What is my embarkation time?
Your embarkation time is the time you should arrive at the Southampton cruise terminal to board the ship. Arriving at your allocated time helps the boarding process run smoothly, and ensures your holiday can get started as soon as possible.
Embarkation
Last updated 22/04/2026
How do I find my embarkation time?
You’ll find your embarkation time on My P&O Cruises, 21 days before boarding, and it will be written on your boarding pass. Please visit My P&O Cruises to print your boarding pass or contact your travel agent for assistance.
For our fly-cruise holidays, you won’t be given a boarding time. You’ll be able to board the ship as soon as your transfer coach arrives at the cruise terminal from the airport.
As part of our Peninsular Club benefits, Ligurian tier guests will be automatically allocated the earliest possible arrival time. Baltic and Caribbean tier guests will be allocated the next early arrival time. You will also get priority boarding if you’ve booked a Suite or Mini-Suite, have a wedding at sea booked on board, and are the bride and groom.
| If you are in a party travelling together, but have different arrival times, you can arrive together at the later arrival time assigned but not at the earlier time. |
What time does the ship leave?
P&O Cruises ships usually leave Southampton in the late afternoon, with embarkation starting from around midday. Check your embarkation time in advance, located on your boarding pass, so you can plan your journey.
What happens if I arrive late?
To ensure our embarkation process is as quick and seamless as possible, please adhere to the boarding time allocated to you. In the spirit of fairness, we will be giving priority to those who arrive at their allocated arrival time.
If you are delayed or arrive late, you may have to wait longer to board the ship. If you arrive too late, the ship will unfortunately be forced to leave without you.
If you’re travelling with a coach transfer, the operator will inform us of any delays.
Still need help?
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