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Does P&O Cruises charge for children?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 29 June 2026

Does P&O Cruises charge for children?

Yes, in many cases you can rebook your P&O Cruises holiday, but the ability to change your sailing date depends on several factors, including the type of fare you purchased, how close you are to departure, and the terms and conditions that apply to your booking.

Cruise plans can change unexpectedly. Illness, work commitments, family emergencies, or changing travel preferences often force passengers to adjust their holidays. Understanding P&O Cruises' rebooking policies can help you avoid unnecessary cancellation charges and protect your vacation investment.

This guide explains when you can rebook a P&O Cruises reservation, potential fees, how to request changes, travel insurance considerations, and practical tips for minimizing costs.

Understanding P&O Cruises Rebooking Policies

P&O Cruises allows guests to make certain changes to their booking, including changing the sailing date or transferring to another cruise itinerary. However, these changes are subject to availability and applicable charges.

Several factors determine whether a rebooking request will be approved:

  • Time remaining before departure
  • Type of fare purchased
  • Promotional offers attached to the booking
  • Availability on alternative sailings
  • Terms and conditions in effect at booking

Passengers should review their booking confirmation and fare conditions carefully before requesting changes.

Can You Change Your Cruise Date?

In many situations, yes.

P&O Cruises generally permits passengers to transfer to another sailing, particularly when the request is made well before departure.

The cruise line may treat the request as:

  1. A booking amendment.
  2. A cancellation and rebooking.
  3. A future cruise transfer.

The outcome depends on timing and booking conditions.

Common Reasons Travelers Rebook

Passengers commonly request changes because of:

  • Medical issues.
  • Work schedule conflicts.
  • Family emergencies.
  • Flight disruptions.
  • Changes in school holidays.
  • Desire to upgrade to a different itinerary.
  • Financial reasons.
  • Travel documentation delays.

Travel insurance may cover certain situations if they fall within the policy terms.

P&O Cruises Rebooking Timeline

Time Before Departure Typical Flexibility Possible Charges
More than 120 days High Minimal fees
90–120 days Moderate Amendment fees may apply
60–90 days Reduced Higher penalties
30–60 days Limited Significant charges
Less than 30 days Very limited Cancellation charges often apply

 

Actual charges depend on the specific fare conditions.

How to Rebook a P&O Cruises Holiday

1: Review Your Booking Documents

Check:

  • Fare type.
  • Deposit conditions.
  • Promotional restrictions.
  • Cancellation schedule.

 2: Contact P&O Cruises or Your Travel Agent

If booked directly, contact customer service.

If booked through a travel agent, the agent usually handles modifications.

 3: Request Alternative Sailings

Provide:

  • Preferred dates.
  • Destination choices.
  • Cabin category.
  • Passenger information.

4: Review Costs

Potential expenses include:

  • Fare differences.
  • Amendment fees.
  • Administration charges.
  • Increased taxes or port fees.

5: Confirm the New Booking

Request written confirmation showing:

  • New sailing date.
  • Updated booking number.
  • Payment balance.
  • Final payment deadline.

Rebooking vs Canceling

Factor Rebooking Canceling
Keeps travel plans active Yes No
May preserve deposit Often Not always
Potential fees Moderate Higher
Future vacation retained Yes No
Travel insurance impact Limited May require claim

 

For many travelers, rebooking is more economical than outright cancellation.

Will You Pay Additional Costs?

Several costs may apply:

Fare Difference

If the new cruise costs more, passengers pay the difference.

Amendment Fees

Administrative charges may apply.

Promotional Losses

Special offers attached to the original booking may not transfer.

Taxes and Port Fees

Government charges can vary by itinerary.

What Happens to Your Deposit?

Deposits are often transferable when changes occur early.

However:

  • Non-refundable deposits may be forfeited.
  • Promotional fares may have restrictions.
  • Late changes can trigger cancellation penalties.

Always verify the specific terms applicable to your booking.

Travel Insurance and Rebooking

Travel insurance can provide valuable protection.

Policies may cover:

  • Illness.
  • Injury.
  • Hospitalization.
  • Family emergencies.
  • Severe weather.
  • Transportation disruptions.

Documentation is usually required.

Medical Emergencies

Unexpected illness is among the leading reasons passengers change cruise plans.

Medical evidence such as:

  • Doctor certificates.
  • Hospital records.
  • Insurance documentation.

may support insurance claims.

Government health authorities frequently recommend obtaining travel insurance for international travel.

Can You Change the Destination Instead?

Sometimes.

Passengers may transfer to:

  • Different regions.
  • Alternative ships.
  • Longer cruises.
  • Shorter cruises.

Availability determines what options exist.

Rebooking Through a Travel Agent

Travel agents often provide assistance with:

  • Alternative sailing searches.
  • Fee negotiations.
  • Insurance claims.
  • Documentation.

Many passengers find agents especially helpful during unexpected changes.

Cruise Credit Options

Occasionally cruise lines may issue:

  • Future cruise credits.
  • Promotional vouchers.
  • Flexible booking incentives.

Availability varies by promotion and booking period.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on permanent future cruise credit programs applicable to all P&O Cruises bookings.

Real-World Example

A family books a Mediterranean cruise 10 months before departure.

Four months later, school schedules change.

The family contacts their travel advisor and transfers to a summer sailing. They pay:

  • Small administration fee.
  • Fare difference.

This costs significantly less than canceling and making a completely new reservation.

Tips to Avoid Rebooking Problems

Book Early

Early bookings often provide more flexibility.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Insurance may protect against unexpected events.

Monitor Final Payment Dates

Changes before final payment can sometimes be easier.

Keep Documentation

Save:

  • Emails.
  • Receipts.
  • Booking confirmations.

Contact the Cruise Line Quickly

Early action generally results in better options.

Advantages of Rebooking

  • Preserves vacation plans.
  • Reduces financial losses.
  • Avoids complete cancellation.
  • Maintains cruise excitement.
  • Offers itinerary flexibility.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Additional costs.
  • Limited cabin availability.
  • Loss of promotions.
  • Higher fares on new sailings.
  • Administrative fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change my P&O Cruises date?

Yes, subject to availability and booking conditions.

2. Is there a fee to rebook?

There may be amendment or administration charges.

3. Can I transfer my deposit?

In some cases, yes.

4. What if my new cruise costs more?

You must usually pay the fare difference.

5. Can I rebook after final payment?

Possibly, although penalties may apply.

6. Does travel insurance cover rebooking?

Some policies cover specific events such as illness or emergencies.

7. Can I switch to a different ship?

Yes, if availability exists.

8. Will my cabin upgrade transfer?

Not always.

9. Can travel agents help?

Yes, many agents manage rebooking requests.

10. What if I miss my cruise?

Missed sailings are generally treated separately from voluntary rebooking requests.

Final Verdict: Can You Rebook Your P&O Cruises Holiday?

Yes, many P&O Cruises passengers can rebook their holiday, particularly when changes are requested well before departure. The exact costs and options depend on fare rules, availability, and timing.

Travelers who act quickly, maintain proper insurance coverage, and understand their booking conditions generally have the greatest flexibility. Before making any changes, review your booking documents carefully and request written confirmation of all modifications.

While fees may apply, rebooking is often a more cost-effective solution than canceling an entire cruise vacation.

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