Are you ready to set sail with P&O Cruises?

Iona at Sea

The Countdown Has Begun!

We're sure you're excited to set sail with P&O Cruises, but the journey starts well before you step onboard.

To help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable cruise, we've answered some of the most common questions our guests ask. Whether you're managing your booking, completing online check-in, or simply wondering about dress codes, you'll find everything you need to know right here.

We've designed this FAQ to take the stress out of planning, so you can focus on the fun parts, like choosing shore excursions, exploring dining options, or picturing yourself relaxing by the pool. If there's anything you're still unsure about, our team is always here to help.

We've compiled answers to the most common questions our guests have to help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable P&O Cruises holiday. From managing your booking to understanding dress codes, find the information you need right here.

You can manage your booking online via the P&O Cruises website using the My P&O Cruises portal. Your P&O Cruises reference number can be found by logging in to your My Trip area. Here you'll find everything you need for your upcoming cruise holiday. You can enter passport information, payment card details, book dining and shore excursions, and download your boarding pass. You can use My P&O Cruises up until the day you set sail. To login you'll need the 6 digit booking reference which you'll find on your booking confirmation, as well as your full name and date of birth.

P&O Cruises offers an enhanced online check-in facility. Visit my.pocruises.com/mycruise/login and enter your details (first name, surname, date of birth, and booking reference). Enter passport information, payment card details and download your boarding pass.

You'll need a valid passport for travel. It must have at least 6 months validity from your date of return to the UK.

Please check the entry requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting, some destinations do require a visa to be organised prior to departure. You can find the latest information at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

You can book shore excursions via My P&O Cruises. The most popular shore excursions do sell out so ensure you have pre-booked your most bucket-list tours early. Alternatively do check out Venture Ashore who also offer shore excursions in the majority of ports around the world.

P&O Cruises offer a relaxed atmosphere, but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Daytime: Enjoy your holiday attire! Think shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, or your best winter wear for colder climates. Just remember to wear shoes away from the pool, and keep pool wear out of the lounges, bars, restaurants, and reception.
  • Evenings: The dress code varies each night, with details in your daily Horizon paper or on My P&O Cruises. There are two main styles:
  • Evening Casual: Smart casual is the way to go. Trousers, smart dark denim, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts are all great choices. Think of what you'd wear to a nice restaurant. Black Tie: It's time to dress to impress!. Gentlemen, dinner jackets or tuxedos are ideal, but a dark suit and tie are acceptable. Ladies, wear your favourite evening gown or cocktail dress.

There are venues on each ship where dress codes don’t apply, so make sure to check your Horizon paper that’s delivered to your cabin each day to check where these are, as they vary ship by ship. For those travelling on family-friendly ships, dress codes also don’t apply to children aged 17 and under.

The number of Black Tie nights depends on the cruise length:
Arvia and Iona:
2-10 nights – 1 black tie night
11-14 nights – 2 black tie nights
15-19 nights – 3 black tie nights

Rest of fleet:
1-6 nights – 1 black tie night
7-10 nights – 2 black tie nights
11-13 nights – 3 black tie nights
14-19 nights – 4 black tie nights

Weddings at Sea are available on all ships except Arvia, Britannia and Iona, where commitment ceremonies are available. A Marriage Licence fee of £720 is required for weddings on Azura, Ventura, Arcadia and Aurora. Renewal of Vows packages are available on cruises of 7 nights or more on all ships, subject to availability.

If you have booked a Select Price offer which includes car parking in Southampton you can secure your place from 72 hours after booking your voyage by visiting www.cruiseparking.co.uk or contacting Cruise & Passenger Services on 0345 071 3939. Bookings must be made a minimum of 35 days prior to your voyage departure date and are subject to availability.
If you do not have car parking included in your booking you can still book car parking at Southampton by visiting www.cruiseparking.co.uk or contacting Cruise & Passenger Services on 0345 071 3939.

If you have booked a Select Price offer which includes coach transfers to Southampton you can book your seats please contact Intercruises by calling 0344 3388 690. Bookings can be made 72 hours after making your voyage booking, and must be made a minimum of 35 days prior to your departure date and are subject to availability.

Yes, please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance in place for your holiday and that your insurance covers cruises and the countries you are travelling to. We've partnered with award-winning Travel Insurance provider Just Travel Cover to help you find the right insurance for your next cruise. Click this link to compare prices and cover from a range of insurers.

To review P&O Cruises' terms & conditions, please visit their website.

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