P&O Cruises, Marella and MSC are three of the most popular cruise lines with British holidaymakers. All three are great value, but they work in very different ways: P&O sails from Southampton, Marella flies you to the ship with everything included, and MSC offers big modern ships with a European flavour.
Here is how they compare.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- The three lines side by side
- Our verdict
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Cruises | Mainstream ocean | 7 Ships in the fleet | No-fly British cruising | Main dining, Sterling onboard, Reef kids’ clubs |
| Marella Cruises | Mainstream ocean | 5 Ships in the fleet | All-inclusive simplicity | Flights & transfers, All drinks, All dining |
| MSC Cruises | Mainstream ocean | 25 Ships in the fleet | Modern big-ship value | Service charges, Main dining, Kids’ clubs |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
The three lines side by side
P&O Cruises
- Mainstream ocean
- 7 Ships in the fleet
Britain’s biggest cruise line, with seven ships sailing year-round from Southampton, sterling on board, and both family-friendly and adults-only ships.
Best for: No-fly British cruising
Marella Cruises
- Mainstream ocean
- 5 Ships in the fleet
Five mid-size ships with flights, transfers, food, drinks and gratuities included, plus Cruise & Stay at more than 200 hotels.
Best for: All-inclusive simplicity
MSC Cruises
- Mainstream ocean
- 25 Ships in the fleet
Twenty-five modern ships sailing year-round from Southampton and the Mediterranean, with kids’ clubs, big shows and the Yacht Club for luxury.
Best for: Modern big-ship value
Side by side: the details
| P&O Cruises | Marella Cruises | MSC Cruises | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet | 7 Ships in the fleet | 5 Ships in the fleet | 25 Ships in the fleet |
| Ship size | – | – | – |
| Included as standard | Main dining, Sterling onboard, Reef kids’ clubs, Theatre & Limelight, Pools & water decks, Tea & coffee | Flights & transfers, All drinks, All dining, Tips & service charges, Kids’ clubs, Entertainment | Service charges, Main dining, Kids’ clubs, Theatre & shows, Pools & hot tubs, Ocean Cay access |
| Main departure ports | Southampton, Barbados, Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Athens (Piraeus) | Barbados, Palma, Corfu, Malta, Naples | Southampton, Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Miami |
| Loyalty programme | Peninsular Club | No fixed loyalty club | MSC Voyagers Club |
| Might not suit you if | you want ultra-luxury cruising; you want everything all-inclusive; you want a US-style mega-ship buzz | you want ultra-luxury cruising; you want premium brand-name drinks; you want a small-ship intimate feel | you want a small, ultra-quiet ship; you want zero dress code; you want all-inclusive across every fare |
Our verdict
Choose P&O Cruises if you want to drive to the port and enjoy a British atmosphere, with adults-only ships if you prefer. Choose Marella if you want one price that covers flights, drinks and tips, ideal for budgeting. Choose MSC for big, modern ships and great family value. For families on a budget, compare Marella’s all-in fare with P&O and MSC once drinks and gratuities are added.
How we compared them
We compared the three lines using the information on our own cruise-line pages. Our comparisons are based on what each line offers as standard: ship size, what’s included, atmosphere and who it suits. Fares and inclusions change and often depend on the fare type, so check the details for your sailing, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marella better than P&O?
Marella includes flights, drinks and tips; P&O sails from Southampton with no flights needed. It depends which matters more to you.
Does P&O have adults-only ships?
Yes, P&O Cruises runs adults-only ships alongside its family ships.
Does MSC sail from Southampton?
Yes, MSC sails year-round from Southampton.
Which is cheapest?
Base fares vary by sailing; compare total costs including drinks and gratuities, which Marella includes.
Find your cruise
Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
