P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 and 2012 will mark the 175th anniversary of when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was awarded the lucrative Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

To celebrate, P&O Cruises is offering a special 175th anniversary discounts on its cruise holidays during the peak “wave” period of December, January and February.

World cruises are also included in the anniversary sale with on board credit of up to £1,100 available on bookings.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “2012 is an exciting year for us and we can’t wait to celebrate the heritage of our brand on all cruises next year.”

The 175th Anniversary Sale is available for bookings made between December 1st, 2011, and February 29th, 2012, on 171 cruises from the 2012/13 brochure.

“As well as our Grand Event, in 2012 we are also celebrating Oriana being made into a ship exclusively for adults, Marco Pierre White having two new restaurants with us – Ocean Grill on board Arcadia and Oriana, and double the amount of ex-UK capacity for winter with both Oceana and Oriana based year round in Southampton.

“We truly have exciting times ahead and our 175th Anniversary Sale is one more reason to enjoy a holiday with us 2012,” concluded Marlow.