Before you book, check out our top ten tips to help you get the most for your money.
Get in early
P&O Cruises are very popular and so for the best deal, we suggest booking as soon as the new schedules are released, which can be around two years ahead of departure. This may seem early, but prices will very likely be at their cheapest and you'll get the first pick of cabins (if you buy a Select package, see below). As boats fill up, P&O will rise the prices and getting one of the last cabins on a busy ship will be the priciest time to buy.
Find the best deal
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your P&O cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
Loyal customers
If you've sailed with P&O before, you'll be a member of the Peninsular Club. After 15 nights aboard any of their ships, you'll receive 10 points for each additional night and the more points, the higher your membership. Benefits can include (depending on your membership level) discounts on future bookings, priority boarding, priority booking and a number of treats waiting in your cabin.
Select or Saver?
There are two types of booking on a P&O ship - Select and Saver. The latter includes use of most of the facilities onboard and dining. With the Select package, you can also choose your exact cabin and dining times as well as gaining access to the shuttle buses in ports and a good booking exchange policy. Of course, the Select package is more expensive. We like the two clear options which gives cruisers choice. If you're going to make use of all the additional inclusions in the Select package, it works out as a good deal.
Cabin choice
P&O offer inside and ocean view cabins, as well as balcony rooms and suites. With the Saver package, you choose from the four options and P&O will allocate your room for you. With the Select package, you can choose your exact room. We suggest that if you do this, you study the deck plans closely to ensure you're not directly above or below public areas, which can be noisy late at night and early in the morning.
Push the boat out
If they're in budget, you won't be disappointed booking a suite aboard P&O. The top level come with sweeping staircases, whirlpool baths and gifts in the room. You will also receive priority booking, butler service and a pillow menu. If this is out of budget, a mini suite is another luxurious option. These come with a lounge area and a large bathroom and balcony. They also have some of the same added extras as the suites to make the holiday that extra bit special.
Get ahead
There are a number of experiences and packages you can book before you head on your P&O cruise. Doing this is advance will ensure you get to enjoy all aspects of cruise life before they book out and, you'll also spread the cost of your holiday. By going to the my.pocruises portal, you can book excursions, treatments and drinks packages.
Additional charges onboard
When choosing your cruise line, it's important to factor in the number of additional charges you will find once you're onboard the ship. Alongside the items mentioned above that can be pre-booked, onboard P&O you will also need to budget for WiFi, speciality dining, fitness classes and workshops.
Heading out
An adventurous way to save money is to head out on your own excursions. You will need to ensure you're back onboard with time to spare but it's a great way to explore at your own pace, following your own interests. The night before, P&O will leave a guide to the port in your room with highlights, a map and local essential knowledge, helping to make your trips a little less stressful.
Fancy a drink?
As with most cruise lines, buying a drinks package is a big expense on P&O and be aware that all adults in a cabin must buy the same drinks package. They offer a Classic or a Deluxe version, with the latter giving you the addition of the full range of cocktails and craft beers. They also offer cheaper non-alcoholic options. If you're planning on drinking four or more drinks per day, then the package is certainly worth budgeting for. If not, then stick to buying drinks at the bar.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your P&O cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
