Your Cruise FAQs

Occasionally our team of first class cruise experts is overwhelmed by the volume of customers trying to contact us by phone. When this happens call wait times can extend for everyone which we appreciate can be very frustrating for our customers. Where possible we urge everyone – especially if your call is not urgent to use our FAQS section below to answer your queries.

Abandoned calls

We have an abandoned call feature on our phone lines, so we do know when you have been trying to call us. Our team of cruise experts work through these calls and will call you back as soon as they are able, this means you can get on with your day and not have to worry about trying to call us. So once you have been in the queue for a short time you can simply hang up and we will call you back.

What are the Covid protocols for my cruise?

The quickest and most accurate way to find out what the current Covid protocols are for your cruise is to check your cruise line’s website. Please find links to the most up-to-date guidance on the list below. Be advised that we are unable to provide any additional information over the phone or via any other means.

Here, you will find answers to frequently asked questions such as ‘will I need a PCR test before my cruise?’ and  ‘will I be required to take a P&O Cruises lateral flow test?’

The easiest way to locate this information is to look at the latest foreign travel advice. You can find this on the UK Government website by clicking here.

You will find a list of countries, and there is also a search function to help narrow down your options.

Entry Requirements

Once you have clicked on the country name, you will then be presented with a series of options. ‘Entry requirements’ will show you the latest updates with regards to travel restrictions for British passport holders. See the screenshot below. This page will be updated regularly and hold the latest, most accurate guidance.

Bolsover Cruise Club is unable to offer any advice or guidance beyond what is published on these pages.

Will I have to wear a mask in the countries I visit on my cruise?

The government foreign travel advice website also provides up-to-date information on Coronavirus restrictions. To view it, click on this link.

Coronavirus

In order to locate the details you need, select the country you are visiting from this list, click through and select Coronavirus from the list at the top (as shown below).

Bolsover Cruise Club is unable to offer any advice or guidance beyond what is published on these pages.

What is the latest government advice regarding coronavirus and cruising?

You can read the latest government cruise travel information by clicking here.

Travel to Europe now that we have left the EU?

No – When travelling to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, there are some new Brexit passport rules to take into account.

• Firstly, you will need at least 3 months left on your British passport before it expires
• And second, it must have been issued less than 10 years ago – so check when your passport was issued and when it is due to expire.

If you’re travelling with children, don’t forget that British passports for under 16s are only valid for five years. This means they will automatically meet the second rule of being less than 10 years old when entering the EU, so you just need to check it will meet the first rule – that there will be at least three months left on the passport on the date of departure from your destination.

Passport rules for travel to Europe

When you book with Bolsover your Cruise Expert will confirm your passport requirements.

How do I check in for my cruise online?

Whichever cruise line you are travelling with, you’ll need to use your cruise personaliser in order to check in online. Here, you can complete full check-in details such as health declarations, as well as booking any dining, excursions or entertainment. If you’re travelling with Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International or MSC Cruises, you must also download the relevant app to your smart phone from the App Store so that you can complete things like virtual muster drills and booking restaurants easily once on board.

Can I book dining and entertainment on my P&O Cruises holiday before I board?

Certain things aren’t available to book before boarding, including some speciality restaurants, Freedom dining and selected entertainment. These can be booked once onboard using the free P&O Cruises app or at the ‘My Holiday help desk which are dotted around various points of the ship. Certain entertainment venues can be booked prior to boarding via your Cruise Personaliser.

Beauty treatments can be booked before boarding. If treatments do not show as available, it means all slots are full. Spaces do sometimes become available later, so don’t forget to keep checking once onboard for late availability.

Why can’t I print the tickets and luggage labels for my P&O Cruises holiday?

You can only print your tickets and luggage labels once your cabin number has been allocated. Please wait until you receive confirmation of your cabin number, after which point you will easily access all necessary documentation ahead of embarkation.

Can I change my cabin number once it has been allocated?

No, once your cabin number has been allocated it cannot be changed if booked on an early saver or late fare.

Do I have to book a shore excursion with the cruise line if I want to get off the ship?

No, some cruise lines have made it compulsory to join an official operator-led shore excursion to go ashore in port. This is to ensure that all guests remain in a strictly maintained and safe bubble, reducing the risk of a passenger bringing the virus onboard, however there are a number of cruise lines that do allow you to enjoy time ashore at your leisure.

I have questions regarding coaches to the port and car parking, who can I call?

Coaches

For P&O, Princess Cruises and Cunard sailings contact Intercruises on 03443 388690

For Eavesway coaches, please contact 01942 727985

Car parking

For car parking for P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Cunard sailings, plus Fred Olsen departures from Liverpool, please contact CPS on 03450 713939.

For all other cruise operators from Southampton, call AB Parking on 02380 488870.

I have questions about my travel insurance, can you help?

For travel insurance including Covid cover, we recommend speaking to Holiday Extras on 0800 0830195 and quote reference 15805.

Do I have to pay for Wi-Fi to use the P&O Cruises app onboard my ship?

No. All P&O Cruises guests will receive access to free guest Wi-Fi – this is for accessing the app only and will not work for other internet browsing.

What should I do if I don’t have a mobile phone with app capabilities?

If your mobile does not have the capability to run apps including the P&O Cruises app, please go to reception once onboard and they will assist with making any bookings necessary on your behalf.