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P&O Cruises has issued a handy piece of advice to passengers heading overseas this summer, warning holidaymakers they could face extra charges while travelling if they are not properly prepared. The cruise operator said passengers visiting destinations outside the UK during voyages should carefully consider how they plan to pay for goods and services ashore. P&O Cruises, one of the UK's biggest cruise brands, operates a fleet of seven ships including Iona and Arvia, which each carry around 5,200 passengers. The company provides extensive travel guidance on its website for customers before departure, including information about onboard spending and using money abroad.

While spending onboard P&O Cruises ships is cashless, passengers are still likely to need payment methods forexcursions, restaurants, shops and attractions while visiting ports. In guidance shared online, the cruise line said: "Although your P&O Cruises ship is a cashless environment, if you're sailing outside of the UK, you'll need to think about how you'll pay for things in the destinations you'll be visiting."

P&O Cruises then advised passengers to travel with a pre-payment card to help avoid foreign transaction charges while abroad.

The company added: "To avoid getting charged by your bank for using your card abroad, we recommend travelling with a pre-payment card that doesn't charge a fee for foreign transactions, and carrying some local currency with you, just in case card or digital payments aren't accepted."

P&O also reminded passengers that all onboard purchases are linked directly to their cruise card, Liverpool Echo reports.

The cruise line explained: "So, on sea days, you can just leave your cash and cards in your cabin's safe."

Many standard UK debit cards charge overseas transaction fees of between 2.75% and 2.99% when used abroad, whether for purchases or cash withdrawals.

However, some newer digital banks allow customers to spend overseas without additional fees, while some traditional banks waive charges on premium accounts.

Travel money cards have become increasingly popular with holidaymakers as they allow users to preload foreign currency and spend abroad without standard banking fees.

Passengers were also warned to check the small print before choosing a card, as some providers may charge inactivity fees, limit cash withdrawals, or apply charges when topping up funds.