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ensuring your time on board feels special

Alcohol policy

<h3>Alcohol policy</h3>
We believe that responsible drinking is a valued and enjoyable part of a cruise. However, we ask that our policy for the responsible consumption of alcohol is adhered to at all times. We reserve the right to deny access to the ship to anyone who appears to be heavily under the influence of alcohol. We may also confiscate alcohol in the terminal and at the gangway. &nbsp;
Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America ports) and older may bring up to one litre of wine or Champagne on board when they embark the ship for the first time only. Wine or Champagne over the one-litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20* per bottle, per occasion, which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account. Other alcohol types such as spirits are considered restricted items and guests are prohibited from bringing them on board when they first embark the ship.&nbsp;
Any alcoholic beverages purchased mid-cruise in ports of call cannot be consumed on board. Guests will need to declare and hand over any alcohol bought in port at the gangway. It will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise, at no charge. &nbsp;
If a bottle of wine/Champagne has been bought for a guest through P&amp;O Cruises gifts, guests will need to ensure they carry the gift card with them to avoid having the corkage charge applied to their on-board account. &nbsp;
On eligible cruises, guests are welcome to buy duty-free alcohol from the on-board shops to take home. It will be stored until the end of their cruise. &nbsp;
Should guests wish to enjoy a drink in their cabin, they will be able to refer to the Room Service menu, which has a selection of spirits and wines that can be purchased by the bottle. &nbsp;
The consumption and enjoyment of alcohol in a public area will always be subject to our responsible drinking policy. Bar staff may refuse service if a guest appears to be inebriated. Any offensive or unruly behaviour may result in individuals or the whole group being asked to leave the venue. Dangerous or violent behaviour is not acceptable and may result in individual guests or whole parties having their holiday terminated and having to make their way home at their own cost. Anyone under the age of 18 (or under 21 when in United States of America waters) will not be served alcoholic beverages on board and must not be in possession of alcohol. Please don’t be offended if we ask you to verify your age. &nbsp;
It is prohibited to attempt to purchase alcohol for those under 18 in the bars and shops on board, although 16 and 17-year-olds may be bought modest amounts of beer, cider or wine to drink with a meal in the restaurants when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.&nbsp;
*prices subject to change

OFFER ENDS 26 AUGUST 2025

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Large groups

<h3>Large groups</h3>
We understand that some guests are looking for a break that lets them mark a special occasion and whilst large groups are welcome, noise must be kept to a reasonable level in all venues and behaviour must not adversely affect other guests’ cruise experience. Inappropriate behaviour of any sort – including gestures, dress, stunts, practical jokes or language used – is not acceptable in the cruise terminal, during shore experiences or while on board the ship.
As previously mentioned, disrespectful or offensive behaviour may result in the termination of your holiday with any onward travel to be arranged at your own cost.

Dress code

<h3>Dress code</h3>
We have two dress codes in place to make your time on board that extra bit special. Here’s a useful guide so you know what to expect and you can dress for any and all occasions.
During the day:&nbsp;&nbsp;The dress code during the day is just your typical holiday wardrobe. Think t-shirts, shorts and sundresses (unless you’re heading to Northern Europe in winter!). Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception. It may be chilly on deck and breezy in the evening (even in the tropics), so be sure to pack light layers. We’d also recommend flat shoes for strolling the decks.
Evening dress codes:&nbsp;We have two dress codes that apply in the evenings: Evening Casual and Black Tie. Nights where the dress code is Evening Casual, you can bring out your best shirt, dress and smart, dark denim. For nights where the dress code is Black Tie, you can dress to impress with your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown, suit or smart jacket and tie.
There are some venues on each ship where dress codes don’t apply, so make sure to check your Horizon paper that’s delivered to your cabin each day to check where these are, as they vary ship by ship.&nbsp;

Guest safety and muster drills

<h3>Guest safety and muster drills</h3>
It is mandatory for all guests to attend the guest safety and muster drill before sailing on embarkation day. Guests will need to bring along their cruise card to the guest safety and muster drill as the card will be scanned to confirm attendance. Due to the critical importance of your own safety, drills must be attended in a timely manner. Due attention must be given throughout and the use of mobile phones and consumption of alcohol is not permitted during the guest safety and muster drill.

Our policies explained

<h3>Our policies explained</h3>
We have a few policies in place to ensure your time on board feels special. All guests are required to adhere to them and this will guarantee plain sailing, allowing you to simply get on with enjoying your holiday.
At all times while on board and during shore experiences, guests are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and with due regard to the health, safety and enjoyment of all other guests, crew and shore experience guides. Failure to comply with the code of conduct, disrespectful or offensive behaviour may result in individual guests or whole parties having their holiday terminated and having to make their way home at their own cost.

Any cancellations will be subject to P&amp;O Cruises standard booking conditions.&nbsp;

I no longer wish to travel due to this policy change. What are my options?

Alcohol types such as spirits are considered restricted items and guests are prohibited from bringing them on board when they first embark the ship.

What happens if I bring spirits with me?

Any alcoholic beverages purchased mid-cruise in ports of call cannot be consumed on board. Guests will need to declare and hand over any alcohol bought in port at the gangway. It will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise, at no charge.

What happens if I buy spirits on board?

Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America ports) and older may bring up to one litre of wine or Champagne on board when they embark the ship for the first time only. Wine or Champagne over the one-litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20* per bottle, per occasion, which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account.&nbsp;Other alcohol types such as spirits are considered restricted items and guests are prohibited from bringing them on board when they first embark the ship.
*prices subject to change

What is your new alcohol policy?

This will take effect on cruises departing from 7 May 2024.

When does this take effect from?

We've reviewed our alcohol policy and decided to align with the cruise industry to adhere to Health, Environmental, Safety and Security (HESS) guidelines around our responsibility to serve alcohol.

Why are you changing the alcohol policy?

Alcohol policy FAQs

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There are refreshments available at the Southampton cruise terminal and plenty of seating to make you comfortable.

Are there refreshments available at the Southampton cruise terminal?

Depending on which cruise you choose, you usually have at least one day at sea before you get to the first port. That means you have at least a full day at sea to get used to your ship and have as much fun as you can squeeze in.

How long does it take to get from Southampton to the first destination? 

Southampton welcomes more than four million visitors each year and is easily accessible from major UK cities by rail, road and air. It’s entirely up to you. You might prefer to drive and park at or near the cruise terminal. Parking at the terminal needs to be pre-booked. Alternatively, why not hop on a coach or train and let someone else do the driving while you relax. And if you live further away, you could always fly into Southampton airport and grab a taxi to the terminal.

What are the transfer options to get to Southampton docks?

There are no size limits for liquid toiletries on P&amp;O Cruises holidays from Southampton. This means you can bring all of your favourite full size toiletries. We allow guests to bring 1 litre of wine or champagne, per person, on board.

What is the liquid allowance on a P&O Cruises holiday departing from Southampton? 

Great news! You’ll be pleased to know that Arcadia, Arvia, Aurora, Britannia, Iona and Ventura sail from Southampton to wonderful destinations all over the world. So take your pick of our Southampton cruises and set sail.

Which ships sail from Southampton docks?

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