Updated: 12 August 2022
P&O Cruises has announced a series of changes to its Covid vaccination and testing requirements, which will affect all sailings currently on sale.
All guests over the age of 12 embarking on a P&O Cruises sailing are required to be fully vaccinated a minimum of 14 days before travel. If more than 270 days have elapsed since the full vaccination course was completed (calculated based on the final day of the cruise), a booster vaccine will also be required and must have been administered at least seven days before travel.
All guests aged 12 to 15 years need to be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel. A booster vaccine is not required.
Unvaccinated guests aged five to 11 years are no longer required to take a complimentary lateral flow/antigen test upon arrival at the terminal. Guests under the age of five are exempt from pre-travel vaccination and testing.
Fully vaccinated refers to an individual who has completed a two-dose course of Covid vaccinations, or a single-dose Janssen -19 vaccine (plus a booster if applicable) that has been approved by the MHRA, EMA or WHO. Regardless of the date, if guests have already had a booster vaccination then they are eligible to travel.
From 6 September 2022 self-testing prior to travel will change from ‘mandatory’ to ‘highly recommended’ for vaccinated guests on most holidays.
Only guests sailing on longer, more complex itineraries will be required to have an observed or in person antigen or PCR test with a fit to travel certificate prior to departure. These include sailings of 16 nights or more and other specific cruises.
There is no need to provide proof of the negative test result. NHS tests can be used for this purpose.Also see “Your Cruise Frequently Asked Questions” article
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Why do po require the shot yet others like msc royal Caribbean celebrity etc don’t is there a variant that just effects po I have now finished sailing with them after twelve cruises
Good Afternoon Mr Smith,
P&O Cruises have now updated their policy. This information you have asked about was dated the 12 Aug 2022. Please see the most relevant up to date requirements.
https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/vaccination-and-testing-policy
Am I to understand that there is no testing required to board P&O ships from now on
We are sailing on the Acura in February and are fully vaccinated
Hi Richard, P&O Cruises have updated their policy from 1st March 2023 and passengers no longer require to be vaccinated or take a test prior to boarding. For longer and more complex itineraries passengers may need to be vaccinated and tested. Thank you.
What a shame about your covid rules not allowing non vaccinated people to travel on any of your ships discriminating . My partner our son and myself were going to book a two week cruise on the iona for November 2023 for his 60th and yet all of the places the ship stops at allow non vac people in sadly our son and myself are not allowed to board the ship because we haven't had the jab disgraceful
Hi Tracy, P&O Cruises do require all adults to be fully vaccinated. Policies are being updated regularly and can be found here. Thank you https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/vaccination-and-testing-policy
Hi again - apologies and I know this is overkill but just to confirm that the observed test is no longer a requirement for N233 - and that we can do a self-test using the NHS-provided antigen test or one bought at a chemist?
Hi Ras, please see here for the latest requirements https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/vaccination-and-testing-policy
Is the test with this company acceptable? We are also on P&O Ventura N233 Christmas cruise
https://www.goodbodyclinic.com/antigen-lfd-tests
Hi Lorraine, Please see below information regarding P&O Cruises testing requirements.
Adequate tests include over the counter tests, providing they meet the criteria below. NHS tests are now only issued for those in medical need. However, if guests have any remaining NHS tests, these would be accepted.
Accepted antigen tests include:
Rapid antigen test
Viral antigen test
Antigen Lateral Flow Fluorescence
Charlotte - thank you so much for your quick and prompt response. I didi ask P&O but they do not appear to be very good at responding to e-mails and questions. You're a star!!! Your help is much appreciated
You're more than welcome.
Hi - I have booked a P&O Cruise through you - the cruise number is N233 (Dec 1st 2022 - Jan 4th 2023). There is a requirement for an observed pre-cruise test and a fit-to fly / fit-to-travel certificate. I have arranged for observed tests with our local Lloyds Pharmacy who issue these certificates (if tests are negative, of course). Will this test via Lloyds Pharmacy be acceptable for P&O requirements? I am finding their wording a but confusing, hence the question
Hi Ras, yes this test will be accepted. Thank you.
Thank you for your reply. Where do we get the Health Declaration form from?
Thank you.
Hi Geraldine, it is on your Cruise Personaliser. Thank you.
Can you help? We are getting very confused with the testing before you cruise. We are due to go on the Iona 3rd September,2022. We have received an e-mail from P & O saying that we still need to test but you don't need the certificate, so how do you prove that you are ok to travel? We have the NHS Antigen Rapid Test (self testing) kit, which I had got from the chemist. Can we use them and if yes, how do you prove that you are ok to travel?
Hi Geraldine, P&O Cruises now require you to take a lateral flow test within 48 hours before. Although you don't need to show a certificate now, you do have to confirm on the Health Declaration form that you're test was negative. They no longer have a preference of which company the test is from. Thank you.
Good Morning
We are due to sail Sunday October 2nd from Southampton, but will be travelling down the day before which is obviously a Saturday.
Is there a time stipulation regarding when the LFT has to be taken ? ie if ship departs at 5pm on Sunday can the test be done say at 11am on the Saturday at a Lloyds Pharmacy ?
Thank You
Hi Anne, no there is no time limit, as long as it is taken the day before you will be absolutely fine. Thank you.