To ensure 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 departures between 1 Nov 09 - 31 Dec 09 and 1 Nov 10 - 31 Dec 10, any passenger under the age of 21 years on the day they board the cruise, must travel in the same cabin as their parent or legal guardian.
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 or 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/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 if travelling with children.
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 or 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 or 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.