FAQ

Tips for a Successful Cruise
Below you will find answers to the most important questions about a cruise with P&O Cruises.

Departure Ports
Most of our cruises begin and end in Southampton on the southern coast of England. The cruise terminal has modern facilities to make your embarkation as easy as possible.

For our Caribbean cruises (from/to Barbados or Antigua), Canary Islands cruises (from/to Tenerife), or Mediterranean cruises (from/to Valletta), charter flights from and to London Gatwick, Birmingham, or Manchester are included in the travel price. The flights must be added to the booking upon request. In some cases, depending on availability, a small additional charge may apply. When booking with charter flights, we also take care of transfers and luggage.

Cruises
P&O Cruises offers a wide range of different cruises for every taste. Our 3-day short cruises are an ideal introduction for cruise novices, sun-seekers can opt for a flight-cruise to the Caribbean, and our transatlantic cruises promise a traditional cruise experience between continents.

If you have a lot of time, perhaps a world cruise is just right for you. The round trips begin and end in Southampton and can last over 100 days. While some cruises circumnavigate the entire globe, others offer in-depth insights into the sights of a continent. For example, our flight-cruises are a good alternative to explore distant countries if a world cruise is not an option for you.

How Do I Choose the Right Ship?
You can choose from 7 ships with different focuses. We recommend that you first learn about all the ships. This will give you an idea of how the ships are equipped and what to expect on board. The Arcadia and Aurora are designed exclusively for adults, so you can enjoy your trip away from any family hustle and bustle. The other ships are suitable for everyone, whether families, friends, or singles; there is something for everyone. On these ships, you can also inquire about children's rates.

What If I Get Sick?
Seasickness is rare on board. Our ships are up to 260 meters long and over 30 meters wide, so they remain stable in the water in all weather conditions. If you still feel unwell, you can buy tablets on board to help you feel better soon. Additionally, each ship has a well-equipped medical center with doctors and nursing staff available around the clock.

How Much Time Do We Have in Port?
In most ports, you can spend an entire day ashore. Your ship will usually arrive between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and depart between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Does the Ship Always Dock at the Destination?
In most cases, the port is within the city limits of the destination, but sometimes we have to anchor outside. In these cases, the name of the city is indicated in parentheses after the port name (e.g., Civitavecchia (Rome)). Here, we offer shore excursions from your ship to the destination, and you have the option to use public transport or taxis if you want to explore the area on your own.

What Are the Dress Codes?
For a cruise, dress as you would on land. We recommend casual clothing such as shorts, light trousers, and a light jacket/sweater for warmer climates and cool evenings. Please also think of comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for religious sites on your shore excursions. In the evening, there are two types of evening wear: casual and formal (tuxedo).

We also want to inform you that conspicuous costumes or carnival costumes are not welcome on board.

Formal:

Cocktail dresses, ball gowns, or elegant suits for women, tuxedos, or dark suits with ties for men.

Casual:

Comfortable combinations of trousers/skirts and tops or dresses for women, comfortable trousers and shirts for men. Tracksuits, jerseys, shorts, and sports shoes are not welcome, nor is clothing with personal photos and slogans.

How Much Luggage Can I Take?
You can take as much luggage as fits in your cabin. However, keep in mind the baggage restrictions of your airline.

How Do I Get to the Ship?
Most of our cruises begin and end in Southampton, about 130 kilometers southwest of London. The cruise terminal in Southampton is accessible by public transport, and there is ample parking available. We are also happy to offer you an arrival and departure package from your home airport for your trip.

What About Drinks Onboard?
Coffee, tea, and water are available at any time, as well as fruit juice drinks only in the morning, in the buffet restaurant for free. Other drinks are not included and will be charged to your onboard account. All our prices are final prices and are not subject to an additional service charge.

Each person can bring one bottle (1 liter) of alcohol, and this only at check-in. Alcohol purchased ashore during the trip will be kept by our crew and returned to you upon disembarkation. More information on the drinks package can be found here.

I've Heard About the Zika Virus, What Is It?
The Zika virus is currently spreading mainly on the American continent and is transmitted by mosquitoes. The disease is usually relatively mild and is over after about 2-7 days. Symptoms include fever, headache, and red eyes. Some patients do not even notice the virus. Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant are advised against any travel to risk areas. Please contact us with any questions. More information can also be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus.