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A cruise vacation often includes accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation between destinations. However, beverages are one area where costs can add up quickly. Many travelers planning a voyage with P&O Cruises ask one important question:
The answer depends on the type of drinks package, the ship, the length of the cruise, and passenger preferences. P&O Cruises offers several beverage options, including alcohol packages, soft drink packages, children's drinks plans, and individual beverage purchases.
In recent years, cruise lines have expanded beverage offerings to provide better value and convenience. Understanding the costs and inclusions before boarding can help travelers budget effectively and avoid unexpected onboard expenses.
P&O Cruises beverage packages generally cost:
| Package Type | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Soft Drinks Package | £10–£15 per day |
| Refresh Drinks Package | £15–£20 per day |
| Alcoholic Drinks Packages | Approximately £40–£50+ per day |
| Children's Drinks Package | Around £7–£10 per day |
Prices may vary depending on the ship, itinerary, and sailing date.
Passengers should always verify current pricing before departure because beverage package costs can change.
A beverage package allows passengers to pay a fixed daily rate for selected drinks during their cruise.
Packages can include:
Instead of paying individually for each drink, guests pay one upfront amount.
This can provide:
Cruise lines introduced beverage packages to simplify onboard spending.
Benefits include:
Industry experts note that bundled purchases often encourage guests to enjoy more onboard experiences without worrying about individual prices.
Alcohol packages typically include:
Many packages have price limits per drink.
Premium brands may require additional charges.
Soft drinks packages generally include:
These packages appeal to:
Coffee lovers may purchase packages covering:
This can be worthwhile for guests who regularly visit onboard coffee shops.
Youth beverage packages often include:
These packages help parents manage spending.
Individual drink prices may include:
| Beverage | Approximate Cost |
| Soft Drink | £2–£4 |
| Beer | £5–£7 |
| Glass of Wine | £6–£10 |
| Cocktail | £8–£12 |
| Specialty Coffee | £3–£5 |
| Bottled Water | £2–£4 |
A passenger consuming several drinks daily may spend considerably more than the package cost.
The answer depends entirely on drinking habits.
Daily total:
£31
If the package costs £45, it may not offer value.
Daily total:
£50–£60
In this case, a package could save money.
Several factors determine whether purchasing a package makes sense.
Longer cruises provide more opportunities to use packages.
Passengers spending most of the day ashore may consume fewer onboard drinks.
Wine enthusiasts, coffee lovers, and cocktail drinkers often receive better value.
Some cruise lines require both adults in a cabin to purchase the same package.
Travelers should review current policies before booking.
Depending on the package:
Common rules may include:
Passengers should review the official terms before purchasing.
Access your booking before departure.
Not every package is available on every sailing.
Estimate your likely beverage consumption.
Advance purchases may offer savings.
Your cruise card is used to redeem drinks.
Consider a seven-night cruise.
Passenger consumption:
Average daily spending:
£38–£45
Weekly total:
£266–£315
If a beverage package costs approximately £45 daily:
Total package cost:
£315
In this example, savings may be limited, but budgeting becomes easier.
Some onboard bars offer specials.
Cruise policies may permit limited wine or soft drinks.
Wine purchased by the bottle often costs less.
Returning passengers sometimes receive beverage credits.
Pre-cruise pricing may be lower.
| Feature | Beverage Package | Individual Purchases |
| Predictable Budget | Yes | No |
| Upfront Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for Heavy Users | Yes | No |
| Best for Occasional Drinkers | No | Yes |
| Convenience | Excellent | Moderate |
The World Health Organization emphasizes responsible alcohol consumption and awareness of personal limits.
Travelers should:
Responsible consumption improves safety and enjoyment during cruises.
Travel experts generally recommend calculating expected daily consumption before purchasing a package.
Questions to ask:
These answers often determine whether a package offers value.
Most packages range from approximately £10 to £50 per person per day depending on the package type.
Yes, many packages can be purchased onboard, although prices may differ.
Policies can change. Guests should verify the latest information.
Some cruises may require this depending on package rules.
Yes. Child beverage plans are commonly available.
Only certain packages include premium coffees.
No. Beverage sharing is generally prohibited.
This depends on the selected package.
Refund policies vary by sailing and purchase timing.
Many occasional drinkers spend less by paying individually.
P&O Cruises beverage packages can provide excellent value for passengers who regularly enjoy specialty coffees, soft drinks, cocktails, beer, or wine throughout their voyage.
Guests who consume several beverages daily often benefit from the convenience and predictable budgeting offered by these packages.
However, travelers who drink only occasionally may save money by purchasing beverages individually.
Before purchasing, compare:
Because beverage offerings and prices can change, passengers should always verify the latest information through official P&O Cruises resources before sailing.
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