10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Our First P&O Cruise

There’s something really exciting about stepping onboard a cruise ship for the first time – the sheer size of it, the feeling of adventure, the smell of fresh coffee and sea air. But we’ll be honest: we made a few rookie mistakes on our first P&O cruise. If you’re heading off on your first one soon, here are 10 things we wish someone had told us before we set sail…

Don’t Panic About the Dress Code

We thought we’d need tuxedos and ball gowns every night. Truth is, it’s a lot more relaxed than we imagined. On most evenings, smart-casual is absolutely fine. Gala nights are dressier, sure, but think cocktail dresses and shirts with trousers – not full Downton Abbey.

Check out our article: What To Wear On A P&O Cruise for more information.

P&O’s Drinks Are Reasonably Priced Compared to Other Cruise Lines

One thing that pleasantly surprised us was how fair the drinks prices are onboard. Whether it’s a pint, a cocktail, or a glass of wine, the cost is very similar to a pub at home – sometimes even less. If you’re not a big drinker, you might not need a drinks package at all, but it’s worth doing the maths before you sail.

The Daily Horizon Newsletter is Gold

We nearly binned it on day one – big mistake! It’s packed with everything going on each day, from quizzes and talks to shows and spa deals. Pop it on your bed or take a photo of the highlights. We now plan our sea days around it.

Our Favourite Dining Spot? The Epicurean

If you’re going to try just one speciality restaurant, make it The Epicurean. It’s a proper treat – fine dining with amazing presentation and brilliant service. We’d recommend booking it for a sea day evening, so you can really take your time and enjoy every course.

There Are Great Breakfast Options – Including Room Service

Everyone makes a beeline for the buffet, but there are other options worth trying. The main dining room offers a quieter sit-down breakfast with full English, pancakes, and more. And for those early excursions or lazy mornings, the room service breakfast is brilliant – simple to order and surprisingly good.

Check Local Suppliers – or Use GetYourGuide for Excursions

You don’t have to book all your shore trips through the ship. We’ve found fantastic local tours by searching online or using trusted sites like GetYourGuide – often for much less. Just make sure you leave enough time to get back to the ship before it sails.

Make Sure Your Mobile Plan Includes Roaming

We made the mistake of assuming we’d have internet covered and got hit with charges. Always check that your mobile network includes roaming in the countries you’re visiting – especially if you’re sailing to Norway or the Canaries. You can often add a bolt-on for the week before you go to avoid unexpected costs.

Use the My Holiday Web Portal – It Makes Life Easier Onboard

Rather than a downloadable app, P&O use a web portal which you can access onboard using the ship’s free Wi-Fi. You’ll find restaurant bookings, your onboard account, event listings, and more all in one place. It’s not flashy, but it’s really handy and saves a lot of queuing and paper forms.

Check out: Is There An App For P&O Cruises for how to save the my.holiday page to your home screen.

It’s OK to Say No

You don’t have to do everything. We tried to cram in every show, activity, and trivia quiz and ended up knackered by day four. It’s absolutely fine to skip a show and sit out on deck with a drink instead.

Not All Cabins Are Equal – Do Your Homework

We just picked the cheapest one and hoped for the best. Turns out, cabin location can really matter. Avoid cabins right above the theatre or below the buffet if you’re a light sleeper. Midship cabins tend to feel less movement too, which helps if you’re new to cruising.

That first cruise with P&O was the start of a bit of an obsession for us – and while we did make a few mistakes, they were all part of the fun. If you’re cruising for the first time soon, take a deep breath, explore at your own pace, and enjoy every moment. There’s nothing quite like it.