P&O Cruises has announced a new comedy club for its summer 2026 sailings, curated by comedian Jason Manford. Manford’s Comedy Club will be available on select cruises aboard the line’s Iona and Arvia ships between May and October 2026, with performances taking place in the Limelight Lounge.
The adults-only club will see guests purchase tickets for a double bill of comedians. While Manford will not appear on stage, he will handpick 70 stand-up acts to deliver 140 shows across the season. The club features on a seven-night Norwegian fjords round-trip from Southampton on 4 July 2026, with fares from £849 per person, as well as a 14-night summer sailing to Spain and France departing on 16 August, with prices starting at £1,229 per person.
“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,” said Manford. “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, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises, added: “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.”
The cruise line is currently offering up to £800 onboard spending money on select cruises departing between June 2026 and November 2027, with bookings required by 1 June 2026. Guests can also opt for all-inclusive packages, covering drinks, wifi and speciality dining credit, from £49 per person per day. Comedy clubs are a growing feature on cruise ships, with MSC World America boasting its own venue and Virgin Voyages regularly hosting comedy sailings, most recently compered by Jack Whitehall.
