We know that many of you will be wondering how Brexit outcomes will affect your European holiday plans. 

At present, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about the possibility of a no-deal scenario. To keep you up to date with ABTA’s latest advice and the latest government guidelines*, we’re here to answer your key questions.

Why is P&O Cruises a good holiday choice in these uncertain times?

With over 180 years of history and travel expertise, we’re well placed to respond to any changes. We’ve been working hard across the business to make sure everything is in place to manage any impact on your holiday plans.

Our deposit means you can secure your holiday at a great price. By booking ahead, you may avoid future currency fluctuations, particularly in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

You’ve further peace of mind knowing all your meals and entertainment on ship, as well as your flights and taxes, are included in one clear price. Plus, all our holidays offer the financial protection of ATOL and ABTA.

Will my passport be valid or will I need visas?

Because hundreds of our holidays depart from Southampton, heading off to Europe is stress-free and relaxing from the get-go.

Your passport must be less than ten years old and be valid with at least six months left until it expires, so be sure to check it well before your holiday.

For more details about renewing your passport:  www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew

What about going on shore?

You may need to show your passport (with at least six months left until it expires) to go ashore. As normal, payment for drinks, spa treats and shopping on board is in Sterling. Euros are only needed for local on-shore expenses. 

You can even see Europe without the need for Euros. For financial peace of mind, book any number of shore excursions in Sterling before you sail or when you’re on board. You’ll know exactly what you are paying in advance and avoid any currency fluctuations.

What about travel and health insurance?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which currently allows EU citizens access to state medical care in another EU country, does not cover the costs of repatriation and other expenses such as loss of luggage or travel delays.

Make sure you have adequate travel insurance, including medical cover. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, it’s possible the EHIC will no longer be valid. 

For more details on health and travel insurance: www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/travel-insurance

Will data roaming rules still apply in Europe?

Current rules, which keep the cost of calls, messages and internet usage the same in the EU as it is in the UK, will stay in place under an approved Brexit deal during the implementation period. 

Under a no-deal Brexit, the availability and pricing of mobile roaming in the EU would be a commercial question for mobile operators. As a result, surcharge-free mobile roaming in the EU may not continue to be standard across every mobile phone package from that point. Roaming may also be offered with different terms and conditions. This might affect the amount of calls that you can make, texts you can send and data you can consume, including applying limits that are less than the amount available in your bundle when you’re in the UK. Please check with your mobile phone provider before you travel.

For more details on mobile roaming: www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-roaming-if-theres-no-brexit-deal/mobile-roaming-if-theres-no-brexit-deal

Will fly-cruise flights be affected?

If a deal is agreed the UK will be in a transition period and flights should operate as normal until December 2020. When travellers are faced with avoidable cancellations or delays to their journey, they can get redress thanks to the EU’s passenger rights legislation.

Even in a no-deal scenario, the European Commission has said UK airlines should be able to fly between the UK and the EU under a reciprocal arrangement. 

For the latest government advice on flights and Brexit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/flights-to-and-from-the-uk-if-theres-no-brexit-deal/flights-to-and-from-the-uk-if-theres-no-brexit-deal

What if I want to hire a car?

At present, UK drivers don’t need an additional licence to drive in the EU. However, under a no-deal Brexit, it’s likely that UK travellers will need to apply for an international driving permit – and you could need different permits for different EU countries. These are available from the Post Office. If you wish to drive in Europe, you’ll need to have this in place before you travel in the event of a no-deal Brexit. 

For more information about driving licences under a no-deal Brexit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-in-the-eu-if-theres-no-brexit-deal/driving-in-the-eu-if-theres-no-brexit-deal

ABTA protection

P&O Cruises is a long-standing member of ABTA. They have reassured us that if you’ve booked to travel with a UK travel company, you will be protected under their policies and regulations.

For the latest ABTA guidance on Brexit: www.abta.com/industry-zone/policy-and-regulation/brexit-and-uk-travel-industry