British Airways business vs first class comparison: which one should you choose?
Read our complete guide on everything you need to know about the differences between British Airways business vs first class.
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 💳
Yes, you can exchange currency on a P&O cruise. However, they can’t guarantee that the local currency will always be available.1
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.
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
The main currency onboard P&O cruises is the pound sterling (GBP).1
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
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:
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.
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:
Sources last checked on date: 03-May-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Read our complete guide on everything you need to know about the differences between British Airways business vs first class.
Going on holiday? Read our roundup of the best international roaming plans in the UK, including PAYG, Pay Monthly and all major networks.
Read our complete guide on everything you need to know about the differences between flying Emirates business vs first class.
A UK guide to frequent flyer programs; how they work, which airlines offer them, who they’re for, how to apply, and are they worth it?
If you’re going on a Celebrity cruise soon, you’re probably in the middle of planning for your trip, whether that’s packing your best outfits or booking...
A guide to Norwegian Cruise currency exchange and onboard ATMs, including some tips to ensure you enjoy your holiday without getting hit by high fees.