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P&O Cruises FAQ

• Are any P&O ships adult only? Yes. Arcadia and Aurora are exclusively adult only ships.
• When is the best time to book a cruise? 2-3 years in advance can offer some great early savings or if you can wait till the last minute there can be some huge savings 7-90 days pre-cruise. If you do wait till the last minute you will need to pay the full balance at time of booking.
• Is there a doctor onboard? There is a medical centre onboard each ship with trained professionals. Expect to pay upwards of £90 for an appointment with additional costs for prescriptions etc.
• Are there Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements? For the majority of cruises there are no longer any vaccination or testing requirements. However there may be individual cruises which need to adhere to local restrictions, check here for update: https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/vaccination-and-testing-policy.
• What documents are required at the cruise terminal? * Passport * Boarding pass (available on My P&O Cruises) * Evidence of valid travel insurance * Documents required for countries you are visiting. Check here for more info: https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/destination-requirements.
• How do I prebook activities/restaurants? Log into My P&O Cruises: https://my.pocruises.com/mycruise/login Shore Excursions, Spa & Drinks should all be available from the time of booking. Dining & Entertainment - will become available 14 days before departure.
• When will my cabin be allocated? Most cabins will be allocated 2 weeks before sailing however sometimes this can be as late as the day of departure.
• Can I prebook the 'Captain's Table'? This can only be booked once onboard on the My Holiday page.
• Can I take alcohol/soft drinks on a P&O cruise ship? See our blog post here: https://www.georgeanddan.com/post/can-i-take-alcohol-soft-drinks-on-a-p-o-cruise-ship
• How much luggage can i take onboard? For sailings to/from Southampton you can take as much luggage as you can comfortably fit into your cabin. Each item of luggage should weigh no more than 23kg for safety and handling purposes. For fly cruises visit the flight page in your booking online for luggage allowances.
• When can i board? You will be advised a time for embarkation once you have checked in online. This normally starts from 12noon but can be earlier.
• I have booked the 'Select' fare and have not indicated that i do not want an upgrade. If one is offered do i have to take it? 'Select' fare upgrades are completed after the customer has opted in. If upgraded you will have to move to the new cabin. If you have chosen your cabin and do not want an upgrade ensure you opt out of the upgrade scheme at booking or call P&O directly.
• Do P&O cabins have hairdryers? Yes, a hairdryer is provided in all cabins.
• What toiletries are provided in cabins? The White Company - Flowers hand wash, body wash and shampoo is provided.
• Can I call a cabin onboard? Yes, as long as you have the cabin number you want to call just type this into the phone in your cabin or one located in the public areas.
• Can I post a postcard/letter? Yes, just drop it off to reception at least 2 hours before departure (3 hours if the ship is at anchor) and a charge will be added to your onboard account (depending on destination this can be from £1.60 to £3.25).
• Are there fridges in the cabin? Yes, all cabins have a fridge. Typical dimensions: width 34cm height 45cm depth 25cm.
• Is there a laundrette onboard? All P&O ships have a laundrette onboard and are free to use with washer, dryers and ironing stations. There is normally one on each cabin deck. Make sure to take detergent and conditioner as this is sometimes not available to buy.
• Can I change currency onboard? Yes, at reception onboard you can exchange currency with either cash or your onboard account. Usually only currencies relevant to your itinerary will be available.
• Is there a charge to use the pool? The majority of pools are complimentary however there are some located within the spas or the Retreat which may incur a charge.
• What is 'Celebration Night'? Celebration Night is the Captain's welcome. There is an enhanced five course menu in the MDR (Main Dining Room) and a dress code of black tie. You will also receive a free glass of fizz and the Captain will address the ship from the bridge. For dining use the My Holiday page to join a virtual queue or visit the restaurant to request a table. Black tie is usually required in all MDRs, Epicurean, Crows Nest and some bars.
• Is there a microwave for use? There are no microwaves for passenger use nor can you bring one onboard.
• Are there any free drinks onboard? Yes. Buffet - water and hot drinks are available during opening hours. Juices are also available at breakfast. MDR - water, tea and coffee are available. Juices are also available at breakfast. Some ships also have water bottle refill stations (Arvia & Iona).
• Is there duty free onboard? Duty free is available on board and is normally open when the ship is at sea or shortly after leaving a port. Beauty products, alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco are available. If alcohol is purchased it is stored for you to collect on the last day of the cruise. For allowances see: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain
• When disembarking do you receive an itemised final bill? Yes, you should receive a final paper account statement to your cabin during the night before disembarkation. It will provide purchases by location by day but will not be itemised down to specific drinks etc. The statement will show onboard credit redeemed against purchases as well as any loyalty saving discount. For a real-time statement use your TV to view your bill. If you need to dispute a transaction make sure you visit reception as soon as possible as it can get very busy on disembarkation day.
• Do you have to tip? No, tipping/gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
• Who is eligible to purchase a drinks package? Packages are available to purchase pre-cruise via My P&O Cruises. Drinks packages are available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of your cruise. You can buy packages at any bar on board until midnight on night two of your cruise and you can use your package in all the restaurants, bars and cafés on board. Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the same drinks package. Sharing is not permitted. Children can have the refresh package independently of their parents. There is no requirement for adults in the same cabin to also purchase a package. When a Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package is purchased, a free Refresh package will be offered for all the children travelling in the same cabin only (aged 16 and under).
• Do i have to purchase a drinks package for the entire duration of my cruise? Yes, a guest must purchase the drinks package for the entire duration of their holiday. Packages can only be purchased on board during the first two days of their holiday. Any guests doing back-to-back cruises or multiple sectors of a cruise can purchase a package for the entire duration of their time on board.
• Can i purchase products outside of my package? Yes, you can still purchase products that are outside of your drinks package. Plus, if you have a Classic or Deluxe drinks package, you'll receive a 20% discount on all drinks that are not included in the package offering.
• Does everyone in my cabin need to buy a drinks package? The sharing of packages isn’t permitted, so each adult sharing a cabin must buy the same drinks package individually. If you’re travelling with children 16 years and under and you choose either a Classic or Deluxe drinks package, we’ll include the Refresh drinks package at no extra cost.
• Do i have to buy a drinks package? No, you can pay for your drinks individually instead. For most this will likely work out cheaper than a package.
• Can adults purchase the Refresh drinks package? Yes, the Refresh package can be purchased by anyone.

Carnival Cruise Line to Absorb P&O Australia in 2025

• June 3, 2024

Carnival Corporation today announced that in March 2025, the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line, according to a press release.

The Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand while the Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025, the company said.

This change is the latest in a series of what Carnival said were strategic moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, the company’s flagship brand and the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporation’s global portfolio, the company said.

This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet since 2021, including the shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises. In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028.

“Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line’s capacity by almost 25% since 2019 including transferring three ships from Costa Cruises, guest demand remains incredibly strong so we’re leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world’s most popular cruise line,” said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation.

“In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line was 29% of our total capacity, and when we complete this move early next year, Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – will make up approximately 35% of our total global capacity. While our company’s overall growth between 2019 – 2028 is projected to be less than 2% (CAGR), the majority will be for Carnival Cruise Line, which will grow by approximately 50% over that time period.”

In addition to further optimizing the composition of Carnival Corporation’s global brand portfolio, the realignment will strengthen the company’s performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies, the company said in a statement.

“P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region,” said Weinstein. “However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific’s small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we’re adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region. Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60% of the market.”

For P&O Australia, current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement.

When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line will have four ships in the market, including Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane, in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.

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News Release

Carnival corporation to strategically align portfolio and absorb p&o cruises australia into carnival cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line to boost its capacity by absorbing P&O Cruises Australia in 2025, further optimizing the company's brand portfolio creating operational efficiencies 

MIAMI and SYDNEY , June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc  (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced that in March 2025 , the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line , the most popular cruise line in the world. 

This change is the latest in a series of strategic moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line , the company's flagship brand and the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporation's global portfolio. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line's fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises . In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028.

Josh Weinstein , chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line was 29% of our total capacity, and when we complete this move early next year, Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – will make up approximately 35% of our total global capacity. While our company's overall growth between 2019 – 2028 is projected to be less than 2% (CAGR), the majority will be for Carnival Cruise Line , which will grow by approximately 50% over that time period."

In addition to further optimizing the composition of Carnival Corporation's global brand portfolio, the realignment will strengthen the company's performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies.

"P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region," said Weinstein. "However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific 's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region. Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60% of the market."

Building on Shared Legacy in the Region  As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025. Current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement.

When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line – which has served the South Pacific since 2013 – will have four ships in the market, including Sydney -based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane , in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.

Christine Duffy , president of Carnival Cruise Line . "While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes to the two P&O Cruises Australia ships, they will continue to be geared to the unique Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experiences for P&O Cruises Australia guests. The most notable change will be the availability of our popular HubApp, enabling guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests, among other features. P&O Cruises Australia guests will also be invited to participate in Carnival's loyalty program and promotional offerings specific to Carnival ships sailing in the region."

"Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia – a valued part of our legacy and an important contributor to the tourism industry in the South Pacific ," said Weinstein. "We value the connection our P&O Cruises Australia guests, employees, travel advisor partners, public officials and destinations have with our company and are committed to building on this association moving forward as Carnival." 

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This announcement does not impact P&O Cruises ( UK ), which is a separate Carnival Corporation & plc brand based in England and dedicated to the UK market.]

About Carnival Corporation & plc Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises , Carnival Cruise Line , Costa Cruises , Cunard, Holland America Line , P&O Cruises ( Australia ), P&O Cruises ( UK ), Princess Cruises , and Seabourn.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com , www.aida.de , www.carnival.com , www.costacruise.com , www.cunard.com , www.hollandamerica.com , www.pocruises.com.au , www.pocruises.com , www.princess.com , and  www.seabourn.com .

For information on Carnival Corporation's industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit www.carnivalsustainability.com .

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation Media Contacts: Jody Venturoni, Carnival Corporation, [email protected]; Lucy Colonnetta Clifton, LDWW, [email protected]

AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market. Home of the smile, AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise and operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets. Visit: www.aida.de

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. Visit: www.carnival.com

Costa Cruises delivers Italy’s finest at sea, bringing modern Italian lifestyle to its ships to provide guests with a true European experience that embodies a unique passion for life through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Visit: www.costacruise.com

Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the line’s impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Visit: www.cunard.com

Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com

P&O Cruises (UK) is Britain’s favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk

P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au

Princess is the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. Visit: www.princess.com

Seabourn provides ultraluxury cruising vacations in a unique, small-ship style that focuses on genuine, intuitive service, all-suite accommodations, superb cuisine and unique experiences in destinations worldwide. Visit: www.seabourn.com

Local news:

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Pacific adventure and pacific encounter cancellations follow news p&o cruises brand is being retired.

P&O shutting down

P&O Cruises Australia has announced more cancellations following news the brand will be retired after 90 years .

Its operations will be integrated into sister ocean travel outift Carnival Cruise Line in early 2025, Carnival Corporation said on Tuesday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: One of Australia’s most popular cruise liners is being disbanded.

P&O’s ship Pacific Explorer will be retired under the move, prompting mass cruise cancellations for travellers scheduled to set sail after March 2 .

Now, the company has announced further cancellations on two other vessels in its fleet.

• Pacific Adventure itineraries cancelled: V515, V516, V517, V518.
• Pacific Encounter itineraries cancelled: I512, I513, I514.

The impacted cruises were scheduled to depart from Sydney and Brisbane in March, 2025 but both vessels will be out of action for two weeks while they are rebranded by Carnival and undergo a technology upgrade, a Carnival spokesperson told 7NEWS.

In the coming days, staff will contact impacted travellers with information on refunds and offers of extra onboard spending.

“We apologise that this change has been necessary,” the company said.

“If you are booked on any other P&O Cruises Australia itinerary your cruise is unaffected by this announcement and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.

“No Carnival Cruise Line itineraries are impacted by this announcement.”

The Pacific Explorer will be removed from P&O’s fleet at the end of February, with its final journey being an 11-night cruise to Singapore that leaves Fremantle on February 7.

Huge operating costs drove the closure of the Australian cruise industry favourite.

Blogger and industry expert Honida Beram described the company’s downfall as a “dark day for cruising in Australia” and an “end of an era”.

She claimed up to 100 jobs had already been cut in Australia.

“P&O is synonymous with cruising in Australia and it’s just way too expensive. It’s just not sustainable to continue with P&O here,” Beram said.

“It’s actually a real shame.”

P&O said it will be doing “everything we can” to redeploy staff across the remaining fleet.

Beram said several factors, including expensive port fees and regulations, had all played a part in the company’s undoing.

“P&O has been around for 90 years and I think it made it possible for everyday Australians to go on a cruise, to really have an adventure at sea,” she said.

Griffith University cruise lecturer Johnnel Smith said it was not all doom and gloom.

“Even though it is a well-loved Aussie homegrown brand ... this is actually an elevation and the cruise line has promised to come back bigger and better,” Smith said.

“So some of the ships will be dry-docked and refurbished and there’s going to be some additions to the cruise experience such as technology and improvement in food and beverage which everybody looks forward to when they cruise.

“And especially being a part of this region and being completely taken over by Carnival, it’s giving us access to more itineraries, so that’s something that we can look forward to. I think it’s good all round.”

Beram said her information was there “won’t be any additional itineraries”.

“I’ve asked about that, is there going to be an increase in ports to visit? It’s not like they’re going to expand the areas in which we’re going to visit. So it’s more about, we’re losing really that Aussie spirit. It’s the only Australian-based cruise line,” Beram said.

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