How much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises?

When booking a holiday with P&O Cruises, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises?”

Cruising offers the chance to explore multiple destinations while enjoying onboard luxuries like fine dining, entertainment, and relaxation. However, beverages—whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic—can quickly add up if purchased individually. To help guests manage costs and enjoy peace of mind, P&O Cruises offers several beverage package options.

Each package is designed to cater to different types of passengers: families, non-drinkers, coffee lovers, casual drinkers, and those who prefer premium cocktails and wines. But before purchasing, it’s essential to understand the costs, inclusions, restrictions, and overall value of each beverage package.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to P&O Cruises beverage packages. We’ll break down the pricing, inclusions, pros and cons, and tips to maximize your onboard experience.

Overview of Beverage Packages on P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises offers four main beverage packages. These vary in cost depending on whether you want only soft drinks, alcohol-free beverages, or full access to beer, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits.

Let’s explore each one in detail.

Refresh Drinks Package

• Price: Around £10.95 per person, per day.

• Inclusions:

  • Unlimited draught soft drinks.

  • Selected fruit juices.

  • Mocktails.

• Best For: Families with kids, teetotalers, or passengers who only want soft drinks.

This is the most budget-friendly package and particularly popular for younger cruisers.

Alcohol-Free Drinks Package

• Price: Around £22.45 per person, per day.

• Inclusions:

  • Everything in the Refresh package.

  • Costa coffee, teas, and hot chocolate.

  • Bottled water.

  • Non-alcoholic cocktails.

• Best For: Non-drinkers who enjoy specialty coffees, or adults who want more than just soda.

This option balances affordability with variety.

Classic Drinks Package

• Price: Around £44.95 per person, per day.

• Inclusions:

  • Beers, wines, ciders, and spirits up to £7.95 per glass.

  • Cocktails.

  • Specialty coffees and teas.

  • Mocktails, juices, and sodas.

• Best For: Guests who enjoy a moderate amount of alcohol along with soft drinks and specialty coffees.

This package is one of the most popular because it covers the essentials at a mid-range price.

Deluxe Drinks Package

• Price: Around £54.95 per person, per day.

• Inclusions:

  • Everything in the Classic package.

  • Premium wines, cocktails, and spirits priced up to £10.95 each.

  • Full access to the best drinks onboard.

• Best For: Guests who enjoy premium choices and want the flexibility to try high-end cocktails and spirits without worrying about costs.

This is the top-tier package, designed for passengers who love indulgence and variety.

Beverage Package Pricing at a Glance

Package NamePrice Per Day (Approx.)Alcohol Included?Highlights

Refresh Package£10.95NoUnlimited soft drinks, juices, mocktails.

Alcohol-Free Package£22.45NoSoft drinks + Costa coffee + bottled water.

Classic Drinks Package£44.95YesBeer, wine, spirits up to £7.95, cocktails.

Deluxe Drinks Package£54.95YesPremium cocktails & spirits up to £10.95.

How P&O Cruises Prices Compare to Buying Drinks Individually

Understanding average onboard drink prices helps reveal whether packages provide value.

• Beer: £4.50–£5.50

• Wine (per glass): £5.50–£7.50

• Cocktails: £7.50–£9.95

• Premium spirits: £8.00–£10.95

• Soft drinks: £2.50–£3.00

• Specialty coffee: £2.75–£3.50

If you plan to drink more than 6–8 alcoholic drinks a day, the Classic or Deluxe package is often worth it. For non-drinkers, the Alcohol-Free package becomes valuable after about 8 coffees or sodas daily.

Rules and Conditions for Beverage Packages

To prevent misuse, P&O Cruises has certain rules:

• Daily Drink Limit: 15 alcoholic drinks per person, per day (applies to Classic and Deluxe). Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.

• Per-Person Purchase: All adults in a cabin must purchase the same package if one person opts for it.

• No Sharing: Packages are strictly for personal use. Sharing is not allowed.

• Duration: Packages must be purchased for the entire cruise, not on a daily basis.

Who Benefits Most from Beverage Packages?

Families with Kids

The Refresh package keeps children happy with unlimited soft drinks and juices at a fixed cost.

Non-Drinkers and Coffee Lovers

The Alcohol-Free package is perfect for people who prefer not to drink alcohol but enjoy specialty coffee, bottled water, and mocktails.

Social Drinkers

The Classic package suits those who enjoy wine with meals, beers by the pool, and cocktails at night.

Premium Drink Enthusiasts

The Deluxe package is ideal for those who love top-shelf spirits, fine wines, and crafted cocktails.

Cost Savings Examples

Example 1: Classic Package Savings

• 3 beers (£5 each) = £15

• 2 wines (£6 each) = £12

• 2 cocktails (£8 each) = £16

• 2 sodas (£3 each) = £6

• 2 coffees (£3 each) = £6

Total without package: £55Cost with package: £44.95Savings: ~£10/day

Example 2: Deluxe Package Savings

• 3 premium cocktails (£10 each) = £30

• 2 premium spirits (£9 each) = £18

• 3 wines (£7.50 each) = £22.50

• 2 sodas + 2 coffees (£12)

Total without package: £82.50Cost with package: £54.95Savings: ~£28/day

Even without hitting the 15-drink cap, the savings can be substantial.

Alternatives to Beverage Packages

Not everyone needs a package. Alternatives include:

• Pay-as-you-go: Best for light drinkers who consume fewer than 3–4 drinks per day.

• Bring your own wine/champagne: P&O Cruises allows passengers to bring limited amounts onboard.

• Free options: Tap water, tea, and coffee are available in buffet areas at no extra charge.

Tips for Maximizing a Beverage Package

1. Pre-purchase before sailing – It’s often cheaper when booked in advance.

2. Mix alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks – Make use of unlimited sodas and coffee.

3. Hydrate with bottled water – Particularly valuable in warm destinations.

4. Pace your consumption – Spread drinks throughout the day to maximize enjoyment.

5. Try new drinks – Use the package to sample cocktails and wines you wouldn’t normally purchase.

FAQs About P&O Cruises Beverage Packages

How much is the cheapest beverage package?

The Refresh Drinks Package starts at about £10.95 per person, per day.

How much is the most expensive beverage package?

The Deluxe Drinks Package costs about £54.95 per person, per day.

Do kids need to pay full price?

No, kids typically pay for the Refresh package, which is more affordable.

Can I buy a beverage package for just a few days?

No, packages must be purchased for the entire cruise duration.

Do soft drinks count toward the 15-drink limit?

No, the 15-drink daily limit only applies to alcoholic beverages.

Final Thoughts

So, how much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises? Prices range from about £10.95 per day for the Refresh package to £54.95 per day for the Deluxe package.

Each package offers different levels of inclusivity—from soft drinks and coffee to premium spirits and cocktails. Whether a package is worth it depends on your drinking habits, preferences, and cruise duration.

For families and non-drinkers, the Refresh and Alcohol-Free packages offer peace of mind at a low cost. For those who enjoy alcohol, the Classic and Deluxe packages provide excellent value, convenience, and the freedom to enjoy your cruise without worrying about bills.

By carefully comparing costs with your expected daily consumption, you can select the package that maximizes both value and enjoyment on your P&O Cruises holiday.