3GoExplorings Advice for a Smooth Boarding from Southampton Onboard P&O.

Having cruised multiple times from Southampton, we now find the boarding process seamless from start to finish. However, for those new to cruising, it can at first seem a little daunting, so we thought we would offer our advice for those new to the process. 

1) P&O's online check-in opens 3 weeks prior to sailing, log into My P&O for access to your boarding time (you will require your unique booking reference number). You will be asked to virtually check in, this process asks you to go through emergency contacts, confirm insurance and passport details etc. Once confirmed, you will be able to download & print your boarding passes. 

2) Print the boarding passes before you go! It is mandatory to show your boarding passes at the cruise terminal as they are stamped for approval and checked multiple times prior to boarding the ship.

3) Luggage labels are provided at the time of P&Os online check-in, print these off and attach them to each bag. If you're staying the night before, we prefer to do these in the hotel to prevent them from becoming damaged in transit. Print off one or two extra luggage labels for just-in-case moments. If your luggage labels fall off, when you enter the terminal, staff are available who can provide replacement labels. 

4) Similar to an airport, you'll go through security, and you may find it easier to put all your jewellery into your hand luggage instead of wearing it as everything usually has to come off.

5) Do check on the Southampton Cruise Schedule to see if there is more than one cruise in or home football matches, this can make getting into Southampton very busy and can add at least an hour onto your journey during peak times.

6) When booking a cruise, you may be offered complimentary car parking included in the 'select' price. Make sure to book this as soon as possible after booking your cruise to avoid disappointment, available 72 hours after booking, the parking is known as Cruise & Passenger Services (CPS).

7) Prior to leaving your car check and then check again, especially for any documentation and medication.

8) It is mandatory to have travel insurance prior to boarding, staff working within the terminal may ask for confirmation of insurance, we've never been asked, so we would recommend screenshotting your policy on a phone or printing off your document for peace of mind. 

9) As an ostomy user, we prefer to take all medical equipment with us as hand luggage. This eliminates the worry and possibility of a bag going missing, usually, cabins are available to access from 2 pm onwards, so you won't have to carry your hand luggage for long. We would recommend this for all medical equipment for peace of mind if you can carry it yourself.

10) For Iona & Arvia, you'll be required to pre-book entertainment, this tends to be 15-14 days before your sailing date. Guest speakers do not have to be booked nor does entertainment within the clubhouse: bar & lounge. On the day of your cruise, booking for Olive Grove an Italian dining experience becomes available, if you get as close to the ship as possible, you can book this nonetheless if you're onboard. You will just be required to log into P&O's wifi using the last 6 digits on your boarding pass, access to P&O My Holiday App is free and used for all onboard bookings, account information, excursions and the daily Horizon magazine. Make sure you have your device on aeroplane mode for this to work, reception is more than happy to help.

11) Last and by no means least, the buffet is open when you board, that's our first point of call after the mandatory visit to our muster station.

Last but not least: enjoy your holiday!