What to Do 1 Week Before Your P&O Cruise
- George and Dan
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
You’ve made it – just 1 week to go until you’re boarding your P&O Cruise and heading off on your holiday! 🚢
If you’re wondering what to do 1 week before your P&O Cruise, this is the time to tie up those last bits and make sure you’re ready to step onboard without any stress. From final packing to travel day prep, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s your one-week-out checklist for a smooth and exciting start to your cruise.
🧳 1. Start Packing (Properly)
Now’s the time to start actually filling those suitcases. Here’s a quick packing checklist to help you get organised:
Cruise clothes (casual, smart, and themed nights)
Swimwear and cover-ups
Shoes for walking, formal nights, and pool days
Travel documents (boarding pass, luggage labels, passport)
Plug adapters and charging cables
Medicines, plasters, and seasickness remedies
Toiletries and cosmetics
Reusable water bottle, day bag, and suncream
👉 Need help? Download our free Cruise Packing List and tick things off as you go!
Don’t forget a small carry-on bag for embarkation day with essentials like meds, documents, swimwear, sunglasses, and your phone.
📄 2. Double-Check Your Travel Docs
Let’s make sure everything is printed or saved to your phone:
✅ Boarding pass
✅ Luggage labels
✅ Valid passport (with at least 6 months left after return)
✅ Travel insurance documents
✅ Visas or entry forms (if required)
Keep these all together in a travel wallet or folder – trust us, you’ll thank yourself at the terminal.
📱 3. Recheck My P&O Cruises
Pop back into My P&O Cruises and make sure all your plans are still confirmed. Double-check:
Excursions
Drinks, Wi-Fi, or spa packages
Restaurant and entertainment bookings
Kids Clubs booked
Your embarkation time
All required info completed (passport, emergency contact, insurance)
Still want to add something? Most extras can be booked right up to the day before you board.
🏠 4. Get Things Sorted at Home
Before you head off, make sure things at home are taken care of:
Cancel or pause deliveries
Put your out-of-office on
Let your neighbours know you’re away
Empty bins and tidy the fridge
Water plants or arrange help
Prep pet care and leave emergency contacts
The fewer loose ends you leave behind, the more you’ll enjoy your cruise.
🧼 5. Sort Out Laundry & Final Shopping
Now’s the time to:
Do your final loads of washing
Iron anything that needs it
Buy last-minute toiletries or accessories
Pick up travel-sized essentials and motion sickness bands if needed
Grab snacks or drinks for your hotel if staying overnight pre-cruise
💆 6. Switch Into Holiday Mode
You’ve done the hard part – now start easing into that holiday feeling.
Download music, podcasts or Netflix shows for travel days
Plan a little onboard routine (gym? spa? afternoon nap?)
Catch up on cruise vlogs for inspiration
Get the group chat going with travel companions
Go on, treat yourself to a cheeky pre-cruise prosecco
FAQs About What to Do 1 Week Before Your P&O Cruise
When should I start packing for my cruise?
One week before is the perfect time to start packing – you’ll still have time to pick up anything you’ve missed.
Do I need to bring a carry-on bag for embarkation day?
Yes – pack essentials like travel documents, medication, and swimwear in your carry-on, as your main luggage may not arrive in your cabin straight away.
Can I still make bookings in My P&O Cruises a week before sailing?
Yes – you can usually book drinks, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, excursions, and even dining right up until the day before your cruise.
What if I’ve lost my luggage labels or boarding pass?
You can reprint them anytime via My P&O Cruises. Always keep spares just in case!
Is it too late to buy travel insurance?
No – but get it sorted now. Make sure it covers cruises and update your P&O booking with your policy details.
One week to go – and you’re nearly there. With bags packed, plans finalised, and documents sorted, the only thing left to do is get excited!
Got questions? Nervous about your first cruise? Come chat with us in the group – we’re always around:
George & Dan
Cruise Escapes – Helping you cruise smarter
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