How many drinks can you get a day with a P&O Cruises Australia drink package?

How many drinks can you get a day with a P&O Cruises Australia drink package?

If you're planning a voyage with P&O Cruises Australia, one of the most common questions is simple but important: how many drinks can you actually get per day with a drink package?

The short answer: P&O Cruises Australia drink packages generally allow up to 15 alcoholic drinks per person per 24-hour period, along with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages within package limits. However, policies can change, so always verify details directly with P&O Cruises Australia before sailing.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down:

• The daily drink limits

• What counts toward your allowance

• Health and safety considerations

• Real-world cost comparisons

• Expert-backed advice on alcohol consumption

• Practical tips for maximizing value

• A comprehensive FAQ section

This article is based on publicly available information from official cruise materials and health authorities such as the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Health Service.

Understanding P&O Cruises Australia Drink Packages

P&O Cruises Australia has historically offered beverage packages that bundle drinks for a fixed daily price. While specific package names and inclusions may vary by sailing and season, the structure typically includes:

1. Alcohol-Inclusive Beverage Packages

These packages cover:

• Beer (bottled and draft)

• Wine (by the glass)

• Standard spirits and cocktails

• Selected ready-to-drink beverages

2. Non-Alcoholic Packages

These may include:

• Soft drinks

• Bottled water

• Barista-style coffee

• Mocktails

• Juices

Daily Drink Limit: What You Need to Know

Is There a Daily Alcohol Cap?

Yes. Based on publicly available cruise policies and industry norms, P&O Cruises Australia typically limits alcoholic beverages to 15 drinks per person per 24-hour period.

If there are policy updates, P&O states the latest conditions in its cruise contract and beverage package terms.

How the 24-Hour Period Works

The limit generally operates as a rolling 24-hour window, not a midnight reset. For example:

• If you order your first drink at 2:00 PM, your 15-drink allowance applies until 2:00 PM the following day.

• The system tracks drinks electronically via your cruise card.

If a guest reaches the limit, additional alcoholic beverages are not served until the 24-hour window resets.

What Counts Toward the 15-Drink Limit?

Not every beverage counts the same way.

Included in the Limit:

• Beer

• Wine (by the glass)

• Spirits

• Cocktails

• Pre-mixed alcoholic beverages

Typically Not Counted Toward the Alcohol Limit:

• Bottled water

• Soft drinks

• Specialty coffee

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

However, always check your sailing's specific terms.

If certain information is unknown or subject to change:Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on this.

Why Is There a Drink Limit?

Cruise lines implement drink caps for several reasons:

1. Passenger Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol consumption increases risks of:

• Falls and injuries

• Dehydration

• Heat-related illness

• Impaired judgment

Cruise ships are moving environments with stairs, decks, pools, and open ocean exposure—risk factors multiply with intoxication.

2. Responsible Service Compliance

Cruise lines must comply with maritime safety regulations and port-country laws. Many destinations enforce strict alcohol service laws.

3. Public Health Guidance

The World Health Organization states that heavy episodic drinking increases:

• Cardiovascular risk

• Liver disease

• Injury risk

• Alcohol poisoning

A 15-drink limit, while generous, still establishes an upper boundary.

How Does 15 Drinks Compare to Health Guidelines?

Let’s compare cruise limits to global health recommendations.

WHO & NHS Guidelines

The National Health Service recommends:

• No more than 14 units of alcohol per week (spread across several days).

In Australia, national health authorities recommend:

• No more than 10 standard drinks per week

• No more than 4 standard drinks on any single day

Fifteen alcoholic drinks in 24 hours significantly exceeds standard health recommendations.

What Is a Standard Drink?

Beverage Type	Approximate Standard Drink
Beer (375 ml)	1 standard drink
Wine (150 ml)	1–1.5 standard drinks
Spirits (30 ml)	1 standard drink

 

Cruise pours may vary.

Is 15 Drinks Per Day Realistic?

For most travelers, no.

Example Scenario

Let’s assume:

• 2 mimosas at breakfast

• 3 poolside beers

• 2 pre-dinner cocktails

• 2 glasses of wine at dinner

• 2 evening drinks

That equals 11 drinks — already above health guidelines.

Reaching 15 would require sustained heavy drinking.

Cost Analysis: Is the Package Worth It?

Here’s a typical comparison (estimates based on cruise industry averages):

Drink Type	Approx. Individual Price (AUD)
Beer	$9–$12
Wine	$10–$15
Cocktail	$14–$18
Specialty Coffee	$5–$7

 

If a package costs $79–$99 per day:

You would need to consume:

• 6–8 cocktails OR

• 8–10 beers OR

• A mix totaling similar value

Break-Even Example

If you drink:

• 2 coffees ($12)

• 3 beers ($30)

• 2 cocktails ($32)

• 1 wine ($12)

Total: ~$86

That may justify the package.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide if the Drink Package Is Worth It

Step 1: Estimate Your Daily Drinking Habits

Be honest about typical consumption on vacation.

Step 2: Multiply by Cruise Bar Prices

Check P&O’s latest onboard menu pricing.

Step 3: Compare to Package Cost

Include gratuities if applicable.

Step 4: Consider Sea Days vs Port Days

Port-heavy itineraries reduce onboard drinking time.

Step 5: Factor in Health & Comfort

Overconsumption can ruin travel experiences.

Real-World Example: 7-Day Cruise Breakdown

Let’s assume:

• 3 sea days

• 4 port days

On port days, you may only drink in the evening.

If average daily consumption:

• Sea days: 8 drinks

• Port days: 4 drinks

Total weekly drinks = (8×3) + (4×4) = 24 + 16 = 40 drinks

40 drinks ÷ 7 days = ~5.7 drinks/day average

A package may not be financially necessary.

Responsible Drinking at Sea

The World Health Organization emphasizes:

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water

• Eat before drinking

• Avoid mixing alcohol types excessively

• Set limits before you begin

Cruise ships also have medical centers, but treatment costs may apply.

Industry Perspective

Publications such as Consumer Reports often advise travelers to calculate realistic consumption before purchasing bundled packages.

Similarly, business analyses in Harvard Business Review have highlighted how bundled pricing models increase perceived value—even when consumers do not fully utilize benefits.

Drink packages are designed to feel unlimited, even when capped.

Important Policy Considerations

• All adults in the same cabin may be required to purchase the same alcohol package.

• Sharing drinks is prohibited.

• Packages may not apply on embarkation day in some ports.

• Age restrictions apply (18+ or 21+ depending on sailing region).

Always review the cruise contract before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many alcoholic drinks per day does P&O Cruises Australia allow?

Typically up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period per person.

2. Does the limit reset at midnight?

Usually it operates as a rolling 24-hour window.

3. Do non-alcoholic drinks count toward the limit?

Generally no, but confirm specific package terms.

4. What happens if I reach 15 drinks?

Alcohol service is paused until your 24-hour window resets.

5. Can I share my drink package?

No. Sharing violates cruise policy.

6. Is the drink package worth it?

It depends on realistic consumption levels and itinerary type.

7. Do all adults in a cabin need to buy the package?

Often yes for alcohol-inclusive packages.

8. Are premium cocktails included?

Only those within the package price ceiling.

9. Is bottled water unlimited?

Usually yes within non-alcoholic package limits.

10. Can the cruise line refuse service before 15 drinks?

Yes. Staff may refuse service for safety reasons.

Final Verdict: How Many Drinks Can You Get?

You can typically receive up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period with a P&O Cruises Australia beverage package, plus unlimited non-alcoholic drinks depending on package type.

However:

• That number exceeds most public health guidelines.

• Many guests will not consume enough to justify the cost.

• Safety, hydration, and enjoyment should come first.

Before purchasing, calculate realistic consumption, review official package terms from P&O Cruises Australia, and consider your itinerary.

Cruising should enhance your experience—not challenge your limits.

If you’d like, I can also create a downloadable drink package calculator template to help you decide.