P&O Cruises Introduces Pre-Booking for The Reef Kids’ Club – What Families Need to Know

George and Dan
Jul 10
3 min read

P&O Cruises has introduced a new way for families to plan their cruise holidays - and it’s already getting people talking. From July 2025, guests travelling on selected holidays can now pre-book sessions for The Reef, the cruise line’s dedicated kids’ club for children aged 12 and under. This change brings with it a small fee but also added convenience, especially for families who like to get everything organised before they set sail.

What’s Changing?

Up until now, parents could only book places in The Reef once onboard, and while that system worked, it could mean disappointment if sessions filled up quickly - especially during school holidays.

Now, for a small fee (from £4.95 for daytime sessions and £8.95 for evenings), you can book your child’s place in advance via My P&O Cruises from two weeks before your departure. It’s a move designed to help families shape their days onboard with less stress and more freedom.

If you’d rather wait until you’re onboard, no problem - a number of places in each session will still be available to book for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why Pre-Book?

The new system is all about flexibility. Knowing your child has a spot in The Reef means you can book that spa treatment, gym session or romantic dinner without worry. It also takes away the need to queue or rush around on embarkation day trying to secure a place. Larger families may find the cost adds up quickly, but for many, the ease of planning is well worth the trade-off.

P&O Cruises say this change comes directly from guest feedback. Families want more structure, and the cruise line is responding with a more organised approach that works for a variety of travel styles.

New for 2025: More Than Just Club Time

This isn’t the only family-focused update. 2025 also sees the launch of new inclusive experiences for kids and teens:

Teen guests can attend exciting talks and get involved in content creation workshops, run in partnership with TAP LAB Agency and led by popular young influencers.
Autism-friendly cinema screenings will be introduced, with softer lighting, lower sound levels, and a relaxed environment - a great addition for families with additional needs.

Mixed Reactions

Not everyone is thrilled by the new pre-booking charges. Some feel it’s unfair to introduce fees for something that was previously free - particularly as not all families can afford the extra cost, especially across multiple children or several sessions per day. Others are frustrated that pre-paid sessions are non-refundable if a child changes their mind on the day.

That said, you can get your money back if you cancel your pre-booked session before your cruise - worth keeping in mind if plans change before you sail.

Final Thoughts

Whether you see it as a helpful option or just another charge, there’s no denying this new system will make cruising with kids more manageable for some families. Being able to lock in times for childcare in advance could help make your holiday more relaxing, especially during busy sailings.

So if you’re planning a cruise with children aged 12 and under, don’t forget to log into My P&O Cruises from two weeks before your trip to explore your booking options.

FAQs: The Reef Kids’ Club Pre-Booking

When can I pre-book sessions for The Reef?

You can pre-book from two weeks before your cruise using My P&O Cruises.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from £4.95 per child for daytime sessions and £8.95 for evening sessions.

Is it mandatory to pay for The Reef?

No. A number of spaces will still be available to book for free once onboard, on a first-come, first-served basis.

What happens if my child doesn’t want to go on the day?

If you cancel before the cruise, you’ll get a refund. However, there are no refunds if your child chooses not to attend a session you’ve paid for once onboard.