Recognising Your Crew 

  • Officers

    The Captain is in command of your ship and is your official host for the cruise. He is assisted by the ship's Officers and crew, who are organised into departments. You can recognise an Officer's department by the colour of epaulette worn on his or her shoulders.

  • Deck Department

    The Deck Department, headed by the Staff Captain, is responsible for all the duties performed by the officers manning the bridge. These seasoned professionals are distinguished by their black and gold epaulettes. Safety and security fall under the jurisdiction of the Deck Department, as does the maintenance of the ship's appearance. Members of the Deck Department paint the ship and keep the decks and swimming pools clean. In short, the Staff Captain and his crew are the people in charge of keeping your vessel shipshape.

  • Engine Department

    The Chief Technical Officer heads the Engine Department and is assisted by the Staff Engineer Officer and Staff Electro-Technical Officer. Departmental responsibilities include the ship's propulsion system, climate control and power generation. The Staff Electro-Technical Officer deals with electrical distribution and the ship's satellite and radio communications. Engineering Officers and Electro-Technical Officers wear a burgundy and gold epaulette.

  • Hotel Department

    Hotel CrewYou'll recognise members of the Hotel Department by the white and gold epaulettes on their uniforms. The Hotel Director is in charge, along with the Food & Beverage Director and Administration and Revenue Director. The Hotel Department handles all of the hotel responsibilities for the entire ship – from cabin, public room and dining room services to providing all food and supplies for passengers and crew. This department also includes a number of officers who don't wear an epaulette, such as the Maître d'hôtel, who maintains the excellent standards of service in all dining areas, and the Executive Chef, who supervises all cuisine creation on board.

  • Medical Department

    The medical staff, headed by the Senior Doctor, is on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week to provide medical care for passengers and crew. This team of highly qualified doctors and nurses may be identified by their red and gold epaulettes.

  • Entertainment Department

    Entertainment CrewThe Cruise Director reports to the Hotel Director and is also a senior officer on board the ship. The Cruise Director manages the entire Entertainment Department. Since the Cruise Director and cruise staff oversee so many different activities, from evening stage shows to leading daytime and evening activities, their uniforms change to fit the occasion. Entertainment staff members always have a gold name badge on their uniform so you can get to know them right away.

  •  

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

Daggerboard
A type of centerboard that is lifted vertically; often used in pairs.
Fender
An air or foam filled bumper used in boating to keep boats from banging into docks or each other.
Handy billy
A loose block and tackle with a hook or tail on each end, which can be used wherever it is needed. Usually made up of one single and one double block.
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.
Hoy
A particular kind of vessel.
Shallow, not deep.
Shoal
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 with selected credit cards (1.5% 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