyable. Granted, the weather was sunny and warm which always helps. The pastoral scenery on either side was delightful and a few glasses of bubbly completed a very pleasant transit.

I must say that I am not a fan of P&O Shoreside at the best of times. Having followed the link above, whilst the Map View of the itinerary does show the ship going 'cross-country', I can't find any mention of the Keil Canal and it does say that the day after Hamburg is a day "at sea". I have also looked at the 2016 - 2018 brochure and there is no mention of the canal there either.

We have done this cruise itinerary a few times on different ships and unfortunately it has always gone round the long way, even on Artemis.

The difference I can see this time however is the order of the ports. They usually head to Oslo before Copenhagen but that might have to do with who else is around and there are a couple of other ships doing a similar cruise on other lines at the same time.

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More From Forbes

Meet paul ludlow, the president of p&o cruises.

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Paul Ludlow, President of P&O Cruises

Paul Ludlow is the President of P&O Cruises .

On a sunny Wednesday morning, we sat down to discuss Paul's journey from sales administrator to cruise line president and his plans for the 21st-century evolution of what is dubbed Britain's best-loved cruise line.

Growing up on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, Paul got his first taste of travel whilst working as a tour guide for an educational tours company, EF Travel. He showcased the island and taught English to visiting school children.

"In hindsight, I think I probably realize now that my first job as a tour guide meant I had a future in the travel industry – I started so young, showcasing the local area, and I absolutely loved it," Paul says, beaming.

From there, Paul's journey to becoming the president of P&O Cruises began.

"I don't think you ever set out thinking that that is your final destination," Paul chuckles.

After studying Business at Bournemouth University, Paul remained in the south of England, on the doorstep of P&O Cruises, one of the largest employers in the region at the time.

"I got my foot in the door at a low level in the business. My first role was sales administrator, over 23 years ago now!

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I realized very quickly that the cruise industry is such an exciting place to be – back in the day, it was tiny compared to where it is today," says Paul.

Paul recounts the first time he set on a cruise ship: "I was overwhelmed by the scale, the choice, and the amenities available on the ships.

Looking back now, you could perhaps fit several of those ships into the size of the ships we have today at P&O Cruises," says Paul.

"It was a fast-growing industry and an exciting place to be, and I stuck with it," Paul adds.

Paul worked his way through P&O Cruises' parent group, Carnival Corporation, as the previous UK managing director of Princess Cruises before landing the top job of president of P&O Cruises.

"Every day is different – I have huge variety within my role.

Cruise ships are like floating cities with theatres, fine-dining restaurants, and even hospitals. Parts of our organization are dedicated to each of those areas—it's my role to be responsible for all of that!" says Paul.

"I'm very fortunate to travel on all of our ships to all four corners of the world, and I get enormous joy out of that.

We have over 15,000 people working for this business, and I really enjoy my interactions with each of them," Paul adds.

I wonder what the most significant challenges are in Paul's role?

"We're a very complex business. Often, you'll make a change in one area of the business, and it'll have a consequence in another part of the business.

So one of the challenges is understanding that interplay, making sure that you have all the stakeholders together, that everyone has a clear view of what 'good' looks like, and that we're all working for a common goal," says Paul.

"Over time, you realize that you can't be an expert in everything you're ultimately accountable for in a large and complex business like this.

You rely on subject matter experts, and you have to learn to trust that they will drive for the best result possible," says Paul.

"As you develop as a leader and move through the organization, you realize that the way you empower people and set them up for success will deliver the best results, " adds Paul.

Paul Ludlow

With so many cruise lines floating around, I wonder what makes a cruise, a P&O cruise ?

"There's a DNA that runs through all of our holidays. P&O Cruises is an iconic brand with enormous trust amongst its guests, but what it's always been throughout its 200-year history reflects the best of Britain.

Britain never stands still—people's tastes, interests, and hobbies constantly move. We want to make sure that when people come onboard, they have immediate familiarity with what they have at home, but done even better at sea," says Paul.

"Holidays count now more than ever after the COVID pandemic, and with the economic backdrop as it is, cruisers are looking for value and a return on their investment," Paul adds.

P&O Cruises has heavily invested in its partnerships, from gourmet menus designed by British chef Marco Pierre White to entertainment dreamt up by Take That's Gary Barlow.

More recently, the cruise line partnered with Nicole Scherzinger, formerly of The Pussycat Dolls, to develop entertainment under the SkyDome onboard Arvia .

"I think P&O Cruises has evolved enormously over the last ten years, and we'll continue to stay ahead of modern Britain into the future," says Paul.

After welcoming its two newest ships, Iona and Arvia , they plan to pause as they focus on passenger experience.

"We have a huge presence in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Norwegian Fjords, and we're increasingly working with those destinations to maximize guest experience ashore.

I want to be Britain's number one holiday choice—so I'm not just limiting this to the cruise sector," says Paul.

"In the UK cruise sector, P&O Cruises is already the market leader, but I really want us to have a challenger mentality so that we think bigger than just cruise," Paul adds.

I relay a question from Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, for Paul – "What do you say no to?" I ask.

"I actually say no a lot! I strongly believe that you have to focus on your priorities. We're not short of good ideas in our organization, and there is lots of passion and enthusiasm amongst all our people—but we have to be selective in the things we can spend our time and money on.

Saying no enables you to continue focussing on your priorities and stay on the right track," says Paul.

I ask Paul whether he has a question he'd like to ask another cruise line president?

"What keeps you up at night? Is there anything that weighs heavy on your mind from week to week, from month to month?" Paul ponders.

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