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

Cruising is often synonymous with luxury, relaxation, and indulgence. Among the many perks of taking a P&O Cruises Australia journey, one of the most popular options for passengers is the beverage package. Designed to make your holiday experience more seamless, these packages allow you to enjoy drinks without worrying about constantly tallying up the bill. But how much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises Australia? This guide will give you a detailed, comprehensive look at everything you need to know—from pricing, inclusions, tips, and whether it’s worth the cost.

Understanding P&O Cruises Australia Beverage Packages

P&O Cruises Australia offers a variety of beverage packages designed to suit different passenger preferences and budgets. These packages are generally optional add-ons that allow guests to enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day without individually paying for each item.

The main types of beverage packages typically include:

Unlimited Package: Covers a wide range of alcoholic beverages including beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Non-Alcoholic Package: Designed for guests who prefer soft drinks, specialty coffees, juices, and bottled water.
Premium or Specialty Package: Often includes premium wines, cocktails, mocktails, and top-shelf spirits for passengers looking for a more upscale experience.

Each package can vary in terms of pricing depending on the length of your cruise, season, and the type of cabin you have booked.

How Much Does a Beverage Package Cost on P&O Cruises Australia?

Pricing for beverage packages on P&O Cruises Australia is influenced by several factors:

Cruise duration: Longer cruises often have slightly discounted per-day rates.
Package type: Alcohol-inclusive packages cost more than non-alcoholic packages.
Age of passenger: Children under 18 can only opt for non-alcoholic packages.
Promotions and offers: P&O frequently offers deals that reduce the package cost for early bookings.

Typical Costs (2025 Estimates)

Package TypePrice Per Adult (AUD)Price Per Child (AUD)

Unlimited Alcohol Package$69–$89 per dayN/A

Non-Alcoholic Package$25–$35 per day$15–$20 per day

Premium / Specialty Package$99–$120 per dayN/A

Note: Prices may vary depending on the cruise itinerary and port of departure. It’s always recommended to check the P&O Cruises Australia official website for the most accurate rates before booking.

What’s Included in P&O Beverage Packages?

The beverage package includes a wide selection of drinks, eliminating the need to pay per item. Here’s a breakdown:

Unlimited Alcohol Package

Wines by the glass
Beer (bottled or draft)
Spirits and liquors
Classic cocktails (e.g., mojitos, margaritas)
House champagne
Pre-dinner aperitifs

Non-Alcoholic Package

Soft drinks (coke, lemonade, sodas)
Specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos, espresso)
Juices and smoothies
Bottled water
Mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails

Premium / Specialty Package

Top-shelf spirits
Fine wines and champagnes
Signature cocktails
Specialty coffee and tea blends

By purchasing a package, passengers can enjoy unlimited access to the included beverages throughout the cruise, which is especially useful for those who like to try multiple drinks per day.

Daily Limits and Tips

Some guests often ask, “Is there a daily limit for drinks?” The answer depends on the package type:

Unlimited Alcohol Package: While technically “unlimited,” P&O encourages responsible drinking. Staff may limit orders if a passenger appears overly intoxicated.
Non-Alcoholic Package: Soft drinks and specialty coffee are generally unlimited with no strict daily limit.
Premium Package: Similar to unlimited alcohol, but with emphasis on moderation and responsible service.

Tip: The average passenger consumes 4–6 drinks per day, so calculating the cost-per-drink can help determine if the package is worth it.

Benefits of Buying a Beverage Package

Purchasing a beverage package comes with several advantages:

Convenience: No need to pay for individual drinks.
Cost savings: Frequent drinkers can save significantly over per-drink pricing.
Variety: Sample multiple types of beverages without financial hesitation.
Time-saving: Skip billing calculations and enjoy more time relaxing.
Predictable spending: Knowing the total cost upfront helps in budgeting your cruise.

Is It Worth Buying a Beverage Package?

Deciding whether a beverage package is worth it depends on your personal drinking habits and travel style:

Frequent drinkers: Guests who enjoy 3+ alcoholic drinks per day often save money.
Families with children: Non-alcoholic packages help manage costs for young passengers.
Special celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings are ideal occasions to invest in a premium package.
Minimal drinkers: Casual drinkers may find it more cost-effective to pay per drink.

Example Calculation:

Average cocktail on board: $12
Average glass of wine: $10
Average soft drink: $5

If a passenger enjoys 5 alcoholic drinks and 3 soft drinks per day, the package cost of $79 AUD is cheaper than paying $110 AUD individually.

How to Purchase a Beverage Package

Beverage packages on P&O Cruises Australia can be purchased in several ways:

During Booking: Add the package while booking your cruise online.
Pre-Cruise: Contact P&O directly to add the package before sailing.
Onboard: Purchase once you board, though pricing may be slightly higher.

Tip: Booking in advance often guarantees better rates and ensures package availability.

Comparing P&O Beverage Packages with Other Cruise Lines

For context, here’s how P&O beverage package prices compare with other major cruise lines operating in Australia:

Cruise LineAlcohol Package Price (AUD/day)

P&O Cruises Australia$69–$89

Carnival Cruise Lines$65–$90

Royal Caribbean Australia$75–$95

Princess Cruises Australia$70–$100

From this, P&O offers a competitive price range with good value, especially considering the variety of beverages included.

Tips for Maximizing Your Beverage Package

Track daily consumption: Helps determine if the package is worth the cost.
Explore specialty drinks: Many cocktails are included and can be costly individually.
Share tips with companions: While packages are per person, knowing which drinks are included helps everyone make the most of it.
Ask staff for recommendations: Bartenders can suggest popular drinks covered under your package.
Combine with dining packages: Some passengers combine beverage packages with specialty dining for a complete onboard experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I share my beverage package with someone else?

A1: No. Packages are strictly per person and non-transferable.

Q2: Are tips included in the beverage package?

A2: On most P&O Cruises, gratuities for drinks are included in the package price.

Q3: Can I buy the package for just a few days of my cruise?

A3: Some cruises allow partial-package purchases, but this may vary based on itinerary and cabin type.

Q4: Are drinks outside the package included?

A4: No. Drinks not listed in your package will be charged separately.

Q5: What if I drink less than expected?

A5: Even if you drink less, the package still offers convenience and flexibility, but it may not save money if consumption is minimal.

P&O Cruises Australia beverage packages

P&O Cruises Australia beverage packages are an excellent choice for passengers who want to enjoy drinks without constantly checking their tabs. Prices typically range from $25–$120 AUD per day, depending on the type of package, cruise length, and passenger age.

Whether it’s an unlimited alcohol package for adults, a non-alcoholic option for young cruisers, or a premium package for special occasions, the convenience, variety, and potential savings make beverage packages highly appealing. By considering your daily drink habits, cruise length, and personal preferences, you can make an informed decision that enhances your cruising experience.

For frequent cruisers and celebration travelers, the beverage package offers not only convenience but also peace of mind, allowing you to relax, socialize, and enjoy the luxury of a P&O cruise to the fullest.