Music, magic, and a spot of Christmas shopping with P&O Cruises this December

P&O Cruises have assembled some magical cruise itineraries for December as an antidote to those stressful days during the pre-Christmas period; two cruises even feature special guest performances by tenor Russell Watson and illusionist Derren Brown. The itineraries – to historic European cities – will be ideal venues for a spot of Christmas shopping.Just two, three and five nights in duration, the first cruise to depart is the Arcadia, on her three night cruise leaving Southampton on 3 December bound for Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and Le Havre (for Paris and Honfleur). The cruise fare includes all meals and accommodation, and a performance by self-styled ‘People’s Tenor’ Russell Watson.

Russell was first discovered in 1999 when he sang the National anthem at the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium and then at the last match of the Premiership season between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. He also sang a full set of songs at the final of the UEFA Champions League in Barcelona between Manchester United and Bayern Munich.  It wasn’t long before Russell released his debut album entitled The Voice in May 2001, and his latest album, La Voce, was released in November 2010.

Arcadia sails again on the same itinerary on the 12 December 2011, this time carrying Illusionist Derren Brown on board. Derren, once dubbed the ‘scariest man in Britain’, will be performing two spectacular mind-reading shows on board in Arcadia’s Palladium theatre.The multi-talented Derren Brown had his first major breakthrough when he was commissioned by Channel 4 to do the first series of ‘Derren Brown: Mind Control’ in December 2000, and has since hosted Channel 4 specials including The Heist, The Gathering, Messiah, and Séance. Derren tours the UK on a regular basis, and is also known for the quality of his portraits of well known people.

P&O’s Oriana will also be heading out of Southampton on 12 December, destined for a five night cruise taking in the ports of Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and Hamburg. Arcadia next heads out on a two night cruise departing Southampton on 15 December 15, sailing for Zeebrugge, from where guests can access the attractive and historic city of Bruges. From 12 December, both Arcadia and Oriana will be featuring the brand new Marco Pierre White restaurant, Ocean Grill, ready to wow guests with its mix of grilled meats and seafood, served up with fresh ingredients complete with that unmistakeable Marco Pierre White flourish. In addition, Oriana will also feature the Sorrento Restaurant, a stylish new, light and airy Italian restaurant with ocean views and an outdoor dining area.  Both restaurants feature in P&O’s exclusive ‘select dining’ programme, where meals are available at a modest cover charge over and above the cruise fare.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “These four new cruises are excellent pre-Christmas breaks just perfect for those looking to get into the spirit or to do their Christmas shopping in some charmingly festive destinations. And once back on board the ship is a perfect home from home with friendly and welcoming crew, mouth-watering menus and relaxing spa treatments.