P&O Cruises has issued a reminder to passengers ahead of the summer season that they do not need to bring cash on board, as the cruise line operates a cash-free system. Instead, guests must keep their cruise card with them at all times, as it functions as a room key, identification for boarding and disembarking, and a payment card for all onboard purchases.
What is the P&O Cruise Card and Why Do I Need It?
According to P&O Cruises, each passenger receives a cruise card waiting outside their cabin upon embarkation. The card is essential for accessing accommodation, verifying identity when getting on and off the ship, and making payments. The line states: "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."
Onboard spending is conducted in Great British pounds, and the ships are designed to be cash-free environments. P&O Cruises explains: "Our 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." This system aims to reduce delays and simplify transactions for guests.
What Can I Use My P&O Cruise Card For?
The cruise card can be used for a wide range of purchases, including:
- Drinks from bars 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
Guests can add spending money to their card upon embarkation and make additional purchases throughout the voyage, settling the balance at Reception before departure.
What Can I Not Use My P&O Cruise Card For?
Certain expenses cannot be charged to the cruise card, including:
- 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
- Full or partial payment against a future cruise or charter flight seat reservations and upgrades
- Ad hoc gratuities
- Shore experience cancellation charges
- Onboard gaming (including the casino)
- Charitable donations
These items typically require alternative payment methods or are handled separately.
How Do I Settle My Bill On Board?
P&O Cruises confirms that the final bill is delivered to the mailbox outside each cabin on the last day of the cruise. The balance is automatically taken from the payment card registered during online check-in. The line also advises that gratuities are not required, stating: "Relax knowing good service and good times are all part and parcel of your P&O Cruises holiday."
How Many Passengers Can Board P&O Cruises Ships?
The fleet’s largest ships, Arvia and Iona, measure 344 metres in length with 15 guest decks and can carry up to 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew. The smallest ship, Aurora, is 270 metres long with nine decks and accommodates approximately 1,874 guests and 850 crew. P&O Cruises sails to over 230 destinations worldwide.
