The cruise market has become extremely competitive in the current economic slowdown. Cruise lines are forced to think of ever more ingenious ways to draw passengers while still remaining profitable.

P&O Cruises is no exception. The cruise line can trace its origins back to 1837 – which means that next year it will be 175 years since the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was granted the highly profitable Admiralty contract to ferry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

To celebrate this – and certainly also to attract more passengers – P&O Cruises offers special anniversary discounts of up to 10% on cruise holidays during the months of December, January and February.

A seven night cruise will cost as little as £599 per passenger sharing. For this you can embark on a cruise to Spain and France on board Ventura on the 25th March. A 14-night cruise to Spain, Gibraltar, France, Portugal and Italy can cost you as little as £949.

The anniversary sale also includes world cruises and passengers can qualify for on board credit of as much as £1,100 per booking.

Carol Marlow, the Managing Director of P&O Cruises, says “2012 is an exciting year for us and we can’t wait to celebrate the heritage of our brand on all cruises next year. We are pleased to be offering passengers real value prices from £599 with this special anniversary discount of up to 10%.”

The Anniversary discounts are available on all reservations made between the 1st December 2011 and the 29th February next year.