If you’re setting sail with P&O Cruises from Southampton, knowing exactly what to expect during embarkation and disembarkation can make your holiday start and end smoothly.
We’ve sailed on P&O Cruises numerous times, so we’ve experienced various boarding processes at Southampton, from the traditional queue system to P&O’s recent changes that require strictly following allocated arrival times.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Peninsular Club member, this guide will help you avoid unnecessary stress and make embarkation and disembarkation as easy as possible.
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Before You Travel: Online Check-in Process
One of the best things you can do before embarkation day is to check in online at my.pocruises.com. This step saves time at the terminal and ensures a smoother boarding experience.
🔹 How & When to Check-In Online
• Opens: 21 days before departure
• Closes: 10pm (UK time) the night before sailing
• Where to Check-in: Visit my.pocruises.com
🔹 What You’ll Need for Online Check-in
✅ Passport details for each traveller
✅ Payment card details (for onboard purchases)
✅ Passport-style security photo for each passenger
✅ Travel insurance details (recommended)
🔹 What Happens After Check-in?
✔️ Download & print your boarding pass
✔️ Print luggage labels and attach them to your bags before arrival. We use these luggage tag holders.
✔️ Check your allocated embarkation time - stick to it to avoid delays!
📌 Top Tip: If you book with a travel agent, they can often help you with online check-in.
Arriving at Southampton: Step-by-Step Guide to Embarkation
🚗 Step 1: Getting to the Cruise Terminal
Southampton has several cruise terminals, but P&O Cruises mainly departs from Ocean Terminal.
Check your boarding pass to confirm your departure terminal.
Driving? Use port parking (pre-book at www.cruiseparking.co.uk).
Travelling by train? The closest station is Southampton Central, just a short taxi ride away.
📌 Top Tip: Luggage drop-off opens from 11am, even if your boarding time is later.
🎒 Step 2: Dropping Off Your Luggage
Once at the right terminal, you’ll see clearly marked luggage drop-off points, sorted by cabin location.
🚢 How It Works:
✅ Hand over your suitcases to the luggage porters
✅ Ensure your luggage labels are attached
✅ Your bags will be delivered to your cabin later
📌 Top Tip: Keep essentials like passports, medications, and chargers in your hand luggage.
⏳ Step 3: Waiting for Your Boarding Time
One of the biggest changes to embarkation is that P&O now enforces strict arrival times.
🚨 New Policy: If you arrive too early, you may be asked to wait outside in a designated area.
🔹 Who gets priority?
Caribbean, Baltic, and Ligurian Peninsular Club members
Suite guests
📌 Top Tip: If you arrive within an hour of your allocated time, you might be allowed inside.
🛂 Step 4: Check-in & Security
When your boarding time is called, head to the check-in desks where staff will:
✅ Scan your boarding pass & passport
✅ Check your photo matches the one uploaded online
✅ Stamp your boarding pass (confirming you’re cleared to board)
Then, proceed to security screening (similar to airport security). You may be grouped into specific seating areas before heading to security if the terminal is busy.
📌 Top Tip: If you’ve checked in online, this process is much quicker.
🚢 Step 5: Boarding the Ship
Once through security, you’ll take the gangway onto the ship, where staff will scan your boarding pass one final time.
🎉 Congratulations, you’re officially on holiday!
Disembarkation: What to Expect When Leaving the Ship
⏰ Step 1: Allocated Disembarkation Times
You’ll receive a colour-coded luggage tag and a disembarkation time (based on cabin location & loyalty tier).
On the final morning, wait in your designated lounge or cabin until your group is called.
📌 Top Tip: You can carry your own luggage off the ship if you want to disembark early.
🧳 Step 2: Luggage Collection
If you’ve left your luggage outside your cabin the night before, it will be ready for collection in the terminal. Luggage is normally organised by deck number with the corresponding colour on your luggage tag.
📌 Top Tip: Keep a small carry-on for overnight essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, and travel documents.
🚖 Step 3: Transport from the Terminal
🚗 Driving? Your car will be waiting in valet parking.
🚆 Train? Southampton Central is 10 mins away by taxi.
🚌 Coach Transfers? If pre-booked, your coach details will be in the terminal.
📌 Top Tip: Book your taxi in advance to avoid long waits.
FAQs About Embarking & Disembarking in Southampton
Can I arrive at the terminal early?
No - P&O strictly enforces allocated arrival times to reduce congestion.
Where do I drop off my luggage?
At the luggage drop-off points outside the terminal.
Can I wait inside the terminal if I’m early?
No - if you arrive too early, you may be asked to wait outside.
What happens if my flight or train is delayed?
If you’re delayed, contact P&O Cruises or your travel agent ASAP.
What’s the latest I can check in?
Online check-in closes at 10pm the night before sailing.
How do I get off the ship in Southampton?
Wait for your disembarkation group to be called, then exit via the gangway.
Can I carry my own luggage off the ship?
Yes! If you want to leave early, take your own bags instead of using luggage collection.
Final Thoughts: Our Best Advice for a Smooth Experience
🚢 Before You Travel:
✅ Check in online at my.pocruises.com
✅ Print boarding passes & luggage labels
✅ Stick to your allocated boarding time
🚢 On Embarkation Day:
✅ Arrive at the correct terminal
✅ Drop off your luggage early (from 11am)
✅ Be prepared to wait if you arrive early
🚢 On Disembarkation Day:
✅ Pack a carry-on for overnight essentials
✅ Wait for your allocated disembarkation time
✅ Arrange onward travel in advance
📌 Our Top Tip: Relax & be patient! Boarding a ship with thousands of people takes time, but once you’re onboard, your holiday truly begins! 🚢✨
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