Your questions answered

What should I wear?

To help you pack for your holiday, below you’ll find a description of the different dress codes we operate and upon which ship they apply. If you do forget to pack something, then don’t worry as our shops carry a wide range of leisurewear and formal clothing.

Daywear
Casual shirts, shorts, trousers and beachwear are ideal. For going ashore and walking on deck, flat comfortable shoes are a must. You will also need a lightweight jacket or coat for cool evenings and occasional showers. Don’t forget sun protection cream, a sun hat and sunglasses as the sun is much stronger at sea. Packing a spare pair of glasses and an ample supply of any medicines you are taking is also a good idea.

Formal
This is the opportunity for ladies to wear formal evening wear such as an evening dress, smart trouser suit or a cocktail dress. For men, a dinner jacket or tuxedo are the norm, otherwise a dark lounge/ business suit and tie or formal national dress is fine. (Applies to all ships.)

Semi-Formal
Ladies can wear anything from tailored trousers to smart separates or an elegant dress, while men are required to wear a smart shirt and trousers with a jacket such as a blazer or sports jacket. A suit and tie may be worn but is not compulsory. (From April 2009 Semi-Formal applies to Arcadia, Artemis, Aurora, Azura and Oriana only.)

Smart Casual
Stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal, for example casual separates or dresses for ladies and open-neck polo shirts and casual trousers (not shorts) for men. A jacket and smart trousers may be worn but are not compulsory. Smart dark denim may be worn however we request that the following items are not worn: sportswear, e.g. trainers, football shirts and tracksuits. Bring your brightest clothes for our Tropical evenings. (Applies to all ships.)

For a typical two week cruise:
Oceana and Ventura - From April 2009 there will normally be four Formal evenings and ten Smart Casual evenings. Arcadia, Aurora, Oriana and Artemis – there are normally four Formal evenings, four Semi-Formal evenings and six Smart Casual. However in extremely hot temperatures these dress codes may be relaxed. We will send you confirmation of the specific details of your cruise with your travel documents.

Children: The dress code is applicable to all passengers of 18 years and over and we request that on Formal or Semi-Formal evenings children wear, as a minimum, Smart Casual dress, however on these occasions dark denim is not permitted.

Please do not wear your swimsuit in the lounges, interior bars, restaurants or reception area. A shirt and suitable footwear is required while indoors and when using the buffets. In the evenings all restaurants and bars comply with the dress code of the evening.

Can you arrange special diets?

Naturally, we can provide diabetic, fat-free, vegetarian and gluten-free meals etc. A limited range of kosher food items are carried on board our ships though you should note that kosher food production is unsupervised. In order to give us plenty of time to place the necessary orders and also to give you the best possible service, please let us know your needs and any food allergies that you may have when you make your booking or by calling our Reservations Centre no later than 12 weeks before you travel. Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee specific brands. Substitute items may apply.

Do you provide children’s meals?

Normally, children sit with their parents at breakfast and lunch. But, since even the most affectionate parents may look forward to dinner on their own, we lay on a special children’s tea on board Aurora, Oceana and Oriana for children accompanied by their parents. On Ventura, families can dine together at The Beach House.

We look after babies too, with a selection of baby foods. Again, the earlier you let us know what you need, the better we’ll be able to stock up for your little one(s), though please note that we are unable to guarantee specific brands.

Can I eat when I want, where I what?

On all of our ships, we have myriad dining choices specifically designed to add greater flexibility and spontaneity to your time away. As you would expect from any world-class restaurant or hotel, the care and skilled lavished on the cuisine and the standard of service you receive will be exceptional, wherever you choose to dine, at whatever time of the day. And, with 24 hour dining available on all of our ships, you can enjoy a broad variety of dining venues. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or even a midnight snack, you will be spoilt for choice.

What facilities are provided for children?

We have a wide choice of dining venues where children can enjoy breakfast and lunch. In the evenings, families can dine together or alternatively, parents can accompany their children to a special children’s dinner, choosing to dine later in the evening on their own.

Where can I eat during the evening?

Come the evening, with P&O Cruises Dining Choice we offer a number of alternative dining options, tailoring your holiday to your mood, timetable and lifestyle.

Freedom Dining

With Freedom Dining you'll still enjoy the special ambience and sociable atmosphere of a main dining room, as well silver-service and five-course menu (six-course on Gala Nights).

The difference from Club Dining is that this option allows you the flexibility to turn up at selected restaurants anytime you choose between 18:00 and 21:30, with whom you like, and every effort will be made to accommodate you. Freedom Dining is included in your fare and available on board Oceana and Ventura. If the flexibility of Freedom Dining appeals, then please opt for it when making your booking.

Ventura         Cinnamon Restaurant
Oceana           Ligurian Restaurant

Club Dining

This style of dining is a wonderful way to share your holiday experiences and meet new people. Operating on a fixed sitting basis we will pre-reserve your seat at a table in one of the sumptuous main restaurants, for the duration of your holiday. Included in your fare, Club Dining is available on all of our ships when you choose between first sitting at 6.30pm or second sitting at 8.30pm. Seating arrangements are made on a ‘first come, first served’ basis when you book your cruise. Please state your sitting preference at the time of booking. Sittings are allocated according to availability. Also, when booking, please let us know if you wish to sit with a specific party or would like a specific table size. Please note that tables for two are extremely limited and cannot be guaranteed. Whether you opt for Freedom or Club Dining you will enjoy silver service in the main restaurants.

Select Dining

In addition to Club Dining and Freedom Dining, Select Dining gives you the choice of enjoying exquisitely prepared bistro cuisine one night and grill fare served al fresco under a moonlit sky or signature dishes inspired by Michelin-stared chefs, another. Simply reserve your table in advance for a time and evening that suits you best, and we will do the rest. Please note that a Select Dining cover charge applies.

The Select Dining venues on each ship are:
Ventura – The White Room, East, Ramblas
Oceana – The Plaza Bistro, The Horizon Grill
Arcadia – Arcadian Rhodes, The Orchid
Aurora – Café Bordeaux, The Pennant Grill
Oriana – Oriana Rhodes, The Terrace Grill
Artemis – The Grill at the Conservatory

Balcony Dining (Ventura only)

This is the ultimate in intimate dining at sea. You can dine al fresco as the sun sets on the horizon, or beneath a starry sky, on your own private balcony. Select dishes from an exclusive menu designed by Marco Pierre White and enjoy personal waiter service. This is truly indulgent dining at its very best. This service is available on Ventura.