Still your incredible P&O Cruises holiday; a few reassuring changes
We cannot wait to sail again and when the time is right, you can have the confidence to cruise, knowing we’ve been working hard to ensure every element of your holiday experience is covered. Our new protocols ensure you’ll still be able to enjoy the holiday you dreamed of, even though some aspects may initially feel a little different.
The changes are designed to protect the health of everyone on board as well as the destinations we visit, and we hope you’ll find these both comforting and easy to adjust to when we finally take to the sea again.
At this time, we have outlined the necessary measures for when we return to sailing in line with current guidance but as the world evolves, so may our policies and procedures. While it is too early to say how a vaccine may affect our protocols, we will continue to work with the highest levels of government and scientific advisors to continually review our health protocols. Rest assured we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure you still enjoy an incredible P&O Cruises holiday.
The changes are designed to protect the health of everyone on board as well as the destinations we visit, and we hope you’ll find these both comforting and easy to adjust to when we finally take to the sea again.
At this time, we have outlined the necessary measures for when we return to sailing in line with current guidance but as the world evolves, so may our policies and procedures. While it is too early to say how a vaccine may affect our protocols, we will continue to work with the highest levels of government and scientific advisors to continually review our health protocols. Rest assured we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure you still enjoy an incredible P&O Cruises holiday.
As of 17 December 2020 |
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Frequently asked questions
The framework of enhanced protocols outlined on our website has been supported by the UK Government; Department for Transport; Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association); EU Healthy Gateways and public health agencies. We will continue to work with the highest levels of government and scientific advisors to continually review our health protocols.
You must take out comprehensive holiday insurance when you sail with us. Whilst we hope you never have to claim, the policy will ensure you’re able to relax and enjoy your holiday knowing you’re protected should you need it.
P&O Cruises has partnered with Holiday Extras to offer appropriate, comprehensive travel insurance cover for our holidays.
For further details visit www.holidayextras.com/pocruises
It is understood that those with certain pre-existing medical conditions or of a certain age may experience more severe symptoms should they contract Covid-19 (coronavirus). We strongly recommend that you review the UK Government guidance prior to making travel arrangements; this can be found at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/whos-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/
Unfortunately we will be unable to accept guests who require supplementary oxygen, medical ventilatory support or Dialysis:
We are so sorry to have to make this change, but we need to follow new industry procedures for the protection of everyone on board. If you are unsure or have concerns, we’ve produced a medical advisory note for you to discuss with your GP.
Supplementary oxygen (including via oxygen concentrator) – To comply with health and safety regulations there is a limit on board for how much Oxygen we can store. Unfortunately as we will be increasing our own supply of Oxygen on board we will be unable to carry additional supplies for individual guests.
Mechanical ventilatory support (except for overnight CPAP for sleep apnoea, guests who only require overnight CPAP for sleep apnoea can travel) – The mechanical ventilators that we hold in the medical centres on board need to be retained for medical centre use, therefore we would not be able to support if the guests equipment fails.
Dialysis – This requirement presents a time critical need for treatment, if we are not able to access replacement dialysis equipment/fluids if needed this brings about a significant risk to the guest.
If you have any existing medical conditions, we advise you to discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
These protocols will be in place until government guidance changes and we will adapt and evolve accordingly. We'll keep this page up to date with the latest guidance.
If you do not pass the health screening at the terminal you will be denied boarding but we’re pleased to say you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to the value of the cruise and we will automatically refund any pre-cruise purchases made through My P&O Cruises. If you are part of a linked booking, your friends or family will also be able to opt for the FCC and refund for purchases made. If you booked your cruise as part of a wider holiday package please contact your travel provider for information relating to their policies in place should you be denied boarding.
In line with the approved health protocols all shore experiences will be on organised excursions only using vetted operators who will be subject to regular testing and ongoing guidance.
Our shore experience operators will be subject to new screening and guidance/ temperature checks/and or health screening may be carried out prior to boarding the ship after time on shore.
We are currently working on a new programme that will be available including options at a lower price and available to purchase via My P&O Cruises eight weeks prior to departure. The new programme and additional options will ensure that we have options available for all guests to travel ashore.
All guests will wear face-coverings in public areas of the ship when social distancing cannot be maintained and also on shore experiences where local rules to this effect are in place.
Your cancellation would be subject to the standard cancellation policy. Guests will still have a wonderful holiday with us next year, albeit with a few changes. These new measures, which may evolve as guidance changes, are designed specifically to protect the health and wellbeing of guests, crew and the communities we visit. Our flexible booking policy allows guests to transfer their holiday as many times as they like prior to the balance due date.
Our cruises are currently paused until early 2021. It is likely that the current guidance will evolve closer to the time of sailing and all guests with bookings will be advised of the latest advice and screening measures. This will also be available on the website and updated as necessary.
Our comprehensive new protocols are designed to protect the health and wellbeing of all our guests and crew. We have plans in place, tailored for each ship, to manage medical needs, including dedicated cabin capacity for isolation should this be required.
The protocols on board will be clearly set out, easy to follow and are for the protection of all guests and crew. Everyone on board will be required to adhere to the protocols, which cover several aspects including the wearing of face-coverings, testing and social distancing. Any guest failing to comply with these new procedures will be asked to disembark the ship, with the costs for their journey home at their own expense.