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

For many cruise passengers, one of the biggest questions before sailing is: How many drinks can you actually have each day with a P&O Cruises drink package?

The answer is important because beverage packages can significantly affect your cruise budget. Whether you enjoy specialty coffees in the morning, cocktails by the pool, wine at dinner, or soft drinks throughout the day, understanding the daily drink allowance helps determine whether a package is worth purchasing.

The short answer is that P&O Cruises applies a daily limit to its drinks packages. Depending on the package purchased, guests are generally limited to 15 alcoholic drinks within a 24-hour period, while non-alcoholic beverages may have separate rules and allowances.

This guide explains exactly how the drink packages work, what counts toward your daily allowance, what happens when you reach the limit, and whether buying a package offers good value.

Understanding P&O Cruises Drink Packages

P&O Cruises offers several beverage packages designed to suit different travel styles.

Common packages include:

• Deluxe drinks package
• Alcohol-free package
• Refresh package
• Soft drinks package
• Children's beverage options

The most popular package among adults is the all-inclusive alcoholic drinks package, which covers a broad selection of:

• Beer
• Wine by the glass
• Spirits
• Cocktails
• Soft drinks
• Specialty coffees
• Bottled water

Each package has its own terms and conditions.

How Many Alcoholic Drinks Can You Get Per Day?

The current P&O Cruises policy generally limits guests to:

Maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period

This daily limit applies regardless of:

• Beer
• Wine
• Spirits
• Cocktails
• Mixed drinks

Once you reach the limit, additional alcoholic beverages must be purchased separately.

The limit resets after the designated 24-hour period established by the cruise line.

Why Does P&O Cruises Have a Drink Limit?

Cruise lines implement beverage limits for several reasons:

1. Responsible Service of Alcohol

Cruise operators have legal and safety responsibilities regarding alcohol consumption.

2. Passenger Safety

Excessive drinking can increase:

• Accidents
• Injuries
• Medical incidents
• Security issues

3. Preventing Package Sharing

Drink limits discourage guests from purchasing beverages for others who do not have packages.

4. Compliance With Maritime Regulations

Cruise companies often follow international safety standards and responsible alcohol service practices.

What Drinks Count Toward the 15-Drink Limit?

The following beverages usually count toward the alcoholic allowance:

Beverage Type	Counts Toward Limit
Beer	Yes
Cider	Yes
Wine by the glass	Yes
Cocktails	Yes
Spirits	Yes
Mixed drinks	Yes
Liqueurs	Yes

 

Each individual alcoholic beverage counts as one drink.

Do Soft Drinks Count?

Generally, non-alcoholic beverages do not count toward the alcoholic daily limit.

These may include:

• Fountain soda
• Juice
• Tea
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Bottled water

However, passengers should verify their specific package details before sailing.

What Happens When You Reach 15 Drinks?

After reaching the daily alcoholic limit:

1. Your cruise card records the final included drink.
2. Further alcoholic beverages become chargeable.
3. Bar staff may advise you that your limit has been reached.
4. Additional drinks appear on your onboard account.

The package remains active the following day after the limit resets.

Example Daily Consumption

A typical cruise day might look like this:

Time	Beverage
Breakfast	Specialty coffee
Mid-morning	Bottled water
Lunch	Beer
Afternoon	Cocktail
Poolside	Two cocktails
Dinner	Two glasses of wine
Evening show	Gin and tonic
Late night	Whiskey

 

This example totals eight alcoholic drinks, remaining comfortably below the daily limit.

Is 15 Drinks Per Day Enough?

For most passengers, yes.

Many travelers consume:

• 3–5 alcoholic drinks daily.
• 5–8 drinks on sea days.
• 1–3 drinks during port days.

Fifteen alcoholic beverages represent a relatively high daily consumption level.

Types of Drinks Included

Depending on the package, beverages may include:

Beer

Popular lagers and draft beers.

Wine

Selected wines by the glass.

Spirits

• Gin
• Vodka
• Whiskey
• Rum

Cocktails

Classic cocktails and selected premium options.

Hot Drinks

• Cappuccino
• Latte
• Espresso

Bottled Water

Still and sparkling water.

Drinks Usually Excluded

Some beverages may require additional payment.

These can include:

• Premium champagne
• Rare whiskies
• High-end wines
• Large-format bottles
• Certain specialty cocktails

If a drink exceeds the package price limit, guests may pay the difference.

How the Cruise Card Tracks Drinks

Every beverage purchase is recorded electronically.

Your onboard account tracks:

• Drink type
• Time ordered
• Location purchased
• Daily total

This system prevents errors and ensures compliance with package rules.

Is the Drink Package Worth It?

Consider this example:

Drink	Average Price
Beer	£5
Cocktail	£8
Glass of wine	£7
Specialty coffee	£3
Water	£2

Daily consumption:

• 2 coffees = £6
• 3 cocktails = £24
• 2 wines = £14
• Water = £4

Total: £48

If the package costs less than your expected consumption, it may offer good value.

Sea Days vs Port Days

Sea Days

Passengers often drink more because they spend more time onboard.

Port Days

Consumption may decrease due to excursions and sightseeing.

Understanding your travel habits helps determine package value.

Responsible Drinking at Sea

Health organizations emphasize moderation.

According to public health guidance, excessive alcohol consumption may increase risks including:

• Dehydration
• Sleep disruption
• Falls
• Injuries

Cruise environments can intensify alcohol effects because of:

• Sun exposure
• Heat
• Motion
• Dehydration

Alternating alcoholic beverages with water can help maintain comfort.

Tips to Maximize Your Package

Start With Coffee

Specialty coffees add value.

Stay Hydrated

Order bottled water throughout the day.

Try New Cocktails

Cruises provide opportunities to sample different beverages.

Use Sea Days Wisely

These days often provide the greatest package value.

Understand Package Limits

Knowing the rules avoids surprises.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Your Package

 1: Purchase the Package

Buy before sailing or onboard.

 2: Receive Activation

Your cruise card becomes your beverage card.

3: Order Drinks

Present your card at bars and restaurants.

4: Monitor Usage

Check your onboard account if needed.

5: Pay for Additional Drinks

Once limits are reached, extra drinks are charged.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming drinks are unlimited.
• Sharing beverages with others.
• Ignoring price limits.
• Forgetting gratuities or service charges.
• Waiting until late in the cruise to use the package.

Comparing Beverage Packages

Feature	Alcohol Package	Soft Drinks Package	Refresh Package
Beer	Yes	No	No
Wine	Yes	No	No
Cocktails	Yes	No	No
Soft drinks	Yes	Yes	Yes
Coffee	Yes	Some	Yes
Water	Yes	Yes	Yes

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many alcoholic drinks can I have each day?

Most P&O Cruises alcoholic packages permit up to 15 alcoholic beverages within a 24-hour period.

2. Does coffee count toward the limit?

No, specialty coffees generally do not count toward the alcoholic allowance.

3. Can I save drinks for another passenger?

No. Sharing beverage packages violates cruise policies.

4. What happens after 15 drinks?

Additional alcoholic drinks are charged to your onboard account.

5. Are cocktails included?

Many cocktails are included, depending on package terms.

6. Does bottled water count?

Typically, bottled water does not count toward alcoholic limits.

7. Can the limit change?

Cruise lines may update package terms. Always review the latest conditions before sailing.

8. Are children eligible for drink packages?

Yes, P&O offers non-alcoholic packages designed for younger guests.

9. Do drinks reset at midnight?

The exact reset period may vary according to company policy.

10. Is the package worth buying?

It depends on your drinking habits, beverage preferences, and cruise length.

Final Verdict

Most P&O Cruises passengers will find the 15-drink daily allowance more than sufficient. The limit is designed to encourage responsible alcohol consumption while still allowing guests to enjoy a wide variety of beverages throughout their holiday.

For travelers who regularly enjoy cocktails, wine with dinner, specialty coffees, and bottled water, the drinks package can provide excellent value. Understanding exactly how many drinks are included helps passengers budget more effectively and avoid unexpected charges.

As cruise policies can change, travelers should always review the latest beverage package terms directly from P&O Cruises before departure. If specific details are unavailable, it is appropriate to state: