How much is the P&O Cruises drink package?

Planning a cruise involves balancing excitement with budgeting, and onboard beverages often raise one of the most common questions among travelers: How much is the P&O Cruises drink package? Whether you enjoy specialty coffees, soft drinks, or evening cocktails, understanding drink package pricing can significantly impact your overall cruise cost.

P&O Cruises does not operate like some cruise lines that sell traditional, fixed-price drink packages. Instead, it follows a flexible onboard beverage pricing model, occasionally offering promotional drinks packages as part of fare bundles or limited-time offers. This structure gives guests more freedom but also requires careful evaluation to determine the best value.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—pricing expectations, real-world cost examples, value comparisons, and practical decision-making tips—so you can cruise confidently without overspending.

P&O Cruises’ beverage pricing approach

Unlike cruise lines that lock guests into mandatory daily beverage plans, P&O Cruises uses a pay-as-you-go model with optional promotional packages available during select booking periods.

How P&O Cruises structures drink costs

P&O Cruises prices drinks individually rather than offering year-round drink packages. Guests pay for beverages as they order them onboard, which often suits travelers who drink moderately or selectively.

Typical onboard drink prices generally fall within these ranges:

Beverage TypeEstimated Price Range (GBP)

Soft drinks£2.20 – £3.00

Bottled water£1.95 – £2.50

Beer£4.50 – £6.50

Wine (glass)£5.75 – £7.95

Cocktails£7.50 – £10.95

Specialty coffee£2.50 – £3.50

Spirits£4.95 – £7.95

Prices may vary by ship, bar venue, and sailing region.

Why P&O avoids permanent drink packages

P&O Cruises focuses on flexibility rather than encouraging heavy consumption. This approach aligns well with guests who prefer:

• Occasional drinks rather than daily indulgence

• No pressure to “drink enough” to justify a package

• Clear visibility into actual spending

However, it also means travelers must budget more actively.

Are P&O Cruises drink packages ever available?

Yes—but only under specific circumstances. P&O Cruises occasionally includes drinks packages as part of Select Price fare promotions or special booking incentives.

Promotional drink packages explained

These promotional offers usually include:

• House spirits, beer, wine by the glass

• Soft drinks and mixers

• Selected cocktails

They are often bundled with:

• Onboard spending credit

• Specialty dining

• Cabin upgrades

The value depends on sailing length and personal drinking habits.

Typical promotional pricing expectations

When offered, drink package promotions are often valued internally at approximately:

• £35–£45 per person per day (estimated equivalent value)

Guests do not usually purchase these separately onboard; they are tied to booking conditions.

Who benefits most from promotional packages

Promotional packages work best for:

• Couples who enjoy evening cocktails

• Guests sailing 7 nights or longer

• Travelers who drink consistently each day

If you only enjoy one or two drinks per day, pay-as-you-go is usually cheaper.

Comparing pay-as-you-go vs promotional drink bundles

Choosing between individual pricing and promotional bundles depends on realistic consumption.

Cost comparison example

Let’s consider a realistic daily scenario:

BeverageQuantityCost

Coffee1£3.00

Soft drink2£5.00

Beer or wine2£13.00

Cocktail1£9.50

Total per day£30.50

In this case, a promotional package valued at £40 per day would not provide savings.

When drink packages become cost-effective

A drinks bundle typically makes sense if you consume:

• 4–5 alcoholic drinks daily

• Multiple specialty coffees

• Soft drinks throughout the day

Moderate or light drinkers generally spend less without a package.

What drinks are not included even in promotions

Even when promotional drink bundles are offered, exclusions often apply.

Common exclusions

• Premium champagne

• Bottled wines

• High-end spirits

• Specialty tasting menus

• Room service beverages

Understanding exclusions prevents onboard surprises.

Smart budgeting tips for P&O Cruises beverages

Set a realistic daily drink budget

Before sailing, estimate your daily beverage spending:

• Light drinker: £10–£20/day

• Moderate drinker: £25–£35/day

• Social drinker: £40+/day

This helps determine whether promotions offer value.

Use onboard alternatives wisely

P&O Cruises provides several complimentary options:

• Tap water

• Tea and standard coffee

• Juices during breakfast hours

Taking advantage of these reduces paid drink purchases.

Monitor spending through onboard accounts

Guests can review daily spending through:

• Cabin television system

• Guest services desk

Regular checks prevent end-of-cruise surprises.

Alcohol policies and age considerations

Minimum drinking age

• UK sailings: 18 years

• International waters: Ship policy applies

Valid identification may be required onboard.

Bringing alcohol onboard

P&O Cruises generally restricts guests from bringing alcohol for consumption onboard. Policies may allow limited wine for special occasions with corkage fees applied.

Making the best choice for your cruise style

For first-time cruisers

Pay-as-you-go offers flexibility while learning your onboard habits.

For repeat cruisers

Past spending patterns make it easier to assess whether promotional packages offer value.

For families and non-drinkers

Without fixed packages, families avoid paying for unused alcohol benefits.

Is the P&O Cruises drink package worth it?

There is no universal answer. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a permanent P&O Cruises drink package price. Value depends entirely on:

• Drinking frequency

• Length of sailing

• Promotional availability

• Personal preferences

P&O Cruises’ flexible pricing model favors mindful spending rather than unlimited consumption.

Frequently asked questions?

How much does a drink cost on P&O Cruises?

Most drinks range from £2.20 for soft drinks to around £11 for premium cocktails, depending on venue and ship.

Does P&O Cruises offer unlimited drink packages?

No permanent unlimited drink packages exist. Drinks are usually pay-as-you-go, with occasional promotional inclusions.

Can I buy a drink package onboard?

Generally no. Promotional drink packages are typically tied to booking offers rather than onboard purchases.

Are soft drinks included in cruise fares?

Soft drinks are not included unless part of a promotion. Water, tea, and basic coffee are complimentary.

Is bottled water free on P&O Cruises?

Tap water is free. Bottled water is charged unless included in a promotional offer.

Are gratuities included in drink prices?

Yes, service charges are typically included in advertised drink prices.

Can I share a promotional drink package?

No. Drink benefits are assigned per guest and cannot be shared.

Is alcohol cheaper on sea days or port days?

Prices generally remain consistent regardless of itinerary day.

Do children need a drink package?

No. Children can consume complimentary drinks and pay individually for soft drinks if desired.

How can I reduce beverage costs onboard?

Use complimentary options, limit premium cocktails, and track daily spending through your onboard account.