Chocolate Drop dish served at Chef's Table

New to cruising Cruise life

A day onboard: Top ways to spend your on-board spending money

If you’ve never been on a P&O Cruises holiday, then prepare for a whole world of wow-factor entertainment, thrilling activities and innovative features as soon as you step onto your ship. So. If you’re wondering what a typical day on board one of our ships might look like, here’s a taste of what you could be getting up to...

6 min 02 Aug 2023

Editorial Team

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8am – 10am

Start the day with a fitness class

If you’re feeling energized after breakfast, why not get your endorphins pumping in a fitness class? You can use your on-board spending money to try a Pilates, spin, AQUA FIT or a sunrise yoga session.

Take things easy with our Room Service

Prefer to ease yourself into the morning after a busy day exploring? Why not have breakfast in bed or a relaxing brunch in your cabin? Morning, noon, and through the night, whenever you fancy a bite to eat in your cabin, you can use your on-board spending money to choose something from your room service menu.

Start the day with an invigorating spin class

10am – 12pm

Spoil yourself with a spa experience

How about unwinding with a massage in one of our tranquil treatment rooms or rejuvenating in a hydrotherapy pool? From thermal suites to private steam rooms and a range of spa facilities, with your on-board spending money, you can take restoration and relaxation to a whole new level.

Treat yourself to some retail therapy

In this world of online shopping, there’s still something special about wandering around a boutique and finding that item that catches your eye. Head to your ship’s on-board shops where you’ll find global brands like Cath Kidston, Joules, Ralph Lauren, Barbour and Tag Heuer - as well as exclusive offers and new launches.

Enjoy a dip in the Thermal Suite pool

12pm – 2pm

Browse our art gallery

Whether you’re an art aficionado or novice, you never know what you might discover at your ship’s Whitewall Gallery. You can also make the most of our private consultations with expert art consultants, VIP events and fascinating art seminars. Who knows, you might come home with the ultimate souvenir.

Book a shore experience for your next destination

We work with local experts to offer shore experiences, so you can get to the heart of each destination and find authentic experiences to try. From paddle-boarding in the Norwegian fjords, foodie adventures in the Med to getting under the skin of local Caribbean culture, with double on-board spending money you can make amazing things happen ashore.

Learn a new skill in an afternoon class

How about trying your hand at archery or picking up a new skill for life at one of our cookery or art classes? Perhaps you’ll make new friends as you learn some line-dancing moves or the cha-cha? We’ve a range of daily classes and workshops on board all of our ships, if you fancy exploring a new hobby or interest.

Learn about the artwork we showcase

2 pm – 4 pm

Catch a matinee blockbuster on the big screen

Whether you’re a fan of superhero movies, period dramas and any genre in between, there’s just something special about watching a film on the big screen. All of our on-board cinemas offer comfortable seating and a premium film-viewing experience. With screenings throughout the day on all of our ships, there’s always the chance to catch the latest blockbuster or family classic.

4 pm – 6 pm

Feel fantastic with a makeover

Fancy stepping out in style for your night of on-board entertainment? Whether you’re looking for a quick haircut or a completely new look, the beauty and hair technicians in our on-board salon are ready to make you feel gorgeous.

Say ‘cheers’ to the Ultimate drinks package

From intriguing cocktails to primo Costa coffees, there’s so much for you to enjoy with our Deluxe drinks package. Travelling with children? We know how thirsty they can get, which is why the Refresh package is included at no extra cost. So, raise a glass to the good times ahead.

Treat yourself in the salon

6 pm – 8 pm

Discover a whole world of fine dining

With a wide range of speciality restaurants on all our ships, you can try sumptuous dishes from our Food Heroes. Or why not make an occasion of it and dress up for dinner in a chic restaurant? With your double on-board spending money, you can take your tastebuds on the ultimate food journey.

Try your luck in the casino

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just fancy trying something different, our on-board casinos offer games for players of all abilities. From having a spin on the roulette wheel to taking part in an exciting Blackjack tournament and playing the slot machines, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere waiting for you in your ship’s casino. Who knows? That jackpot could be yours.

Enjoy a decadent meal in a speciality restaurant

8 pm – 10 pm

See a spectacular stage show

Take a seat in the Headliners Theatre and be transported to a world of incredible singing, flamboyant costumes and expertly choreographed dance routines. With our high production values, every day you can expect another sensational showstopper. And with multiple shows throughout your holiday, the stage is set for unforgettable evenings from our talented cast.

Take in a Headliners Theatre show

10 pm – Midnight

Lose yourself in live music

Be wowed by sensational singers or take in sunset views to the tunes of a jazz pianist. How about partying with our resident band PULSE as they perform all your favourite floor fillers? Whatever you’re in the mood for, our live musicians will keep the good times rolling throughout your holiday.

Into the early hours…

Want to keep the party going? From relaxing lounge bars to dancing the night away to live DJ sets, you’ll find a variety of ways to enjoy the early hours on board. And we have an incredible array of exciting drinks you can use your on-board spending money on, including craft beers, unique cocktail creations as well an extensive wine list.