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.
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.