Quick answer: Selected speciality restaurants can be booked through My P&O Cruises from 120 days before departure until midnight before sailing. Other venues may use a virtual queue or booking system once on board. Some restaurants charge a cover fee and others price dishes individually.
What you can book before the cruise
P&O says selected speciality restaurants become available in My P&O Cruises from 120 days before the holiday. Availability depends on the ship and sailing. Popular dates and times can go quickly, especially celebration nights, so decide which meals genuinely matter before the booking window opens.
Included dining versus speciality dining
Your fare includes the main dining options listed for your ship, but speciality venues work differently. Some have a fixed cover charge; some are à la carte; inclusions and prices can change. Read the description attached to the exact venue rather than assuming every restaurant follows the same system.
A low-stress booking strategy
- Book only the must-do meal before sailing
- Keep at least a few evenings flexible
- Check the Horizon daily programme or ship app once aboard
- Join virtual queues before you become extremely hungry
- Tell the restaurant about allergies when booking and again when seated
Trying to schedule every meal can make a cruise feel like an appointment calendar. We prefer one or two planned treats, then choose the rest around port days, shows and how tired we are.
What we learned on Azura and Arvia
Speciality meals can be lovely, but demand is highest on sea days and waiting times can stretch. A beautiful menu does not automatically make a rushed evening better. Book the experiences you are excited about and treat everything else as optional.
Check the latest official information
Opening times, prices, transport and package inclusions can change. These are the official pages we used, so check them again for your travel date:
Last fact-checked: 19 August 2026. Our experience is personal; operational details above are linked to official sources.