Any illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs, and medical marijuana. While certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the US, THEY ARE not legal in all the ports we visit and therefore THESE ARE also considered prohibited items. All firearms including replicas, imitations and their components Air, BB or pellet pistols or rifles Any other projectile-weapon (e.g. paint ball guns) All ammunition All explosives, including imitation explosives and devices Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics (excluding those which are part of the vessel's lifesaving equipment and which have been properly manifested) Sharp pointed weapons including throwing stars Knives with a blade longer than 4 inches / 10.16 cm, any blade length that is prohibited by local laws/regulation and all concealed bladed weapons such as belt buckle knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives, credit card knives, etc. Open razors or scissors with a blade longer than 4 inches / 10.16 cm Skean Dhus or Kirpans Spears or spear guns Crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows Blunt weapons including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or nunchaku Items containing incapacitating substances (e.g. gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable) Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals unless carried in limited quantities and in accordance with company instructions (e.g. charcoal, petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners etc.) Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon Stun devices Handcuffs Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, flat irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating / hot plates, etc. Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones Self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, electric bicycles/scooters, or Segways (except those provided by the Company for shore excursions and for use onshore by passengers with a disability as a mobility device) Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders including dive tanks, propane tanks, helium-filled balloons, and aerosol cans Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) ham radios, communication scanners, wide-band receivers, satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers Inflatables – with the exception of children’s swimming aids Fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. The only exception to this is official P&O Cruises theme nights, where guests are invited to dress up in line with the theme. Any items or amounts of currency prohibited by customs regulations Balloons - As part of our Ocean's Alive programme and our continued commitment to do everything we can to help protect our environment and wild/marine life, we no longer use or allow balloons of any kind on board Carnival UK ships Alcohol – With the exception of 1 bottle of wine or champagne – Please see the alcohol policy for more information

Can I bring hair straighteners on board?

Yes, you can bring hair straighteners and other hair styling tools on board.

Safety and security

Let us guide you through the ins and outs of cruising safety and security for a worry-free and enjoyable cruise experience.

What am I not allowed to take on board?

The safety and security of our ships is paramount and, as such, you are prohibited from carrying certain items onto our vessels. Security screening of you and your baggage will be conducted each time you board the ship, and if you are found in possession of any of the items listed below, they may be permanently confiscated. This list is not exhaustive and any other items may be refused at the discretion of either the Port or Ship security staff.

Please note: For fly-cruise bookings, it's important to note that additional security regulations may apply at the departure airport. We kindly recommend consulting the relevant airport's security protocols to ensure a safe and seamless process.

Any illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs, and medical marijuana. While certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the US, THEY ARE not legal in all the ports we visit and therefore THESE ARE also considered prohibited items.
All firearms including replicas, imitations and their components
Air, BB or pellet pistols or rifles
Any other projectile-weapon (e.g. paint ball guns)
All ammunition
All explosives, including imitation explosives and devices
Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics (excluding those which are part of the vessel's lifesaving equipment and which have been properly manifested)
Sharp pointed weapons including throwing stars
Knives with a blade longer than 4 inches / 10.16 cm, any blade length that is prohibited by local laws/regulation and all concealed bladed weapons such as belt buckle knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives, credit card knives, etc.
Open razors or scissors with a blade longer than 4 inches / 10.16 cm
Skean Dhus or Kirpans
Spears or spear guns
Crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows
Blunt weapons including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or nunchaku
Items containing incapacitating substances (e.g. gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable)
Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals unless carried in limited quantities and in accordance with company instructions (e.g. charcoal, petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners etc.)
Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon
Stun devices
Handcuffs
Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, flat irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating / hot plates, etc.
Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones
Self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, electric bicycles/scooters, or Segways (except those provided by the Company for shore excursions and for use onshore by passengers with a disability as a mobility device)
Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders including dive tanks, propane tanks, helium-filled balloons, and aerosol cans
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) ham radios, communication scanners, wide-band receivers, satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers
Inflatables – with the exception of children’s swimming aids
Fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. The only exception to this is official P&O Cruises theme nights, where guests are invited to dress up in line with the theme.
Any items or amounts of currency prohibited by customs regulations
Balloons - As part of our Ocean's Alive programme and our continued commitment to do everything we can to help protect our environment and wild/marine life, we no longer use or allow balloons of any kind on board Carnival UK ships
Alcohol – With the exception of 1 bottle of wine or champagne – Please see the alcohol policy for more information

What happens if I take prohibited items to the port?

We kindly ask that you leave all prohibited items at home to ensure the safety of all our guests and staff on board.

If you bring a prohibited item with you, please know this will be confiscated at the port and we cannot guarantee the item will be returned to you. This also applies to cultural items such as Skean-Dhus and Kirpans, which are often important heirlooms.

Restrictions

Some items may be allowed on-board following certain restrictions:

Aerosols are prohibited with the exception of personal deodorant.
Lighter fluid/flammable liquids are prohibited with the exception of a small personal lighter (for smokers).
Most batteries are prohibited with the exception of small batteries, e.g. for personal cameras, or particular batteries for medical equipment. Please see here for additional information.
Electrical equipment with heating elements are not permitted with the exception of hair styling tools ie. straighteners.

Alcohol Policy

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. 

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.

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. 

If a bottle of wine/Champagne has been bought for a guest through P&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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

*prices subject to change

Port Security

Our security process in our ports is similar to what you'd expect to experience at an airport, with the exception of there being no restrictions on liquid allowances in your hand luggage.

We advise that you carry all medication and valuables in your hand luggage. And don't forget your passports and travel documents!

What am I not allowed in my Hand Luggage?

Mobility aids must be registered inside the terminal before being taken to the luggage drop off.
Suit carriers must be put with hold luggage.

On-board safety

Your on-board safety

Please keep in mind these safety measures while on board our ships.

Please pack suitable shoes for outside deck areas which may be wet and hot. Appropriate rubber-soled footwear should be worn while, using tender boats, and when exploring on shore.
Please be careful when moving around the cabin especially at night, as most cabins have raised bathroom and balcony thresholds. Further safety information can be found in your cabin literature.
Please check the water temperature before entering the bath or shower.

Be cautious when opening and closing all doors as the ship’s movement and wind force may affect them.

Supervision of children on board and in port

While we have a number of protocols in place for the safety of our younger guests, please note that all children on board P&O Cruises ships and during port calls remain under the full supervision and responsibility of their accompanying parent(s) or guardian(s).
This includes ensuring adherence to all safety regulations, remaining within designated areas, and participation in any age-appropriate programs with direct parental or guardian guidance.

Please note: If a child is in the children's club, the parent/guardian will be unable to disembark the ship at any port.

P&O Cruises is not responsible for the unsupervised actions of children.

We have the following guidelines for children and young people sharing cabins:

Guests under 18: Must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Guests aged 12 and under: Must share a cabin with a guest aged 18 or over.
Guests aged 13 and over: Must share a cabin with a guest aged 16 or over.
Children aged 12 and under: Cannot be left unattended in a cabin at any time and must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or over.

Disorderly behaviour

We ask that all our guests behave in an orderly manner while on board our ships.

Please note: P&O Cruises have the right to disembark a guest at any point during the cruise, should the guest be found displaying disorderly behaviours.

For more information, view our booking terms and conditions.

Staff safety

Our staff safety is just as important as our guests safety, therefore we do not tolerate verbal or physical abuse towards our staff.

Our staff are here to help you and to ensure you have a wonderful experience with us, so we ask that you are respectful towards all staff members.

Bodycams and CCTV

Please be aware that bodycams may be worn by staff/security and CCTV is operational on our ships and in embarkation/disembarkation ports.

For more information please read our Privacy Notice.

Booking requirements

By making a booking with P&O Cruises, guests confirm that all people named in a booking will adhere to the policies above and that all people named in a booking are not persons who:

(i) have any unspent conviction for antisocial behaviour, violence, abuse, public disorder, or criminal damage or any other form of antisocial behaviour;

(ii) have a conviction for a sexual offence that is subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; or

(iii) are subject to a Risk of Sexual Harm Order or Child Abduction Notice.

If any guest makes a booking for any person meeting the above criteria, P&O Cruises reserves the right to cancel the booking and, if applicable, require that the guest and all persons named in the booking disembark at the ship’s next port of call.

P&O Cruises will not be liable for any associated costs of accommodation or repatriation and all such cases will be treated as a cancellation attracting 100% cancellation charges in accordance with clause 38 of P&O Cruises Booking Conditions.

Information security

All guests are reminded that travel information is personal, and guests should always protect their personal information – including their booking number.

Whether booking a new cruise, making booking changes or simply asking questions, guests should only call P&O Cruises Customer Contact Centre on 0344 338 8003*, or your travel agent for any questions or booking changes.

For more details on how we store and use your personal information before, during and after your voyage, view our privacy policy.

Further information

For further information on security measures, please see our Security guide.

For further information on booking terms and conditions, click here.

For further information on our policies, please see our Code of Conduct.

FAQs

Whilst we are happy to welcome guests on board who require oxygen via concentrator, we are still unable to accept guests requiring oxygen via cylinder, bottle or tank onboard.

If a guest is going to be travelling with CPAP, BiPAP (or any other mechanical ventilatory support) and will be using this for a reason other than sleep apnoea, or planning to travel with peritoneal dialysis, they will require confirmation from our medical team (by emailing us) prior to embarkation.

Please fill out the 'On board Needs' questionnaire on My P&O Cruises once you've booked, and no later than 14 days before departure. We will need you to detail the particulars on the questionnaire.

All equipment will need to be carried on board as hand luggage and upon embarkation will be required to contact the Pursers Desk, so that an Electrical Officer can check the equipment is compatible with the ships electrical supply prior to sailing.

Personal Extension Leads are not permitted on board unless to be used with essential medical equipment (e.g. CPAP and nebuliser machines). These will be checked for electrical safety along with your piece of medical equipment prior to sailing.

Surge protected extension leads are not accepted in any circumstances as they interfere with the ship's electrical distribution.

Pacemakers

Pacemakers can be affected by the security scanners at ports and airports, but you would still be able to travel. You will not have to pass through the scanners but a member of staff will escort you through the security process.

Electrical Feeding Pumps

Electrical Feeding Pumps can be taken on board however, please ensure you bring sufficient quantities of any required medication/liquid feeds for the duration of your cruise. If you anticipate needing additional refrigerator storage whilst on board please email us detailing the number and sizes of boxes so alternative arrangements can be made.

Mechanical Ventilators

Please advise at time of booking that you will be bringing a CPAP/BiPAP/Nebuliser on board your cruise. Should you require the use of your CPAP/BiPAP/Nebuliser during your flight, please contact us on 0344 338 8003. (Travel Agents please call 0344 338 8656) no later than 14 days prior to departure. We recommend that CPAP/BiPAP/Nebulisers are carried in your hand luggage and not put in your holdall. Upon embarkation please notify reception so that an Electrical Officer can check your equipment is compatible with the ships electrical supply prior to sailing.

You should always travel with an extra battery and if you are dependent on your machine, you should travel with an additional or backup machine as we are not able to replace these units onboard. All guests taking electrical medical equipment on board will be required to take their own extension lead with them.

Please be advised that we are unable to provide distilled water onboard. We recommend guests discuss a suitable alternative with their treating team or the manufacturer of their device. Alternatively, guests are welcome to bring their own supplies of this with them.

Delivery of Liquid Feeds and Dialysis Fluid

Please arrange for the company supplying your feeds/fluids to email our Southampton Port Agency Southampton.Port.Agency@carnivalukgroup.com for assistance with delivery arrangements and to confirm the delivery address for all guests joining in Southampton.

If you are flying as part of your cruise please call our Customer Contact Centre on 0344 338 8003. We will confirm our airline guidelines and restriction for carriage of liquid feeds and dialysis fluid.

For all other embarkation ports please email us for Port Agent details. Failure to do so may result in your delivery being refused or delayed. Deliveries must be marked with your name, booking reference, cabin/stateroom number, ship name, cruise number and date of travel.

Suprapubic catheters/ catheters

The medical team on board will be able to assist should the guest require their urinary catheter to be changed during their cruise. We recommend that they bring all their own medical supplies with them and to advise that they will be charged for the services provided.

Unfortunately should the guest require a suprapubic catheter to be changed during their cruise this is not something that is routinely done on board as this is a specialist treatment, however the medical team will be able to assist in an emergency situation.

Electrical Medical Equipment and Electrical Supply

The electrical supply on board our ships differs from standard UK electric supply - standard electric supply in UK 50 Hz / 240 V.

It is important you contact the manufacturer/supplier to ensure that your equipment is safe to use at 60 Hz and to ensure that your 50 Hz machine will not be damaged or its performance affected.

We recognise that there may be particular favourites or special dietary requirements that you may need to enjoy a holiday.

While we do allow you to bring alcohol on board, this is subject to restrictions highlighted in our alcohol policy.

In limited circumstances we would allow you to bring food and beverages on board but please note the following:

Perishables are not permitted: although there are fridges in cabins these are not temperature monitored and we cannot guarantee that they will keep foods at the correct temperature for safety.

All items must be strictly for personal consumption, kept wrapped or sealed and not allowed to create any risk to health or likelihood of pest infestation in cabins or any other areas.

Personal items may not be cooked for you on board, stored in the main stores or in any food room refrigerator or freezer.

Each of our ships has a private medical centre run by doctors and nurses. Our medical facility has basic medication and equipment. While we can offer an immediate medical response, it’s important to understand that this is not the same as what would be available in a land-based facility and there is no access to surgical or complex intensive care facilities, advanced imaging or medical specialists.

Guests are not permitted to bring irons, kettles, or appliances with heating elements on board. You’ll find a kettle in your cabin and there’s a laundry room where you can use an iron. It’s fine to use your own hair dryer, straighteners and curling tongs.

Electrical chargers, adaptors, and e-cigarette charging devices must have the CE mark and should not be left unattended or plugged in overnight.

Extension leads are not permitted on board unless they’re for use with essential medical equipment (e.g., CPAP and nebuliser machines). These will be checked for electrical safety along with your medical equipment before you set sail.

Please note, surge protected extension leads are not accepted on board in any circumstances as they interfere with the ship's distribution of electricity.