For many cruise travelers, drinks are an important part of the holiday experience. Whether it is specialty coffee in the morning, cocktails by the pool, wine with dinner, or soft drinks throughout the day, beverage costs can quickly add up onboard.
One of the most frequently asked questions among passengers sailing with P&O Cruises is:
The answer depends on the specific package you choose, your cruise length, and your drinking preferences. P&O Cruises offers several beverage packages designed to suit different types of travelers, including alcoholic packages, soft drink plans, and children's options.
This guide explains current drink package prices, inclusions, restrictions, value calculations, and practical tips to help travelers decide whether purchasing a package makes financial sense.
P&O Cruises offers beverage packages that allow guests to prepay for drinks at a fixed daily rate.
The major categories include:
Packages are usually purchased before sailing or during the first days onboard.
Prices can change periodically depending on promotions and itinerary.
| Drink Package | Approximate Daily Cost | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Drinks Package | £48–£50 | Moderate drinkers |
| Deluxe Drinks Package | £55–£60 | Premium beverage consumers |
| Refresh Package | £14–£16 | Non-alcoholic drinkers |
| Children's Package | £8–£10 | Kids and teenagers |
Based on publicly available information, prices may vary by sailing date and promotional offers.
The Classic Drinks Package generally includes:
The Deluxe option offers broader coverage.
It may include:
This package is usually designed for guests who enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages each day.
Not every traveler wants alcohol.
The Refresh Package often includes:
Families frequently choose these packages for teenagers and non-drinking adults.
The answer depends entirely on your drinking habits.
| Beverage | Average Price |
| Morning specialty coffee | £3.50 |
| Soft drink | £2.75 |
| Glass of wine | £7.50 |
| Cocktail | £8.95 |
| Beer | £6.00 |
A passenger consuming:
Could spend approximately £45–£50 daily.
For these guests, a drinks package may provide value.
The package often works best for:
Some travelers spend less than package prices.
Examples include:
P&O Cruises may apply certain limitations.
Typical restrictions can include:
Passengers should review the cruise contract before departure.
Yes.
Many guests purchase beverage packages before sailing.
Advantages include:
Access your booking online.
Navigate to onboard purchases.
Choose the desired package.
The package is added to your booking.
| Cruise Line | Average Package Price |
| P&O Cruises | £48–£60 |
| MSC Cruises | £40–£75 |
| Cunard | £50–£70 |
| Royal Caribbean | £60–£90 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | £70–£100 |
P&O remains competitive within the premium cruise market.
A seven-night cruise passenger purchases the Classic Package at £50 per day.
Total package cost:
Without the package:
Estimated total:
In this example, the package provides modest savings.
Coffee purchases can significantly increase beverage spending.
Packages provide the greatest value on days spent onboard.
Monitor daily purchases to understand actual value.
Couples with different drinking habits should evaluate costs separately.
Health organizations recommend moderate alcohol consumption.
According to public health guidance:
Travelers should drink responsibly, particularly in warm climates.
Most alcoholic packages range from approximately £48 to £60 per person per day.
P&O Cruises generally includes service charges within beverage pricing.
No. Packages are intended for individual use.
Some packages include bottled water.
Yes, although pre-cruise purchases may offer advantages.
Many packages include selected coffee drinks.
Only if they regularly consume soft drinks or specialty beverages.
Restrictions may apply depending on company policies.
Only drinks within package price limits are covered.
Yes. Pricing and inclusions may change periodically.
P&O Cruises drink packages can offer excellent value for guests who regularly consume alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bottled water throughout their cruise.
For moderate and heavy drinkers, the package often simplifies budgeting and reduces onboard spending anxiety. However, lighter drinkers may spend less by paying individually.
Before purchasing, travelers should:
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on future pricing changes, so passengers should verify the latest package details before sailing
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