Here are answers to popular questions in regards to travelling with P&O Cruises.

Courtesy of P&O Cruises.

Whats included in my Cruise Fare?

Where do we start? Accommodation, all main meals, entertainment (including production shows, guest entertainers, trivia, karaoke, dancing classes, movies and in-cabin videos), access to Children's Centres with supervised activity programmes and use of the ships many complimentary facilities such as swimming pools, gym, spas, table tennis, shuffleboard and library

What are the optional extras?

Our ships are floating resorts and the options are endless! Here are some of the optional extras that can be purchased on board: shore tours, drinks, meals ashore, food from the alternative dining venues as indicated on board, bar snacks, room service, hairdressing, massage and beauty treatments, photographic services, video arcade games and some craft activities. Other services may be available at the time you sail, as we are constantly striving to enhance our product.

I have kids. What facilities do you have for children?

Qualified staff run a great choice of awesome activities for kids of all ages, giving you the option to spend the day child-free.

Do I need a passport and visa?

Everyone must have a valid passport for a cruise with an international destination, including passengers under the age of 18. Australian residents do not need a passport or visa for any cruise that does not visit a foreign port. However, government issued photo identification is required. Queensland Proof of Age cards will not be accepted. A current Medicare card can be used for passengers under 18 years of age. Please check with the relevant embassies about your visa requirements.

Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely! As Australian Medicare, New Zealand ACC and private health insurance will not cover you for any medical costs on board, all cruises (even cruises that do not visit foreign ports) require international travel insurance. We strongly recommend you organise your travel insurance at the time you pay your deposit. You should not base your insurance decision on the assumption ‘it won’t happen to me’ – accidents or illness can happen to anyone. Daily hospital bills can cost more than AUD5000 per day.

Once onboard, whats the best way to pay for extra items?

Welcome to cashless cruising! All shipboard expenses are charged to your personalised Cruise Card. Your Cruise Card is linked to your on board account and can be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) or debit card (Visa or MasterCard). Debit cards may act as a credit card, whilst using the available funds in your bank account. When using credit or debit cards, we obtain pre-authorisations and some banks hold these for up to 30 days. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you can activate your on board account by paying a minimum deposit of AUD300 per person (cash or travellers cheques are accepted) at Reception. Pre-paid Visa cards and Travelex Visa cash passports are not accepted onboard. Please be aware there are no EFTPOS facilities available on board our ships. ATM facilities are available on board.

What are the different types of cabins available? What's the difference between them?

Choose from outstanding balcony cabins with ocean views, great-value internal cabins, 4-berth options to share with family or friends or outside cabins with windows.

How much luggage can I bring?

We recommend no more than 2 bags per person. Each bag can be no bigger than 140cm x 60cm x 40cm and can not weigh more than 32kg. It is important to remember that airlines may have different luggage restrictions.

What do I wear on board?

During the day, casual clothes are suitable. After 5.30pm, smart casual clothing is required in the public lounges and restaurants or as published in the ship’s newsletter. On our cocktail nights, it’s time to get your frocks out and join in the fun! We suggest women wear an evening or cocktail dress and men wear a suit or similar (tie optional).

What types of electrical sockets are on board?

All cabins are fitted with an Australian 3 point plug or adaptor providing 220/240 volt 60Hz.

Do I need to bring a beach towel?

No, beach towels are provided for use at our on-board swimming pools and on Shore Tours.

Can I do my laundry on board?

Take advantage of our on-board laundry service (charges apply). All laundry is returned within 48 hours, or on the same day with our express service. We also offer self-service coin-operated laundrettes with ironing facilities. There is a fee charged for these services.

Should I bring my hairdryer?

Why take up extra space in your luggage, when we have a hairdryer in every cabin? For safety reasons, we ask passengers not to use their own electrical appliances on board, except electric shavers and approved medical equipment.

How many cocktail nights will there be?

On cruises up to 7 nights duration there are usually 1 or 2 cocktail nights, with up to 3 on longer cruises.

Are there theme nights on board?

Theme nights are part of the fun on board and usually feature on cruises 7 nights or more. Why not dress up and join the party! Themed accessories can be purchased on board and you will be notified of the themes through the ship’s newsletter. Such themes include: Island night, Rock night, 70's night, 80's night and Country & Western night

Do I need vaccinations?

Wherever you're travelling, we recommend you have Influenza (seasonal), Hepatitis A and Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccinations. Ask your doctor to identify any specific vaccinations or health precautions required for each port of call. If you don't have correct vaccinations, you may not be able to go ashore at certain destinations.

Can I bring my medical equipment to use on board?

In most cases, yes. To ensure your medical equipment will work on board, please advise your Travel Agent or our Customer Service Team at the time of booking. We will then send you an information sheet and may ask you for more information. For safety reasons, your equipment will need to be checked prior to boarding.

Can I go on a Shore Tour if I have limited mobility?

It is usually no problem. We have a great range of shore excursions and many cater for people with various levels of mobility. You will receive a shore tour booklet with your cruise documentation and this will provide you with all you need to know and more. Our helpful Shore Tour Staff are available on board to discuss individual tours.
It is important to note that access to tender ports may be restricted and this may limit your tour options or restrict access to these ports. Do not worry if you cannot get off the ship, we still have plenty of fun activities for you to do on board!

Is there a Doctor on board?

Each P&O Cruises ship has a medical centre staffed by registered Doctors and nurses, who are available during scheduled times to provide medical care. They are also available 24/7 for medical emergencies.

What if I suffer from motion sickness?

You can prepare yourself by purchasing medication before you leave home. Tablets or special magnetic wrist-bands can assist. Motion sickness can also be treated on board by the ship's doctor. Any charges from the on-board medical centre will be added to your Cruise Card and you'll be provided with an itemised account to submit to your travel insurance company.

I take medication; do I need to let you know?

Yes, all medical conditions or medication must be advised at the time of booking. We want you to be safe and comfortable on your cruise, so bring enough medication to last you until the end of your holiday. It is also a good idea to bring a few extra days supply in case of any unforeseen delays.