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P&O Cruises has today announced that one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, Jason Manford, is bringing Manford’s Comedy Club to sea for a season of exclusive performances, only on selected sailings on board Iona and Arvia from May 2026

Comedians handpicked by the former Royal Variety Performance host will perform on selected evenings in the Limelight Club, giving guests the chance to enjoy some of the UK’s brightest up-and-coming comedy talent as part of the wide range of entertainment available on board.
Tickets will be chargeable, with each evening offering an intimate night of laughs in one of the ships’ speciality on board venues.
Exclusively for adults, Manford’s Comedy Club shows will feature a double bill of comedians delivering bold comedy that’s perfect for rounding off a day exploring in port or relaxing on board.
Manford’s Comedy Club will be available to book on selected cruises between May and October 2026, featuring sailings to a variety of popular European destinations. Across the season, 70 comedians will deliver 140 shows in the ships’ Limelight Club, bringing a variety of live comedy to P&O Cruises guests.
Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Jason Manford to bring Manford’s Comedy Club on board Iona and Arvia. Working with one of the UK’s best‑loved comedians allows us to offer our guests something truly special, which further strengthens the entertainment we offer on board.”
Jason Manford added: “I’m thrilled to be teaming up with P&O Cruises in 2026 to take Manford’s Comedy Club on the road – or rather, to sea! Across 35 cruises to France, Spain, Italy and the Norwegian fjords, 70 comedians handpicked by me will perform 140 shows, giving guests the chance to experience top-tier live comedy as part of their holiday.”
The Limelight Club on Iona and Arvia offers guests an intimate, cabaret-style venue with a premium dining experience.
Two example sailings featuring Manford’s Comedy Club are:
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Norwegian fjords, seven nights, Southampton roundtrip, sailing on board Iona and departing 4 July 2026. Prices currently start from £829 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin.
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Spain and France, 14 nights, Southampton roundtrip, sailing on board Arvia and departing 16 August 2026. Prices currently start from £1,229 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin.
Sailing from Southampton makes it reassuringly easy for guests to begin their holiday with confidence, with convenient transport links via road and rail, and a seamless embarkation experience.
Holidays with P&O Cruises provide value for money with the price including accommodation, full board meals, pools, and entertainment including theatre shows and live bands, as well as complimentary children’s clubs.
Sail from Southampton offer
P&O Cruises has made sailings from Southampton even more appealing with up to £800 on board spending money on selected cruises departing between June 2026 and November 2027.
The extra on board spend is available for new P&O Cruises Select Price bookings made between 24 March 2026 and 1 June 2026 on selected cabin grades on applicable Spain & France, Norwegian Fjords and Spain, Portugal & Canary Islands departures from Southampton between 1 June 2026 and 29 November 2027.
Guests can also opt for one of P&O Cruises new all-inclusive packages* (covering drinks, Wi Fi, and speciality dining credit), available year-round. For example, the Classic Package is £49 per person per day and offers a saving of up to 32% compared with purchasing the elements individually on board.
For more information, call P&O Cruises on 0344 338 8003, visit www.pocruises.com or visit a travel agent.
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