P&O Cruises has reminded passengers to always carry their cruise card while onboard to avoid delays or complications. The card serves as the key to cabins, identification for boarding, and the payment method for all onboard purchases.
Cash-Free Environment
The cruise line operates a cash-free policy across its fleet. According to the P&O Cruises website, passengers do not need to bring cash. All spending is done via the cruise card, which is linked to an onboard account. Spending money is added upon embarkation, and additional purchases can be made with the balance settled at Reception before departure.
What the Cruise Card Can Be Used For
The cruise card can be used for a wide range of services and products, including drinks from bars and speciality restaurants, drinks packages, speciality dining, shore experiences, Wi-Fi packages, spa and salon treatments, items from shops, gifts like celebration packages, flowers, and cakes, art from The Art Gallery by Clarendon Fine Art, and laundry and dry cleaning.
Restrictions on Cruise Card Use
However, the card cannot be used for certain items. These include purchasing shore experiences, speciality dining, or spa treatments prior to embarkation via My P&O Cruises, visas that require payment, medical charges (including services, prescriptions, and supplies), cashback, full or partial payment against a future cruise or charter flight seat reservations and upgrades, ad hoc gratuities, shore experience cancellation charges, onboard gaming (including the casino), and charitable donations.
Settling the Bill
On the last day of the cruise, passengers receive their final bill in their mailbox outside their cabin. The balance is automatically taken from the payment card registered during check-in. The cruise line also notes that tipping is not required, as good service is included.
Fleet Information
P&O Cruises operates a fleet ranging from the largest ships, Arvia and Iona, which carry up to 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew, to the smallest, Aurora, which carries about 1,874 guests and 850 crew. The company sails to over 230 destinations and all transactions are conducted in Great British Pounds (GBP).
