Planning a cruise is exciting but the process can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to do before sailing day. One of the most important pre-boarding steps is online check-in. If you’re wondering “How do I do online check-in on P&O Cruises?”, you’re not alone. Thousands of travelers search this exact question before their cruise.
Online check-in is a digital process that allows you to submit your travel details before arriving at the cruise terminal. Instead of filling out paperwork at the port, you do most of it at home using a computer or smartphone.
When you complete online check-in, you:
Enter passport and personal details
Upload or confirm emergency contact information
Choose your arrival time at the terminal
Accept cruise health and safety declarations
Receive your boarding pass
This makes embarkation day faster and smoother.
Many passengers underestimate how important this step is. Online check-in helps you:
Instead of standing in long queues, your details are already in the system.
If something is missing (passport info, visa, or emergency contact), you can fix it days in advance.
Some arrival times are busier than others. Early check-in means more flexibility.
You can walk into the terminal with confidence knowing everything is done.
Online check-in usually opens:
14 to 21 days before departure
Closes around 2–3 days before sailing
P&O Cruises will send you an email notification saying your check-in is ready.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last day. Servers can be busy, and you may face login or upload issues.
Before logging in, keep these items ready:
Passport (valid for at least 6 months after cruise end)
Visa (if required for your destinations)
Booking reference number
Lead passenger’s name and date of birth
Emergency contact name and phone number
Home address and email
Travel insurance details (sometimes required)
Medical declarations (if applicable)
To register your onboard spending card
Having everything ready will make the process smooth and quick.
Let’s go through the full process step by step.
You can complete online check-in using:
A laptop or desktop browser
The P&O Cruises mobile app
Look for the option:“Manage My Booking” or “Online Check-In”
You’ll need:
Booking reference number
Last name of the lead passenger
Date of birth
Once logged in, you’ll see your cruise details.
Click on:“Start Check-In”
The system will guide you through several sections, including:
Passenger details
Travel documents
Health and safety forms
Arrival time selection
For each traveler, you must enter:
Full name (as per passport)
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport number and expiry date
Double-check spelling and numbers carefully. Even a small mistake can delay boarding.
You’ll be asked to provide:
Name of a person not traveling with you
Phone number and relationship
This is required for safety reasons.
You may need to:
Confirm you are fit to travel
Declare any medical conditions (if asked)
Accept cruise terms and conditions
Read these carefully and tick the required boxes.
This is one of the most important steps.
You will see available time slots such as:
10:00 – 10:30 AM
11:00 – 11:30 AM
12:00 – 12:30 PM
Choose a time that suits your travel plans.
Tip: Earlier slots mean less crowding and faster boarding.
You can link:
Debit card
Credit card
This will be used for:
Drinks
Shore excursions
Spa treatments
Shopping
You can also do this later on the ship if you prefer.
Before submitting:
Check all names
Check passport numbers
Check arrival time
Once satisfied, click Submit Check-In.
After successful check-in, you will receive:
A digital boarding pass
A confirmation email
You can:
Print it
Save it on your phone
Access it through the app
Always keep a copy handy on embarkation day.
Yes. The lead passenger can complete check-in for everyone in the booking.
Just make sure you have:
Passport details for each traveler
Emergency contact info
You’ll go through the same steps for each person.
Sometimes things go wrong. Here are common issues and solutions:
Solution:
Try another browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge)
Clear cache
Try later during off-peak hours
Solution:
Double-check booking reference
Ensure correct spelling of last name
Contact P&O customer support if needed
Solution:
Make sure the passport is valid
Enter details exactly as shown
Avoid spaces or extra characters
Solution:You can still check in at the terminal, but:
It takes longer
You may get a later boarding slot
Lines may be crowded
Online check-in is strongly recommended.
Even after online check-in, you must carry:
Passport
Printed or digital boarding pass
Visa (if required)
Travel insurance documents
Booking confirmation
Do not rely only on your phone battery—carry printed copies as backup.
Here are expert tips to make your process easy:
Do it as soon as it opens to get your preferred arrival time.
It’s easier to enter passport details on a larger screen.
Avoid switching between screens or searching for passport photos.
In case of no internet at the port.
Do not come too early or too late from your assigned time slot.
It is not strictly mandatory, but highly recommended. It saves time and avoids delays.
About 10–15 minutes if documents are ready.
Sometimes yes, depending on availability. Log back into “Manage My Booking.”
Yes, the lead passenger can check in for them.
Not required, but strongly advised as backup.
On the day of sailing:
Arrive at the terminal at your selected time
Show your passport and boarding pass
Pass through security screening
Get your cruise card
Board the ship and enjoy your holiday
Because you completed online check-in, this process will be much faster.
Doing online check-in on P&O Cruises is simple, quick, and extremely helpful. It turns what could be a stressful embarkation day into a smooth and relaxed experience.
To summarize:
Check in online 2–3 weeks before departure
Keep passport and booking details ready
Follow the step-by-step process
Download or print your boarding pass
Arrive at the terminal at your chosen time
With just 15 minutes of preparation at home, you can save hours at the port and begin your cruise journey with peace of mind.
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