To ensure there is suitable supervision, there needs to be at least one passenger 18 years or older in each cabin. However, to accommodate families cruising together, children may occupy a separate cabin to their parent/guardian, providing one child is aged 16 years or over. For cruises departing from an Australian port between between 1 Nov and 7 January, any passenger under 19 years of age on the day they board they cruise, must travel in the same cabin as a responsible adult 19 years or older. In addition from 8 January to 31 January there is a limit on the number of passengers under 19 years of age who can travel unaccompanied. Once the limit is reached, a responsible adult 19 years or over must travel in the same cabin. We can advise you at the time of booking whether the limit applies to your booking. The responsible adult is accountable for passengers under 19 years of age in their cabin for the duration of the cruise, and the 'Rights of the Captain' will be applied to anyone who displays disruptive behaviour.
We welcome children 12 months and over to cruise with us. We are unable to accommodate infants under 12 months due to limited neo-natal facilities onboard and at ports of call. In addition, children under three years must remain with their parent / legal guardian at all times.
Children with Special Needs
P&O Cruises welcomes all children and teens aged 3 years to 17 years to our fun programmes. We need to be advised at time of booking or at least 60 days prior to sailing if any children have medical and/or special needs, which we make every effort to accommodate. Please be advised that P&O Cruises youth staff do not offer individual one-on-one supervision. If your child requires one-on-one supervision, they will need to be accompanied by a parent / legal guardian at all times.
Children with Allergies
If your child suffers from life-threatening allergies, eg. to nuts, they are welcome in our Youth Centres. However, Youth Centre staff members are unable to take responsibility for administering the Epi-Pen or any other medication.
We will always advise you if food is to be served within the childcare area.
In the event of an emergency, staff will follow the standard on-board medical emergency protocol, which involves the qualified doctors and nurses on your ship.
Cruise Cards
As you embark, you'll receive a personalized Cruise Card. All minors are issued with a red Cruise Card and passengers over 18 receive a blue Cruise Card. This way our staff can always identify children aged under 18 years as minors.
It is the responsibility of parents/ legal guardians to monitor their child's expenditure during the cruise.
Restrictions to Gambling and Alcohol Cconsumption
In line with domestic Australian age limits, as well as P&O Cruises policy, the casino and cash prize bingo are strictly reserved for passengers 18 years and over. Additionally, only those passengers 18 years and over will be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. Government issued photo identification (Queensland Proof of Age cards will not be accepted) may be requested.
Please be aware that if an adult attempts to buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 18, both the adult and minor will be reported. A range of actions may be taken, including disembarking those involved.
For more information on travelling with children, we have a comprehensive family information booklet available. This pack will provide you with all the information you require for holidays with kids.
Upper Bunk Beds
The safety of your children is very important to us at P&O Cruises. In line with Australian Standards it is strongly recommended that children under the age of 9 years do not play or sleep on upper bunk beds.
Children under 13 years must be accompanied by a parent / legal guardian in the public lounges after 9.30pm. Be sure to check with the Youth Centres for special evening events designed for kids and teens. Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent / legal guardian in the entertainment lounges and restrictions may apply to access to pools, whirlpool spas, gym and Lotus Day Spa.
Children and Pool Activities
Pool activities are not included in our youth or teen programmes. Any child using the pools on board must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. For public safety reasons, children in nappies and children who are not toilet trained are not permitted in the public swimming pools and whirlpool spas on board.