How to pay for drinks on a P&O Cruises?

Ordering a cocktail by the pool, enjoying a specialty coffee in the morning, or sipping wine at dinner is part of the cruise experience. One of the most common questions among first-time passengers is:

The simple answer is that P&O Cruises uses a cashless onboard system. Guests do not pay with cash or credit cards at bars, restaurants, lounges, or cafés during the cruise. Instead, every purchase is charged to the passenger's onboard account using their cruise card.

Understanding how the system works before embarkation can help travelers budget more effectively, avoid unexpected charges, and decide whether a drinks package offers good value.

This guide explains everything passengers need to know about paying for drinks on P&O Cruises, including onboard accounts, payment methods, drinks packages, gratuities, spending limits, and money-saving strategies.

How the P&O Cruises Payment System Works

P&O Cruises operates a fully cashless onboard environment.

Every passenger receives a cruise card when checking in. This card serves several functions:

• Cabin key
• Identification card
• Boarding pass
• Payment card

Whenever guests buy drinks, the crew member scans the cruise card, and the charge is added to the onboard account.

At the end of the voyage, the total amount is automatically settled using the payment method linked to the account.

What Is an Onboard Account?

An onboard account functions like a temporary charge account during the cruise.

Every purchase is added to this account, including:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Soft drinks
• Specialty coffees
• Bottled water
• Dining upgrades
• Spa treatments
• Shore excursions
• Retail purchases

Passengers can monitor their account balance through:

• Cabin television
• P&O Cruises app
• Guest services desk

This allows guests to track spending throughout the voyage.

Which Payment Methods Does P&O Cruises Accept?

Passengers usually register a payment method during online check-in or at embarkation.

Accepted methods typically include:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Debit cards
• Selected international cards

Cash deposits may be accepted on certain sailings, although card registration is generally encouraged.

Payment Method	Accepted	Recommended
Credit Card	Yes	Yes
Debit Card	Yes	Yes
Cash Deposit	Sometimes	No
Mobile Wallets	Limited	Check before sailing

 

Can You Pay Cash for Drinks?

No.

Passengers cannot usually hand cash directly to bartenders or waiters.

All drink purchases are charged to the onboard account.

Some guests choose to settle their final account with cash at guest services before disembarkation if permitted on their specific sailing.

Using Your Cruise Card to Buy Drinks

The process is extremely simple.

1: Order your drink.

Select a beverage at the bar, restaurant, lounge, or café.

2: Present your cruise card.

The crew member scans the card.

3: Sign if necessary.

Some venues may request a digital or printed signature.

 4: Enjoy your drink.

The amount appears on your onboard account.

Types of Drinks Available on P&O Cruises

Passengers can purchase:

Alcoholic Drinks

• Beer

• Wine
• Champagne
• Cocktails
• Spirits
• Liqueurs

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Soft drinks
• Fruit juices
• Mocktails
• Specialty coffees
• Tea beverages
• Energy drinks

Bottled Water

Still and sparkling water are generally available for purchase.

Understanding P&O Drinks Packages

P&O Cruises offers drinks packages that allow passengers to pay a fixed daily amount.

Packages may include:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Soft drinks
• Coffee beverages
• Mocktails
• Selected wines
• Draft beers

Package availability and rules can vary by itinerary and sailing.

Drinks Package vs Paying Individually

Feature	Drinks Package	Pay As You Go
Daily Cost	Fixed	Variable
Budget Control	Excellent	Moderate
Heavy Drinkers	Good value	Expensive
Light Drinkers	May not save money	Better
Convenience	Very high	High

 

Example Spending Scenarios

Light Drinker

• Morning coffee

• One soft drink
• One glass of wine

Estimated daily cost: £10–£20.

Moderate Drinker

• Coffee
• Soft drinks
• Two cocktails
• Glass of wine

Estimated daily cost: £25–£40.

Heavy Drinker

• Multiple cocktails
• Beer
• Wine
• Coffee beverages

Estimated daily cost: £50+.

In these cases, a drinks package may provide savings.

Are Gratuities Included?

Service charges and gratuity policies can change over time.

Many P&O Cruises sailings include service charges within drink prices or as part of the overall cruise fare.

Passengers should verify the latest policy before departure.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on whether gratuity practices remain identical across every itinerary and sailing.

Can You Bring Your Own Drinks?

P&O Cruises has policies regarding bringing beverages onboard.

Passengers may sometimes bring limited quantities of wine or champagne during embarkation, subject to corkage fees and restrictions.

Alcohol purchased ashore may be stored until the end of the cruise depending on itinerary rules.

Policies can vary by destination.

Can You Use Contactless Payments at Bars?

Generally, no.

Bars do not process separate card transactions because purchases are charged to the cruise account.

The cruise card remains the primary payment method.

Monitoring Your Spending

Many travelers worry about overspending.

Helpful methods include:

• Checking the P&O app daily.
• Reviewing cabin account statements.
• Setting a personal daily budget.
• Monitoring drink package usage.

Regular account checks help avoid surprises at the end of the cruise.

Tips for Saving Money on Drinks

1. Purchase a Package Only If It Fits Your Habits

A package is not always cheaper.

Estimate your daily consumption first.

2. Use Complimentary Drinks

Many dining venues offer:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Water
• Juice at breakfast

3. Watch for Promotions

Some sailings offer beverage promotions.

4. Share Wine Bottles at Dinner

Purchasing a bottle may reduce costs compared to individual glasses.

5. Set a Daily Budget

Tracking expenses prevents overspending.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming cash is accepted at bars.
• Forgetting to monitor onboard spending.
• Buying a package without calculating usage.
• Ignoring beverage restrictions.
• Waiting until disembarkation to review charges.

What Happens If Your Card Is Declined?

If the registered payment card cannot be authorized:

• Guest services may contact the passenger.
• Another payment method may be requested.
• Spending privileges could be limited temporarily.

Updating payment information quickly helps avoid inconvenience.

Drinks Payment on Short Cruises vs Long Cruises

Cruise Length	Typical Spending Pattern
2–4 Nights	Higher daily spending
7 Nights	Balanced spending
14+ Nights	Greater value from packages

 

Longer cruises often provide better opportunities for drinks packages to deliver value.

Family Considerations

Families should remember:

• Children's drinks are charged separately.
• Teen beverages appear on the cabin account.
• Parents can monitor spending.
• Budget discussions before sailing can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need cash to buy drinks on P&O Cruises?

No. Purchases are charged to your onboard account.

2. Can I use my credit card at the bar?

No. The cruise card is used instead.

3. Are drinks automatically added to my bill?

Yes, every purchase appears on your onboard account.

4. Can I pay my final account with cash?

This may be possible on some sailings. Check with guest services.

5. Are drinks packages worth it?

It depends on how many drinks you consume each day.

6. Can I track my drink spending?

Yes. The onboard account can usually be viewed through the app or cabin television.

7. Is bottled water included?

Some water may be complimentary, while bottled water often carries an additional charge.

8. Can I bring alcohol onboard?

Certain limited allowances may apply depending on itinerary and cruise policies.

9. Are gratuities added to drinks?

Policies vary and should be checked before sailing.

10. What happens if my account exceeds my spending limit?

The cruise line may request an additional payment authorization.

Final Thoughts

Paying for drinks on P&O Cruises is designed to be simple and convenient. Rather than carrying cash or credit cards around the ship, passengers use their cruise card to charge beverages directly to their onboard account.

For many travelers, the cashless system provides convenience and security. Whether choosing to pay individually for drinks or purchasing a drinks package, understanding how the system works allows passengers to budget effectively and enjoy their holiday without financial surprises.