Make sure you keep it on you at all times
P&O Cruises has advised passengers to keep an essential item with them at all times to avoid potential delays or complications during their journey.
P&O Cruises’ FAQ states that guests do not need to bring cash on board, but they are advised to keep their cruise card with them at all times. This is because it’s used for more than just making payments.
It writes: “Not at all. All your spending on board will be done via your cruise card. Your on-board spending money will be added to this when you embark, and you can make additional purchases and settle the balance at Reception on departure.”
What is the P&O Cruise Card and why do I need it?
Your card will be waiting for you outside your cabin. It explains: “Your cruise card is your key to your accommodation, your ID for stepping on and off your ship and your payment card for all spending on board. If you wish to purchase anything on board, all you need to do is present your cruise card – simple.”
The cruise line, which visits more than 230 destinations, says all onboard spending is in Great British pounds and operates a cash-free system. It writes that all of its “ships operate a ‘cash free’ environment’. All purchases you make on board are with your cruise card, meaning there’s no need to bring any cash on your holiday.”
What can I use the P&O Cruise Card for?
On-board spending money can be used for:
- Drinks from the bar and speciality restaurants
- Drinks packages
- Speciality dining
- Shore experiences
- Wi-Fi packages
- Spa and salon treatments and services
- Items purchased from any of the shops
- Gifts such as celebration packages, flowers and cakes
- The Art Gallery by Clarendon Fine Art
- Laundry and dry cleaning
Fun Fact: P and O stands for “Peninsular and Oriental,” short for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, which became the company’s full name in 1840, though its origins go back even further.
What can I not use my P&O Cruise Card for?
You cannot use your card for the following:
- Purchasing shore experiences prior to embarkation via My P&O Cruises
- Purchasing speciality dining charges prior to embarkation via My P&O Cruises
- Purchasing spa treatments and experiences prior to embarkation via My P&O Cruises
- Visas that require payment
- Medical charges (including services, prescriptions and supplies)
- Cashback
- As full or partial payment against a future cruise or charter flight seat reservations and upgrades
- Ad hoc gratuities
- Shore experience cancellation charges
- On-board gaming (including the casino)
- Charitable donations
How do I settle my bill on board the ship?
It confirms: “Your final bill will be in your mail box outside your cabin door on your last day. The balance will be taken from the payment card you registered during check-in.”
You don’t need to tip either. It urges people to “relax knowing good service and good times are all part and parcel of your P&A Cruises holiday.”
How many passengers can board the P&O Cruises ships?
The fleet’s largest ships, Arvia and Iona, are 344 metres long with 15 guest decks and can carry up to 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew. Its smallest ship, Aurora, is 270 metres long with nine decks and accommodates around 1,874 guests and 850 crew.
