How much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises?

When travelers ask how much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises, they are usually trying to answer a bigger question: Will it save me money, and does it match how I actually drink on holiday? Drawing on cruise-industry pricing practices, onboard policies, and real passenger usage patterns, this guide breaks down costs, value, and smart decision-making so you can choose with confidence.

P&O Cruises operates primarily in the UK market, and its beverage packages are designed around British drinking habits, sailing lengths, and shipboard pricing. Unlike some cruise lines that bundle drinks by default, P&O offers optional packages that can significantly change your onboard spend if chosen wisely.

Beverage package pricing overview on P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises typically offers several beverage package tiers, each aimed at different drinking preferences. Prices can vary by ship, itinerary length, and sailing date. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on exact fixed pricing across all sailings, but the ranges below reflect common onboard pricing structures used by P&O Cruises.

Types of beverage packages available

P&O beverage packages generally fall into three main categories. Each package is priced per person, per day, and usually must be purchased for all adults sharing a cabin.

Soft drinks package

This package is designed for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Typical inclusions:

• Fountain sodas and canned soft drinks

• Tonic water and mixers

• Selected fruit juices

• Bottled still water

Common price range:

• Approximately £8–£10 per person, per day

Who it suits best:

• Families

• Non-drinkers

• Guests who consume multiple soft drinks daily

For example, if individual sodas cost around £2.50 onboard, drinking four per day already exceeds the daily package cost.

Alcoholic beverage packages

P&O’s alcoholic packages are the most popular and are often branded under names like “Classic Drinks Package.”

Typical inclusions:

• Draught beer and selected bottled beers

• House wines by the glass

• Standard spirits with mixers

• Selected cocktails

• Soft drinks and juices

Common price range:

• Approximately £35–£45 per person, per day

Key limitations:

• Drinks are usually capped at a certain value per glass

• Premium brands may require a small surcharge

A guest enjoying:

• 2 glasses of wine at lunch

• 2 cocktails in the evening

• 1 beer during a show

would likely spend more paying individually than with a package.

Hot drinks and specialty coffee package

This package focuses on café-style beverages rather than alcohol.

Typical inclusions:

• Barista-made coffees

• Specialty teas

• Hot chocolates

Common price range:

• Approximately £7–£9 per person, per day

This option is often overlooked but can be excellent value for guests who start and end their day with premium coffee drinks.

Is a P&O Cruises beverage package worth the cost?

Whether a beverage package is worth it depends less on headline pricing and more on your personal drinking habits. Evaluating value requires a realistic look at consumption, sailing days, and lifestyle onboard.

Cost comparison scenarios

The table below shows how beverage packages compare with pay-as-you-go pricing using typical onboard drink costs.

Drinking styleAverage drinks per dayEstimated daily spendPackage costBetter option

Light drinker2 drinks£10–£14£35–£45Pay as you go

Moderate drinker4–5 drinks£28–£40£35–£45Package often wins

Heavy drinker6–8 drinks£45–£70£35–£45Package clearly wins

Light drinker profile

If you typically enjoy:

• One coffee

• One evening drink

You may not reach the break-even point. In this case, paying individually gives flexibility and avoids unused value.

Moderate drinker profile

Guests who:

• Have a drink at lunch

• Enjoy cocktails or wine in the evening

• Sip something during entertainment

often find the package removes budgeting stress and offers predictable costs.

Heavy drinker profile

For those who:

• Drink throughout the day

• Prefer cocktails, wine, and beer

the beverage package usually delivers strong value, even if not every drink hits the maximum allowed price.

Smart ways to reduce beverage costs

Even if you decide not to buy a full package, there are proven strategies to keep spending under control.

Booking and timing tips

• Purchase packages before sailing, when discounts are sometimes offered

• Look for onboard promotions on embarkation day

• Share experiences with cabin mates to assess combined value

• Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

These habits can reduce onboard spending without sacrificing enjoyment.

How to buy a P&O Cruises beverage package and important rules

Understanding the purchase process and restrictions helps avoid surprises once you board.

Step-by-step purchase process

1. Log in to your cruise booking portal after final payment

2. Navigate to “Onboard Extras” or “Drinks Packages”

3. Select the package type

4. Confirm all eligible guests in the cabin

5. Complete payment before embarkation

Packages can sometimes be purchased onboard, but pre-purchase is usually simpler and occasionally cheaper.

Terms, conditions, and restrictions

Key rules to know before buying:

• Packages are charged for every day of the cruise, including port days

• All adults in the same cabin must usually purchase the same alcoholic package

• Drinks are for personal consumption only

• Sharing drinks is not permitted

• Daily limits or fair-use policies may apply

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on unlimited consumption thresholds, but cruise lines monitor usage to prevent misuse.

Practical considerations most travelers overlook:

• Port days reduce onboard drinking time

• Early mornings and excursions may lower actual usage

• Sea days increase value significantly

Choosing a beverage package works best when aligned with your itinerary style.

Frequently asked questions?

Is the beverage package mandatory on P&O Cruises?

No, beverage packages are optional, and you can pay per drink if you prefer flexibility.

Can I buy a beverage package after boarding?

Yes, but availability and pricing may differ compared to pre-cruise purchase.

Do beverage packages include bottled water?

Most packages include bottled still water, but premium water brands may cost extra.

Are gratuities included in the beverage package price?

Generally, service charges are included, reducing the need for extra tipping per drink.

Can one person in a cabin buy a drinks package alone?

Alcoholic packages usually require all adults in the cabin to purchase the same package.

Are children allowed to have beverage packages?

Yes, non-alcoholic packages are available for children and teenagers.

Do beverage packages work in specialty restaurants?

In most cases, yes, as long as the drink falls within the package’s value limit.

Is there a daily drink limit with P&O Cruises packages?

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed fixed limit, but fair-use policies apply.

Are drinks packages valid on embarkation day?

Yes, packages typically start once you board the ship.

Can I cancel a beverage package after purchase?

Cancellation policies vary by sailing, so changes are usually allowed only before embarkation.