The 77,000-tonne, 2,016-passenger Oceana may not be the largest or fanciest in P&O Cruises' fleet, but its contemporary vibe is attractive to both the new-to-cruising younger set as well as veteran cruisers.

For adults, plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, lounges and a nightclub provide options for distraction. And Oceana does offer a high-quality cruise -- particularly in food and wine -- for a reasonable price. Inclusive fare in the main dining room is consistently solid, and Cafe Jardin, a for-fee bistro created by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, is a standout. Wine critic Olly Smith advises P&O Cruises on all things wine, and he has come up with an exceptional wine list -- 86 in all, including Bon Viveur, a blend made especially for P&O Cruises. The wine list also features English wines, both sparkling and still. Additionally, P&O Cruises carries 41 types of gin -- more than any other cruise line.

Oceana has four pools (two in the middle and one at either end), all open to the elements, and five whirlpools. A small sports court occupies the area near the funnel, with a couple of basketball hoops and equipment for cricket and football.

Launched in 2000, the ship went into dry dock in November 2017 for a multimillion-pound refurbishment. The main changes were in the Plaza, the ship's buffet, which has received new carpets, tiling, chairs and banquette seating, as well as draught lager; the Terrace Bar area, boasting three refurbished hot tubs and a canopy to provide shade on sunny days; and Horizon Grill, which now also houses the Street Food Kitchen, offering for-fee nibbles throughout the day.