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

Booking a cruise holiday with P&O Cruises comes with the excitement of exploring new destinations, indulging in fine dining, and enjoying onboard entertainment. But one of the most common questions passengers ask before setting sail is: “How many drinks can I get a day with a P&O Cruises drink package?”

Drink packages are popular because they provide convenience, save money, and eliminate the worry of surprise bar bills at the end of your voyage. However, unlike all-inclusive resorts where beverages flow without limits, cruise lines like P&O Cruises set specific guidelines for their drink packages. Knowing these rules—particularly the daily limits—can help you decide if a package is right for you.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to how many drinks you can get daily with P&O Cruises’ drink packages. We’ll also cover package types, costs, inclusions, exclusions, and expert strategies to maximize the value of your package.

Overview of P&O Cruises Drink Packages

Before discussing drink limits, it’s important to understand the drink package options available on P&O Cruises. Each package caters to different passenger preferences.

Refresh Drinks Package

Price: Around £10.95 per person, per day.
Includes: Unlimited soft drinks, fruit juices, and selected mocktails.
Best For: Families, children, or adults who don’t drink alcohol.

Alcohol-Free Drinks Package

Price: Around £22.45 per person, per day.
Includes: Everything in the Refresh package plus Costa coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Best For: Non-drinkers or coffee lovers who still want variety.

Classic Drinks Package

Price: Around £44.95 per person, per day.
Includes:
- Beers, wines, ciders, and spirits up to £7.95 each.
- Cocktails.
- Specialty coffees and soft drinks.
Best For: Adults who enjoy alcohol moderately and want balanced choices.

Deluxe Drinks Package

Price: Around £54.95 per person, per day.
Includes:
- All drinks from the Classic package.
- Premium wines, cocktails, and spirits up to £10.95 each.
Best For: Passengers who love premium options and want the best variety.

How Many Drinks Per Day with P&O Cruises Drink Packages?

The crucial detail: P&O Cruises enforces a 15-drink limit per day per person for alcoholic beverages when using the Classic or Deluxe Drink Packages.

Important Notes on the Limit

The 15-drink limit applies only to alcoholic beverages.
Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited—this includes soft drinks, coffee, water, and mocktails.
The limit resets every 24 hours.
The limit is per person, not per cabin. Each person with a package has their own allowance.

Why Is There a Drink Limit?

Some travelers wonder why limits exist at all. The reasons are practical and important:

Encourage Responsible Drinking: Safety is a priority on cruise ships. The 15-drink limit prevents excessive consumption.
Prevent Sharing: Without a limit, passengers might order drinks for friends or family without packages.
Fairness: Packages are designed for personal use, not as a way to supply unlimited drinks to others.

Is 15 Drinks a Day Enough?

For most passengers, 15 alcoholic drinks in one day is more than enough. To put it in perspective:

3 beers by the pool.
2 glasses of wine at lunch.
2 specialty coffees (non-alcoholic, so not counted in the limit).
3 cocktails at dinner and evening shows.
2 spirits and mixers later at night.
3 more glasses of wine spread throughout the day.

That’s 15 alcoholic drinks, plus unlimited coffee, soda, and juices. For the average cruiser, this is more than generous.

Cost of Drinks on Board Without a Package

Understanding onboard drink prices helps highlight the value of a package.

Average Prices on P&O Cruises:

Beer: £4.50–£5.50.
Glass of wine: £5.50–£7.50.
Cocktail: £7.50–£9.95.
Premium spirit: £8.00–£10.95.
Specialty coffee: £2.75–£3.50.
Soft drinks: £2.50–£3.00.

Example 1: Classic Package (£44.95/day)

6 beers (£5 each) = £30.
2 glasses of wine (£6 each) = £12.
2 cocktails (£8 each) = £16.
2 coffees (£3 each) = £6.
2 sodas (£3 each) = £6.

Total without package: £70.Cost with package: £44.95.Savings: ~£25/day.

Example 2: Deluxe Package (£54.95/day)

4 premium cocktails (£10 each) = £40.
2 premium spirits (£9 each) = £18.
3 wines (£7.50 each) = £22.50.
2 coffees + 2 sodas = £12.

Total without package: £92.50.Cost with package: £54.95.Savings: ~£38/day.

Even without reaching the 15-drink limit, you can save significantly.

Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Options

Remember, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are included with every package. These include:

Costa coffee.
Tea and hot chocolate.
Soft drinks (Coke, Sprite, Fanta).
Bottled water.
Mocktails.
Fruit juices.

This makes the packages appealing even for non-drinkers.

Tips to Maximize Your Drink Package

Pace Yourself: Spread drinks throughout the day to reach the full value.
Use Non-Alcoholic Options: Take advantage of unlimited sodas, water, and coffee.
Try Premium Cocktails: On the Deluxe package, explore top-shelf options.
Hydrate: Use bottled water to stay refreshed, especially on hot days.
Pre-Purchase Packages: They’re often cheaper if booked before your cruise.

FAQs

Do soft drinks count toward the 15-drink limit?

No, only alcoholic beverages count.

Does everyone in a cabin need to buy the same package?

Yes, all adults in the same cabin must purchase the same package to prevent sharing.

Can children get packages?

Yes, they can purchase non-alcoholic versions at a reduced rate.

Can I share my package with someone else?

No, sharing is prohibited, and bartenders are trained to watch for this.

What happens if I exceed 15 drinks?

Any additional alcoholic drinks must be purchased at standard onboard prices.

Alternatives to Drink Packages

Not everyone needs a package. Alternatives include:

Pay-as-you-go: Good for light drinkers.
Bring your own wine/champagne: P&O Cruises allows a limited amount.
Free drinks onboard: Water, tea, and coffee are available at no extra charge in buffet areas.