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

Choosing whether to buy a drink package on P&O Cruises is one of the most common pre-cruise decisions travellers face. The answer is not universal. It depends on drinking habits, cruise length, itinerary, onboard lifestyle, and even how you prefer to budget your holiday spending. This guide breaks the decision down from a practical, experience-based perspective so you can decide with confidence rather than guesswork.

P&O Cruises operates primarily in the UK market, and its drink packages are structured differently from many international cruise lines. Understanding what is included, how pricing works, and how real guests typically use these packages is essential before committing. This article focuses on value, transparency, and real-world use rather than marketing claims, so you can determine whether a package genuinely enhances your cruise experience.

P&O Cruises drink packages

What drink packages typically include

P&O Cruises generally offers several drink package tiers designed to match different passenger needs. While the exact names and inclusions can change, the core structure tends to remain consistent. Packages usually cover drinks served in bars, lounges, restaurants, and selected venues during opening hours.

Alcoholic drink coverage

Alcohol-focused packages usually include:

• Draught beer, bottled beer, and cider up to a set value per drink

• House wines by the glass within a price cap

• Selected spirits with standard mixers

• Pre-defined cocktails listed on the onboard menu

Premium or luxury brands are often excluded or require a supplement. Guests expecting high-end wines or specialty cocktails should factor this into their value calculation.

Non-alcoholic drink coverage

Non-alcoholic packages are popular with families and guests who drink little or no alcohol. These usually include:

• Unlimited soft drinks and mixers

• Mocktails and alcohol-free beer options

• Bottled still and sparkling water

• Hot drinks such as speciality coffees, teas, and hot chocolate

For many travellers, especially those who enjoy frequent coffees or soft drinks throughout the day, non-alcoholic packages can deliver consistent value.

How P&O pricing works

P&O drink packages are priced per person, per day, and are typically applied to the full duration of the cruise. All adults in the same cabin are usually required to purchase the same alcohol package, which prevents sharing and simplifies onboard enforcement.

Daily cost structure

The daily price may look high at first glance, but it includes:

• All eligible drinks consumed onboard

• Service charges and gratuities related to drinks

• Price protection against onboard inflation

Because cruise pricing is dynamic, pre-booking a package often costs less than purchasing onboard. However, the true question is not price alone, but whether your onboard consumption realistically matches or exceeds that daily cost.

Cost–benefit analysis based on real cruising behaviour

Who benefits most from drink packages

Drink packages tend to provide the greatest value for specific types of cruisers. Understanding where you fit helps remove uncertainty from the decision.

Light drinkers vs frequent drinkers

A simple break-even example illustrates this clearly:

• If an average cocktail or glass of wine costs a moderate onboard price

• And a package daily rate equals the cost of four to six drinks

Guests who routinely enjoy:

• A morning speciality coffee

• A lunchtime soft drink or mocktail

• Afternoon drinks by the pool

• Wine or cocktails with dinner

• Evening drinks at shows or lounges

often exceed the break-even point without feeling they are over-consuming. In contrast, guests who only drink occasionally at dinner may struggle to justify the cost.

Families and multi-generation groups

Families cruising together often find mixed value:

• Adults who drink moderately may benefit

• Teenagers can gain value from unlimited soft drinks and mocktails

• Children’s drink needs are usually minimal and may not justify a package

For groups, drink packages can simplify budgeting. Everything feels prepaid, which removes daily spending decisions and reduces end-of-cruise bill shock.

When a drink package may not be worth it

Not every cruise or traveller profile aligns with a drink package. Recognising these situations prevents unnecessary spending.

Short cruises and port-heavy itineraries

On cruises with many port days:

• Guests spend more time ashore, consuming drinks off the ship

• Onboard drink usage drops significantly

• The package cost remains fixed regardless of time onboard

Similarly, on shorter cruises, there is less opportunity to maximise daily value, particularly if embarkation and disembarkation days limit consumption.

Practical decision guide for confident planning

Step-by-step way to decide before you book

Rather than relying on intuition, use a simple decision framework to assess value objectively.

How to calculate your break-even point

Follow these steps:

1. List the drinks you realistically consume on a sea day

2. Assign an average onboard price to each drink

3. Multiply by the number of days you will actively drink onboard

4. Compare the total to the package cost

If your estimated total is close to or exceeds the package price, the package likely offers value. If it falls well below, paying per drink may be smarter.

Additional considerations include:

• Whether you enjoy trying new drinks without worrying about cost

• If you prefer predictable, prepaid expenses

• Your tolerance for tracking onboard spending

Drink packages are as much about convenience and peace of mind as they are about saving money.

Frequently asked questions?

Is a P&O Cruises drink package mandatory?

No. Drink packages are optional. Guests can choose to pay for drinks individually if they prefer.

Can I share my drink package with someone else?

No. Drink packages are non-transferable and linked to an individual guest’s cruise card.

Do drink packages include drinks in all restaurants?

Most standard bars and dining venues are included, but some speciality drinks or venues may charge extra.

Are gratuities included in the drink package price?

Yes. Service charges related to drinks are generally included, which simplifies budgeting.

Can I buy a drink package once onboard?

Packages are sometimes available onboard, but prices may be higher than pre-booking rates.

Do drink packages work on embarkation day?

Yes, once activated, packages typically work from embarkation until the final night, subject to cruise policies.

Is bottled water included in all packages?

Non-alcoholic packages usually include bottled water, while alcohol packages may include it as well, depending on the tier.

What happens if I don’t drink every day?

The daily cost remains the same, so missed days reduce overall value.

Are drink prices higher onboard than on land?

Yes, cruise ship pricing reflects logistics, service, and convenience, making packages more appealing for frequent drinkers.

Is it worth buying a package just for coffee and soft drinks?

For guests who drink multiple speciality coffees or soft drinks daily, non-alcoholic packages can offer strong value.