Health Basics While Travelling 

A couple embracing on deckWe want to make sure your cruise adventure is as healthy, safe and enjoyable as possible. We've thought of everything to make sure you and your loved ones are safe and secure from the moment you board your cruise ship, till the time you leave us. Take a few moments to browse these pages to prepare for the holiday experience of a lifetime.

If You Take Regular Medication

Ensure that you have sufficient supplies to last the length of your holiday. It is also wise to consider taking a couple of days' extra supply in case of unforeseen changes in your plans. Remember to always carry your medication in your hand luggage. If you have recently received treatment for any significant medical condition, it is suggested that you carry a recent report with any important information from your doctor.

Motion Sickness

If you are concerned, you should purchase medication before you leave home. It is best to take the tablets just before sailing to prevent illness. Seasickness medications are also available at a charge on board.

Be Safe in the Sun

Avoid excessive exposure to the sun between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Remember 'Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!' – Slip on a t-shirt, Slop on high factor sunscreen, Slap on a hat (wide-brimmed is best so that your ears are protected too), Wrap on sunglasses. Wear a t-shirt to protect yourself from the sun while swimming. Re-apply sunscreen frequently after swimming or exercise.

Drink in Moderation

When you are ashore, be aware of the alcohol content of local and imported drinks. You are much more likely to suffer a serious injury if you are under the influence of even small amounts of alcohol.

Be extremely careful if you drink Kava which is a popular herbal, medicinal and ceremonial drink in the South Pacific. In addition to enhancing the effects of alcohol, long-term use may cause liver damage.

Avoid Biting Insects

Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs and regularly apply an insect repellent that contains at least 20% DEET.

Wash Your Hands

To help prevent illness, wash hands often and thoroughly and always after going to the toilet, before handling food and eating.

Pregnancy

We are unable to take on board any passengers who will have entered their 24th week (or later) of pregnancy by the end of the cruise.

Cruise Personaliser

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Our free Cruise Personaliser lets you update your pre-cruise information and see a summary of your booking at a glance. 
personalise your cruise

Nautical Glossary

Abaft
Toward the stern, relative to some object ("abaft the fore hatch").
Beam ends
The sides of a ship. "On her beam ends" may mean the vessel is literally on her side and possibly about to capsize; more often, the phrase means the vessel is listing 45 degrees or more.
Fender
An air or foam filled bumper used in boating to keep boats from banging into docks or each other.
Hand bomber
A ship using coal-fired boilers shoveled in by hand.
Beating to windward
Making progress against the direction of the wind, by steering alternately close-hauled on the starboard and larboard tacks.
Dog-watch
The watches from four to six and six to eight in the evening.
Griping
The inclination of a ship to run to windward.
Gunnel
The large plank that runs along the upper part of a ship's side.
Water line
The line made by the water's edge when a ship has her full proportion of stores on board.
Fresh away
When your ship increases its velocity.

Need Help?

Find answers to all your questions.

What payment options do I have to pay for my cruise?
Accepted payment methods include; cash, cheque, direct bank deposit and selected credit cards (1% surcharge applies). More info here.
Once onboard, how do I pay for extra items?
Multiple ways of purchasing goods onboard are available to you - from Credit Cards to cash. More info here.
I have kids. What facilities do you have for children?
Qualified staff run a great choice of awesome activities for kids of all ages, giving you the option to spend the day child-free. Here's how it works.
What's actually included in the cruise price?
Accommodation, all main meals, entertainment and use of facilities such as swimming pools, gym, spas, table tennis, children's centres (excluding late night group child-minding) and library are all included in your cruise package.
What are the different types of cabins available? What's the difference between them?
Choose from outstanding balcony cabins with ocean views, great-value internal cabins, 4-berth options to share with family or friends or outside cabins with windows. Click here for more information.

For the answers to many other questions check out our Frequently Asked Questions

Internet Access

Passenger using a laptop
Internet access is available on all P&O Cruises ships in our on-board Internet Café.
Internet Access