How much is the P&O Cruises Australia drink package?

If you're planning a cruise and wondering, how much is the P&O Cruises Australia drink package?, you're not alone. Beverage packages can significantly impact your onboard budget — sometimes saving you hundreds of dollars, and other times costing more than paying as you go.

This in-depth guide breaks down:

Current P&O Cruises Australia drink package prices
What’s included (and what’s not)
Whether it’s worth the cost
Health and responsible drinking considerations
Expert-backed budgeting advice
Step-by-step booking instructions
Frequently asked questions

We rely on publicly available cruise line policies and responsible drinking guidance from reputable institutions like the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure accuracy and safety awareness.

Overview of P&O Cruises Australia Drink Packages

P&O Cruises Australia historically offered multiple beverage packages designed to simplify onboard spending.

Important Note: P&O Cruises Australia operations were integrated into Carnival Cruise Line in 2025. Package availability and pricing may now align with Carnival Australia policies. Always confirm directly through the cruise line at the time of booking.

Based on publicly available information from recent seasons, drink package pricing typically ranged as follows:

How Much Does the P&O Cruises Australia Drink Package Cost?

Estimated Price Range (Per Person, Per Day)

Package Type	Estimated Price (AUD)	Who It's Best For
Soft Drink Package	$10–$15	Non-drinkers, families
Refreshment Package	$20–$30	Coffee lovers & mocktail fans
Alcohol Beverage Package	$79–$99	Moderate-to-heavy drinkers
Premium Beverage Package	$99–$120	Cocktail & wine enthusiasts

Prices are subject to change depending on sailing duration, destination, and promotional offers.

If no updated pricing is listed on the official site at the time of your search:

“Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on this.”

What’s Included in Each Drink Package?

Soft Drink Package

Typically includes:

Unlimited fountain soft drinks
Juice (select venues)
Soda refills

Does not include:

Alcohol
Specialty coffees
Bottled water (may vary)

Refreshment Package

Usually includes:

Soft drinks
Specialty coffees
Mocktails
Milkshakes
Bottled water (sometimes limited)

Ideal for:

Non-alcohol drinkers
Families
Health-conscious travelers

Alcohol Beverage Package (Most Popular)

Generally includes:

Beer (domestic & selected imports)
Standard cocktails
House wine by the glass
Basic spirits
Soft drinks & juices

Often capped at:

Maximum 15 alcoholic drinks per day (policy varies)

Premium Beverage Package

Includes everything above plus:

Top-shelf spirits
Premium cocktails
Wider wine selection
Enhanced specialty drinks

Best for:

Wine lovers
Cocktail enthusiasts
Luxury-focused travelers

How Much Would You Spend Without a Package?

Here’s an approximate breakdown of à la carte pricing onboard:

Drink Type	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Beer	$8–$12
Wine (glass)	$9–$15
Cocktail	$15–$22
Specialty Coffee	$5–$7
Soft Drink	$4–$6

Example Daily Spend (Without Package)

If you consume:

3 cocktails ($18 x 3) = $54
2 beers ($10 x 2) = $20
2 coffees ($6 x 2) = $12

Total = $86 per day

In this scenario, a $79–$99 beverage package may provide value.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If the Drink Package Is Worth It

Step 1: Estimate Your Daily Consumption

Be realistic. Don’t overestimate to justify the package.

Step 2: Multiply by Per-Drink Pricing

Calculate expected spend without a package.

Step 3: Compare With Package Cost

If your projected spending exceeds the daily package rate, it may be worth it.

Step 4: Consider Cruise Length

Longer cruises increase total package cost significantly.

Step 5: Evaluate Promotions

Some cruises bundle drinks into fare promotions.

Health & Responsible Drinking Considerations

Cruising is about enjoyment — not overconsumption.

According to the World Health Organization:

No level of alcohol consumption is completely risk-free.
Excessive alcohol increases health risks including liver disease and cardiovascular issues.

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

A cruise drink package may encourage overuse if you feel pressure to “get your money’s worth.”

Expert advice from public health sources suggests:

Stay hydrated
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
Avoid binge drinking

Financial Planning Insight: Is Prepaying Smart?

Consumer research frequently discussed in publications like Consumer Reports shows that pre-bundled services can feel like savings but sometimes exceed actual usage.

Benefits of prepaid drink packages:

Budget certainty
No surprise bill at checkout
Psychological spending control

Risks:

Paying for unused drinks
Feeling pressured to consume more

Hidden Rules & Restrictions to Know

Before purchasing:

All adults in the same cabin may be required to buy the package.
Sharing drinks is prohibited.
Daily drink limits may apply.
Exclusions may include minibar and room service.

Always review the latest cruise contract.

Comparing P&O Australia Drink Packages to Other Cruise Lines

After integration with Carnival Cruise Line, pricing structures may align with Carnival’s Cheers! program.

Carnival’s Australian beverage packages often fall within similar AUD ranges, but benefits may vary.

If comparing brands:

Check drink caps
Compare wine selection
Review premium spirit inclusions

Scenario 1: Light Drinker

1 cocktail daily
1 coffee
1 soft drink

Daily spend ≈ $30–$40Package not cost-effective.

Scenario 2: Moderate Vacation Drinker

3 cocktails
2 beers
1 coffee

Daily spend ≈ $85–$95Package may provide value.

Scenario 3: Port-Heavy Itinerary

If you're off the ship 8–10 hours daily, usage drops significantly.

Packages are less beneficial on port-intensive itineraries.

When the Drink Package Makes the Most Sense

Sea-day-heavy cruises
Celebratory trips
Group travel
Predictable consumption patterns
Promotional discounts included

When It Doesn’t Make Sense

Short cruises (2–3 nights)
Minimal alcohol consumption
Frequent shore excursions
Pregnancy or health restrictions

Expert Travel Budgeting Tips

Book Early: Cruise lines often discount packages pre-sailing.
Watch Promotions: Bundle deals can reduce effective cost.
Track Spending: First-day onboard spending can guide decisions.
Use Loyalty Benefits: Returning guests sometimes receive drink perks.
Avoid FOMO Spending: Budget discipline matters more than unlimited access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much is the P&O Cruises Australia drink package per day?

Typically between $79–$99 AUD for alcohol packages, though pricing varies by sailing.

2. Is there a limit to how many drinks I can order?

Yes, many cruise lines cap alcoholic drinks around 15 per day.

3. Do both adults in a cabin have to buy the package?

Often yes. Confirm during booking.

4. Are gratuities included?

Some packages include service charges; others add them separately.

5. Can I use the package on private islands?

Policies vary by itinerary.

6. Are specialty coffees included?

Only in refreshment or premium packages.

7. Is bottled water included?

Sometimes, depending on tier.

8. Can I cancel a drink package?

Cancellation policies vary — review your booking terms.

9. Are drink packages refundable?

Often refundable if canceled before sailing, but policies differ.

10. Does the package cover minibar drinks?

Usually not.

11. Are mocktails included?

Yes, in refreshment and alcohol packages.

12. Is it cheaper to buy onboard or before sailing?

Pre-purchase is often discounted.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The answer depends entirely on your drinking habits.

If you expect to spend $80+ per day on beverages, the package may deliver value and convenience. If not, paying as you go is likely smarter.

From a financial standpoint, transparency and realistic consumption estimates are key. From a health standpoint, moderation is always advisable, supported by global public health authorities like the World Health Organization.

Before booking, verify updated pricing directly with P&O Cruises Australia or its parent company.

Cruise smart. Drink responsibly. Budget wisely.

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