Does P&O Cruises Provide Phone Service Onboard?

Staying connected while cruising is one of the most common concerns for modern travelers. Whether you want to check in with family, handle work matters, or simply post your vacation photos in real time, communication plays a vital role in today’s travel experience.

If you’re sailing with P&O Cruises, you might be wondering:Does P&O Cruises provide phone service onboard?The short answer is yes, but it works very differently from land-based mobile service and can be significantly more expensive if you’re not prepared.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore how phone service works on P&O Cruises ships, what options are available, how much it costs, and smart alternatives to stay connected without running up a massive bill. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to plan your onboard communication wisely.

Understanding Phone Service at Sea

Cruise ships operate in international waters and move between countries. Because of this, they cannot rely on normal land-based mobile networks for most of the journey. Instead, cruise lines partner with maritime telecom providers to offer connectivity through satellite systems and onboard mobile networks.

On P&O Cruises ships, phone service typically comes in three main forms:

1. Onboard ship phones (cabin and public phones)

2. Mobile phone service via maritime networks

3. Internet-based calling (Wi-Fi calling and apps)

Each of these options has its own advantages, limitations, and costs.

1. Onboard Ship Phones (Cabin & Internal Calling)

Every P&O Cruises cabin is equipped with a telephone. These phones are mainly designed for:

• Calling other cabins

• Contacting guest services

• Making ship-to-shore calls (international calls)

Internal Calls

Calling another cabin or ship department is usually free. This is very useful if:

• Family members are staying in different cabins

• You need to reach reception, medical services, or room service

• You want to coordinate meetups onboard

External Calls (Ship-to-Shore)

You can also use your cabin phone to call landlines or mobile numbers back home. However, these calls are charged at premium satellite rates, which are much higher than normal international calling fees.

Typical costs can range from:

• £5 to £8 per minute (or more depending on destination)

These charges are added directly to your onboard account and settled at the end of your cruise.

Best use: Emergency calls or very short essential conversations.

2. Using Your Mobile Phone on P&O Cruises Ships

Yes, your personal mobile phone can work onboard P&O Cruises ships — but with an important catch.

When the ship is at sea, your phone does not connect to your usual mobile provider (like Vodafone, Airtel, or AT&T). Instead, it connects to a maritime mobile network provided by satellite companies such as:

• Cellular at Sea

• Maritime Telecom providers

This appears on your phone as a roaming network.

How It Works

• Your phone automatically switches to the ship’s network

• Calls, SMS, and data are billed as international roaming

• Charges are set by your mobile provider in partnership with the cruise network

Typical Costs

These rates can be shockingly high if you’re not careful:

• Outgoing calls: £3–£6 per minute

• Incoming calls: £2–£4 per minute

• SMS: £0.50–£1 per message

• Mobile data: Extremely expensive (often £5–£10 per MB)

Even checking emails or opening social media apps can result in high charges due to background data usage.

Important Tip

Most cruise travelers turn on Airplane Mode as soon as they board and rely on Wi-Fi instead. This prevents accidental roaming charges.

3. Wi-Fi Calling and Internet-Based Phone Service

P&O Cruises provides onboard internet packages using satellite connectivity. With Wi-Fi access, you can use:

• WhatsApp calling

• FaceTime Audio/Video

• Zoom or Skype

• Email and messaging apps

This is usually the most cost-effective way to stay in touch.

Wi-Fi Packages on P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises offers different tiers of internet plans, such as:

• Social packages (for messaging apps)

• Browse packages (for web and email)

• Stream packages (for video calls and streaming)

Prices vary by ship and cruise duration but usually range from:

• £10–£25 per day

• Or discounted weekly packages

Once connected to Wi-Fi, calls made through apps do not incur per-minute phone charges (just the cost of the Wi-Fi plan).

Coverage While in Port vs. At Sea

While at Sea

• Only maritime networks and satellite systems work

• High roaming charges apply

• Wi-Fi is the safest option

While in Port

When the ship docks at a port:

• Your phone can connect to local land-based mobile networks

• Normal international roaming rates apply (depending on your SIM plan)

• You can use local SIM cards or international roaming plans

Many travelers wait until they are ashore to make regular calls or use mobile data.

Emergency Communication Onboard

P&O Cruises ensures that passengers can always contact:

• Medical services

• Guest services

• Emergency response teams

Cabin phones and public phones are always operational for ship-related needs. In case of serious emergencies, the ship can facilitate external communication with authorities or family members.

Costs: What You Should Expect

Here is a simple comparison of phone service options on P&O Cruises:

MethodCost LevelBest For

Cabin phone to shoreVery highEmergencies only

Mobile roaming at seaVery highAvoid if possible

Wi-Fi calling appsModerateRegular communication

Calling from portNormal roamingLonger calls

Without planning, passengers have reported bills running into hundreds of pounds just from a few calls and data usage at sea.

Tips to Save Money on Phone Service

1. Turn on Airplane Mode immediately after boardingPrevents automatic roaming charges.

2. Buy a Wi-Fi package instead of using mobile dataMuch cheaper for messaging and calls.

3. Use messaging apps instead of traditional callsWhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, and Skype are ideal.

4. Make longer calls while in portUse local networks or café Wi-Fi.

5. Inform family before departureLet them know the best times and ways to contact you.

6. Disable background app updatesStops hidden data usage.

Who Really Needs Onboard Phone Service?

Onboard phone service is still valuable for:

• Business travelers needing urgent contact

• Elderly passengers who don’t use smartphones

• Emergency situations

• Ship coordination (calling other cabins or guest services)

For most leisure travelers, internet-based communication is more practical and affordable.

Is Phone Service Reliable on P&O Cruises?

Reliability depends on:

• Weather conditions

• Ship location

• Satellite signal strength

• Number of users onboard

Voice calls via ship phones are generally stable, but mobile roaming and Wi-Fi calls may occasionally drop or lag, especially in remote ocean areas.

Privacy and Security

Phone calls from cabin phones and Wi-Fi-based calls are routed through satellite networks. While cruise lines maintain security protocols, it’s best to avoid sharing sensitive banking or personal information during calls on public networks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I receive calls on my mobile phone while on a P&O cruise?

Yes, but incoming calls are charged at roaming rates, which can be expensive.

2. Are WhatsApp calls allowed on P&O Cruises Wi-Fi?

Yes, if you have an appropriate internet package that supports voice and video services.

3. Do P&O Cruises ships have public payphones?

Most ships rely on cabin phones and personal devices rather than traditional payphones.

4. Can I buy a SIM card onboard?

Generally no. It’s better to buy an international SIM or eSIM before your trip.

5. Is there free phone service onboard?

Internal calls within the ship are free. External calls are chargeable.

Advantages of P&O Cruises Phone Service

• Always available for emergencies

• Simple to use (cabin phones)

• No need for extra equipment

• Works even in the middle of the ocean

Disadvantages

• Very expensive for regular calls

• Mobile roaming charges can be shocking

• Wi-Fi quality varies by location

• Not suitable for heavy data users without a plan

Final Verdict: Does P&O Cruises Provide Phone Service Onboard?

Yes, P&O Cruises does provide phone service onboard, but it comes at a premium cost. You can make calls using cabin phones or your personal mobile phone via maritime roaming networks. However, these options are expensive and best reserved for emergencies or very short conversations.

For most travelers, the smartest solution is to:

• Keep your phone on airplane mode

• Purchase a Wi-Fi package

• Use internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype

• Make longer calls when the ship is in port

With the right planning, you can stay connected throughout your cruise without turning your dream vacation into a costly surprise bill.

Conclusion

Cruising is meant to be a time to relax, explore, and disconnect from daily stress — but complete disconnection is not always practical. P&O Cruises offers multiple ways to stay in touch with the outside world, from cabin phones to mobile roaming and Wi-Fi calling. Understanding how these systems work and what they cost allows you to make informed choices and enjoy your journey without worry.