What to Do 3 Weeks Before Your P&O Cruise

Just three weeks to go – your P&O Cruise is getting seriously close now! 🛳️

If you’re wondering what to do 3 weeks before your P&O Cruise, now’s the time to start tying up a few loose ends and getting into proper prep mode. From online check-in to packing plans, this is when things start feeling very real (and very exciting).

Here’s everything you need to do 21 days before your cruise to make sure you’re fully sorted and ready to set sail stress-free.

💻 1. Complete Online Check-In

Online check-in opens 21 days before your cruise and closes at 10pm GMT the night before your holiday. Don’t leave it to the last minute – get it done early so you can access your travel documents and final details.

Here’s how to do it:

Go to my.pocruises.com
Log in using your name, date of birth, and booking reference
Fill in required details including passport info, emergency contacts, and travel insurance

Once check-in is complete, you’ll be able to download and print:

Your boarding pass
Luggage labels

Top tip: Print a few spare luggage labels in case one gets lost or torn en route.

🧾 2. Check All Your Shore Excursions Are Booked

Hopefully you’ve already booked your must-do excursions – but if not, now is the time to jump on it.

Popular options do sell out, especially on cruises with limited port time. Log in to My P&O Cruises to double-check what you’ve booked and see if there’s anything else that takes your fancy. Try Get Your Guide if your chosen excursion has sold out.

Planning your own port days? Make sure:

You’ve looked up transport options and timings
You’ve got tickets or reservations if needed
You know how far the ship is from town

🧳 3. Start Planning What to Pack

You don’t need to start filling the suitcase just yet, but now’s a good time to:

Download our free Cruise Packing List 👉 Get it here
Check the dress code (especially for formal nights)
Make sure your cruise wardrobe still fits and feels good

📱 4. Save the My Holiday Page on Your Phone

This is the app you’ll use onboard for:

Checking daily events and activities
Joining virtual queues for restaurants
Booking spa treatments and other extras
Keeping an eye on your onboard account

For more information how to save My Holiday to your phone here.

🧾 5. Reconfirm Your Embarkation Time

Your assigned boarding time will be listed on your boarding pass – and it’s important to stick to it.

P&O uses staggered embarkation to reduce queues and make boarding smoother, so aim to arrive just before your slot, not hours early.

If you’re staying nearby the night before, plan your journey to the port accordingly.

💷 6. Sort Travel Money & Currency

Most things onboard are charged in British pounds, but when you’re ashore, having a bit of local currency can be handy – especially for:

Taxis and transport
Market stalls
Small shops and cafés

Consider ordering some in advance or looking into a multi-currency travel card like Revolut or Monzo, which are popular with cruisers.

💅 7. Review Any Onboard Bookings

Head back into My P&O Cruises and double-check:

Spa treatments
Drinks packages
Wi-Fi plans
Special extras like celebration packages or room decor

Still deciding on anything? You can continue booking most of these right up until the day before departure – but some, like the thermal suite or popular treatments, can book out early.

🧾 8. Check Your Travel Insurance Details

Make sure:

Your insurance policy is still valid
It includes cruise cover
The details are uploaded to your P&O account

If anything’s changed – like your travel dates or medical circumstances – contact your insurer now to update your policy.

If you haven't purchased insurance yet - do it asap!

Try Holiday Extras for insurance comparisons.

❓FAQs About What to Do 3 Weeks Before Your P&O Cruise

When does online check-in open for P&O Cruises?

Online check-in opens 21 days before your cruise and closes at 10pm GMT the night before you sail.

Where do I print my P&O Cruises boarding pass and luggage labels?

Once you’ve completed online check-in in My P&O Cruises, you’ll be able to download and print your travel documents.

Can I still book excursions three weeks before my cruise?

Yes – as long as there’s availability. It’s best to check now and book anything you’ve had your eye on before it sells out.

Do I need to download the My Holiday app before boarding?

It’s not essential, but it’s highly recommended. It helps you manage your cruise onboard – from dining to your daily schedule.

Do I need local currency for my cruise?

It depends on your itinerary, but it’s handy to have some local currency for markets, small shops, and taxis in port. Onboard everything is priced in GBP.

Three weeks before your cruise is when everything starts to come together. Your documents are available, your excursions are booked (hopefully!), and you can really start getting excited.

Check-in done? Packing list downloaded? Spa booked? Then you’re well on your way.

Got any last-minute questions or tips of your own? Drop us a comment or join our Facebook group P&O Cruises – Cruise Hacks, Tips, Questions and Answers – we love hearing from fellow cruisers.

George & Dan

Cruise Escapes – Helping you cruise smarter

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