P&O Cruises says passengers who fail to check before boarding risk being recalled to the terminal and facing delays
P&O Cruises passengers risk being ‘recalled to the terminal’ and facing ‘delays’ if they overlook one crucial rule that requires just a simple check before stepping aboard. This summer, P&O Cruises is set to welcome tens of thousands of guests across its entire fleet.
The fleet comprises a mix of smaller, classic ships and modern vessels, with a combined capacity of more than 20,000 passengers at any one time. The cruise line operates at varying occupancy levels, though its largest ships frequently sail at or near full capacity throughout the peak summer holiday period.
With the busy travel season just weeks away, passengers are urged to familiarise themselves with all the relevant rules and regulations to guarantee a hassle-free boarding experience. One key rule that P&O Cruises passengers must adhere to relates to their luggage and making sure it won’t cause any complications at embarkation, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The P&O Cruises website sets out everything guests need to know, including the consequences of failing to comply with its important guidelines. The cruise line states: “Packing for your cruise can be stressful, especially when figuring out how much luggage you can bring. Knowing what to expect before you go is essential”.
All P&O Cruises ships operate a baggage allowance policy. It explains: “You can bring as many bags as you can comfortably fit into your cabin”. However, as a general rule, “each item of luggage should weigh no more than 23kg for safety and handling purposes.”
If your luggage tips the scales at more than 23kg, P&O Cruises warns passengers they risk delays and may be asked to ‘remove items’. “If an item exceeds 23kg at embarkation, you will be recalled to the terminal and asked to remove items or repack your bags. Your baggage may also be delayed at disembarkation if you exceed this limit”, the cruise line states.
Completing one straightforward task before boarding – weighing your luggage – can help ensure guests sidestep any hold-ups and remain within the permitted allowance. Handheld digital luggage scales are widely available from retailers, offering an affordable and compact solution to keeping you under the weight limit.
It is worth noting that certain passengers need to take additional precautions to ensure their baggage won’t cause complications when travelling by coach. P&O Cruises explains: “If you’re travelling to Southampton on a coach transfer with our chosen partners, Cruise Connect, there is a luggage restriction of two ‘medium’ cases per guest, each weighing no more than 23kg.”
P&O Cruises also advises: “To ensure our embarkation process is as quick and seamless as possible, we kindly ask that you adhere to the boarding time allocated to you. You’ll find this in My PandO Cruises 21 days before boarding, and it will be written on your boarding pass.”
Further guidance from the cruise operator to ensure boarding runs as smoothly as possible states: “PandO Cruises requires luggage labels to help with the embarkation process and ensure your bags can be identified and sent to the correct cabins. Printing your luggage labels in advance will make boarding the ship quicker and easier.”
Can I take on board hand luggage or a carry-on bag?
P&O Cruises says passengers can bring hand luggage (or a carry-on bag) on board. This is recommended for several reasons:
- When you board the ship, your suitcases may take a few hours to be delivered to your cabin.
- If you bring everything you need for your first day in a carry-on bag, you won’t have to wait to start enjoying the ship.
- In your hand luggage, pack essentials such as your passport, basic toiletries, sun cream, a change of clothing, and your swimming costume and flip-flops to use the pool facilities.
- When you’re off exploring ashore, your carry-on bag will be handy for your camera, a bottle of water, souvenirs, etc.
