What the fare covers, what it doesn't, and how this itinerary actually runs.
5 sea days
The pool loungers and the shaded spots go early on a sea day — by eight in the morning on a full ship, and this one carries 1,952 guests. Reserving one and leaving it is against the rules on most lines and crew do clear them, so send someone early rather than at ten.
This one earns the balcony
5 of 12 nights are at sea, so you will actually be in the cabin in daylight. Roughly $1,200 more per person here — the one upgrade worth arguing about on a sea-day-heavy sailing.
6 port days back to back
Early tenders and late returns, several days running, with no sea day to recover in. Pick the two ports you actually care about and let one of the others be a lie-in — the itinerary is not a checklist.
Day one and the last day are half-days
A 12-night cruise is really 11 full days. Boarding runs into the afternoon and you are off the ship early on the last morning.
Money on board · P&O Cruises
Already in the fare
Most meals in the main dining rooms and buffet restaurants are covered.Access to a variety of entertainment, including theatre shows, live music, and deck parties, is included.Use of the main pools, whirlpools, and gym facilities is part of the fare.Children's clubs and activities for various age groups are typically provided.Basic drinks like water, tea, coffee, and juice at breakfast are usually available without extra cost.Port taxes and fees are generally incorporated into the advertised cruise fare.
The drinks package
P&O's Ultimate Drinks Package typically costs around £40-55 per person, per day, including service charge. Confirm the current price when you book.
Break-even: This package usually pays for itself if you consume about 5-6 alcoholic drinks a day, such as a mix of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a few specialty coffees or soft drinks.
It suits those who enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and soft drinks throughout the day; light drinkers or those primarily choosing included drinks may find it less beneficial.
- Gratuities
- For most P&O Select Price and Early Saver bookings, daily gratuities for the crew are automatically included in your fare. If not included, they are typically a flat rate per person per day, around £7-8, and you can generally adjust this on board if you wish.
- Wifi
- P&O offers various Wi-Fi packages; the cheapest tier usually supports messaging apps and light browsing, but will not reliably handle video streaming or large downloads.
Costs that surprise people
- ◆Speciality Dining. Restaurants beyond the main dining rooms and buffet usually incur a per-person cover charge or à la carte pricing.
- ◆Shore Excursions. Organised tours and activities booked through the cruise line at ports of call are an additional cost.
- ◆Spa and Thermal Suite Access. Treatments in the spa and access to the thermal suite, including saunas and steam rooms, are typically charged separately.
- ◆Laundry Services. While self-service laundrettes are often available, professional laundry and dry-cleaning services come with a fee.
- ◆Certain Non-Alcoholic Drinks. Freshly squeezed juices, premium bottled water, and some specialty coffees and teas are not usually included in the base fare.
- ◆Onboard Shopping and Casino. Any purchases from retail shops, art auctions, or time spent in the casino or arcade will be added to your onboard account.
Ways to spend less
- ◆Book Drinks Packages Pre-Cruise. Drinks packages are often offered at a slightly lower price when purchased online before sailing compared to buying them on board.
- ◆Choose Included Dining. Stick to the main dining rooms, buffet, and any included casual eateries to avoid speciality dining surcharges.
AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.
