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

Planning a cruise holiday with P&O Cruises Australia and wondering whether the drink package is actually worth the money? You’re not alone. Beverage packages are one of the most debated cruise add-ons — and the right choice depends on your drinking habits, travel style, health considerations, and budget priorities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about drink packages on P&O Cruises Australia — including costs, value comparisons, health insights, budgeting strategies, and expert-backed recommendations.

What Is a Drink Package on P&O Cruises Australia?

A drink package is a prepaid beverage plan allowing guests to enjoy a selection of alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price.

Based on publicly available information, P&O Cruises Australia offers beverage packages that may include:

Beer, wine, and spirits (within a price limit per drink)
Cocktails
Soft drinks
Juices
Coffee and tea (specialty drinks)
Bottled water

Packages are usually sold per person, per day, and must typically be purchased for the entire cruise duration.

How Much Does a Drink Package Cost?

Prices vary by sailing and promotion. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on current pricing. However, cruise industry averages in Australia suggest:

Package Type	Estimated Daily Cost (AUD)	Typical Inclusions
Alcohol Package	$75–$95	Beer, wine, spirits, cocktails
Non-Alcoholic Package	$25–$40	Soft drinks, mocktails, specialty coffee
Soft Drink Package	$10–$15	Soda fountain beverages

Always verify exact pricing through the official cruise planner before booking.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)?

Understanding inclusions is critical.

Typically Included:

Drinks up to a capped price (e.g., $12 per drink)
Unlimited servings (within responsible service rules)
Selected brands only

Usually Not Included:

Premium top-shelf spirits
Mini-bar beverages
Room service drinks
Bottles of wine
Drinks over the capped price (may require surcharge)

Cruise lines in Australia follow national responsible service regulations aligned with guidance from bodies such as the Australian Government Department of Health.

Break-Even Analysis: When Does It Pay Off?

Let’s calculate.

Assume:

Cocktail = $16
Beer = $10
Glass of wine = $12
Specialty coffee = $6

If the drink package costs $85 per day, you would need approximately:

6 cocktails per dayOR
8–9 beers per dayOR
7 glasses of wine per dayOR
Mixed consumption (e.g., 3 cocktails + 2 wines + 2 coffees)

Formula:

Break-even drinks = Daily package cost ÷ Average drink price

Example:$85 ÷ $14 ≈ 6 drinks per day

If you consistently drink fewer than that, paying individually may be cheaper.

Health Considerations: What Experts Say

Cruise vacations often encourage indulgence — but moderation matters.

The World Health Organization warns that excessive alcohol consumption increases risks of:

Liver disease
Cardiovascular problems
Certain cancers
Accidents and injuries

Research indexed in PubMed shows binge drinking is associated with increased long-term health risks.

Australian health authorities recommend moderation. According to national guidelines, adults should limit alcohol to reduce health risks.

Key Insight: If buying a package motivates overconsumption just to “get your money’s worth,” it may not be financially or medically wise.

Comparing Drink Package vs. Pay-As-You-Go

Cost Comparison Table (7-Night Cruise)

Drinking Level	Estimated Drinks/Day	Pay-As-You-Go (AUD)	Package Cost (AUD)	Better Option
Light	2–3	$350–$450	~$595	Pay-as-you-go
Moderate	4–5	$560–$700	~$595	Depends
Heavy	6–8	$840–$1,120	~$595	Package

Who Should Buy a Drink Package?

It’s usually worth it if you:

Drink 6+ alcoholic beverages daily
Enjoy premium cocktails regularly
Like predictable budgeting
Don’t want to track expenses
Plan to drink during sea days extensively

From a behavioral finance perspective (often discussed in publications like Harvard Business Review), prepaid models increase perceived freedom and reduce transaction friction — which can enhance vacation enjoyment.

Who Should Skip It?

Avoid the package if you:

Drink lightly (1–3 drinks/day)
Spend most time ashore
Prefer occasional premium wines not included
Are health-conscious
Are traveling with children
Rarely drink alcohol

Step-by-Step: How to Decide

Step 1: Estimate Your Daily Consumption

Track your typical vacation drinking habits.

Step 2: Multiply by Cruise Drink Prices

Use sample bar menus.

Step 3: Compare to Total Package Cost

Multiply package daily rate by cruise length.

Step 4: Consider Sea Days vs Port Days

You drink more on sea days.

Step 5: Factor in Health & Enjoyment

Does unlimited access enhance or pressure you?

Step 6: Check Promotions

Sometimes drink packages are bundled in promotions.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Cocktail Enthusiast

Sarah enjoys:

3 cocktails
2 glasses of wine
2 coffees

Estimated total/day = ~$95Package cost = $85→ Worth it

Scenario 2: The Casual Sipper

Mark drinks:

2 beers
1 wine

Total/day ≈ $32→ Not worth it

Budgeting Psychology: Why Packages Feel Attractive

According to research frequently cited by Consumer Reports, consumers prefer flat-fee pricing because:

It reduces mental accounting
It avoids bill shock
It creates perception of “value maximization”

But sunk-cost bias can encourage overconsumption.

Hidden Factors That Affect Value

1. Port-Heavy Itineraries

Less time onboard = less drinking opportunity.

2. Cabin Sharing Rules

Some cruise lines require all adults in a cabin to purchase a package.

3. Responsible Service Limits

Australian cruise operators must comply with responsible alcohol service standards.

4. Specialty Coffee & Bottled Water Usage

Frequent specialty beverage consumption increases value.

Non-Alcoholic Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

For families and non-drinkers, soda and specialty coffee packages can be worthwhile if:

You drink 3+ specialty coffees daily
Kids consume multiple sodas

Otherwise, bottled water packages may be cheaper.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

Predictable cost
Convenience
No daily tracking
Potential savings for heavy drinkers

Cons

High upfront cost
Encourages overuse
Not flexible
May not include premium options

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I share a drink package?

No. Packages are typically non-transferable.

2. Do I have to buy it for the whole cruise?

Yes, usually for the entire voyage.

3. Are gratuities included?

Often yes, but confirm before purchase.

4. Is bottled water included?

Sometimes limited — verify package terms.

5. What happens if I exceed drink price caps?

You pay the difference.

6. Can minors buy drink packages?

Alcohol packages are restricted to adults.

7. Are drink packages refundable?

Policies vary; check cancellation terms.

8. Is it cheaper to buy before boarding?

Often yes — advance purchases may offer discounts.

9. Does travel insurance cover drink package refunds?

Usually not. Check your policy.

10. Can I upgrade onboard?

Sometimes, but pricing may differ.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The answer depends entirely on your drinking habits.

It’s worth it if:

You average 6+ drinks daily
You value convenience over calculation
You want budgeting certainty

It’s not worth it if:

You drink lightly
You prioritize health moderation
Your itinerary has many port days

From both a financial and health perspective, moderation and planning are key. Consider your real habits — not aspirational vacation behavior.

Bottom Line

A drink package on P&O Cruises Australia can deliver excellent value for frequent drinkers but becomes expensive for casual consumers.

Make your decision using:

A realistic break-even calculation
Health guidance from credible authorities
Transparent budget planning
Itinerary structure analysis

If you approach it strategically, you’ll either save money — or avoid overspending unnecessarily.

And that’s the smartest way to cruise.

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