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Planning a cruise with P&O Cruises Australia and wondering whether drinks are included in your fare? You’re not alone. Beverage policies can significantly affect your cruise budget, onboard experience, and overall satisfaction.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what beverages are included, what costs extra, how drink packages work, and how to make informed decisions based on your travel style. We’ll also reference authoritative health and consumer sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Consumer Reports to provide evidence-based context where relevant.
P&O Cruises Australia traditionally operates as a mainstream cruise line offering value-focused holidays. While some premium cruise brands bundle drinks into base fares, P&O typically follows a “pay-as-you-go” model with optional drink packages.
Yes, some beverages are included—but alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks generally cost extra unless you purchase a drinks package.
Let’s break this down clearly.
On most P&O Cruises Australia sailings, the following beverages are typically included in your cruise fare:
Filtered coffee (regular drip coffee)
Tea (standard varieties)
Tap water
Select juices at breakfast (often orange, apple, or tropical blends)
Milk (regular and sometimes alternatives)
These are usually available in buffet areas and main dining rooms during operating hours.
Cruise ships operate advanced desalination systems to produce potable water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cruise ship water systems are regulated and routinely tested under international maritime sanitation standards, making onboard tap water safe to drink.
Unless covered by a drinks package, these beverages are typically charged:
Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails)
Specialty coffee (espresso, cappuccino, lattes)
Premium teas
Bottled water
Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products, etc.)
Energy drinks
Fresh juices outside breakfast
Smoothies
Prices vary by ship and sailing duration.
P&O Cruises Australia historically offered drinks packages that allowed guests to prepay for beverages at a fixed daily rate.
| Package Type | What’s Included | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Package | Beer, wine, spirits, cocktails (within price limits) | Social drinkers |
| Non-Alcoholic Package | Soft drinks, mocktails, specialty coffee | Families & teens |
| Soda Package | Fountain soft drinks | Casual soda drinkers |
| Premium Upgrade | Higher-tier wines and spirits | Enthusiasts |
Based on publicly available information, package details may vary by itinerary and promotional offering.
Whether a drinks package makes financial sense depends on your consumption habits.
Example:
2 cocktails ($15 each)
1 glass of wine ($12)
2 specialty coffees ($5 each)
Estimated daily total: $52
If the drinks package costs $59 per day, you’re near the break-even point.
On port-intensive itineraries, you’ll spend fewer hours onboard, potentially reducing drink consumption.
The World Health Organization advises moderation in alcohol consumption due to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Even on holiday, mindful consumption is recommended.
For context, here’s how beverage inclusion compares across brands:
| Cruise Line | Alcohol Included? | Soft Drinks Included? | Specialty Coffee Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Cruises Australia | No | No | No |
| Luxury Cruise Lines | Often Yes | Often Yes | Often Yes |
| Mainstream Lines | No | No | No |
Luxury cruise brands often advertise “all-inclusive” pricing models, but base fares are typically higher.
Cruising often leads to increased indulgence. According to research cited by the National Institutes of Health, alcohol consumption during vacations can rise significantly compared to daily life.
Alternate alcoholic beverages with water.
Choose lower-sugar cocktails.
Stay hydrated—especially in tropical climates.
Consider alcohol-free days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also emphasizes hydration to prevent heat-related illness during travel.
3 alcoholic drinks/day × $14 × 7 days = $294
2 coffees/day × $5 × 7 days = $70
Bottled water daily × $4 × 7 = $28Total: $392
$65 × 7 = $455
In this example, paying individually is cheaper.
Families cruising with children often benefit from:
Soda packages for teens
Non-alcoholic beverage packages
Bringing permitted sealed beverages onboard (check policy)
Always verify current rules before sailing.
Cruise lines often allow limited wine or soft drinks at embarkation, subject to corkage fees. Policies change frequently
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on updated limits for all itineraries—verify directly before travel.
Here are expert-backed strategies:
Cruise lines often offer discounts before departure.
Some ships offer limited-time drink promotions.
Returning cruisers may receive onboard credit or complimentary drinks.
Use the cruise app to monitor your account daily.
Cruise ships must adhere to international maritime sanitation standards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which inspects cruise ships for hygiene and water safety.
This means:
Ice is made from potable water.
Beverage stations undergo sanitation checks.
Alcohol service follows responsible service standards.
Organizations like Consumer Reports emphasize understanding “add-on pricing” models in travel. Cruise fares may appear lower initially but can increase through extras such as drinks.
Before booking:
Compare total estimated cruise cost.
Review package fine print.
Confirm gratuity inclusion.
No, alcoholic beverages typically require separate purchase or a drinks package.
Yes. Cruise ships follow strict sanitation standards regulated internationally and monitored by agencies such as the CDC.
Policies vary. Some limited wine allowances may apply with corkage fees.
Some packages include bottled water, while others include only fountain or tap options.
Refund policies vary by sailing. Always confirm terms at booking.
Children do not require alcohol packages but may benefit from soda or non-alcoholic packages.
Yes, service charges are typically applied automatically.
It depends on your consumption level. Moderate drinkers may save money without a package.
No. They apply only onboard.
No, specialty espresso-based drinks usually cost extra.
P&O Cruises Australia includes basic beverages such as tea, coffee, and tap water—but most alcoholic and specialty drinks cost extra unless you purchase a drinks package.
For light drinkers, paying individually often makes financial sense. For frequent cocktail or wine consumers, a package may offer convenience and predictable budgeting.
Basic drinks included (tea, coffee, water)
Alcohol and soft drinks cost extra
Packages may offer savings depending on usage
Health and hydration should remain priorities
Always verify latest policies before booking
Cruise beverage policies are designed to provide flexibility—allowing guests to choose whether they prefer pay-as-you-go convenience or prepaid value.
If you're planning a cruise soon, review current package details directly with P&O Cruises Australia before booking to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This guide is based on publicly available information and general cruise industry practices. Policies may change, so confirm details with the cruise operator prior to departure.
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