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

Cruise holidays are a blend of adventure, luxury, and relaxation, but when it comes to managing onboard expenses, beverages often become a hot topic. On P&O Cruises, many guests ask the same question: “Is it worth buying a drink package?”

Beverage packages offer convenience, predictable budgeting, and access to unlimited drinks within certain limits. However, their value depends heavily on your drinking habits, preferences, and budget.

In this article, we’ll explore the cost of P&O Cruises drink packages, what’s included, daily drink limits, and real-world examples to help you decide if purchasing one is truly worthwhile.

What Are P&O Cruises Drink Packages?

Drink packages on P&O Cruises allow passengers to enjoy a wide selection of beverages for a fixed daily fee. Instead of paying for each coffee, cocktail, or soda separately, you can indulge freely without worrying about a growing bill.

P&O Cruises offers four main beverage packages:

Refresh Drinks Package – Unlimited soft drinks, mocktails, and juices.
Alcohol-Free Package – Adds Costa coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Classic Drinks Package – Includes beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits priced up to £7.95 per glass.
Deluxe Drinks Package – Expands the Classic package to include premium spirits, wines, and cocktails up to £10.95 each.

How Much Do P&O Drinks Packages Cost?

Understanding cost is the first step in deciding if they’re worth it.

Package NamePrice Per Day (Approx.)Alcohol Included?Highlights

Refresh Package£10.95NoUnlimited soft drinks, juices, mocktails.

Alcohol-Free Package£22.45NoAdds Costa coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water.

Classic Drinks Package£44.95YesBeer, wine, cocktails, and spirits up to £7.95.

Deluxe Drinks Package£54.95YesPremium spirits, cocktails, and wines up to £10.95.

These prices are per person, per day and must be purchased for the entire cruise duration.

Rules and Restrictions

Before diving into “value,” it’s important to understand the fine print:

Daily limit: 15 alcoholic drinks per day (non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited).
Per cabin rule: If one adult buys a drinks package, all adults in the same cabin must also buy one.
Duration: Packages must be purchased for the entire cruise, not per day.
No sharing: Drinks cannot be shared between passengers.

These policies prevent misuse and ensure fairness onboard.

When Is a Drink Package Worth It?

The value of a drink package depends largely on your daily consumption habits. Let’s break it down by traveler type.

For Families with Kids

The Refresh Package can be a smart choice for families. Soft drinks, juices, and mocktails are often favorites for children and teenagers. Since single sodas cost around £2.50–£3.00, if a child drinks 4–5 sodas daily, the package pays for itself.

Verdict: Worth it if kids consume multiple drinks daily.

For Coffee and Non-Alcoholic Drink Lovers

The Alcohol-Free Package suits passengers who prefer not to drink alcohol but enjoy Costa coffee, bottled water, and mocktails. A few specialty coffees (£3 each), bottled waters (£2.50 each), and sodas can easily exceed the daily cost.

Verdict: Worth it for non-drinkers who enjoy a variety of beverages.

For Social Alcohol Drinkers

The Classic Package often provides excellent value. For example:

3 beers (£5 each) = £15
2 wines (£6 each) = £12
2 cocktails (£8 each) = £16
2 sodas (£3 each) = £6

Total = £49/day vs. £44.95 with package.

Verdict: Worth it if you average 6–8 alcoholic drinks per day.

For Premium Drink Enthusiasts

The Deluxe Package is perfect for those who prefer premium wines, high-end cocktails, or top-shelf spirits. Individually, these drinks cost £8–£11 each, so just 5–6 premium drinks daily can surpass the £54.95 package price.

Verdict: Worth it for those who prefer quality over quantity.

When Is a Drink Package Not Worth It?

Light Drinkers: If you only enjoy 1–2 alcoholic drinks a day, paying individually is cheaper.
Short Cruises: On a 2–3 day cruise, it might not be worth the upfront cost.
Free Options Satisfy You: Water, tea, and coffee are included in the buffet areas. If that’s all you need, skip the package.

Real-World Cost Comparisons

Example 1: Classic Package Guest

2 beers, 2 wines, 1 cocktail, 2 sodas, 1 coffee = £45
Package cost: £44.95
Break-even: Achieved.

Example 2: Deluxe Package Guest

3 premium cocktails (£10 each) + 2 premium spirits (£9 each) + 2 wines (£7 each) + 2 sodas (£3 each) = £68
Package cost: £54.95
Savings: £13/day.

Example 3: Light Drinker

1 glass of wine (£6) + 1 soda (£3) = £9
Package cost: £44.95
Loss: Not worth it.

Pros of Buying a Drink Package

Convenience: No need to track expenses.
Peace of mind: Unlimited access within limits.
Try new drinks: Experiment without worrying about cost.
Family value: Kids’ packages help with budgeting.
Hydration covered: Bottled water included in some packages.

Cons of Buying a Drink Package

Upfront cost: Large expense at the start.
Pressure to drink: Some feel obliged to “get their money’s worth.”
Per cabin rule: Can be expensive if one person doesn’t drink much.
Daily cap: 15 alcoholic drinks per day may not suit very heavy drinkers.

Tips to Maximize a Drink Package

Pre-purchase online – Often cheaper than buying onboard.
Balance alcohol with soft drinks – Use the full range of options.
Hydrate often – Bottled water is valuable, especially in warm destinations.
Sample new drinks – Try premium cocktails and wines.
Use specialty coffee – Don’t just stick to alcohol; coffee lovers get great value.

FAQs About P&O Cruises Drink Packages

Can kids get a drink package?

Yes, the Refresh Package is available and tailored for younger passengers.

Do all adults in a cabin need to buy a package?

Yes, to prevent sharing.

Can I cancel a drink package?

Policies vary, but usually, packages must be kept for the full cruise.

Are gratuities included in package prices?

Yes, service charges are included.

Do soft drinks count towards the 15-drink limit?

No, only alcoholic drinks are capped.

Final Verdict – Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on P&O Cruises?

So, is it worth buying a drink package on P&O Cruises?

The answer depends entirely on your personal habits:

Yes, it’s worth it if you drink multiple coffees, soft drinks, or 6+ alcoholic beverages per day. You’ll save money, enjoy variety, and travel with peace of mind.
No, it’s not worth it if you’re a light drinker, prefer complimentary beverages, or are sailing on a short itinerary.