Can I exchange currency on a P&O cruise?

If you’ve recently booked a P&O cruise, you’re probably starting to plan your trip. Since cruise ships can travel between different countries and even around the world, it can be hard to know what currency to bring with you. That’s why we’ve prepared a guide to exchanging currency on a P&O cruise ship and your best options onboard.

We’ll also show you a handy alternative, the Wise debit card. It’s designed for low-cost spending around the world, automatically converting your pounds to the local currency at a fair mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

Can you exchange money on a P&O cruise ship?

Yes, you can exchange currency on a P&O cruise. However, they can’t guarantee that the local currency will always be available.¹

How does money work on a cruise ship?²

During the check-in process for your P&O cruise, you’ll be asked to register a payment card. You’ll then get your cruise card, which you’ll use for spending during your cruise. At the end of the trip, you’ll be asked to settle your account with either cash or the card you registered with.

You can always keep track of your expenses through P&O’s pocket planner My Holiday. It can be accessed via your phone, tablet, or the in-cabin TV.

Can you use cash on P&O cruises?

The P&O cruise ship is a cash-free zone. You can only use cash when buying foreign currency at the reception desk or when settling your account at the end of the journey.¹

What currency is used on P&O cruise ships?

The main currency onboard P&O cruises is the pound sterling (GBP).¹

Are there ATMs on P&O cruise ships?

Most cruise ships have at least one ATM available to the guests. Large ships often have multiple. They’re usually located around the reception area.

For example, the P&O Australia cruise ship has a minimum of two ATMs per ship.³

How to avoid P&O currency exchange fees

Exchanging currency on cruise ships is notoriously expensive, but many people do it because it’s the most convenient option. If you want to avoid the high exchange rates as much as possible, here are some useful tips:

• Exchange currency in advance - visit a currency exchange facility before your cruise
• Use an ATM while on land - take advantage of your port days and find an ATM
• Exchange currency on land - try to find better rates in port
• Use your credit or debit card - let your card do the conversion

Even though you won’t be using cash onboard, having the local currency on hand when stopping in port can be handy. Large P&O cruise ships have multiple currency exchange facilities and ATMs available to their guests. However, it’s best to avoid them, since you can end up paying unnecessary additional fees.

An alternative to high fees on the high seas - the Wise card

In order to avoid high exchange fees and exchange rates during your P&O cruise, you could try using the Wise card. It automatically converts the currency with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

If you do end up using the ATM on a P&O ship, make sure you only withdraw in pounds sterling. If that’s not possible for some reason, your Wise card can auto-convert the money in your Wise account to the right currency whenever you withdraw cash, all at the mid-market rate*.

Even better, you can make 2 free withdrawals each month up to 200 GBP, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your cruise without worrying about how you’ll pay on land.

Apply for your Wise card now 💳

So that’s our guide to cruise ship currency conversion aboard P&O - happy cruising! 🚢

Sources used:

1. P&O Cruises - Life on board
2. P&O Cruises - On-board spending money
3. P&O Cruises Australia - ATM information

Sources last checked on date: 03-May-2024