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

Planning a cruise is exciting—but understanding how to pay for drinks onboard can save you money, prevent surprises, and help you relax from day one. If you’re sailing with P&O Cruises Australia, you’ll find the system straightforward, cashless, and designed for convenience.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to pay for drinks on a P&O Cruises Australia cruise, including:

How the onboard account system works
Accepted payment methods
Drink packages and whether they’re worth it
Gratuities and service charges
Responsible alcohol policies
Expert budgeting tips
Frequently asked questions

Everything here is based on publicly available information from official cruise resources and credible health and consumer organizations.

Understanding the Onboard Payment System

Is P&O Cruises Australia Cashless?

Yes. Like most modern cruise lines, P&O Cruises Australia operates a cashless onboard system.

You cannot pay for drinks with physical cash at bars or restaurants. Instead, all purchases are charged to your onboard account, linked to your cruise card.

What Is the Cruise Card?

When you board, you’ll receive a cruise card that serves as:

Your cabin key
Your onboard ID
Your payment method
Your embarkation/disembarkation pass

Every time you order a drink—whether it’s a cocktail, beer, wine, specialty coffee, or soda—the bartender scans your card. The charge is automatically added to your onboard account.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Payment for Drinks

Here’s exactly what happens before and during your cruise.

Step 1: Pre-Register a Payment Method

Before sailing, you can log into your booking via the official P&O Cruises Australia website and:

Add a credit or debit card
Review drink package options
Pre-purchase beverage packages (if available)

This speeds up embarkation day.

Step 2: Register Your Card at Check-In (If Not Done Online)

At the cruise terminal:

You’ll provide a valid credit or debit card.
The cruise line may place a temporary authorization hold.
This ensures funds are available for onboard spending.

Accepted cards typically include:

Visa
Mastercard
American Express

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on acceptance of prepaid cards—so standard bank-issued cards are recommended.

Step 3: Order Drinks Onboard

At any bar, lounge, or restaurant:

Order your drink.
Present your cruise card.
The staff scans it.
The charge posts to your account.

You do not sign a receipt every time unless required for certain purchases.

Step 4: Review Your Onboard Account

You can check your spending:

Via cabin TV (on supported ships)
At guest services
Through onboard digital systems (if available)

This is crucial for avoiding bill shock.

Step 5: Final Settlement

At the end of the cruise:

Your onboard balance is automatically charged to your registered card.
You receive a detailed statement.

What Drinks Cost on P&O Cruises Australia

Drink pricing varies by ship and itinerary, but typical categories include:

Drink Type	Estimated Price Range (AUD)	Notes
Beer	$8–$12	Domestic & imported
Wine (glass)	$9–$15	House vs premium
Cocktails	$15–$22	Specialty drinks higher
Soft drinks	$4–$6	Per serving
Specialty coffee	$5–$8	Barista-made
Bottled water	$3–$5	Size dependent

Prices may change without notice. Always confirm onboard.

Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It?

What Is a Drinks Package?

A drinks package allows you to pay a fixed daily fee for a selection of beverages.

Options may include:

Alcohol-inclusive packages
Non-alcoholic packages
Soda packages
Coffee packages

Based on publicly available information, P&O Australia’s beverage packages vary seasonally and by ship.

How to Decide If a Drink Package Is Worth It

Ask yourself:

How many drinks per day will you realistically consume?
Are sea days included?
Do you prefer premium cocktails?
Will you drink specialty coffee daily?

Example Calculation

If a package costs $70 per day and cocktails average $18:

You break even at about 4 drinks per day.

Who Benefits Most from Drink Packages?

Social cruisers
Couples who enjoy evening cocktails
Travelers who drink premium beverages daily
Guests on longer sea-day itineraries

Health and Responsible Drinking Considerations

Cruising is about fun—but responsible alcohol use matters.

The World Health Organization warns that excessive alcohol consumption increases risks of injury, dehydration, and long-term health conditions.

Similarly, research indexed on PubMed shows dehydration risk increases in warm environments—common on cruise decks.

Practical Health Tips:

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
Eat before drinking.
Be cautious in hot climates.
Avoid binge drinking on embarkation day.

Cruise lines may refuse service to intoxicated guests.

Can You Bring Alcohol Onboard?

Policies vary. Typically:

Limited wine may be allowed at embarkation.
Corkage fees may apply.
Spirits and beer are usually restricted.

Always verify directly with P&O Cruises Australia before departure.

Gratuities and Service Charges on Drinks

Are Tips Included?

Most cruise lines add an automatic service charge to beverages.

Based on publicly available information, drink purchases may include a service fee. Confirm onboard for the exact percentage.

If gratuities are included:

No additional tipping is required.
Extra tipping is optional.

Budgeting for Drinks: Expert Strategies

Financial planning reduces cruise stress. According to consumer spending research discussed in publications like Harvard Business Review, pre-commitment strategies help control discretionary spending.

Smart Cruise Budget Tips

Set a daily drink limit.
Check your onboard account daily.
Prepay packages if it offers savings.
Share wine bottles at dinner.
Take advantage of happy hour promotions (if available).

Comparing Pay-As-You-Go vs Drink Packages

Feature	Pay-As-You-Go	Drinks Package
Upfront Cost	None	Daily fixed rate
Flexibility	High	Limited to package
Best For	Light drinkers	Moderate-heavy drinkers
Budget Control	Variable	Predictable
Premium Options	Pay per item	Often capped

Special Considerations for Families

Soda packages may suit teens.
Mocktails are available.
Some cruises restrict alcohol purchases to guests 18+ (Australian law).

For alcohol regulations in Australia, consult official guidance from Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

Port Days vs Sea Days: Spending Differences

Guests often drink less during port-intensive itineraries because they spend more time ashore.

Sea days:

Higher bar usage
Poolside cocktails
Specialty coffee consumption

Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not reviewing your onboard account.
Assuming drinks are included in base fare.
Forgetting service charges.
Overestimating daily alcohol intake.
Ignoring hydration needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I pay cash for drinks onboard?

No. P&O Cruises Australia operates a cashless system using your cruise card.

2. When is my card charged?

Your final onboard balance is charged at the end of your cruise.

3. Are drink packages refundable?

Policies vary. Check cancellation terms before purchasing.

4. Do drink packages include bottled water?

It depends on the package tier. Confirm before buying.

5. Is there a limit on drinks per day?

Some packages may have daily caps. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed universal cap.

6. Can two people share a drink package?

Generally, no. Packages are usually assigned per guest.

7. Are non-alcoholic drinks included in cruise fare?

Basic water, tea, and coffee are often included. Specialty beverages cost extra.

8. What happens if I exceed my spending limit?

Your card may be declined onboard until you update payment details.

9. Can I dispute a drink charge?

Yes. Visit guest services during your cruise.

10. Is tipping mandatory on drinks?

Service charges are often included; additional tipping is optional.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Way to Pay for Drinks

Paying for drinks on P&O Cruises Australia is simple:

Register a credit card.
Use your cruise card onboard.
Monitor your account.
Choose pay-as-you-go or a beverage package based on your habits.

The key is planning ahead. Responsible spending and responsible drinking ensure your cruise remains relaxing and enjoyable.

If you want maximum flexibility, go pay-as-you-go. If you prefer predictable budgeting, a drink package may offer peace of mind.

Before sailing, always confirm the latest beverage policies directly with P&O Cruises Australia, as pricing and package details can change.

Enjoy your cruise—and cheers to smooth sailing. 🥂

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