Is it worth buying a drink package on P&O Cruises?

Planning a cruise involves dozens of decisions, but one of the biggest questions passengers ask before sailing with P&O Cruises is:

The answer depends on your drinking habits, travel style, itinerary, and onboard spending preferences. For some travelers, a beverage package can save hundreds of pounds and make budgeting easier. For others, paying individually for drinks may be the more economical option.

This comprehensive guide examines P&O Cruises drink packages, pricing considerations, real-world examples, potential savings, and expert advice to help you decide whether purchasing a package represents good value.

Understanding P&O Cruises Drink Packages

P&O Cruises offers several beverage packages designed to suit different passenger preferences. These may include:

• Alcohol-inclusive packages
• Soft drink packages
• Hot beverage packages
• Children's beverage options
• Non-alcoholic cocktail selections

Packages may vary depending on:

• Ship
• Sailing destination
• Cruise duration
• Promotional offers
• Seasonal changes

Passengers should always review the latest package information before departure.

Why Cruise Drink Packages Are Popular

Drink packages appeal to travelers for several reasons.

Budget Control

Knowing beverage expenses upfront helps avoid large onboard bills.

Convenience

Guests can order qualifying drinks without signing additional charges.

Variety

Passengers often try cocktails, coffees, juices, and specialty beverages they might otherwise avoid.

Vacation Mindset

Many travelers simply enjoy unlimited or prepaid beverages during their holiday.

How P&O Cruises Beverage Pricing Works

Passengers without a package pay individually for drinks.

Typical onboard purchases include:

Beverage	Estimated Cost Range
Soft drinks	£2–£4
Coffee specialties	£3–£5
Beer	£5–£7
Wine by glass	£6–£10
Cocktails	£8–£12
Premium spirits	£7–£15

 

Actual pricing varies by ship and itinerary.

Types of Travelers Who Benefit Most

Heavy Social Drinkers

Passengers consuming:

• Several cocktails daily
• Multiple glasses of wine
• Evening spirits
• Specialty coffees

may receive significant value.

Sea Day Enthusiasts

Long sea days often increase beverage consumption.

Couples

Couples spending afternoons by the pool and evenings in bars often maximize package value.

First-Time Cruisers

Packages eliminate concerns about unexpected charges.

Who May Not Benefit

Drink packages are not ideal for everyone.

You may save money by paying individually if you:

• Drink only occasionally.
• Prefer free beverages.
• Spend most time ashore.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Bring permitted wine onboard.
• Focus on excursions.

Example Cost Calculations

Passenger A: Moderate Drinker

• Morning latte: £4
• Lunch beer: £6
• Afternoon soda: £3
• Evening cocktail: £10
• Glass of wine: £8

Daily spending:

£31

Seven-night cruise:

£217

B: Light Drinker

• Coffee: £4
• One evening glass of wine: £8

Daily spending:

£12

Seven-night cruise:

£84

In this example, a beverage package may not offer value.

Pros of Buying a P&O Cruises Drink Package

1. Easier Budgeting

Prepaying removes uncertainty.

2. Convenience

No need to review every drink price.

3. Encourages Variety

Passengers often explore:

• Cocktails
• Premium coffees
• Mocktails
• Specialty beverages

4. Vacation Enjoyment

Many travelers prefer an all-inclusive experience.

Cons of Buying a Drink Package

1. Upfront Cost

Packages represent a significant pre-cruise expense.

2. Daily Limits

Certain packages may contain restrictions.

3. Not Every Drink Is Included

Premium selections may incur additional charges.

4. Port Days Reduce Usage

Passengers ashore for long periods may not maximize value.

Sea Days vs Port Days

The number of sea days greatly impacts value.

Cruise Type	Package Value
Transatlantic	Excellent
Northern Europe	Good
Mediterranean	Moderate
Port-intensive itineraries	Lower

 

Passengers onboard for longer periods consume more beverages.

The Psychology of Drink Packages

Research on prepaid services shows that consumers often feel greater satisfaction when costs are paid in advance.

Benefits include:

• Reduced spending anxiety
• Simplified decisions
• Enhanced holiday enjoyment

Many travelers value peace of mind as much as financial savings.

Real-World Scenarios

Couple on a 14-Night Cruise

Daily consumption:

• 2 coffees
• 2 beers
• 2 glasses of wine
• 2 cocktails

Estimated daily spending:

£50–£70.

Potential package savings become substantial over two weeks.

Family Cruise

Parents may purchase beverage packages while children use soft-drink options.

Budget predictability becomes particularly valuable for families.

How to Calculate Whether It Is Worth It

Follow these steps.

1: Estimate Daily Drinks

Count:

• Coffee
• Soda
• Beer
• Wine
• Cocktails

2: Multiply by Cruise Days

Calculate total onboard beverage spending.

 3: Compare With Package Price

Determine the break-even point.

4: Consider Sea Days

More sea days generally improve value.

Expert Tips Before Purchasing

Buy Before Sailing

Pre-cruise pricing may be lower.

Review Package Rules

Understand exclusions and limitations.

Consider Your Itinerary

Port-intensive cruises may reduce value.

Be Honest About Consumption

Avoid purchasing based on vacation optimism alone.

Comparing Paying Individually vs Package

Factor	Individual Purchases	Drink Package
Upfront cost	Low	Higher
Budget certainty	Low	High
Flexibility	High	Moderate
Potential savings	Variable	High for frequent users
Convenience	Moderate	Excellent

 

Are Non-Alcohol Packages Worth It?

For some passengers, absolutely.

They may include:

• Specialty coffee
• Soda
• Mocktails
• Juices

Frequent coffee drinkers often recover the package cost quickly.

Health Considerations

Public health organizations emphasize moderation in alcohol consumption.

Excessive drinking can contribute to:

• Dehydration
• Sleep disruption
• Increased accident risk

Travelers should consume alcohol responsibly and remain hydrated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying without calculating costs.
• Ignoring port days.
• Assuming every beverage is included.
• Purchasing because others recommend it.
• Forgetting coffee and soft-drink spending.

Is the Package Better for Short Cruises?

Short cruises often provide fewer opportunities to maximize value.

Three- or four-night cruises may offer less savings than longer sailings.

Is It Better to Wait Until Onboard?

Sometimes onboard promotions appear, but this is not guaranteed.

Booking beforehand may provide:

• Lower prices
• Greater availability
• Better planning

Final Verdict: Is a P&O Cruises Drink Package Worth It?

For many travelers, yes.

A P&O Cruises drink package is often worthwhile if you:

• Enjoy multiple drinks daily.
• Take longer cruises.
• Spend several days at sea.
• Want predictable costs.
• Prefer an all-inclusive vacation.

However, occasional drinkers may spend less by purchasing beverages individually.

The best approach is to estimate your daily consumption honestly and compare it against the package cost before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many drinks per day make a package worthwhile?

Typically three to five alcoholic drinks plus coffees or soft drinks may justify the cost.

2. Can I buy a package onboard?

Availability may vary depending on the sailing.

3. Are gratuities included?

Policies can change, so passengers should review current terms.

4. Do both adults need to buy a package?

Requirements may differ depending on package rules.

5. Are bottled waters included?

Some packages include them while others do not.

6. Can children purchase drink packages?

Yes, soft-drink packages are often available.

7. Are specialty coffees included?

Certain beverage packages include coffee options.

8. Are premium spirits included?

Some premium beverages may require an additional charge.

9. Do packages work on private islands?

Coverage may vary depending on the destination.

10. Should first-time cruisers buy a package?

It can reduce financial surprises and simplify budgeting.

Key Takeaways

• Frequent drinkers often save money.
• Sea days increase package value.
• Light drinkers may spend less individually.
• Budget certainty is a major advantage.
• Calculate your expected consumption before purchasing.