Cruising has never looked this glamorous. This September, P&O Cruises joins forces with celebrated photographer and cultural provocateur Rankin to unveil On Board with Rankin—a free exhibition at Battersea Power Station from 17–28 September 2025.
Shot on board P&O Cruises’ newest ship, Arvia, the series blends fashion photography with documentary storytelling. The result: 42 cinematic portraits that capture the energy, soul and spontaneity of modern cruising infused with Rankin’s signature British wit and bold editorial style.
The Vision
As Rankin explains, “This isn’t a cruise as you once knew it. This is travel with depth, design and personality… It’s about stepping onto a ship that feels more like a boutique resort. Sophisticated, spacious and full of surprises. You make it your own.”
The collection is a celebration of possibility—whether it’s mornings at the spa, afternoons by the infinity pool, evenings in contemporary theatres, or fine dining experiences curated by culinary icons. “This project is about freedom. Real people enjoying a truly elevated experience,” Rankin adds.
Familiar faces on deck
Among those captured by Rankin’s lens are celebrated performer Layton Williams, legendary chef Marco Pierre White, musician Alex James and a vibrant community of guests who bring each journey to life. Each portrait exudes energy, anticipation and individuality—mirroring the cultural richness found on P&O Cruises’ ships.
Rankin
Rankin has defined eras of fashion and culture with his sharp, provocative photography. From supermodels and Hollywood icons to Her Late Majesty The Queen, his portraits have consistently pushed boundaries, capturing the essence of subjects with candour and flair. With On Board with Rankin, he extends his vision to the oceans, proving that cruising can be every bit as stylish and cinematic as the runway. Rankin describes the work as capturing the anticipation and energy of a P&O Cruises holiday—the sense of open horizons and endless possibilities.
P&O Cruises: a new era of travel
P&O Cruises has reimagined the seascape for a new generation of travellers. Their newest ships blend world-class dining (including menus curated by acclaimed chefs), immersive entertainment and cutting-edge design. Think infinity pools with horizon views, contemporary theatre, intimate restaurants and chic interiors—a world away from the old idea of cruise ships.
As Rankin himself observes, “Modern cruising is no longer about coach tours and set schedules. It’s about curated experiences: contemporary specialty dining, five-star views, architectural design, immersive entertainment and a sense of independent escape that’s as rejuvenating as it is exciting.”
This evolution positions P&O Cruises firmly at the forefront of a new era of luxury travel—ships conceived as boutique resorts at sea.
Battersea Power Station: London’s cultural landmark
The exhibition finds its perfect home at Battersea Power Station, one of London’s most iconic redevelopments. Now a destination in its own right, it blends heritage architecture with modern retail, dining and events, making it the ideal stage for Rankin’s stylish seascape portraits.
As Rankin notes, “Where better to exhibit this transformation than Battersea Power Station, a destination reborn, just like cruising itself. Bold, cultural and iconic.”
This parallel between venue and subject underscores the spirit of reinvention at the heart of On Board with Rankin—both Battersea and modern cruising embody a bold new era.
Why it matters
On Board with Rankin is more than an art show—it is a cultural statement. By blending luxury travel, portraiture and British creativity, the exhibition captures the spirit of reinvention that defines modern cruising.
As Rankin describes, it is about freedom and possibility—real people enjoying a truly elevated experience, where every horizon is wide open.
In doing so, it positions cruising not simply as a holiday, but as a lifestyle of glamour, innovation and discovery—an experience reimagined for a new generation.
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Imagery is copyright and courtesy of Rankin and courtesy of P&O Cruises.