Paying for Things on Board 

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 on-board purchases, which are charged to your on-board account.

Your cruise card also acts as your 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. You will receive your cruise card, which you can use to purchase drinks, duty-free items and any other on-board goods or services, on board. Please sign the back of your card straight away.

By electing to use your credit card, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. This means there is no need to visit the Purser's Desk 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 cards for on-board accounts. This system places a daily 'hold' on your credit card, for the amount you have spent each day. This ensures people do not overspend their available credit. At the end of the cruise, the total amount spent during the cruise is charged to the credit card, as one payment, and the daily holds are released.

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 on Pacific Sun, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Dawn; fees may apply.

Debit Cards

Pre-paid VISA cards and Travelex VISA cash passports are not accepted on board. Please also be aware there are no EFTPOS facilities available on P&O Cruises ships.

All on-board accounts must be settled before you leave the ship.

Tipping/Gratuities

During your cruise, many members of our on-board staff will provide you with exceptional service and tipping is the traditional way to thank them. Although tipping is voluntary, and at your discretion, our suggested daily tipping amount is AUD7.50 per passenger (aged 13 years and over) per day.

For your convenience, P&O Cruises has introduced a tipping method that makes it easier to reward staff. The suggested amount is added to each adult passenger's (aged 13 years and over) on-board account daily. 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 standard daily 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.

Cruise Personaliser

Crewmember tugging hat
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

Above board
On or above the deck, in plain view, not hiding anything.
Abaft
Toward the stern, relative to some object ("abaft the fore hatch").
Abeam
On the beam, a relative bearing at right angles to the centerline of the ship's keel.
Starboard
The right hand side of the ship when looking forward
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.
Lee-side
The half of a ship, lengthwise, which lies between a line drawn through the middle of her length and the side, which is farthest from the point of wind.
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