What to Do 4 Weeks Before Your P&O Cruise

The countdown’s on – just four weeks until your P&O Cruise! If you’re wondering exactly what to do 4 weeks before your P&O Cruise, don’t panic – we’ve got your back.

This is the perfect time to get everything sorted so you’re not rushing at the last minute. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifteenth, there are a few essential things to tick off your list right about now – and we’re here to walk you through it all in plain English.

Let’s get stuck in…

✨ Log in to My P&O Cruises

Start by logging into My P&O Cruises and making sure your booking is all up to date. From here you can:

• Check in online (once it opens – more on that below)

• Add your travel insurance details

• Book shore experiences

• Order extras like spa treatments or celebration packages

This is your cruise planning HQ, so it’s good to get familiar with it early.

🏞️ Book Shore Experiences Early

Now’s the time to make sure all your shore excursions are booked. Hopefully you’ve already done this – but if not, don’t wait any longer. Use My P&O Cruises or Get Your Guide to book asap.

Some of the most popular ones – like the Flåm Railway in Norway or a highlights tour of Rome – can and do sell out.

If you’re planning to go ashore independently, now’s also a great time to do your research. Use Facebook groups, cruise forums, and port guides to get a feel for what’s on offer at each stop.

🛂 Check Your Passport & Travel Docs

Have a quick look at your passport. Make sure it:

• Has at least 6 months’ validity left after your return date

• Matches the name on your cruise booking

Depending on where you’re sailing, you might also need a visa or travel form – especially if you’re heading outside the EU. Check with P&O or GOV.UK if you’re unsure.

🎁 Order Onboard Extras

Want to celebrate a birthday or just treat yourself onboard? You can order things like:

• Champagne and chocolates

• Spa treatments

• Room decorations

• Celebration packages

All of this can be done via My P&O Cruises or your travel agent – it’s much easier to sort it now rather than faffing about once onboard.

📥 Download Our Cruise Packing List

If you’re anything like us, packing can be one of the most stressful bits! But don’t worry – we’ve made it simple.

👉 Download our free Cruise Packing List here – it’s packed with everything you’ll need, including:

• Essentials

• Cruise clothes (including formal night ideas)

• Cabin bits

• Tech must-haves

• Seasickness remedies and more!

Tick things off as you go and save yourself a last-minute panic.

🚗 Sort Out Travel to the Port

Ensure your travel plans to the port are sorted. Hopefully you’ve already done this, but if not – get cracking!

If you’re sailing from Southampton:

• If you’ve got parking, you should already have it booked

• If not, get it done ASAP – we recommend CPS Parking for convenience

• Book coach transfers via P&O if needed

• Or consider a pre-cruise hotel stay nearby to start your trip off stress-free

Check out our Southampton parking guide here.

If you’re flying to meet your ship, double-check flight times, luggage allowances, and transfer arrangements.

💊 Order Enough Medication to Last Your Cruise (and a Bit Extra)

One thing you definitely don’t want to leave to the last minute is your medication. Make sure you’ve got enough to cover the entire length of your cruise – plus a little extra just in case of delays getting home.

Speak to your GP or pharmacy in advance to request an early repeat prescription if needed. Don’t forget to pack all medication in your hand luggage, not your checked bags, and keep it in the original packaging where possible – this can be important for customs checks.

If you use things like motion sickness tablets, inhalers, or EpiPens, double-check expiry dates and stock up now. Better to have it and not need it than be caught short at sea!

🗺️ Do a Bit of Port Research

This is one of our fave parts of cruise prep – planning what you’re going to do in port. Whether you’re sightseeing, hitting the beach, or just hunting for the best gelato, it’s good to have a loose plan.

We use:

• Pinterest

• YouTube vlogs

• Cruise Facebook groups (search groups by your Cruise number)

• Google Maps

Even just knowing how far the port is from the city centre can make a big difference to your day.

Check out our port guides here.

❓ FAQs About What to Do 4 Weeks Before Your P&O Cruise

Can I check in for my P&O Cruise 4 weeks before?

Not quite yet – online check-in opens 21 days before your cruise, and closes at 10pm GMT the night before. Make sure your My P&O Cruises account is set up and ready.

When should I book P&O Cruises shore excursions?

You can book shore experiences as soon as your balance is paid, but we always recommend getting them sorted at least 4 weeks before to avoid disappointment.

What documents should I print before my P&O Cruise?

Once check-in opens (at 3 weeks before), you’ll be able to print your boarding passes and luggage labels from the My P&O Cruises portal.

Do I need travel insurance for a P&O Cruise?

Yes – travel insurance is mandatory for all guests and must include cruise cover. You’ll need to upload the details to your booking before you sail.

What do I need to download before my P&O Cruise?

Grab the My Holiday app for onboard planning and also download our free Cruise Packing List to make packing a breeze.

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✅ Final Thoughts

So there you have it – your guide to what to do 4 weeks before your P&O Cruise. It’s all about getting ahead now, so that the final few days are chilled, not chaotic.

Check out what to do 3 weeks before your cruise here, including when check-in opens, printing your travel docs, and more!

Got a question? Leave a comment or join our community on Facebook at P&O Cruises – Cruise Hacks, Tips, Questions and Answers.

George & Dan

Cruise Escapes – Helping you cruise smarter

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