First time Cruiser? Here's the Lowdown: Your Essential Guide to Setting Sail
Date Posted: 03/04/2024
Looking to embark on your first ever cruise? Once-in-a-lifetime destinations, world-class facilities, unmissable excursions and that all important 'me' time await you on board P&O Cruises! We know you’ll have some burning questions about what life is really like while you cruise the seven seas.
What’s included?
At first glance, a cruise holiday might seem a bit pricey however when you consider everything that’s included in the cost, you certainly get a lot of bang for your buck! For starters you get your flights and transfers, premium accommodation, and full board, delicious dining.
Not to mention the unmissable entertainment that P&O Cruises has to offer! The ship comes alive at night, so grab a cocktail and sit back and relax. There’s cabaret shows, comedy nights, live music, kids entertainment and even sail away parties. But that’s not all. Take a refreshing dip in the pools, work your muscles at the state-of-the-art gym, or enjoy fun for the whole family at the quizzes, talks and classes!
And, of course, not forgetting about all the breathtaking locations you get to visit along the way! Explore hidden gems and historic landmarks, bougee beaches and vibrant cities. Checking off those bucket list destination has never been easier.
What’s the embarkation/ disembarkation process?
Arrival times are staggered to avoid long queues so make sure to check your boarding pass and adhere to the time given to avoid disruptions. From here the process is very simple and staff will guide you as you go. This goes for disembarkation too as you’ll be given an allotted time to leave the ship and collect your luggage from the allocated point.
Charles from our Cruise Commercial Team.
As for leaving and boarding the ship at the ports along the way, this is equally as easy-going. Simply take your cruise pass with you to scan in and out of the ship and ensure you are back onboard within the given time frame.
Tell me more about on-board spending!
On-board spending is essentially just money for any extras you might want to indulge in during your time on the ship. Payments are hassle-free with the use of your own cruise card which is connected to your cruise account. You can easily access your account and keep track of spending via your phone app, it really couldn’t be any simpler! Purchases are made in GBP so there’s no second guessing the cost of items too.
Whether you need to stock up on essentials or just want to treat yourself to a new pair of sunnies, get your shopping fix at with a duty-free spree. Your on-board spend can extend to shore activities too! A thrilling helicopter ride, snorkelling above the tropical reefs or a hike to a nearby viewing point are among the long list of exciting opportunities that await you.
Charlotte from our Social Media Team.
Celebrating a special event or anniversary? Why not book into one of the speciality restaurants for evening to remember. Or treat yourself to a day of pampering in the Oasis Spa with a soothing massage or relaxing facial which will leave you feeling completely refreshed!
There’s always the practical side of things too. Save yourself a suitcase full of washing when you get home and use the laundrette service or keep up to date on all the latest at home by paying for a WIFI package.
Is there a dress code on board?
The short answer is yes. However, it only applies on an evening which means that during the day you can wear whatever you want! There are two dress codes that come into play, evening casual and black tie. For evening casual think your best shirt, favourite dress, or smart, dark denim. Trainers are a no-go, as are football shirts, tracksuits, or casual shorts.
Black tie is where you get to go all out! Soak up the grand atmosphere on board for an evening of pure luxury. Ladies can wear glamourous cocktail dresses, ball gowns or smart trouser suits. Men can suit up with a dinner jacket or tuxedo, though a lounge/business suit can be worn as an alternative.
Charlotte from our Social Media Team.
If you’re struggling to pack, there’s a Cruise Personaliser that’ll let you know how many nights of each dress code there is. As a general rule there’s usually 2 black tie nights on a 7-night cruise. There are also some venues within the ship where dress codes don’t apply. You’ll find more information about this in your Horizon paper that is delivered to your cabin each morning of the cruise. For those travelling on family-friendly cruises, dress codes don’t apply to children under the age of 17 years old, but they can always join in the fun of dressing up should they wish to!
Will the ship feel overcrowded?
Although P&O’s cruise ships vary in size, rest assured there is ample space on-board for everyone to enjoy their holiday to the max! Wide open spaces provide panoramic views, so you really get that sense of freedom as you sail between destinations.
The larger ships offer more deck space, restaurants, and entertainment venues to accommodate the greater number of guests on board. All ships offer multiple pools meaning there’s more than enough space for everyone to enjoy a day of lounging.
Your dining experience won’t be affected either. Commonly, there’s around 7 locations to eat including buffets, cafes, and restaurants. General dining operates long hours meaning there’s plenty of opportunities to grab your favourite dish throughout the day as well as limited waiting times. Speciality restaurants can be booked in advance too so that you can avoid hanging around at busy times.
What’s the on-board safety procedures?
On embarkation day, all guests will be shown to their muster station as well as expected to watch the safety video that will be shown on your cabin TV in order to familiarize yourself with the health and safety guidelines.
Protective balcony nets are available upon request which is great for young families. In the unlikely event you’ll need them, the on-board medical centres are fully equipped and staffed by qualified doctors and nurses. Enhanced ventilation systems are also in place onboard to increase filtration and circulate fresh air.
Should you need it, extra assistance is available to guests who have reduced mobility or a disability. This is particularly to aid with embarkation and disembarkation or in the event of an emergency, where extra help may be needed. Accessible cabins are also available with wide doorways, wet-room-style bathrooms, ramped access to the balcony and more!
Is my time in destination limited?
You’ll find you have more time than expected to explore those post-card worthy places, with many locations allowing you a full day of exploring. Of course, this does vary depending on which itinerary you choose to embark on and will differ from destination to destination. You’ll even get the opportunity to enjoy an overnight stay in some ports to catch those jaw-dropping sunsets and sunrises casting a golden glow over the land!
Embrace the freedom to explore in any way you wish! Whether you opt for a leisurely stroll around the town centre or head to that instagrammable bar you’ve always dreamed of trying, you can make the most of your days without any limitations. Or why not take the chance to try something new with one of P&O’s shore excursions. There’s no better way to get a taste of the local culture, see iconic landmarks and make memories that will last a lifetime!
So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise with Hays Travel today to enjoy all the benefits of our team’s expert knowledge and friendly guidance. Choose your cruise, get excited, and let your mind be at ease knowing that we’ll take care of the rest.
