What Luggage is Allowed on a P&O Cruise? — The Complete UK Guide (2026)

Booking a P&O cruise is one of the most exciting things a UK traveller can do. But between the embarkation process, the cabin sizes, and the formal nights, there's one question that comes up again and again:

What luggage am I actually allowed to bring on a P&O cruise?

The good news is that P&O Cruises is one of the most generous cruise lines when it comes to luggage allowances. The even better news? With the right bags, you can pack everything you need — formal wear included — without stress, without excess fees, and without dragging a mountain of mismatched cases through Southampton.

Here's everything you need to know.

P&O Cruises Luggage Allowance — The Basics

Unlike airlines, P&O Cruises does not impose a strict weight limit or a fixed number of bags per passenger. This is one of the biggest advantages of cruising over flying — you have genuine flexibility.

However, there are practical considerations:

• Cabin storage is limited — P&O cabin wardrobes and under-bed storage are designed for a finite amount of luggage. Overpacking creates a genuinely uncomfortable holiday.
• Embarkation porters handle your bags — Your checked luggage is taken at the port and delivered to your cabin. Bags must be clearly labelled and manageable for porters to handle.
• Hand luggage goes with you — Whatever you carry on board yourself at embarkation goes directly to your cabin or the holding area until cabins are ready.

Practical recommendation: Most P&O passengers travel with one large checked suitcase (24–28 inches) per person, plus one cabin bag or backpack for embarkation day essentials.

What Size Suitcase is Best for a P&O Cruise?

The 24-inch medium suitcase is the sweet spot for most P&O cruises of 7–14 nights. It fits comfortably under most P&O cabin beds, holds enough for formal nights plus casual wear, and is manageable through ports and excursions.

The 28-inch large suitcase is ideal for longer voyages (14 nights+) or passengers who need to pack formal wear for multiple black-tie evenings. P&O cruises typically include 1–2 formal nights per week, so longer sailings require more outfit options.

A luggage set — cabin bag, medium, and large — is the most popular choice for couples. Each person takes a medium case as their main luggage, with the large case shared for formal wear and extras, and the cabin bags used for embarkation day and shore excursions.

What to Pack in Your Hand Luggage for Embarkation Day

Your checked luggage won't reach your cabin until the afternoon — sometimes as late as 6 pm on embarkation day. This means your hand luggage needs to carry everything you need for the first few hours on board:

• ✅ Swimwear and a change of clothes
• ✅ Sunscreen and toiletries
• ✅ Medications
• ✅ Travel documents, cruise card, and passport
• ✅ Phone charger and valuables
• ✅ A light layer for the air-conditioned dining rooms

A 20L cabin backpack is perfect for this — large enough to carry everything you need, small enough to carry comfortably around the ship on day one.

What Luggage Does Neil Recommend for a P&O Cruise?

After years of helping UK travellers pack for cruises, here's what I'd recommend from our range at Neil's Luggage Store:

For the main checked luggage:
The KONO 24-inch Medium Hardshell Suitcase is my top pick for a 7-night P&O cruise. Lightweight ABS+PC construction means it won't eat into your packing capacity, the TSA-approved combination lock keeps your belongings secure through ports, and the four 360° spinner wheels glide effortlessly across Southampton's embarkation terminals.

For a 14-night voyage or a couple sharing luggage, step up to the KONO 28-inch Large Hardshell — it handles formal wear, shoes, and two weeks of clothing without breaking a sweat.

For embarkation day hand luggage:
The KONO 20L Cabin Backpack is ideal. It fits everything you need for embarkation day, slides onto your suitcase handle via the luggage strap, and doubles as a shore excursion daypack throughout the cruise.

For couples who want everything sorted:
The KONO 3-piece Luggage Set — cabin bag, medium, and large — covers every scenario from embarkation day to black-tie night. It's the most popular choice among our cruise customers and represents exceptional value.

💬 Neil's View

"A P&O cruise is one of the few holidays where you genuinely don't need to worry about luggage weight limits — so use that freedom wisely. Pack properly for the formal nights, bring a decent daypack for shore excursions, and invest in hardshell cases that can handle the port handling process. I've seen too many soft-shell bags come back from cruises looking like they've been through a war. Go hardshell, go lightweight, and enjoy every minute."

— Neil White, Neil's Luggage Store

Top Tips for Packing for a P&O Cruise

1. Label everything clearly
P&O provides luggage labels before departure. Attach them securely — your bags will be handled by multiple porters between the car park and your cabin.

2. Pack a formal outfit in your hand luggage
If your checked luggage is delayed to your cabin, you don't want to miss the first formal night. Pack one formal outfit in your cabin bag just in case.

3. Use packing cubes
P&O cabin wardrobes are well-designed but not enormous. Packing cubes keep everything organised and make unpacking into drawers and shelves significantly faster.

4. Bring a foldable bag for port days
A lightweight foldable tote or backpack is invaluable for shore excursions — perfect for carrying water, sunscreen, and souvenirs without taking up space in your main luggage.

5. Don't overpack shoes
Shoes are the biggest space-waster in cruise luggage. Smart casual shoes that work for both formal nights and shore excursions are your best friend.

Where to Buy the Best Cruise Luggage in the UK

At Neil's Luggage Store, we stock a full range of cruise-ready luggage — from lightweight hardshell suitcases to cabin backpacks and matching luggage sets. All bags are dispatched within 1–2 business days, so even if you've left it late, we've got you covered.

👉 Shop our full cruise luggage range  

Use code AUGUST10 for 10% off sitewide — valid until 3 August 2026

Conclusion

P&O Cruises offers some of the most relaxed luggage rules of any holiday — but that doesn't mean packing well doesn't matter. The right suitcase size, a decent embarkation day backpack, and a well-organised packing strategy will make the difference between a stressful embarkation and a smooth, enjoyable start to your cruise.

Pack smart. Travel well. And enjoy every moment on board.

— Neil White, Neil's Luggage Store
Authorised UK Retailer