P&O Cruises launches onboard comedy club with Jason Manford
The adults-only area will showcase handpicked stand ups
MikeTyes
A new comedy club will be available on P&O Cruises’ summer sailings this year, with talent picked by much-loved entertainer Jason Manford.
Manford’s Comedy Club will be running on select sailings aboard the cruise line’s Iona and Arvia ships between May and October 2026 in the Limelight Lounge venue.
Exclusively for adults, guests will be able to buy tickets for Manford’s Comedy Club to watch a double bill of comedians.
Manford won’t be performing but will aid in the selection of 70 stand ups to deliver 140 shows during the season.
Manford’s Comedy Club will be available to book on routes including a seven-night Norwegian fjords round-trip from Southampton on 4 July 2026, where prices start from £849 per person.
There is also a 14-night summer holiday sailing from Southampton to Spain and France departing on 16 August. Fares start at £1,229 per person.
Manford said: “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.”
Paul Ludlow, Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president, 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.”
P&O Cruises is currently offering up to £800 onboard spending money on select cruises departing between June 2026 and November 2027. Bookings need to be made by 1 June 2026.
Guests can also opt for one of P&O Cruises new all-inclusive packages, covering drinks, wifi and speciality dining credit, from £49 per person per day.
Comedy clubs are popular features on cruise ships. MSC World America has its own comedy club and Virgin Voyages regularly hosts comedy sailings, with the most recent compered by Jack Whitehall.
Read more: The best cruise deals for summer 2026
