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

Planning a cruise and wondering about drink costs? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions travelers ask before boarding is: How much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises Australia—and is it worth it?

This in-depth guide breaks down:

Current beverage package pricing (based on publicly available information)
What’s included (and excluded)
Health and responsible drinking considerations (with references to World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Real-world cost comparisons
Step-by-step purchase instructions
Expert-backed tips for maximizing value
A detailed FAQ section

If certain pricing varies by sailing, cabin type, or promotional period, we’ll clearly state:“Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on this.”

Understanding Beverage Packages on P&O Cruises Australia

A beverage package is a prepaid drink bundle that allows guests to enjoy selected beverages for a fixed daily rate rather than paying per drink.

On P&O Cruises Australia, packages typically include:

Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails)
Soft drinks
Juices
Specialty coffees
Bottled water

However, pricing, inclusions, and availability can change seasonally or by ship.

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

Estimated Beverage Package Pricing (Per Person, Per Day)

Prices fluctuate depending on sailing date, promotion, and itinerary. Always confirm through official booking channels.

Beverage Package Type	Estimated Price (AUD/day)	Includes Alcohol?	Who It’s Best For
Soft Drinks Package	$10–$15	No	Families, non-drinkers
Refreshment Package	$20–$30	No	Coffee lovers & soda drinkers
Alcoholic Beverage Package	$75–$99	Yes	Social drinkers
Premium Beverage Package	$99–$120	Yes (expanded menu)	Frequent cocktail & wine drinkers

Important:Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed fixed national pricing, as P&O Cruises Australia frequently runs promotional offers.

What’s Included in Each Beverage Package?

1. Soft Drinks Package

Typically includes:

Unlimited fountain sodas
Selected canned soft drinks
Juice at bars
Possibly bottled water

Not Included:

Specialty coffees
Alcohol
Premium juices

2. Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic Premium)

Often includes:

Specialty barista coffees
Mocktails
Bottled water
Energy drinks
Smoothies

This package can be ideal if you drink:

2–3 coffees daily
Multiple bottled waters
Mocktails at dinner

3. Alcoholic Beverage Package

Usually includes:

Selected beers
House wines by the glass
Standard cocktails
Basic spirits
Soft drinks & mixers

Often Excluded:

Premium champagnes
Top-shelf spirits
Bottles of wine

4. Premium Beverage Package

This package generally expands to:

Higher-tier spirits
Premium wines by the glass
Craft cocktails
Specialty coffees
Bottled sparkling water

Is the Beverage Package Worth It? A Real-World Cost Comparison

Let’s break it down using typical onboard drink prices:

Drink Type	Average Price (AUD)
Beer	$9–$12
Cocktail	$14–$18
Wine (glass)	$11–$16
Specialty Coffee	$5–$7
Bottled Water	$4–$6

Example Scenario: Moderate Drinker

Per day consumption:

2 cocktails = $30
2 beers = $20
2 coffees = $12
1 bottled water = $5

Daily total = $67

If package costs $79/day, you’d need 1 more drink to break even.

Health & Responsible Drinking Considerations

Cruises encourage relaxation—but smart travelers drink responsibly.

According to the World Health Organization:

No level of alcohol consumption is completely risk-free.
Alcohol is linked to over 200 disease conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking as:

Up to 1 drink per day for women
Up to 2 drinks per day for men

If you drink below these thresholds, a premium alcohol package may not offer value.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Beverage Package

Step 1: Log into Your Cruise Personaliser

Access your booking through the official P&O portal.

Step 2: Navigate to “Onboard Experiences”

Look for beverage or drinks packages.

Step 3: Compare Options

Review:

Daily cost
Included brands
Exclusions
Service charge inclusion

Step 4: Purchase Pre-Cruise (Recommended)

Why?

Often cheaper than onboard rates
Avoid queues on embarkation day
Secure promotional discounts

Step 5: Confirm Policy Details

Check:

Cancellation window
Daily drink limits (if applicable)
Whether all adults in cabin must purchase

Key Policy Rules You Should Know

All adults sharing a cabin may be required to purchase the same alcohol package.
Packages are typically sold for the full cruise duration.
Unused drinks are non-refundable.
Sharing is prohibited.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on exact daily drink limits per package.

Comparing P&O Australia to Other Cruise Lines

While pricing differs, P&O Australia is generally considered mid-range in drink package costs compared to:

Royal Caribbean International
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises

Consumer research trends noted by publications like Consumer Reports suggest cruise beverage packages typically deliver value only if guests consume 5–7 drinks daily.

Expert Cost-Saving Tips

1. Book During Promotions

Cruise lines frequently offer:

“Free Drinks Included” sales
Onboard credit promotions
Bundled fare packages

2. Consider Your Itinerary

On port-heavy itineraries:

You may spend less time onboard.
You may drink less.

3. Bring Allowed Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Check policy—many cruise lines allow limited bottled water or soda.

4. Use Onboard Credit Strategically

If you receive onboard credit, it can offset drink purchases.

5. Evaluate Group Dynamics

If one adult drinks lightly, a shared cost scenario may not make financial sense if both must buy the package.

Economic Perspective: The Psychology of Prepaid Packages

Research discussed in Harvard Business Review highlights how prepaid models:

Increase perceived consumption freedom
Reduce “pain of paying”
Encourage higher usage

However, from a consumer budgeting standpoint, transparency matters.

Ask yourself:

Will I realistically consume enough?
Do I prefer paying as I go?
Does prepaid reduce stress?

Who Should Buy a Beverage Package?

Ideal Candidates

Guests who drink 5+ beverages daily
Cocktail enthusiasts
Specialty coffee drinkers
Travelers celebrating events

Not Ideal For

Light drinkers
Port-heavy itinerary cruisers
Guests who primarily drink water

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much is the alcohol beverage package on P&O Cruises Australia?

Typically between $75–$99 AUD per person per day, but prices vary by sailing.

2. Does everyone in the cabin have to buy it?

Often yes for alcohol packages, but always confirm before purchase.

3. Are gratuities included?

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed standardized policy across all sailings.

4. Can I share my beverage package?

No. Sharing violates cruise policy and may result in cancellation.

5. Can I buy a package onboard?

Yes, but pre-cruise purchases may be discounted.

6. Are there drink limits per day?

Some cruise lines impose limits, but confirmed daily caps are not consistently published.

7. Do beverage packages work on private islands?

Policies vary depending on destination partnerships.

8. Is bottled water included?

Usually included in premium packages; not always in base soft drink packages.

9. Are specialty coffees included?

Included in refreshment and premium packages.

10. Can I cancel after purchase?

Cancellation windows vary; check your cruise contract.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

A beverage package on P&O Cruises Australia can be worth it—but only if your daily consumption justifies the cost.

Quick Rule of Thumb:

If you expect to drink:

4–6 alcoholic beverages daily → likely worth it.
2–3 drinks daily → probably not.

From a health perspective, moderation aligns with guidance from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From a budgeting standpoint, prepaid packages offer predictability—but not always savings.

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