Cruising with P&O Cruises Australia is a luxurious experience that combines world-class dining, entertainment, and travel to some of the most stunning destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. One of the most popular upgrades for passengers is the P&O Cruises Australia drink package, which allows cruisers to enjoy a wide selection of beverages throughout their journey. Understanding how many drinks you can get a day, what’s included, and how to maximize the package is essential to making the most of your cruise experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:
Overview of P&O Cruises Australia drink packages
Daily drink limits and consumption rules
What beverages are included
Pricing and cost considerations
How to purchase a drink package
Tips for maximizing your drink package
Comparisons with other cruise lines
Special considerations and restrictions
Frequently asked questions
P&O Cruises Australia offers several beverage packages designed to suit different tastes and budgets. These packages provide convenience, allowing passengers to enjoy a wide range of drinks without worrying about individual costs every time they order.
The main types of drink packages include:
Standard Drink Package – Ideal for casual drinkers; includes beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, and selected cocktails.
Premium Drink Package – Offers a larger selection of cocktails, premium spirits, specialty coffees, and imported beers.
Non-Alcoholic Package – For passengers who prefer soft drinks, juices, mocktails, coffee, and tea.
Each package provides unlimited drinks within its included selection, but there are some practical rules and daily limits to be aware of.
Many passengers wonder how many drinks they can enjoy each day with a P&O Cruises drink package. While the package is advertised as “unlimited,” there are reasonable consumption limits set by the cruise line to ensure safety and fairness for all guests.
Daily Limit: Typically, P&O Cruises Australia enforces a maximum of 15 drinks per day per guest under the drink package. This limit ensures guests can enjoy beverages responsibly while maintaining a pleasant experience for everyone.
Single Transaction Limit: Some cruise ships may allow up to 5 drinks per order to avoid overcrowding at bars.
Time Restrictions: Alcoholic beverages may not be available during certain hours, such as early mornings or late-night hours, depending on ship policy.
It’s important to note that these limits are designed to promote responsible drinking. If you reach the daily limit, you will need to wait until the next day to continue enjoying your beverages under the package.
P&O Cruises Australia drink packages include a broad range of beverages. Depending on the package selected, you can enjoy:
Beer: Local and imported options, including craft and draught beers.
Wine: House wines by the glass, selected sparkling wines, and occasionally premium options depending on the package.
Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila, including popular brands.
Cocktails: Standard cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, and Pina Coladas (premium package may include specialty cocktails).
Soft drinks, juices, mocktails
Specialty coffees: cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos
Tea selections: herbal, green, black
Bottled water and mineral water
By knowing what’s included, passengers can plan their daily drinks and maximize the value of the package.
The cost of P&O Cruises Australia drink packages varies depending on the type, duration of your cruise, and current promotions. Here’s a general guide:
Standard Package: Approximately AUD 50–60 per day per adult
Premium Package: Approximately AUD 70–85 per day per adult
Non-Alcoholic Package: Approximately AUD 35–45 per day per adult
Cost-saving Tip: If you plan to enjoy more than 5–6 drinks per day, purchasing a drink package can save you money compared to paying per beverage individually.
Additionally, P&O Cruises sometimes offers pre-purchase discounts for guests who book drink packages before the cruise, which can make the package even more economical.
Purchasing a P&O Cruises drink package is straightforward:
Before Your Cruise: Log into your P&O Cruises booking portal and select your preferred package. Pre-booking often comes with discounted rates.
Onboard the Ship: Visit the guest services desk or bars and ask to purchase the package. Payments can be added to your onboard account.
Duration Options: Packages can be purchased for the entire cruise or for selected days, depending on your needs.
Once purchased, your package will be linked to your cruise card or wristband, allowing seamless ordering without cash transactions.
To get the most value and enjoyment from your P&O Cruises drink package, consider these tips:
Plan Your Day: Space out drinks to stay within daily limits and avoid overconsumption.
Try Different Beverages: Use the package to explore cocktails, local wines, and specialty coffees.
Enjoy Specialty Bars: Some cruise ships have themed bars where the package is accepted; this can enhance your experience.
Stay Hydrated: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to avoid dehydration and hangovers.
Track Consumption: Keep a mental note of how many drinks you’ve had to stay within the daily maximum.
P&O Cruises Australia drink packages are competitive, but how do they compare with other major cruise lines?
Cruise LineDrinks Per DayPackage Cost (Approx.)Highlights
P&O Cruises Australia15AUD 50–85Wide selection, local beers, cocktails, coffees
Royal Caribbean15USD 65–95Premium cocktails, unlimited soda, alcohol options
Carnival Cruise Line15USD 50–75Alcohol and non-alcoholic, specialty coffees included
Princess Cruises12–15USD 55–90Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, coffee, specialty cocktails
From this comparison, it’s clear that P&O Cruises provides excellent value, particularly for guests cruising within Australia and the South Pacific.
While drink packages are convenient, there are some important restrictions to be aware of:
Packages are per person only; sharing is not allowed.
Some premium beverages or rare wines may not be included.
Guests must be 18 years or older to purchase alcoholic packages.
Packages cannot be combined with other onboard discounts or promotions.
Being aware of these rules will help you enjoy your drinks responsibly and without inconvenience.
Q1: Can I buy a drink package for only part of the cruise?
Yes, P&O Cruises allows partial cruise packages, although buying for the full cruise usually gives better value.
Q2: Are there unlimited soft drinks included?
Yes, all packages include unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and juices.
Q3: Can I upgrade from a standard to a premium package onboard?
Yes, you can upgrade, and the cost is pro-rated based on remaining cruise days.
Q4: What happens if I exceed the daily limit?
You will be required to pay per drink once the daily limit is reached.
Understanding how many drinks you can enjoy per day with a P&O Cruises Australia drink package is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your onboard experience. With typical daily limits of 15 drinks per guest, a wide variety of included beverages, and flexible purchase options, these packages are designed to enhance your cruise experience while promoting responsible enjoyment.
Whether you choose the standard, premium, or non-alcoholic package, planning ahead, exploring the options, and following practical tips will ensure you make the most of every sip while sailing through the beautiful destinations P&O Cruises Australia has to offer.ces.