Embarkation
As P&O cruises depart from many different ports all over the world, you should refer to the specific departure and arrival information you receive in your travel document package along with your cruise tickets. However, we do have the following tips and general information regarding embarking and disembarking our British superliners:
Arrival and Departure Information for Sydney
If you are embarking or disembarking Aurora, Oriana or Adonia in Sydney, you can confirm the arrival and departure times by calling P&O Cruises Australia on 13 24 69, 24 hours prior to the ship’s scheduled departure and arrival.
Visitors
We’re sure that you will appreciate that our security arrangements need to be very tight. This means that no visitors are allowed onboard. We regret that no exceptions to this rule can be considered whatever the circumstances.
Visitors may, however, wave you off from the quayside and there is often a vistors lounge or gallery so that friends and visitors can see you off in comfort and style.
Passengers Requiring Assistance
Limited help is available at Embarkation or Disembarkation for passengers who are confined to wheelchairs or who have restricted mobility. It is essential that you let us know at the time of booking if you are going to need assistance at these times. Please notify a member of staff on your arrival in the terminal. You may be asked to wait a short while before assisted boarding can take place.
If you are joining your cruise at an overseas port you should contact our local port agent no later than one day prior to sailing. The address of our local port agent will be on the itinerary letter in your embarkation pack.
Scanning & Security
Whenever you travel by sea you may have to undergo security checks before embarking the ship and whilst onboard. These requirements arise from the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990 and are designed to protect you, your fellow passengers, the ship’s crew and the ship itself.
At embarkation you will receive a card which permits you to enter the ship via our security system.
On each occasion you embark, your hand luggage will be subject to examination. This applies to all persons on the ship whether passengers or crew.
There are certain items which you cannot take on board ship unless you have authorisation from us (please see ’Prohibited Items’). These include: firearms (including replica firearms), knives or other weapons; explosives or fireworks; flammable materials; poisons; corrosives; and other dangerous materials. If you are in any doubt please ask us for advice before travelling.
Your awareness of security matters can contribute a great deal towards a sound security system. Please take care to always guard your luggage closely; YOU SHOULD NOT LEAVE IT UNATTENDED; and do not take luggage or packages on board ship for other people not travelling with you.
The security checks in force at ports, together with your own vigilance, should help to keep sea travel safe. Failure to observe the security requirements could endanger yourself and others. In certain cases you could be prevented from boarding; deliberate refusal to comply with the security requirements may also leave you open to prosecution.
Prohibited Items
The Merchant Shipping Act prohibits the carrying of certain items onboard ship. For reasons of security and passenger safety the following items of property will not be allowed onboard ship without authorisation from P&O Cruises:
- All firearms and ammunition, sporting weapons, replica firearms and explosives of any kind.
- Knives and all other sharp bladed weapons.
- Flammable substances (petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners, etc).
- Items containing incapacitating substances that could be used to maim or disable such as gas cylinders, unless they are part of a ladies hairdressing kit.
- Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
If you are thinking of taking plants, seeds, bulbs, cuttings, fruit, vegetables, flowers, etc please do ask us for details as there are many restrictions on the import and export of such items in many countries. We are sorry that there are no facilities onboard for carrying animals or birds. Lighter fuel and butane gas are not stocked by the shops onboard.
