P&O Cruises Wi-Fi Packages Explained

If you're planning a cruise holiday with P&O Cruises and wondering how to stay connected while at sea, you're in the right place. We've cruised with P&O plenty of times and tested their internet packages on ships like Arvia, so we're here to give you the full lowdown on how Wi-Fi works onboard.

From prices and packages to whether it's even worth buying at all, here's everything you need to know about Wi-Fi onboard P&O Cruises.

For more information on the My Holiday app/portal check out our blog here.

Do You Really Need Wi-Fi on a Cruise?

Before spending extra on a Wi-Fi package, it’s worth asking yourself: do you actually need it?

If you're happy to switch off and enjoy your cruise without the distraction of emails and social media, that's absolutely fine. But if you’ve got work to check in on, family to stay in touch with, or you just want to share those holiday snaps in real time, then a Wi-Fi package might be the way to go.

You’ll get mobile data when the ship is docked (especially around Europe), and some providers still let you use your regular data without extra charges. But once you're at sea, your phone will connect to a maritime network, and trust us, the roaming charges are extortionate. So unless you fancy a surprise phone bill, turn off mobile data and use the ship's Wi-Fi instead.

P&O Cruises Wi-Fi Packages Explained

P&O Cruises offer two main internet packages, plus a pay-per-minute option. Here's what you need to know:

Essential Wi-Fi

£18 per 24 hours OR £12 per day for your entire cruise

Best for:

• Web browsing

• Email

• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

• Messaging (WhatsApp text only)

This is great for general use and light browsing, but no streaming or video calls. It's ideal if you just want to stay connected and send the odd message or photo.

Ultimate Wi-Fi

£24 per 24 hours OR £18 per day for your entire cruise

Best for:

• All of the above, plus...

• Voice and video calls

• Music and video streaming (Spotify, Netflix etc.)

• Faster speeds

Since P&O upgraded to Starlink, internet across the fleet is noticeably more reliable. We used the Ultimate package onboard Arvia, and it worked surprisingly well for everything from WhatsApp calls to uploading photos.

Tip: Speeds still vary depending on where you are on the ship and how many others are online. Public lounges tend to have the best connection.

How to Buy a Wi-Fi Package

You’ve got a few options:

Before You Cruise:

• Log in to your My P&O Cruises account and buy your package in advance

• You might save up to 15% by booking ahead

Once Onboard:

• Connect to P&OCruises_Guest_WIFI.

• Visit internet.pocruises.com and follow the on-screen steps.

• Your chosen package will be billed to your onboard account.

How to Redeem Wi-Fi If Pre-Purchased

If you've pre-purchased your Wi-Fi package before your cruise, here's how to redeem it once you're onboard:

1. Connect your device to P&O Cruises Guest WiFi.

2. You should be redirected to the My Holiday portal: myholiday.pocruises.com.

3. Select the Internet option from the list of services.

4. On the registration screen, make sure to enter the cruise card number of the sailor assigned to the Wi-Fi purchase.

5. Once registered, your package should show up and be ready to use.

We found the process pretty straightforward. You’ll need the code from your cabin card, and once entered correctly, you’ll be connected and ready to browse, message, and stream.

Sharing a Wi-Fi Package

You can use the same plan across multiple devices, just not at the same time. So if you’re travelling as a couple or family, you can take turns. One logs out, another logs in. Simple.

There is a 10% discount for multiple devices registered to the same guest if you want to use two devices at once.

Free Internet Access for Medical Devices

If you use a medical device like a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), ask at reception once onboard. P&O Cruises will provide you with a free internet voucher for medical use.

Is P&O Cruises Wi-Fi Worth It?

It depends on your needs. If you don’t need to stay connected, save the money and enjoy your surroundings. But if staying in touch with home or backing up holiday photos is important, it’s well worth it.

Want to save even more? Consider just buying the 24-hour plan on sea days when you're not in port. You’ll have plenty to do onboard, so you might not miss the internet every day.

FAQs About Wi-Fi Onboard P&O Cruises

Can I get Wi-Fi for free on P&O Cruises?

There’s no free Wi-Fi for general use, but you can access the My Holiday platform (to view your account, book shows, etc.) using limited free Wi-Fi.

How much does Wi-Fi cost on P&O Cruises?

Essential Wi-Fi: £12 per day (whole cruise) or £18 per 24 hoursUltimate Wi-Fi: £18 per day (whole cruise) or £24 per 24 hours

Can I share a Wi-Fi package with someone else?

Yes, but only one device can be connected at a time. You can switch between devices as needed.

Does Wi-Fi work in my cabin?

Yes! The ship-wide Wi-Fi covers cabins and public areas.

Will the internet be as fast as at home?

Not quite. It’s powered by satellite, so while it’s improved with Starlink, it's still slower than your home broadband.

Can I use streaming services like Netflix?

Only with the Ultimate Wi-Fi package.

Can I upgrade or switch plans mid-cruise?

Yes! You can upgrade from Essential to Ultimate or switch from pay-as-you-go to full cruise packages during your trip.

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Wi-Fi at sea is never going to be perfect, but on P&O Cruises, it’s definitely good enough for most people. Whether you're working remotely or just want to share a sunset selfie, now you know exactly what to expect.

Got questions? Let us know in the comments or over on our social media. We're always happy to help fellow cruisers stay connected!

Happy cruising!

George & Dan

Cruise Escapes – Helping you cruise smarter