P&O Cruises and Time Out | Behind the partnership

In July of this year, P&O Cruises announced a new partnership with destination expert Time Out to create a series that has seen its editors and tuned-in locals showcasing the best things to do in our destinations across the world.

Across digital features, social-first videos, Instagram stories and email newsletters, the partnership features top tips and insights from local experts. Broadening brand appeal to new and loyal guests alike, the collaborations offers the latest on what to do, see, eat and explore in the cities we visit, from Barbados to Barcelona, Lisbon to Lanzarote.

We spoke with Rebecca and Lucy from the P&O Cruises Sales, Marketing and Brand departments to find out more about the work that went into the partnership.

Can you tell us a little about the project?

“The objective of the project was to launch ‘The Flavours of Lisbon by Time Out and P&O Cruises’, a new shore experience created in partnership with and curated by the city experts at Time Out.  

We’ve partnered with Time Out as our three-year Destination Partner, a global brand that helps millions of experience-hungry people uncover the very best of cities and countries around the world.   

On selected holidays to the buzzing Portuguese capital, guests can discover the Baixa district’s colourful Pink Street, try delicacies from 40 hand-picked mini-restaurants and take a hands-on gastronomic workshop in the world-famous Time Out Market.”

Is there something from the project that you’re particularly proud of?  

“I think we’re particularly proud to launch the first co-branded Shore Experience for P&O Cruises that offers a unique experience for our guests. The Shore Experience team worked with the Time Out team and their market vendors to offer something unique for P&O Cruises, developed with our guests in mind. ”

What made this project stand out compared to others you’ve worked on? 

“This project was the first of its kind for the brand and it was exciting to work on something like this from its inception. Initially it was just an idea, and now it is bookable by guests. We’ll look to build on the success of the partnership over the next few years and widen what we can offer in other destinations we visit.”  

Were there any personal/professional learning and development opportunities as part of the project?

“This was the first time we had developed such a product within a brand partnership, and it was great learning curve to develop and launch it in the short time frame we had.”

How has this project helped to create unforgettable holiday happiness for our guests?

“As Britain’s favourite cruise line we offer ‘extraordinary travel experiences’ and we know our guests are always looking for something new and exciting to do in a destination. The Flavours of Lisbon’ was developed with this in mind and we hopeit’ll be a welcome addition to our shore experience offering.

“It’s a unique and authentic experience which aligns with our Carnival UK purpose – creating unforgettable holiday happiness for our guests.”

To learn more about the P&O Cruises and Time Out partnership, click here.