P&O Cruises (originally the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company), boasts an illustrious history in passenger shipping since 1837. While the company's suggestion that they they "invented" cruising may not be entirely accurate, P&O is assuredly a pioneer of modern cruising. Having set aside such throw-backs as passenger classes, the company acquired Princess Cruises in 1974. P&O then purchased Sitmar Cruises and merged it with Princess in 1988, and the passenger-cruise business -- known as P&O Princess -- was spun off from the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company in 2000; in 2005, the parent company became a subsidiary of Dubai Ports World. P&O Cruises, which is now owned by Carnival, remains Britain's leading cruise line, sailing Britain's largest and most modern fleet.

You are British or an aficionado of all things British.

You like to do things your way -- P&O is adapting to choice, allowing flexible dining options to make your cruise fit your lifestyle.

You like theme cruises; P&O has a wide range of them.

Formality isn't your thing. Other passengers may subtly indicate their displeasure if the proper dress code isn't adhered to.

You want to be surrounded by the latest and greatest. The fleet is modern, but the experience is more traditional than trendy.

You simply must bring your laptop along to connect to the Internet. There is no wireless access.