Life on board

Crew cabins on P&O Cruises ships are comfortable, functional spaces designed for rest between shifts. Most cabins are shared with one other crew member, although some roles may have single‑occupancy cabins depending on rank and availability. Cabins are air‑conditioned and designed to maximise space at sea.

Yes. P&O Cruises crew cabins include wardrobe space, drawers and shelving for clothes and personal items. Storage is compact but practical, so bringing foldable organisers or packing efficiently can help you make the most of the space.

Crew cabins typically include a bed, storage, desk or shelving, lighting and en‑suite bathroom facilities. You should bring personal toiletries, casual clothes, any medications, personal electronics and small comfort items to make the space your own – you’ll receive a full packing list as part of your onboarding process.

Room allocations are managed by the ship’s management team. While specific roommate requests can’t always be guaranteed, P&O Cruises understands that sharing space is important for wellbeing. If there is a genuine issue, you can speak to your line manager or HR onboard to discuss options.

Crew are welcome to add small personal touches such as photos or personal items to make the cabin feel more like home, as long as safety rules are followed. Permanent changes or anything that could damage the cabin aren’t permitted.

Crew are responsible for keeping their own cabins clean and tidy. As part of life onboard a P&O Cruises ship, cabin inspections may take place to ensure safety and hygiene standards are maintained.

All meals are provided for free on board and served in the crew mess dining room. Meals are buffet‑style, giving you plenty of choice at every sitting. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and other dietary requirements are catered for wherever possible and if you have a medical or religious dietary need, this should be declared before joining. Free beverage stations are available across the ship, serving water, fruit juice and hot drinks throughout the day. There’s also a crew shop where you can buy sweet and savoury snacks and other everyday essentials.

With crew members from all over the world, menus regularly include international and national dishes. For many, it’s a taste of home. For others, it’s a chance to try food from different cultures – just one of the benefits of being part of a multi‑national cruise ship team.

Yes. In addition to main meals, snacks and light bites are often available in crew areas. All ships also have crew‑only shops where additional food items can be purchased.

Uniforms are provided but this does not include underwear, socks, hosiery or shoes. However, if you need to wear safety shoes for your role these will be provided.

Hosiery is available to buy on board but sizes and styles are very limited so bring these with you. For white uniforms, neutral coloured underwear is recommended.

Our ships visit warm and cold countries so pack for all weathers. Make sure you bring a warm coat as some destinations and sea days can be very cold.

Our ships visit warm and cold countries so pack for all weathers. Make sure you bring a warm coat as some destinations and sea days can be very cold.

There’s fitness facilities on board so pack exercise items.

There’s no need to bring towels, bedding or linen as we provide and launder these for you. For personal laundry, pack mesh laundry bags to keep items together in the machine, and detergent sheets (not pods or powder) for the first few weeks. Detergent is available to buy on board.

P&O Cruises provides crew laundry services or self‑service laundry facilities, depending on the ship and role. Uniform laundry is typically included, while personal laundry arrangements will be explained during onboarding.

We know that staying connected is an important part of everyday life. That’s why we work hard to make sure our crew internet service helps you keep in touch with family and friends back home while working on a cruise ship.

We heavily subsidise internet access for crew, giving all colleagues a free level of connectivity, with affordable options to upgrade if you need more data. Essential online services are easy to access, so you can stay informed, connected and supported wherever you’re sailing.

Crew can also order online shopping to be delivered directly to the ship, and send and receive mail from home, helping you manage day‑to‑day life while living and working on board.

Free WhatsApp text messaging is available for all crew.  P&O Cruises offers paid crew internet packages, allowing you to stay connected while at sea. Packages and pricing vary by ship and itinerary, and details are provided once you’re onboard. Internet speeds depend on satellite coverage and location.

Wi‑Fi access for crew is primarily available in designated crew common areas. Signal availability in cabins can vary depending on the ship and location, so common areas generally offer the most reliable connection.

P&O Cruises ships offer a range of crew facilities, which may include a crew gym, lounge, bar and outdoor relaxation areas. Facilities vary slightly by ship but are designed to support wellbeing and downtime.

All P&O Cruises ships have a fully equipped medical centre with qualified medical staff onboard, available 24/7. If you are prescribed medication by a doctor at home, this must be declared to your Seafarer’s Medical Fitness Examiner and the ship’s Medical Team on joining. You should bring enough medication with you to last your entire contract.

Ships are designed with stabilisers to reduce movement, but rough seas can still be felt. New crew often adjust quickly. Seasickness medication is available on board, and medical teams can offer advice and support.

Crew can usually buy basic toiletries and essentials on board from crew shops, but product supplies are limited on board so if you use specific toiletries or period products it’s recommended that you bring enough personal items to get started.

Yes. Life onboard P&O Cruises is social, with crew events, themed nights, sports activities and wellbeing sessions organised regularly. These help crew relax, meet new people and build friendships across departments.

For most roles crew members are not allowed to use guest facilities in their free time, however you can apply for ‘deck privileges’ which allow access to some guest areas. Some roles do come with additional perks that include using guest facilities during their free time.

Going ashore depends on work schedules, immigration regulations and operational needs. When duties allow, crew are encouraged to explore ports and enjoy destinations during their free time.

Alcohol is permitted for crew only when off duty and within company guidelines. There are strict limits to ensure safety and professionalism, and zero tolerance for being under the influence while working.

The currency used for on board crew purchases is British Pounds (GBP).

Before joining, you’ll receive detailed information about onboard accounts, how wages are paid and the payment methods available to crew. Most purchases are made through your crew account rather than cash.

While working on board a P&O Cruises ship you will be employed by either Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited (FMSB) or Fleet Maritime Service International Limited (FMSI), depending on your country of residence.

P&O Cruises crews are proudly multinational, creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive working environment. You’ll work with people from around the world, learn new cultures and build lifelong friendships.

There are no traditional ‘days off’ at sea, but crew receive regulated rest hours in line with maritime law. Time off is built into schedules through breaks, shorter shifts on some days and shore leave when operationally possible.

Shift patterns vary by role and department. P&O Cruises ensures that rest hours meet maritime safety regulations, but flexibility depends on operational demands, busy sea days and port schedules.