First time Cruiser? Here's your Essential Guide to Setting Sail

Short answer: A LOT! Cruising offers incredible value for money when you add up everything that’s packed in:

✅ Flights & transfers (on fly-cruise holidays)
✅ Comfortable cabin accommodation
✅ Full-board dining (including buffet & main restaurants)
✅ Live entertainment every night. Think musicals, comedy, cabaret & more
✅ Pools, gyms, kids' clubs, and daytime activities
✅ Stops in bucket-list destinations

Optional extras include speciality dining, spa treatments, excursions, and drinks packages... more on those below.

Boarding your cruise ship is just as smooth as flying! Plus, you’ll get a designated check-in time to avoid queues. Just bring your boarding pass and passport, and friendly staff will guide you through every step.

Getting off the ship? Disembarkation at each port is a breeze. Just scan your cruise card when you leave and return before the ship's departure time. For your final day, you’ll be given a disembarkation slot and details on collecting your luggage.

Think delicious restaurant-quality meals every day, and they're all included in your fare! From buffet breakfasts to elegant evening dinners, there’s something for every appetite.

For an extra special treat, you can upgrade your dining experience with speciality restaurants like The Glass House for perfectly cooked steaks, Sindhu offering vibrant Indian fusion cuisine, or enjoy a classic afternoon tea at The Garden Lounge. If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your cabin, room service is available, ideal for lazy mornings or late-night snacks. And if you have dietary requirements, just let the cruise team know in advance; they’re happy to accommodate your needs with care and attention.

On-board spending is essentially just money for any extras you might want to indulge in during your time on the ship. When you board, you’ll receive a cruise card, which is your room key, ID, and onboard wallet all in one. It’s linked to your onboard account, which you can monitor via the P&O Cruises app. You’ll pay in British pounds (GBP) onboard, so there’s no currency confusion. 

Use your card to treat yourself with a duty-free spree or a spa treatment. Reconnect with loved ones back home with a Wi-Fi package at sea, or grab a drink at the bar. Your on-board spend can even extend to shore activities! A thrilling helicopter ride, snorkelling above tropical reefs or a hike to a nearby viewing point, anyone? Top tip: Set a spending limit in the app if you're worried about going overboard (pun intended 😉)

Yes... but only in the evenings. Daytimes are casual and relaxed. Swimsuits, sandals, you name it. Two dress codes come into play at night: evening casual and black tie. For evening casual, think your best shirt, favourite dress, or smart, dark denim. Trainers are a no-go, as are football shirts, tracksuits, or casual shorts. Black tie is where you get to go all out! Soak up the grand atmosphere for an evening of pure luxury. Ladies can wear glamorous cocktail dresses, ball gowns or smart trouser suits. Men can suit up with a dinner jacket or tuxedo, 

You’ll typically have two black tie nights on a 7-night cruise. But double-check the Cruise Personaliser before you pack. And don’t stress if formalwear isn’t your thing! Some onboard venues are dress-code free.

Not at all. Even on the bigger ships, there’s plenty of space to relax, unwind and find your own quiet corner. Think wide-open decks, multiple pools, quiet lounges, and adult-only zones for ultimate tranquillity.
Larger ships like Arvia and Iona come with more facilities, while smaller ships like Aurora offer a more intimate feel, so you can choose what suits your style.

But rest assured, all ships offer multiple pools, meaning there’s more than enough space for everyone to enjoy a day of lounging and travelling the world by whirlpool! 

On embarkation day, all guests will be shown to their muster station as well as expected to watch the safety video that will be shown on their cabin TV in order to familiarise themselves with the health and safety guidelines.

Protective balcony nets are available upon request, which is great for young families. In the unlikely event you’ll need them, the on-board medical centres are fully equipped and staffed by qualified doctors and nurses. Should you need it, extra assistance is available to guests who have reduced mobility or a disability. This is particularly to aid with embarkation and disembarkation, or in the event of an emergency, where extra help may be needed. Accessible cabins are also available with wide doorways, wet-room-style bathrooms, ramped access to the balcony and more!

More than you might think! Most stops give you a full day to explore, and some even include overnight stays to let you catch those jaw-dropping sunsets at a beachside bar and sunrises before setting sail. Of course, this does vary depending on which itinerary you choose to embark on and will differ from destination to destination.

On land, the choice is yours! Whether you opt for a leisurely stroll around the town centre or head to that Instagrammable restaurant you’ve always dreamed of trying, you can make the most of your days without any limitations. Or why not take the chance to try something new with one of P&O’s shore excursions? There’s no better way to get a taste of the local culture, see iconic landmarks, and make memories that will last a lifetime!