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A cruise holiday with P&O Cruises is all about relaxation, fine dining, world-class entertainment, and beautiful destinations. But one question many first-time passengers ask is: “How do I pay for drinks on a P&O Cruises ship?”
Unlike a regular holiday where you settle bills instantly, cruises operate differently. Most transactions, including drinks, are charged to your onboard account, which is linked to your cruise card (or wristband). Whether you enjoy a glass of wine at dinner, a cocktail by the pool, or a Costa coffee in the café, knowing how drinks are paid for and what options are available can save you confusion and help you budget wisely.
This article explains everything you need to know about paying for drinks on P&O Cruises, including onboard payment systems, drink packages, costs, tipping policies, and smart strategies to manage expenses.
When you step aboard, you won’t be reaching for cash or your personal credit card each time you order. Instead, P&O Cruises uses a cashless payment system:
Your cruise card (key card) acts as your onboard payment method.
Each purchase—including drinks—is added to your onboard account.
At the end of your cruise, the balance is settled automatically via your registered payment method (credit/debit card, or sometimes cash).
This system makes transactions smooth and avoids the hassle of carrying money around the ship.
There are three main ways you can pay for drinks on P&O Cruises:
Each drink has a set price.
Prices are charged directly to your onboard account.
Example: A beer might cost around £5, cocktails £7–£10, and soft drinks £2.50–£3.
This method is best for passengers who drink very little and don’t see value in packages.
P&O Cruises offers four drink packages for convenience and cost savings:
Price: ~£10.95/day.
Inclusions: Unlimited draught soft drinks, juices, and mocktails.
Price: ~£22.45/day.
Inclusions: Everything in Refresh + Costa coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Price: ~£44.95/day.
Inclusions: Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits up to £7.95, and all non-alcoholic drinks.
Price: ~£54.95/day.
Inclusions: Premium wines, spirits, and cocktails up to £10.95, plus everything from the Classic package.
Packages must be purchased for the entire cruise and by all adults in the same cabin if one opts in.
Some drinks are free of charge on P&O Cruises:
Water, tea, and basic coffee in buffet restaurants.
Juice with breakfast.
Tap water available throughout the ship.
These are included in your cruise fare, so you only pay extra for specialty coffees, bottled water, premium juices, sodas, cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
When you board, you’ll be issued a cruise card (sometimes called a SeaPass or onboard ID). This card:
Opens your cabin door.
Serves as your onboard identification.
Functions as a credit card for purchases.
Each time you order a drink:
The bartender scans your card.
The amount is added to your onboard account.
At the end of the cruise, your total balance is settled.
Another common question is whether service charges apply when paying for drinks.
Good news: On P&O Cruises, bar service charges are included in drink prices. Unlike some cruise lines, you won’t see extra gratuities automatically added to your bar bill.
Of course, you can always tip extra if you wish, but it’s not required.
Here’s a rough guide to individual drink costs if you’re paying as you go:
Beer: £4.50–£5.50
Wine (per glass): £5.50–£7.50
Cocktails: £7.50–£9.95
Premium spirits: £8–£10.95
Soda: £2.50–£3.00
Specialty coffee: £2.75–£3.50
Bottled water: £2.50
This helps you decide whether a package or individual purchases fit your budget better.
Peace of mind: No surprise bills.
Convenience: Order freely without signing receipts each time.
Value: Savings if you drink multiple beverages daily.
Variety: Freedom to try cocktails and coffees you normally wouldn’t.
Upfront cost: Large daily expense.
Cabin rule: Everyone in your cabin must buy it if one person does.
Daily limits: 15 alcoholic drinks max per day.
Not cost-effective for light drinkers.
2 beers (£5 each) = £10
2 wines (£6 each) = £12
2 cocktails (£8 each) = £16
2 sodas (£3 each) = £6
2 coffees (£3 each) = £6
Total: £50/dayPackage Cost: £44.95Savings: £5/day
1 wine (£6) + 1 soda (£3) = £9/dayPackage Cost: £44.95Loss: Not worth it.
Bring permitted alcohol onboard: P&O allows limited personal wine/champagne.
Take advantage of free drinks: Use buffet coffee, tea, and juices.
Buy packages in advance: Sometimes cheaper than onboard.
Track your consumption: Decide if a package offers savings.
Hydrate smartly: Bottled water packages may be worth considering.
No, all purchases are charged to your onboard account.
Yes, debit cards are accepted for settling your onboard account.
No, packages are optional—you can always pay per drink.
No, the 15-drink cap only applies to alcoholic drinks.
Generally, once purchased, packages must be kept for the duration of your cruise.
So, how do you pay for drinks on a P&O Cruises holiday?
The process is simple: all drinks are charged to your onboard account via your cruise card. You can choose between paying individually for drinks or purchasing a drink package for unlimited access within specific limits.
For light drinkers: Pay-as-you-go is cheaper.
For families: The Refresh or Alcohol-Free package is great for kids and non-drinkers.
For social drinkers: The Classic package saves money after 6–8 drinks daily.
For premium drink lovers: The Deluxe package is the ultimate option.
By understanding costs, inclusions, and payment systems, you can make a smart decision and enjoy your cruise without worrying about surprise bills.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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