Everything You Need to Know Before Your First P&O Cruise

If you’ve booked your very first P&O cruise – or you’re thinking about it – congratulations! Cruising with P&O is a brilliant way to explore the world, but we know those first steps can feel a bit daunting.

George and I have been cruising with P&O for years, and we’ve made all the newbie mistakes – like booking the wrong cabin, packing badly, and not having a clue how dining worked. This guide will walk you through everything we wish we’d known before our first sailing, so you can board feeling ready and relaxed.

Choosing Your Cruise

P&O has a good mix of ships and destinations, so the first decision is where and when to go.

• Length – Short cruises of 2–5 nights are great tasters, but they do fly by. For your first proper trip, 7–14 nights gives you time to really settle in.

• Ships – Britannia, Iona and Arvia are the biggest, with loads of choice for dining and entertainment, plus family facilities. Aurora and Arcadia are adults-only and more traditional. Ventura and Azura sit comfortably in between.

• Destinations – Fjords and Northern Europe are scenic and cooler. The Mediterranean is sunny with a mix of beaches and culture. For winter sunshine, think Caribbean – though you’ll need a long flight.

👉 Tip: Avoid peak school holiday dates if you want a calmer atmosphere on board.

Booking & Cabin Choices

Cabins are your home at sea, and P&O offers a range to suit every budget.

• Inside cabins – cheapest option, no windows, but ideal if you’ll be out and about all day.

• Oceanview cabins – with a window for natural light.

• Balcony cabins – worth it for scenic cruises, as you can sit and watch the views from your own space.

• Suites – more room, priority boarding, and extra perks.

👉 Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, choose mid-ship and lower decks for less movement.

What’s Included

Your cruise fare covers more than you might think:

• Accommodation with daily cleaning

• All main meals (buffet and main dining rooms)

• Theatre shows and live music

• Pools and gym use

• Activities such as quizzes, craft sessions, silent discos and more

• Port taxes and fees

• Tips and gratuities – already included

Extras to budget for: speciality dining, drinks beyond the basics, spa treatments, internet, shore excursions, and of course a bit of shopping.

Drinks Packages

If you enjoy a tipple, it’s worth looking at the drinks packages.

• Classic Drinks Package – includes a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and Costa coffee.

• Refresh Package – unlimited soft drinks on tap.

👉 Tip: Work out how much you’d usually drink. If you’re only having one or two a day, a package may not be good value. And don’t forget – you can bring one litre of wine, Champagne, or spirits per adult at embarkation (no beer or soft drinks).

Excursions

Excursions are a big part of cruising.

• Booking with P&O gives peace of mind – the ship will wait if your tour is delayed.

• Independent tours can be cheaper and often more personal.

• Some ports are walkable, while others need shuttles or taxis.

👉 Tip: Do a bit of research before you go. We’ve got plenty of port guides on Cruise Escapes to help you plan.

Embarkation Day

Your embarkation time will be confirmed about three weeks before your cruise. Stick to that slot for a smoother check-in.

The process is simple: drop off your luggage, check in, go through security, and you’ll be stepping on board before you know it.

👉 Tip: Pack a small carry-on bag with essentials like swimwear, phone charger, sunscreen, and any medication – your main suitcase may not arrive at your cabin until later.

Life Onboard

Every evening you’ll get the Horizon daily planner in your cabin. It’s packed with activities: quizzes, dance classes, talks, craft sessions, evening shows, live music, and more.

• Sea days are perfect for pool time, spa visits, or just relaxing with a drink.

• Port days are all about exploring ashore, before returning for evening entertainment.

Dress Code

Most nights are smart casual – think dresses, shirts, tops, and trousers. Then there are Celebration Nights (also called Black Tie Nights), where tuxedos, cocktail dresses and formal wear come out.

👉 Tip: Don’t feel pressured. If dressing up isn’t your thing, you can skip it and head to the buffet or certain speciality dining venues instead.

And if you do love a glam night – ship photographers will be out, so it’s a good chance to get that perfect photo.

Money on Board

Your cruise card is your room key, ID, and onboard payment card rolled into one.

• All purchases are added to your account, which you settle at the end.

• You can link it to a debit/credit card or top up with cash.

• You can check your running balance on the My Holiday webpage.

• On the last day, you’ll get a paper copy of your bill.

👉 Tip: Tips are already included, so you don’t need to add more unless you want to.

Disembarkation

On the final morning, you’ll need to be out of your cabin by 8am. Breakfast is served in the main dining room and buffet, and then you’ll wait in your designated lounge until your group is called.

The simplest option is to put your luggage outside your cabin the night before and collect it ashore. If you’ve got tight travel connections, you can carry your own bags and leave earlier – but only if you can manage them yourself.

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That’s everything you need to know before your first P&O cruise. From booking the right cabin to getting through embarkation day and enjoying life on board, you should now feel much more confident – and hopefully excited!

If you’ve got more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below – we love helping first-timers. And if you found this useful, don’t forget to check out more guides and tips here on Cruise Escapes – The home of tips, guides and cruise inspiration.

Happy cruising! 🚢✨