What to pack for a cruise holiday with P&O Cruises

Cruising is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to travel in my humble opinion. You unpack once and let the world come to you! But knowing exactly what to pack for your P&O cruise can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time onboard.

From smart evening wear to poolside and sea-day essentials, here’s your complete guide to packing for your next cruise—plus what not to bring onboard.

A note on luggage allowances

If you're sailing from Southampton you are not limited by a luggage allowance, however each case should not be over 23 KG for health and safety of the crew handling your luggage.

If you're on a fly-cruise, you will be limited by the airlines luggage allowance. Usually you will be limited to 1 piece of hand luggage (weight and size varies) and 1 checked-in bag per person with an individual limit of between 20-23 KG but you should check for your specific cruise by logging into your P&O cruises booking.

Clothing

Daywear

During the day, your cruise is all about comfort and versatility. What daywear you need to pack will also depend on your itinerary and the anticipated weather!

A week or so before your sailing, check the weather forecasts so you know roughly what to expect, espeially if you've never visited that part of the world before.

Things I recommend packing for daywear for your P&O Cruise in warmer climates include:

• Light tops and t-shirts

• Shorts or skirts

• Maxi or Midi dresses

• Underwear & socks

• Swimwear (bring at least two)

• Beach cover-up or sarong

• Flip-flops or sandals to wear by the pool, hot tub or in the spa

• Hat and sunglasses

• Lightweight jumper or cardigan (for breezy sea days)

• Gym clothes (if you plan on working out on holiday)

• Trainers or plimsols

For colder or wetter climates like the Norwegian Fjords I recommend packing:

• Long trousers (Cargo/utility trousers, Jogging bottoms, Leggings, wet weather over trousers are also a option)

• A waterproof coat or rainjacket

• A fleece or a jumper for layering

• Walking socks

• Walking shoes or boots (if you plan to hike)

• Trainers

• Warm/waterproof hat

Eveningwear

P&O cruises include “Evening Casual” and “Black Tie” nights, so you’ll need a few smarter options:

• Smart casual outfits (e.g., nice trousers, blouses, collared shirts)

• Formalwear for Celebration Night(s) (cocktail dresses, long dresses, or suits/tuxedos)

• Dress shoes or heels

• Clutch or smart handbag

In my experience of Celebration Nights onboard P&O cruises a lot of people do choose to get dressed up in all their finery, and why not! My dad wasn't initially all that keen, but on the night he commented on how nice it was to see everyone making an effort.

That being said, you don't have to go all out with a cocktail dress or a tux. A nice dress with smarter shoes, or a pair of smart chinos with a shirt and jacket will work. Some dining locations do expect smarter attire on Celebration Night, so if dressing up is not your thing then you can stay comfy and casual and just head to the buffet where there is still a casual dress code.

Tip: Check your itinerary for the number of formal nights on your cruise. You can find this information once you have logged in to your account to manage your booking.

Toiletries and Personal Care

P&O Cruises provide basic toiletries in your cabin (shampoo, conditioner, body wash and handsoap), but bringing your own can make sure you have exactly what you like and need. Don't forget to pack:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Shampoo & conditioner (travel-size or refillable bottles)

• Razor

• Deodorant

• Makeup & makeup remover

• SPF (reef-safe is a plus if you're going to be on a shore experience that involves sea swimming!)

• Aftersun lotion

• Motion sickness remedies (wristbands, tablets, ginger chews)

• Small first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)

• Prescription Medications

• Sanitary care products

On each P&O ship there is usually a small shop onboard where you can buy the essentials but they can be more expensive. You can also buy certain things in port, but again these can be more expensive that at home.

Documents & Essentials

Hopefully this goes without saying but keep all your important items close and in your hand luggage:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months, check the requirements for your cruise itinerary)

• Cruise boarding pass (printed or on your phone)

• Travel insurance documents

• Vaccination certificate(s) (if required)

• Credit/debit cards & some local currency (if visiting multiple ports)

• Driving licence (for car hire in port)

Tech & Entertainment

There is always plenty to do on a cruise ship but I love to bring some of my own entertainment for sea days, or chilled time in the cabin, or at one of the onboard bars and coffee shops:

• Phone & charger

• Headphones or earbuds

• Travel adapter (UK plugs are used onboard P&O ships)

• Power bank (and cables for charging and using)

• Kindle/E-reader or book

• Camera or GoPro and any memory cards or cables

• Waterproof phone pouch (great for beach days, by the pool or excursions)

• Pack of cards or portable travel games (Often there are some games to use in the onboard Library)

Optional Accessories & Extras

These are very much optional, but some of these are 'must pack' items for me personally!

• Laundry bag

• Magnetic hooks (cruise cabin walls are metal—great for hanging bags or hats!)

• Foldable tote bag (for beach or pool days)

• Rucksack for excursions or days out exploring

• Reausable sandwich/ziploc bags (handy for wet clothes or snacks)

• Snorkel & mask (if you want your own for excursions)

• Lanyard for your cruise card

• Reusable water bottle and coffee cup (there is no single use plastic on board and no takeaway cups)

• Silicone straws (paper straws get so mushy)

• Picnic cutlery (I like to have some cutlery if I want to take any snacks back to the cabin, or eat on the go when exploring)

• Travel size pack of wet wipes

What Not to Pack

P&O Cruises has a few restricted items you definitely don’t want in your suitcase:

• Irons or steamers (fire hazard)

• Extension leads with surge protectors

• Kettles or coffee makers

• Candles or incense

• Drones (unless permitted in specific ports)

• Weapons, including sharp scissors or knives

• Alcohol (P&O Cruises has a generous policy, but only 1 bottle of wine or champagne per adult at embarkation)

Always check the latest P&O cruises policy before you sail!

Bonus Tip - Embarkation Day Hand Luggage

Before you check in and board you'll drop your luggage off at a designated point at the cruise ternimal, just like you do at an airport. You won't see your luggage again until later on when its brought to your cabin. I make sure to pack anything I might need or want for the afternoon in my hand luggage.

If you want to make use of the pools or hot tubs on deck I highly recommend packing your swimming gear in a carrier bag in your hand luggage so you can change in a bathroom and make the most of pool time!

Free Download: P&O Cruise Packing Checklist

To make your prep even easier, I’ve created a printable cruise packing checklist you can download and tick off as you pack. It includes everything mentioned above, split by category so you don’t forget anything.

Download Your P&O Cruise Packing Checklist (PDF)

Packing smart can make your P&O cruise even more enjoyable, Have any packing hacks of your own or want help deciding what to take? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!