reminds

It comes as a passenger claims they were ‘turned away’ on board

P&O Cruises is reminding passengers about a particular item of clothing that is ‘not allowed’ on board under specific circumstances. The cruise line issued the guidance in a recent social media post after a passenger claimed they were ‘turned away’.

On X, a user called Duncan wrote: “@Pandocruises describe ‘formal’. Turned away from one restaurant the other day wearing formal shorts, smart tailored shirt. Dye it showing sine ‘leg’. However, seen plenty of women wearing skirts much shorter than my shorts been welcomed in!”

P&O Cruises responded: “Hi Duncan, smart shorts are not permitted in certain restaurants on board. A suit with jacket and tie is required on formal nights in the main restaurant and other venues.”

On P&O Cruises’ website, there is extensive information regarding the cruise line’s dress code policy, reports the Liverpool Echo. It states: “While we encourage you to relax and enjoy your holiday, we do ask that you adhere to a smart casual dress code in our public areas and restaurants.”

In a key notice to passengers, P&O Cruises confirms that tailored shorts cannot be worn on Black Tie or Celebration Nights, with the exception of the buffet. It adds: “On evening casual nights tailored shorts can be wore in the buffet, The Beach House, and The Glass House, as well as 6th Street Diner, The Olive Grove and The Keel and Cow on Arvia and Iona.” Further guidance states: “Denim, including dark denim, isn’t allowed on Black Tie and Celebration Nights, except in venues with an Evening Casual dress code.”

For daytime wear, P&O Cruises states: “Feel free to wear your favourite holiday attire, such as shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, or your typical winter clothing on one of our colder holidays. However, please remember to wear shoes when you’re not by the pool. We also ask that there is no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”

Regarding evening attire, the cruise operator noted: “Our dress code varies depending on the night. You can find details of each evening’s dress code in your daily Horizon found in your cabin, or on My P&O Cruises under the ‘Your Itinerary’ section before you sail.”

P&O Cruises operates two principal dress codes: ‘Evening Casual’ and ‘Black Tie’. Evening Casual calls for ‘smart casual attire’, encompassing trousers, smart dark denim, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts.

The Black Tie dress code is reserved for more formal occasions, where passengers are encouraged to “dress to impress”. The cruise line elaborates: “Gentlemen, a dinner jacket or tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit and tie is also acceptable. Ladies, feel free to wear your favourite evening gown or cocktail dress.”

Passengers are also encouraged to adhere to the dress code for celebration nights, which P&O Cruises describes as special evenings on board where guests can enjoy a more formal dining experience and entertainment. “These events involve a higher level of dress code (black tie) and a more elaborate menu. It’s a chance to dress up, savour delicious food, and enjoy the ambience of a special occasion”, it says.

During celebration nights, most venues will operate a dress code, though some will permit a more relaxed attire for those who prefer it. Passengers can discover which venues are exempt from dress codes in their daily Horizon.

When visiting destinations on excursions, P&O Cruises advises comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the climate and culture of the places being visited. “Some cultures have specific dress codes, particularly for places of worship. Please respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites,” it adds.

For religious passengers, the cruise line confirms that customers are welcome to wear national or religious dress on board. “If you wear a headdress, depending on the amount of your face it covers, you may be asked to unveil for a security photo at check-in and when passing through security check points ashore and on board during your holiday”, it says.

However, certain items of national dress, such as ceremonial blades and swords, including Skean Dhus and Kirpans, are not allowed on board. Passengers can consult the list of prohibited items for further details.

P&O Cruises states that fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits featuring any inappropriate or offensive language or imagery are banned on board. “We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed”, the cruise line states. For further details regarding dress codes, click here.

For passengers who already know which ship they will be sailing on, the dress code for each dining venue on board can be found on the ship page by clicking ‘Dining’. View P&O Cruises ships here.

People need to remember this, or they could be caught out

Passengers set to head off on holiday with Jet2 soon have been reminded of an important policy they will need to follow on their flight. Failing to prepare could see people caught out by the fairly common airline rule.

Anyone who has been on an aeroplane recently will know that cabin crew will often offer a choice of popular snacks and drinks as well as meal options. On short-haul flights, these are not included in the ticket price, and people can pay extra for them if they choose.

Ahead of their holiday with the airline, a passenger asked Jet2’s customer service team online for a reminder. Posting on X, Kim said: “Am I able to pay with cash on board flight or are you cashless?”

Jet2 responded within minutes to confirm the policy. The airline said: “Hi Kim, that is correct. We operate a fully cashless service onboard all flights, accepting only card and contactless payments.”

Aside from in-flight food and drinks, Jet2 offers customers a selection of in-flight purchases to start or end their holiday. Passengers can use the on-board magazine to browse from the choice of available skincare, makeup, beauty, watches and more.

Why have airlines stopped accepting cash for on-board purchases?

Accepting payments by debit or credit card, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, helps cabin crew keep services running as quickly and smoothly as possible while in the air. It removes the need for staff to handle and keep cash secure on flights.

Businesses in the UK are under no legal obligation to accept cash. While cash is legal tender, businesses have the right to set their own terms of sale and choose which payment methods to accept, according to Parliament.

There is no law requiring businesses to accept cash, though this is a subject of ongoing debate regarding consumer choice. A business can legally refuse cash, provided they inform customers of its card-only policy.

In Jet2’s case, it is made clear on the company website, as a spokesperson said: “Just so you know, we only accept card and contactless payments onboard all our flights. You’ll need to bring your physical bank card to use chip and PIN when purchasing products from our Jet2shop.”

In other news, Jet2 has shared a new ‘suspended’ Greece holiday update for passengers. On its website, the firm issued an announcement on Tuesday, April 28, that will affect travellers with flights and holidays booked to the European country.

In the announcement, Jet2 praised Greek authorities for “prioritising customers” by putting the European Union ‘s new Entry/Exit System (EES) checks on hold. It follows the country’s confirmation of the suspension of the EES biometric checks for UK holidaymakers travelling to Greece.