What is involved in the check-in and embarkation process?

First things first, your check-in time! We have staggered check-in times in place to control the number of people in the terminal, helping everyone to get onboard faster. You should only arrive at the cruise terminal at your pre-selected check-in time, as displayed on your eTicket or digital boarding pass. Don’t worry if your friends have a different check-in time; you’ll see them onboard soon. We recommend pre-arranging a meeting location for once you get onboard, such as at one of our many bars or lounges.

When you arrive at the terminal, you’ll be directed to drop off your luggage. Make sure you have luggage tags on your bags with your name, room number and a contact number clearly filled out. After this, you will need to show your eTicket (printed version or saved to your device) or digital boarding pass in the P&O Cruises app to enter the cruise terminal.

Inside the terminal you will be directed to cruise check-in based on the status displayed on your eTicket. At check-in you will undergo a quick health screening, which includes confirming the answers to the Health Declaration. You may also be asked to present proof of your COVID-19 test result.

You will need to show our friendly check-in staff proof of your vaccination status, declare that you have had a negative COVID-19 test result, and verbally complete the pre-cruise health declaration, if you have not already completed it in Cruise Control.

At the check-in counter we’ll also check your passport or government issued ID for domestic cruises, and make sure you’ve completed all of the online check-in components, including your cruise photo, emergency contact details and registering a payment method for your onboard account.

The last step is the security screening process, just like you would experience at an airport. Now it’s time to board the ship and get ready for Sailaway!