Cashless Cruising with Your Cruise Card
P&O Cruises offers cashless cruising using a ship-issued cruise card, allowing you to sign for all your onboard purchases, which are charged to your onboard account.
Your cruise card also acts as your cabin key plus security pass to leave and re-board the ship at ports of call. Please note that the currency used on board is Australian dollars (AUD).
Methods of Payment
Credit Cards
Simply register your credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) when you check-in at the terminal. Debit cards may act as a credit card, whilst using the available funds in your bank account.
By electing to use your credit or debit card, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. This means there is no need to visit Reception to settle your account. An itemised statement will be delivered to your cabin on the morning of disembarkation.
P&O Cruises uses a 'pre-authorisation' system to charge credit and debit cards for onboard accounts. This system places a daily 'hold' on your credit or debit card, for the amount you have spent each day. This ensures people do not overspend their available credit or funds. At the end of the cruise, the total amount spent during the cruise is charged to the card, as one payment, and the daily holds are released. Please note, some banks hold pre-authorisation funds for up to 30 days. We strongly recommend you check your bank's authorisation process prior to embarkation.
Credit Card Service Fee
Please be advised that from August 2011 a 1.5% service fee applies to all on board credit card transactions (Visa, MasterCard and AMEX). The service fee does not apply to debit card transactions.
Cash and Traveller’s Cheques
If you choose to pay as you go by cash or traveller's cheques, a minimum deposit of AUD$300 per-person must be paid to the Purser's Desk when you board. You can top up your account with additional cash during the cruise*. ATMs are available onboard; fees may apply and access is subject to satellite signal availability.
*Parents/guardians can nominate an amount for children. Your account must remain in credit at all times..
Pre-paid VISA cards and Travelex VISA cash passports are not accepted onboard. Please also be aware there are no EFTPOS facilities available on P&O Cruises ships.
All onboard accounts must be settled before you leave the ship.
Tipping/Gratuities
During your cruise, many members of our onboard staff will provide you with exceptional service and tipping is the traditional way to thank them. Although tipping is not required, and at your discretion, our suggested daily tipping amount is AUD7.50 per passenger (aged 13 years and over) per day, which can be added to each adult passenger's (aged 13 years and over) on-board account. This allows for the collection of tips without the need for cash and helps to ensure all staff who have served you are rewarded. You can adjust the charge at any time during your cruise, or directly tip specific individuals. Staff at our Purser's desk will be delighted to assist you with any further enquiries.