What to Do 2 Weeks Before Your P&O Cruise

Only 14 days to go – can you believe it? Your P&O Cruise is right around the corner, and now’s the time to finish up those final bits and bobs so you can relax and enjoy the countdown.

If you’re wondering what to do 2 weeks before your P&O Cruise, don’t worry – we’ve got your back. From booking extras to printing documents and prepping your packing list, this is your go-to guide to cruise like a pro.

Let’s crack on…

🍽️ 1. Pre-Book Your Dining (If You Haven’t Yet)

You can pre-book restaurants in My P&O Cruises from 14 days before your voyage, right up until midnight the night before you set sail.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

When to book: From now until the night before departure
How to book: Log in to My P&O Cruises and head to the dining section
What to book: You can book specialty restaurants, but not the main dining rooms (those are walk-in or virtual queue only)

Getting these sorted now gives you more choice, especially for popular options like The Epicurean or The Beach House.

🎭 2. Book Entertainment

P&O Cruises let you pre-book some of the headline entertainment options – especially on the newer ships like Iona and Arvia. If you want front-row seats to the likes of Headliners Theatre shows, Limelight Club performances, or live comedy, don’t leave it too late.

To book:

Head to My P&O Cruises
Look under the Onboard Experiences or Entertainment section
Choose your show, time and seats

Some events (like The Limelight Club) include dining and need to be booked early as space is limited.

🧒 3. Book & Register for the Kids Club (The Reef)

Travelling with little ones? Now’s the time to get them signed up for The Reef – P&O Cruises’ fantastic onboard kids club. From toddlers to tweens, The Reef is split into age-appropriate groups packed with fun activities, games, and themed events.

Here’s what you need to know:

📝 Pre-Registration

You can register your child for The Reef up to 14 days before your cruise via My P&O Cruises. This step is essential – your child won’t be able to take part without being pre-registered.

📱 Onboard Booking

Once you’re onboard, you can book individual sessions using the My Holiday portal. Booking opens at 8:30am the day before each session.

⏰ First-Come, First-Served

Spaces fill quickly, especially on sea days or during formal nights – so be sure to log in early and reserve your child’s spot to avoid disappointment.

👶 Age Groups in The Reef:

• Night Nursery – For under 2s

• Splashers – Ages 2 to 4

• Surfers – Ages 5 to 8

• Scubas – Ages 9 to 12

• 13+ Teens – No sign-in needed, but they must register at the start of the cruise

📦 4. Finalise What You’re Packing

You don’t have to pack just yet, but now’s the time to:

• Review your cruise wardrobe

• Try on any formalwear or themed night outfits

• Check if anything needs washing, ironing or replacing

• Make sure you’ve got things like plug adapters, suncream, and seasickness remedies

👉 Don’t forget to download our free Cruise Packing List – it’s the easiest way to stay organised.

📲 5. Recheck Your Other Onboard Plans

Hop back into My P&O Cruises and reconfirm:

• Any shore experiences you’ve booked

• Spa treatments

• Drinks or Wi-Fi packages

• Celebration extras (like birthday balloons or prosecco on arrival!)

It’s a good chance to tweak your plans or add anything you missed.

🐶 6. Double-Check Things at Home

A few practical reminders:

• Confirm any pet care or babysitting

• Check your travel to the port is still on schedule

• Let your neighbours know you’re away

• Set reminders for bins, heating, mail holds, etc.

🚖 7. Finalise Pre-Cruise Travel & Hotels

Two weeks out is the perfect time to double-check:

• Hotel bookings (if you’re staying near the port)

• Parking (hopefully booked already!)

• Transfers to the port or airport

• Flight times and check-in details if you’re on a fly-cruise

Give yourself plenty of time for travel – and leave room for a cheeky pre-cruise cocktail at the hotel bar!

❓FAQs About What to Do 2 Weeks Before Your P&O Cruise

When can I book restaurants on a P&O Cruise?

You can pre-book specialty dining from 14 days before your cruise via My P&O Cruises, up until midnight the night before you depart.

Can I book entertainment before I board?

Yes – some headline shows, like theatre performances and The Limelight Club, can be booked via My P&O Cruises. The sooner the better for best availability.

Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Yes – once online check-in is complete, you should print your boarding pass and luggage labels and bring them with you to the port.

Can I still book excursions 2 weeks before sailing?

Absolutely – as long as there’s availability. It’s a good time to review what’s booked and add anything last-minute.

Do I need local currency for my cruise?

Onboard is cashless and in GBP, but some local currency is useful for port days, especially in markets and small shops.

You’re just two weeks from sail away, and everything’s starting to feel very real now! Getting these last few jobs done means you’ll spend your final week relaxing, counting down the days, and maybe sneaking in a few cruise vlogs for extra excitement.

Next up: What to Do 1 Week Before Your P&O Cruise – all about the final packing push, cabin essentials, and getting into full-on holiday mode!

Need help or got a tip to share? Pop it in the comments or join us in our friendly Facebook group P&O Cruises – Cruise Hacks, Tips, Questions and Answers.

George & Dan

Cruise Escapes – Helping you cruise smarter

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