britannia cruise drinks package

• Apr 23, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Drinks Packages 2023: Navigating P&O's Beverage Options

Updated article here: New P&O Drinks Packages for 2023

• TIPS & ADVICE
• DRINKS PACKAGES

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Ultimate Guide to P&O Britannia

P&O Cruises has been a much-loved cruise line with British cruisers for decades and offers traditional cruises to popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords. In this ultimate guide to P&O Britannia , I share everything you need to know about the flagship to make the most of your cruise holiday.

Key Facts about P&O Britannia

P&O Britannia was launched in 2015 and was last refurbished in 2019. The cruise ship was built by Fincantieri (Monfalcone, Italy) and is a Royal Class ship, making it a sister to: Royal, Regal, Sky, Enchanted, Majestic and Discovery Princess.

Britannia has 1,836 cabins for up to 3,647 passengers and has 1,350 crew.

Where is P&O Britannia right now?

You can discover the exact location of Britannia cruise ship using this cruise tracker and take a look at the Britannia webcam from the Bridge.

Cabins on P&O Britannia

Britannia offers a range of cruise cabins to suit all budgets and preferences:

• Superior Deluxe Balcony (equivalent to a mini-suite)

Inside cabin

A standard inside cabin on P&O Britannia is 170 square feet, which is ample space for two people. This cabin has a TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

There is generous wardrobe space with shelves and drawers, which I found was plenty of storage for a fortnight’s cruise.

There is a security safe to store any valuables and it’s worth mentioning that we could fit an iPad easily into it.

The en-suite bathroom is stocked with toiletries from The White Company and a notably there was a shower door (instead of a shower curtain).

Pool towels are already in your cabin when you arrive so that you can use them on the ship or at the beach.

An inside cabin is a perfect option for those who like to spend their time enjoying the ship’s facilities and public areas. I also like how dark the room is if you want to sleep or take a nap during the day.

Balcony Cabin

A standard balcony cabin on Britannia is 212 square feet, which is a good size space for two people. This cabin has a TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

There is generous wardrobe space, shelves and drawers, which was the same amount of space as an inside cabin. The balcony has the addition of a small table and comfy chair.

The balcony has enough space for two chairs and a small table. I would say the size of the balcony is not huge but fine if you enjoy to sit outside and get some sea air.

The en-suite bathroom appears to be the same size as the inside cabin and is stocked with toiletries from The White Company. It has a shower with a door and pool towels are already in your cabin.

Superior Deluxe Balcony

A superior deluxe balcony cabin on Britannia is 281 square feet, which is a good option for families (sleeps up to four) or couples wanting a bit of luxury and inside space to relax. This cabin has two TVs, a fridge and tea/coffee making facilities that are replenished daily.

The cabins amenities are very similar to those of inside and balcony cabins but has the added bonus of a separate sitting area, which can be curtained off if the settee bed is required.

I would compare this to a mini-suite on sister ships with Princess Cruises.

The bathroom has the addition of a bath with the shower head over it, I think this is a luxury that many would be happy to pay extra for.

Suite cabin

For passengers wanting the ultimate luxury cabin or want to cruise as a family with enough space for everyone, a suite offers 382-689 square feet.

There are four grades of suite on Britannia and are located forward, mid-ship and in the aft. As it’s the most expensive type of cabin on Britannia, I’d fully recommend doing plenty of research before booking so that you choose the right one for you.

Take a look at this guide to choosing the best suite on Britannia .

A suite comes with a long list of perks and benefits:

• Priority embarkation/disembarkation
• Access to an exclusive hospitality lounge with a selection of teas, coffees and fresh pastries while you wait to board
• Exclusive welcome reception with hot and cold canapés and complimentary alcoholic drinks
• Box of chocolates
• Fresh fruit
• Daily canapes
• Coffee machine
• Breakfast in an exclusive venue (Epicurean Restaurant)
• Inclusive room service
• Butler service
• Full-size whirlpool bath
• Priority tenders (where applicable)

Dining on P&O Britannia

There are plenty of dining options on P&O Britannia, with complimentary and specialty restaurants to choose from.

There are main dining rooms, casual dining venues and specialty dining restaurants.

Main Dining Rooms

You will be allocated the Oriental main dining room for traditional set time dining if you enjoy eating at the same time every evening.

Oriental Restaurant   Breakfast: 08.00 – 09.30 (Sea Day) 07.30 – 09.00 (Port Day) Dinner: 1st sitting from 18.30, 2nd sitting from 20.30.

If you prefer a bit more flexibility in the time you eat, I would recommend dining at the Meridian main dining room or Peninsular main dining room.

You can choose the style of dining you’d like when you book your cruise on Britannia.

The main dining rooms all offer the same menu, which changes each night.

In my opinion the food is of a good standard and features traditional British dishes such as Beef Wellington and Bread and Butter Pudding. I particularly recommend the fish dishes.

Meridian Restaurant Lunch: 12.15 – 13.45 (Light lunch option – Sea days only) Dinner: 18.00 – 21.30

Peninsular Restaurant Breakfast: 08.00 – 09.30 (Sea Day) 07.30 – 09.00 (Port Day) Lunch: 12.15 – 13.45 Afternoon tea: 16.00 – 16.45 Dinner: 18.00 – 21.30

Once a cruise, there is a special Gala Night menu that shouldn’t be missed. This is typically offered on the first formal night of the cruise. Please be aware that this may differ on summer 2021 UK cruises.

Each dish in the main dining room is nicely presented and portion sizes are not too large so you can enjoy all three courses. If you have a larger appetite you can always order extra portions of any course.

Casual Dining Venues

On P&O Britannia you can opt for more casual dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with healthy and fast food choices, depending on what you fancy.

The buffet is open from 6am to 12 noon for breakfast. It can get very busy but signage at the entrances indicates peak times to avoid.

I would recommend leaving the main buffet dining area and finding a table outside for a peaceful start to the day, away from what can be chaos.

The buffet has a rolling menu so there is always food available between 6am and 2am, here’s a guide to times throughout the day in the Horizon Court Buffet:

Breakfast: 06:00 – 12:00 Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 Afternoon snacks: 15:00 – 17:00  Children’s tea: 17:00 – 18:00 Theme dinner: 18:00 – 21:30 Late night snacks: 21:30 – 02:00

The themed dinners in the buffet change nightly and offers a wide selection of cuisines from around the world. You can find the schedule for the buffet dinner themes on you in-cabin TV.

Other complimentary casual food options include:

• Pizzeria on Lido Deck 16
• The Grill on Lido Deck 16
• Grab & Go on Lido Deck 16

I particularly like the Grab and Go option as there are freshly-made individually wrapped sandwiches and salads that you can take from the fridges. This is a healthy alternative to the pizza and burgers also on offer on the Lido Deck.

Specialty Dining Restaurants on P&O Britannia

For an additional charge, you can book a table at one of P&O Britannia’s specialty restaurants.

You can book in advance before the cruise or once you’re onboard but be aware that once you get on the ship, dining times may be limited.

The Beach House

The cheapest specialty dining option on Britannia is The Beach House at just £7.50 for a three-course meal. It’s a pop-up restaurant situated in a section of the Horizon Court Buffet and is only open in the evenings.

I dined at The Beach House twice on my last cruise on Britannia and liked it’s casual atmosphere and tasty food.

The menu takes inspiration from Caribbean and American cuisines to deliver menu choices that are sure to appeal to families and friends looking for comfort food and hearty dishes.

The Beach House menu has vegetarian options and limited vegan options so it can be enjoyed by all preferences.

The Glass House

Situated in the ship’s atrium, The Glass House meticulously pairs light, tapas-style dishes with a selection of wines that cannot be enjoyed anyway else on P&O Britannia.

British TV presenter and wine expert, Olly Smith, has had a hand in the menu so it’s fair to say that some thought has gone into the food and drink on offer.

I’d recommend reading my blog post, dedicated to The Glass House and its menu .

A popular specialty restaurant on P&O Britannia is Sindhu , located on Deck 7. This restaurant offers contemporary Indian cuisine and is open for dinner every night from 6pm to 9pm and a light lunch on sea days from 11am to 4.30pm.

Sindhu has a cover charge of £20 per person, which is excellent value given the quality of the dishes. It can seat up 140 covers per night but beware, this still gets booked up in advance.

It has its own bar and lounge area in front of the restaurant that is a chilled area for pre or post-dinner drinks.

The Epicurean Restaurant

The Epicurean Restaurant offers modern, British fine dining and is located near the Crow’s Nest on Deck 16. This specialty dining venue is open for breakfast for suite guests and dinner for any passengers with an advanced booking.

The menu features a selection of classic and contemporary dishes, along with an extensive cheese menu, hand picked by cheese expert Charlie Turnbull.

You can also enjoy Eric Lanlard’s afternoon tea at The Epicurean on sea days but should be pre-booked.

The Limelight Club

If you enjoy dinner and a show, The Limelight Club offers just that. A variety of acts perform during the cruise, which differs depending on your dates and itinerary but can be pre-booked before your cruise.

I would say 80s and 90s musical acts are the main theme of the Limelight Club.

Four menus are rotated throughout the cruise so if you decide to watch more than one act, you won’t be stuck with the same menu.

The menu is limited and I personally think that there are a few strange combinations and textures but the performances certainly make up for that.

The cover charge varies according to the performers but expect to pay between £25 and £35 for a three-course meal.

Entertainment on P&O Britannia

Throughout the day on board P&O Britannia, there is entertainment and activities to get involved in.

I’d recommend watching my tour of Britannia to help you become familiarised with the entertainment venues on the ship.

You can also take a look at the 50 free things to do on Britannia included in your cruise fare.

Live music can be found in most of the bars and lounges in the evenings. If you particularly enjoy dancing, I’d recommend heading to The Crystal Room for big band music and ballroom dancing.

Headliners Theatre

The Headliners Theatre is a two-tier theatre seating 936 cruise passengers.

There is a selection of tribute acts, cabaret-style shows and guest performers throughout the cruise with P&O’s magic show, Astonishing, also making an appearance.

There are two or three performances per night to accommodate cruisers with different dining times so it’s very unlikely you’ll not be able to find a seat for one of the performances each evening.

The tiered seating means that you will always be able to see the stage and accessible seating is located near the Deck 7 entrance to the theatre.

Bars and Drinks on P&O Britannia

There are 13 bars onboard P&O’s Britannia so there’s no chance of going thirsty!

Beer lovers will find plenty of choice on the menu in Brodie’s, whilst wine connoisseurs should feel at home in The Glass House. Both of these venues offer drinks flights so that you can sample a selection of beer and wine before finding your favourite.

Brodie’s is P&O Cruises’ onboard pub, a hub for live music, sport and entertainment. This venue is named after P&O’s co-founder, Brodie McGhie Wilcox. You can expect British bottled beers, spirits and wine here.

This venue can get quite busy, particularly in the evenings when there are quizzes and games being hosted.

There are some quieter ‘break-out’ spaces along one side with comfy seating and the casino is situated on the opposite side. There is waiter service or you can order directly from the bar.

For classy cocktails, martinis and bellinis, I would recommend a visit to the Blue Bar in the atrium with the added bonus of people-watching.

It’s the main bar situated in the atrium and is a great place to meet friends and family before dinner. It’s very popular on formal nights as the place to sip your champagne or bellini. It gets quieter after dinner as passengers head off to the other venues so for a drinks with friends it’s a nice spot.

Live Lounge

On Deck 7 aft, the Live Lounge is an entertainment venue that offers live music and doubles as the ship’s nightclub.

On some occasions, this venue was completely empty and we popped in to get a quick drink at the bar. This is where the 80s night is held but don’t worry, fancy dress is not required or encouraged.

The Crow’s Nest

For fantastic front-facing views during the day and elegant drinks at night, The Crow’s Nest is a bar that can be found across the P&O fleet.

The bar isn’t open all day but in the evening it turns into a sophisticated piano bar for after-dinner drinks. This venue can be quite popular on formal nights.

If you enjoy sipping a cocktail and watching the wake view, the Sunset Bar on Deck 16 is a perfect spot. This is my favourite bar on Britannia and we enjoy spending some time here in the late afternoon, during sailaways.

Drinks prices are fairly reasonably and are no more than what you would pay on the high street. You can see the full list of drinks on Britannia with prices to give you an idea of what’s onboard and how much you should budget for.

A drinks package may be worth purchasing for your Britannia cruise but be aware that drinks packages are not available to purchase on short cruises.

There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks packages as well as a child’s package, which I think is excellent value. Take a look at the options so you can decide for yourself.

It’s important to note that drinks packages cannot be shared and therefore, P&O Cruises will not allow just one person sharing a cabin to buy a drinks package.

Laundry on P&O Britannia

I’m sure that when you’re planning your cruise on Britannia, laundry services are furthest from your mind but it’s useful information to know, especially for longer cruises.

The good news is that the launderettes found on the cabin decks are free to use, all you need is washing tablets. Check my complete P&O laundry guide for all the information you need.

P&O Britannia FAQs

What is the dress code on p&o britannia.

During the day, casual holiday clothes can be worn such as shorts, t-shirt and summer dresses. You should avoid pool wear in the inside, lounges, bars and restaurants. Footwear must be worn inside.

Evening casual wear can be worn on non-formal nights of your cruise. This is best described as outfits you would wear to a nice restaurant. Smart dark denim can be worn with a nice top or open neck shirt.

Tracksuits, sports wear and trainers are not permitted in the evenings. If you are cruising in the Caribbean, tailored shorts can be worn in the buffet.

On Gala Evenings and Black Tie Nights you should wear something special. Typically on P&O Cruises, passengers choose to dress very formally with black being the overriding choice for many.

Many men decide to wear a dinner jacket and bow tie but don’t be put off by this. A dark business suit and tie is perfectly acceptable. Cocktail dresses, jumpsuits and ball gowns are worn by women.

How many swimming pools does Britannia have?

P&O Britannia has five swimming pools in total. There are two main pools on the Lido Deck, an adult-only pool in the Serenity area, a small terrace pool on the Sun Deck and an indoor hydrotherapy pool in the Spa.

Are you allowed to take alcohol on a P&O cruise?

Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in US ports) and older is allowed bring up to 1 litre of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit, or liqueur on board as they embark the ship for the first time only.

Alcohol over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest before the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20 per bottle, per occasion which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account. 

Any alcohol purchased in port must be declared once you return to the ship. It will be stored safely for you and returned by the final evening of your cruise.

Is tea and coffee free on P&O Britannia?

Tea and coffee is free of charge on P&O Britannia except specialty teas and coffees from Costa Coffee. There is tea and coffee making facilities in your cabin, which are replenished daily.

Can I take bottled water on P&O Britannia?

Yes, an unlimited amount of water and soft drinks can be brought on board with you for your P&O cruise. There is one small bottle of water per person in your cabin on arrival.

How much is WiFi on P&O Britannia?

WiFi is not included in your cruise fare with P&O Cruises so if you want to be able to connect a device to WiFi on your cruise, you will need to purchase one of three WiFi packages available, starting at £7.75 per day. These packages are cheaper if you pre-purchase them at least three days before your cruise, using your My P&O Cruises account.

I opted for the Browse Package and found it allowed me to do did everything I needed such as social media and Googling port information.

P&O Britannia Tips and Advice

I hope that you’ve found this guide useful. If you have any questions about Britannia, I would be happy to help with any queries you may have. You can either use the Contact Me page or simply use the comment section below to ask your question.

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

Find me on: Twitter

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Cruise Monkeys

Bananas about cruising

New P&O Drinks Package explained!

In this post we will explain the new P&O Cruises Drinks Package that has launched, giving you a reason to say ‘cheers’ to your holiday!

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through affiliate links wont cost you any more but it may mean we receive a small commission.

Page Contents

For a fixed price per person, per day, the P&O’s Drink Packages offer something to suit every taste. From Pepsi to refresh you by the pool to toasting another mouth-watering meal with a glass of red in the Med, P&O have got you covered. Simply choose your favourite package, sit back and relax whilst you sip the days away.

P&O’s drinks packages are available on cruises of five nights or more. Log in to My P&O Cruises up to three days before your holiday to get the best P&O drinks package for you. Or if you’d like to wait until you’re on board, you can get your drinks package within the first two nights of your holiday. However, please note that sharing of packages isn’t permitted, so each adult sharing a cabin must buy the same drinks package individually.

The Packages

Refresh drinks package

With classic fizzy drinks like R.Whites Lemonade and Pepsi to your choice of orange, pineapple and apple juice, this package is perfect for your daily refreshment from poolside to the bar.

Price before your holiday: £9.85 | On-board price: £10.95 (Per person, per day)

Alcohol-free drinks package

The P&O Alcohol-free package includes everything from the Refresh package, plus lattes, cappuccinos or teapigs™ from Costa Coffee, 0% Heineken, Tanqueray, Torres and wine, still or sparkling water (330ml) and some non-alcoholic cocktails.

Price before your holiday: £22.45 | On-board price: £24.95 (Per person, per day)

Classic drinks package

The P&O Classic drinks package includes everything from the Refresh and Alcohol-free drinks packages, plus even more. From Piña Coladas and Mai Tais to your pick of Smirnoff Vodka, Bell’s Whisky, P&O’s exclusive Marabelle Gin and Golden Tide Rum, and a choice of Heineken, Birra Moretti or John Smith’s for the beer-lovers, you’re spoilt for choice.

Price before your holiday: £40.45 | On-board price: £44.95 (Per person, per day)

Deluxe drinks package

The P&O Deluxe drinks package includes the same selection as all other packages and then some more! Delight in P&O’s most popular brands like Grey Goose and Salcombe Gin, as well as an extended selection of cocktails, including a fresh Aperol Spritz or Sunset Cooler.

Price before your holiday: £49.45 | On-board price: £54.95 (Per person, per day)

What’s included

Purchase and Availability

• Drinks Packages are available on cruises of 5 nights or longer.
• Drinks Packages can be purchased in advance of your cruise via My P&O Cruises or on board during the first 2 days of your cruise.
• If you purchase a Drinks Package on board, you will only pay for the day of purchase and the remaining days of your cruise.
• Drinks Packages must be purchased for the entire duration of your cruise. They cannot be purchased on a per-day basis.
• Classic and Deluxe Drinks Packages may only be purchased by adult guests. Adult guests are guests over the age of 18, or over the age of 21 if your cruise visits USA or UAE waters.
• Any guests aged 17 years must purchase either a Refresh or Alcohol-Free Drinks Package when any adults in the same cabin purchase a Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package.

Limits and Use

• The same Drinks Package must be purchased by guests aged over 18 years sharing a cabin.
• A complimentary Refresh Drinks Package will be provided to guests aged 16 or under where all adults travelling in the same cabin have purchased a Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package.
• All Drinks Packages are limited to 15 drinks per guest in any 24-hour period, starting each day at 6am.
• P&O Cruises reserves the right to refuse the service of alcohol at any time in accordance with P&O’s policy for the Responsible Service of Alcohol. This requires bar staff not to serve guests they believe to be intoxicated.
• Only one drink may be ordered at a time. All drink orders must be at least 15 minutes apart.
• Guests can only use their own Drinks Package to order drinks. Sharing or transferring Drinks Packages is not permitted.
• Some drinks are excluded from Drinks Packages. See the Exclusions section for details.
• Peninsular Club loyalty discounts apply to purchases of all Drinks Packages both via My P&O Cruises and on board.
• Classic and Deluxe Drinks Packages entitle guests to a 20% discount on drinks not included in their package or ordered above the 15-drink limit. Drinks that qualify for the 20% discount are shown in the 20% Discount Offer table. Discount is applied against the full menu price.

Terms of Use

• Pre-Cruise purchases of Drinks Packages must be made at least 3 days before the departure date of your cruise.
• Drinks Packages purchased pre-cruise can be cancelled no later than 3 days before departure. In this event, a full refund will be applied to the credit/debit card used to make the purchase.
• Drinks Packages purchased on board may not be cancelled once purchased.
• P&O Cruises reserves the right to refuse service of alcoholic drinks to guests who appear under the age of 18 or 21.
• Drink selections and service hours are limited to each on board venue’s menu and operating hours.
• All bottles and cans will be served opened.
• For cruises starting outside the UK, Drinks Packages sold on board may be subject to a local tax. These charges will be applied to the price of a Drinks Package at the point of purchase.
• Individual drinks included in a Drinks Package are subject to availability. P&O Cruises may substitute any drink(s) included in a Drinks Package for an alternative product of comparable or greater value. No refunds will be given in the event a substitution is made.
• P&O Cruises reserves the right to make additional exclusions or further reasonable limitations to Drinks Packages at any time.
• In exceptional circumstances, P&O Cruises may withdraw Drinks Packages from a cruise entirely. In this event, a full or pro-rata refund will be offered to guests and P&O Cruises will not be liable for any other costs or expenses incurred.
• The price of Drinks Packages purchased on board may differ from the price payable pre-cruise. P&O Cruises is not obligated to reduce the on board price to match any price available in advance of your cruise. If the on board price is lower, partial refunds for Drinks Packages purchased in advance will not be given.
• P&O Cruises reserves the right to change the price of the drinks or the Drinks Packages at any time. If a Drinks Package has been booked and paid for, the price paid will not change.

All Drinks Packages exclude the following:

• All Signature whiskies, cognac and rums
• Bottles of wine, Champagne or spirits
• Selected glasses of fine wine
• Large bottled water
• Freakshakes
• Seven Wonders cocktails / Seven Treasures cocktails in Amber and Emerald Bar
• Exclusive Cocktails in Anderson’s Bar
• Drinks sold in shops on board
• Wine, beer and spirit flights or buckets of beer
• Drinks provided via self-service or vending machines
• Room service orders
• In-cabin water orders
• Mini-bar items
• The Retreat menu items
• For guests under the age of 18, non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits and Red Bull are not available
• Use at special events such as P&O Cruises cocktail parties, wedding receptions or similar pre-booked private events.
• Other than Peninsular Club loyalty discounts, Drinks Packages may not be combined with any other programmes, promotions, or on-board specials offers, or applied toward speciality dining cover charges. They may not be used with any ‘Buy One Get One Free’ or multi-buy offers or used as part of any guest experiences (such as Wine Tastings, Cocktail Masterclasses or Spirit Masterclasses). The Classic Drinks Package also excludes spirits served in 50ml measures, wine served in 250ml measures and medium size Costa Coffee products. If your cruise ends in the UK, customs restrictions require that only non-alcoholic drinks are available once the ship has entered UK waters prior to disembarkation.

Go live dates:

How to purchase a new drinks package:.

You can purchase the drinks packages on My P&O Cruises immediately after booking your cruise and up to three days prior to departure, where they will receive 10% discount. Or you can purchase the packages on board during the first two days of your holiday. However, please note this will be at full price, with no discounts for on-board purchases.

Will children still receive a complimentary package when an adult in the same cabin purchases a drinks package?

Yes, all guests aged 16 years old or under will receive a complimentary Refresh Drinks Package when a qualifying adult in the same cabin has purchased a Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package. Any guests aged 17 years old must purchase an Alcohol-Free or Refresh Package when any adult guests purchase an alcoholic package.

Can adults purchase the Refresh Drinks package?

Yes, the new P&O Refresh Package that has an incredible selection of soft drinks can be purchased and enjoyed by everyone.

Why is the pre-cruise price different to the onboard price?

P&O Cruises are offering guests the opportunity to purchase drinks packages before they go on holiday via My P&O Cruises, at a 10% discount on the full retail price. SO it is cheaper to buy the drinks package before you go!

Can you still purchase products outside of the package?

Yes, guests who have a Classic or Deluxe Package can purchase drinks outside of the package with a 20% discount on the full price of the product.

Are the wine packages still available to purchase?

Yes, they are.

What happens if you have purchased pre-cruise an Ultimate/NonAlcoholic or Children’s package prior to the new go live dates?

Guests who had previously purchased a drinks package via My P&O Cruises will automatically receive an improved new package at no extra cost. This will have been communicated to guests via an email:

Children`s Drinks Package – Refresh Drinks Package Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package – Alcohol Free Drinks Package Ultimate Drinks Package – Deluxe Drinks Package

The original packages will continue to show under ‘My Orders’ in My P&O Cruises; this will be taken care of on board.

If you purchase a package via My P&O Cruises, will I have to visit a bar to receive a sticker?

If pre purchased your package via My P&O Cruises, you will no longer need to visit a designated bar venue to receive a sticker on your cruise card and sign P&O’s terms and conditions. Instead, this will be processed, charged and the sticker applied to your cruise card before it is left outside the cabin. You will also receive a copy of the terms and conditions and the list of included products. 

We hope you have found this useful, legacy information is still available on our website:

P&O Drinks Packages… Is it worth it?

P&O Drinks Packages Explained 2023 prices

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How Many Drinks You'll Need to Have Per Day to Make a Cruise Drinks Package Worth It, According to a Travel Agent

F or a lot of people, cruising is synonymous with indulging, whether that’s about shore excursions , spa offerings, food, or drinks. And why shouldn’t it be? You’re on vacation on a shiny floating hotel where the only thing on the agenda is to relax, enjoy yourself, and let loose a little. The only issue with indulging is the price tag associated with it. Because unless you are on an all-inclusive cruise , you’re going to have to pay for everything extra, and cruise lines are pretty pushy when it comes to getting you to sign up for specialty dining, thermal spa access, and especially drinks packages .

All the cruise lines that don’t have drinks included in their base price offer a variety of drinks packages. Some drinks package focus on alcoholic drinks, while others cover specialty coffees, water, or soft drinks. Some packages even include everything so you can have whatever you want at any time, from wine to cocktails, to lattes, Perrier water, and Coca-Cola, for example. Every drinks package comes at a different price point in the form of a daily rate, not a flat rates, so the longer the cruise, the more you’ll spend. And that’s why you need to think long and hard before you purchase, or not purchase, a drinks package.

As explained by travel agent Elisa from The Paradise Travel Group in a TikTok video, you need to make sure the drinks packages on offer on your cruise are right for you. That means counting how many drinks you’ll need to have per day, per person, to make a cruise drinks package’s daily rate worth it. If you don’t feel like getting your calculator out, you’re in luck because Elisa’s done it for you: About six or seven alcoholic drinks a day is when you’re breaking even on your drinks package.

@theparadisetravelgroup Should you get the cruise drink package? Let me help you decide! ♬ original sound – Travel Agent Elisa 🛳️

Some questions you might want to ask yourself before you purchase a drinks package:

• Will I be able to drink that much alcohol, coffee, soda, without pushing myself to the limit? You don’t want to spend your vacation either drunk, running for the bathroom, or hyped up on sugar, just because you want to stick one to the cruise line.
• Will I be spending enough time on the ship every day to make the drinks package worth it? If you’re out for hours on shore excursions, you likely won’t have the opportunity to drink that much.
• Will the person sharing my cabin be able to drink that much every day? Because, on most cruise lines, if you purchase a drinks package, the person sharing your cabin will have to buy the exact same one. That’s a strategy from most cruise lines to prevent passengers from buying one drinks package for two people.
• Do I want to keep track on my drinks spending on board? Some people purchase drinks packages so they don’t have to keep track of any a-la-carte spendings, but that can be a very expensive, and wasteful, way to cruise. Checking your on-board statement daily is easy and highly recommended if you don’t want any nasty surprises at the end of your sailing — everything adds up very fast.

Like Elisa explains in the video above, you don’t need a drinks package to have alcohol on board — you can purchase anything a la carte when you feel like having a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail. The same is true for specialty coffees, sodas, and fancy water. Also, regular water, drip coffee, and a huge variety of teas are available to all without any surcharge, with milk, cream, and sweeteners included.

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New P&O Drinks Prices And Menus 2024

People are constantly messaging us asking questions about cruise drink packages. Check out our Ultimate Drinks Package Guide and read more about the changes to P&O Drinks Packages here. But before you run off to check out the drinks packages, this post will give you all the up-to-date P&O Drinks Prices And Menus for 2024 cruises.

AD We have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

Do P&O Offer All Inclusive Cruises?

P&O offer 4 drinks packages.

• Deluxe Drinks Package, Price before holiday: £49.45 | On-board price: £54.95 (per person, per day)
• Classic Drinks Package, Price before holiday: £40.45 | On-board price: £44.95 (per person, per day)
• Alcohol- Free Drinks Package, Price before holiday: £22.45 | On-board price: £24.95 (per person, per day)
• Refresh Drinks Package, Price before holiday: £9.85 | On-board price: £10.95 (per person, per day)

Do P&O Offer Discounts On Their Drinks Packages?

If you book in advance, P&O drinks packages are slightly cheaper. Other than that, P&O Drinks packages are always the same price; this is great as with some cruise lines, the prices change daily.

Are P&O Drinks Packages Worth It?

So, are P&O Cruises Drinks Packages worth the money? We have collected drinks menus from a P&O Iona cruise to show you exactly how many drinks are on P&O cruises. This will undoubtedly help you decide if drinks packages are good value.

Although even if you aren’t interested in a drinks package, this guide will give you a definite idea of how much drinks cost on P&O Cruises.

Check our drinks package guide to find out what’s changed with the P & O drinks packages.

How Much Are Drinks On P&O Cruises?

The menus below show you exactly how much drinks are. However, we also listing some drinks’ prices as a quick reference guide.

Drinks Prices And Menus On P&O Cruises

Here are a selection of drinks and the prices you can expect to pay onboard P&O, the prices as you can see are very reasonable and not over inflated at all.

Do They Sell Beer On P&O Cruises And What Are The Prices?

Yes there’s a good selection of beers including draft beers. Below is a range of some of the beers available on P&O and the prices.

• Corona, pint £4.85
• Fosters, £4.95
• Stella Artois, pint £5.00
• Budweiser, 330ml bottle £4.85
• Old Speckled Hen, 500ml £5.05
• Guinness draught can 440 ml can £5.05
• Doom Bar, £5.05

Pool And Deck Bars New Drinks Menus 2024

Do They Sell Cider On P&O Cruises?

Yes, this is just a selection of a few of the choice of Cider On P&O Cruises. Cider drinkers are fussy, I know, so it’s great to know there is a good selection available as this is not always the case in contrast to American based cruise lines, who generally offer a more limited choice of cider.

• Aspall Cyder, £5.30
• Thatchers Gold, £5.30
• Strongbow Cider, £4.85
• Rekorderling Fruit Cider, £5.30

Wine And Champagne Prices On P&O Cruises

• Pinot Grigio, Italy, large £8.95, small £6.85
• Sauvignon Blanc, large £9.50, small, £7.15
• Chardonnay, large £7.75, small £6.25
• Zinfandel Rose, large £8.05, small £6.25
• Rioja, large £8.05, small £6.25
• Cabernet Sauvignon, large £7.50, small £5.95
• Taittinger Rose Champagne, £9.25 glass
• Prosecco, £6.45 glass

Soft Drinks And Mocktail Price On P&O Cruises

Here is an idea of some of the soft drinks prices onboard P&O cruises, keep hydrated is absolutely a priority for us. Thus having a good selection of soft drinks and mocktails is essential. Especially for kids and teens who are constantly on the go.

• Pepsi or Diet Pepsi Regular £2.60, Large £3.30
• San Pellegrino Lemon £2.55
• Spring still or sparkling 500ml £2.00
• Additionally, a wide section of Mocktails, £3.75

Clubhouse Menus on P&O

Spirits And Bourbon Prices On P&O

• Johnnie Walker Black Label, £4.45, £6.85
• Bell’s, £4.25, £6.70
• Glenfiddich, £4.45
• Jameson Irish, £4.25, £6.70
• Glenmorangie, £4.45, £6.95
• Jack Daniel’s, £4.35, £6.85
• Baileys, £4.05, £6.55
• Disaronno, £4.05, £6.55
• Barcardi, £4.25, £6.70
• Captain Morgans, £4.25, £4.70
• Grey Goose Vodka, £4.45, £6.95
• Smirnoff, £4.25, £6.70
• Bombay Saphire, £4.35, £6.85
• Salcombe Gin, £4.60, £7.10
• Whitley Neill, £4.45, £6.95

Can You Bring Your Own Drinks On P&O Cruise Ships?

Yes, each adult can bring 1 litre of alcohol and unlimited soft drinks. Although, you can only drink the alcohol you bring onboard in your cabin. This is especially useful should you want to enjoy a glass of champagne or pre-dinner gin on your balcony. However, if you have a drinks package, I wonder if it is worth saving that valuable space for more shoes.

More Bar Menus With Drinks Prices From P&O Cruises.

Furthermore if we missed you favourite drink, check out the menus below for more drink choices.

Tea And Costa Coffee Menus 2023 P&O Cruises

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

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50 thoughts on “New P&O Drinks Prices And Menus 2024”

So if I drink G&T within the ultimate P&O drinks package do I have to pay for tonic with every drink as I dont see tonic on draught ty

No i am sure its included, you have up to £6.95 for a drink and a single gin and tonic would be £6.55 so I guess you would be ok?

On a drinks package some cocktails are more than the allowance of £6.95. If you are wanting one that costs £7.95 do you pay the extra £1 for it or have to pay full price?

@Heather Berryman, I don’t know personally, but have seen a complaint recently from someone who had been on the Iona in August saying they had to pay the full price for anything over £6.95, which does seem a bit much.

Gosh that does, I would expect to only pay the extra! Otherwise what’s the point of a drinks package?

@Heather Berryman, no I checked this- you get ‘20% discount’ off anything over £6.95 which I think is not very good. So you can have a £6.95 cocktail free but a £7.95 one will cost you £7.95-20 %(1.59) £6.36. This is making me think about having the drinks package! Princess just charged the extra but all their cocktails were included in the 12 dollar cap!

@Heather Berryman, hi you pay £7.95 but you get 20% off the £7.95

No you have to pay the full price and they give you 20% off that full price so if the drink was £8 you would pay £6.40 …bit naughty

No you have to pay full price plus you get a discount which in our opinion is wrong

We are going on a 2 week cruise and my question is can you take out an ultimate drinks package for just 1 week or do you have to take it out for the whole cruise

I am sure you have to take it out for the whole cruise x

Ive read that the drinks package isnt included in the disembarkment so how does it work in terms of paying for drinks on this day?

Hi Alex we always get up and off early so have never had to think about this, however juiced, water tea and coffee is available in the buffet restaurant.

it’s charged separately to your on board account i.e. your “final” bill is outside your cabin overnight this is charged to your registered card anything on disembarkation day would be a separate charge to your card

Are po offering beer only tickets as of previous years on 2022 cruises

Ooh not sure but will check this out, although the P&O package seems to be the best deal of all the cruise lines,

There is a guy on Youtube who reviews the ultimate drinks package and he says it’s the worst. I have done a few cruise lines and this package actually looks criminal as most the drinks apart from beer are over the £6.95. I don’t know how they get away with it

I think if you drinks beer and wine or spirits you are fine but not cocktails, I agree it is wrong, but as a wine drinker its fine

I drink Malibu and fresh orange juice would that count as two drinks on the package deal?

That would be one drink, as far as we have ever experienced.

Really a great informative site Very useful information

Thanks so much Frank, have a great day

very informative, just looking through the menus. never done a package before in all our eleven P&O cruises so feel a tad nervous about purchasing it. thank you for making our decision clearer.

Thank you glad we could help

Can I get port and lemonade in the drinks package

Yes as long as its under £6.95

The ultimate drinks package says it includes children’s drinks so if I have that I do not need to buy separate kids packages for the two children? Also my wife does not drink alcohol but the terms seem to say every adult in the cabin needs to buy the package so can I buy one ultimate and one non alcoholic package?

I am not sure whether she can buy the non alcoholic package you would need to ring them to check but yes you get one free kids package with adult alcohol package

Both adults are required to buy the same package. Therefore only two drinks at a time. However you can buy (2) juice for the children with your package, wait 15 minutes and buy alcoholic drinks for yourselves.

Yes that is correct!

My partner wants the drinks package but can i not have the non alcoholic package? Or must we purchase two the same?

I think its the same Ann but contact them directly if there is a medical reason they may be able to help

having drank bitter for over 50 yrs i see you dont have a proper bitter shame im on her in febuary

Its not us its P&O have a fab cruise

Can you take a bottle of vodka, onto the ship, or is it just wine.

Its 1ltr of any wine or spirit each

Hi do they sell Pina Calada in all the bars on P&O Ventura and if so any idea the price please

Hi Julia we had one in quite a few bars, i think its one of those drinks all bar tenders can make

Can you bring on a bottle of wine per adult per day from every port you visit? Thanks 🙂

Hi Jack no, only on the first day of your cruise

Hi, If you had say a double Bacardi with coke would this be one drink as the double Bacardi is below the £6.95 limit ?

I dont know as I didn’t buy a double when onboard, sorry

We have just purchased an ultimate drinks package, but we are having second thoughts about whether this is worth while or not. My partner drinks only cider and I’m not really a drinker, other than the odd glass of wine. Are there any discounts on the drinks if included in the package, or are they the same price? I am seriously considering cancelling this option. Thoughts please.

Hi Susan we have a drinks price calculator on the page this might help you work out if its worth it? Thanks Sarah

Hi anybody know how buying the drinks package works with just me and my 16yr old, she’s classed as an adult on the booking but obviously can’t drink alcoholic drinks would o just by one package but be able to get her soft drinks from that package too?

Hi Nicki as she is under 18 she will get the soft drinks package for free if you are purchasing the alcoholic drinks package as a far as we are aware

Thanks for taking time to assist everyone, l have had a Princes drinks package 15 max drinks per day and others unlimited. Can anyone please tell me what P&Os package is re quantity limit or unlimited

Its the same Brodie, also you cant get 2 drinks in 15 minutes and they are pretty strict on that

just buy the soft drink package and add your own alcohol … just saying 🙂

what you are just saying bring from your cabin? Who does that?

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Is the P&O drinks package worth it?

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One of the brilliant things about cruising is that you know you’ll never go hungry. However, one thing I always wonder before joining a cruise is whether to buy the all inclusive drinks package – will it be worth it? Ahead of our Caribbean cruise we were seriously tempted by the P&O drinks package.

But did we go for it? In this post, I take a look at whether the P&O drinks package is worth it and give you some alternatives you might like to consider.

2024 update: the price of drinks on P&O cruises and the P&O drinks package included in this post were correc t when we sailed . I have updated this post with information about P&O’s revamped drinks packages to make it relevant for 2024.

Contents - jump to what you'd like to know

Updated P&O drinks packages

In 2023 P&O scrapped the Ultimate Drinks Package and gave their drinks packages a revamp, introducing four new options for passengers onboard for five nights or more:

• The Refresh drink package 
• The Alcohol-free drink package 
• The Classic drink package 
• The Deluxe drink package 

But what’s included in each?

The Refresh Drink Package – previously known at the P&O Children’s drink package

This very basic packages is best suited to kids and adults who can’t be without a few basic soft drinks. It includes regular and large soft drinks (Pepsi, Papsi Max and Lemonade) on tap and small glasses of juice or squash throughout your cruise.

The Refresh drink package costs £10.95 per person, per day.

If you are sailing with children aged 16 or under and buy either the Classic of Deluxe drink packages (see below) your children will get the Refresh Drink Package for free.

The Alcohol-Free Drink Package

This package is best suited for adults who want free flowing non-alcoholic beverages. It includes the same soft drinks and juices as the Refresh drink package, plus:

• 300ml bottles of water
• Bottled juices and soda including sugar-free
• Non-alcoholic drinks (over 18s only)
• Selected Costa Coffee (small) and teapigs
• Non-alcoholic cocktails (over 18s only)

This Alcohol-Free Drink Package costs £24.99 per person, per day

The Classic Drink Package

This packages works best if you want to add alcohol to your drinks package. It includes everything in the Alcohol-free package plus:

• Selected cocktails like Piña Colada and Mai Tai
• Selected 25ml measures of spirits like Marabelle Gin, Golden Tide Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Bell’s Whisky
• Beers and ciders like Birra Moretti, Heineken, John Smith’s
• Selected 175ml glasses of wine like Pinot Grigio, Rioja, Malbec
• Fortified and dessert wine like Graham’s Port
• 125ml glasses of Prosecco

If you want to top up your round with premium beverages you can get 20% off on products excluded from this drinks package like bottles Champagne, large bottles of water, craft beers, the full range of Costa Coffee and premium wines, cocktails and spirits.

The Classic Drink Package costs £44.95 per person, per day.

Save more: get 10% off the Classic Drinks Package when purchased at the time of booking an Early Saver and Select Price holiday of five nights or more sailing from March 2024.

The Deluxe Drink Package

P&O’s top tipples drink package is for passengers who enjoy premium drinks. It includes everything in the Classic Drink Package plus:

• The full range of Costa Coffee beverages including Frappés and Fruit Coolers
• Premium cocktails like Aperol Spritz and the Sunset Cooler
• 50ml spirits like Grey Goose, Salcombe Gin, The Tidal Rum and Johnnie Walker
• Craft beers like St Austell Brewery Tribute and Okell’s IPA
• 250ml glasses of wine like Côtes de Provence Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot
• Perfect serve range of spirits like Grey Goose Vodka, Salcombe ‘Start Point’ and The Tidal Rum

If you want to top up your round with premium beverages you can get 20% off on products excluded from this drinks package like bottles of wine and Champagne, large bottles of water and signature spirits.

The Deluxe Drinks Package costs £54.95 per person, per day.

How much is the P&O drink package?

I’ve included all the prices above but in summary:

• The Refresh drink package – £10.95 per person, per day
• The Alcohol-free drink package – £24.99 per person, per day
• The Classic drink package – £44.95 per person, per day
• The Deluxe drink package – £54.95 per person, per day

To double check, you can find the latest drinks package prices here .

My analysis about whether the P&O drinks package is value for money is unlikely to change significantly year to year.

Is the P&O drinks package worth it?

To cut to the chase, the P&O drinks package, and indeed any cruise drinks package, is only worth it if you are going to get value from it.  

You need to ask yourself:

• How many drinks will you have each day?
• Will you get value from a P&O drinks package if you have more days ashore than at sea?
• How much do drinks cost on P&O cruise ships and would buying individually work out better?

It’s also worth noting that P&O don’t charge gratuities or a service charge on top of the price of your drinks, so there’s no extra cost to paying as you go.

Here’s what we decided

On our 15 night Caribbean cruise on P&O Azura we decided not to get the drinks package. Let me explain why…

Don’t get me wrong. We enjoy a drink and can easily sink a bottle of wine with dinner and a few bevies afterwards. We also like a drink by the pool during the day.  

Add to that a very competitively priced P&O drink package (it was £39.95 per adult in a cabin at the time we sailed) and it might seem like a no brainer.

Caffeine fans can also have as many primo speciality coffees as they want from Costa Coffee onboard. Add to that bottles of water in your cabin.

However, when we sailed in December 2019 we found the drink prices on P&O were no dearer than what you would find in a reasonably priced pub in the UK.

So unless you could spend £44 down your local all day, everyday (or nearly £90 for a couple) then you’re going to be falling short of getting good value from the top drinks package.

When we did the maths and factored in days ashore and days when we wanted to give our livers a break, the P&O drinks package wasn’t worth it for us.  

What about with kids?

Had we been cruising with our two children we might have thought again.

This is because if you buy the P&O Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package for the adults in your cabin the kids automatically get the P&O Refresh drinks package included. This is worth £10.95 per child, per day.

If your kids can get through more than a few soft drinks, juices and fruit cordials each day then that’s worth quite a bit to you.

So, as I’ve already mentioned, the P&O drinks package may be value for money for some people.

If you are travelling with kids (the more you have the better value it becomes) or intend to totally relax and spend your days by the pool, then who wouldn’t want a piña colada by their side throughout the day?

Plus, the package includes gratuities and is quite a lot cheaper than the packages I’ve seen advertised by other cruise lines.

Facts about the P&O Drinks Packages

As with all cruise drinks deals there are T&Cs. These may affect the value you get from your P&O drinks package.

Here’s some of the important questions answered:

When can you buy the drinks package?

Your P&O drinks package can be bought when you book your cruise right through to midnight on the second night of your cruise. It’s not available after day two and must be bought for every day of your cruise from that point.

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board?

No, P&O do not offer discounts for drinks packages bought onboard.

You might actually find it cheaper to buy in advance depending on offers available at time you book.

What does the P&O Cruises drinks package include?

Each of the four drinks packages have a detailed list of what’s included. See my explanation above or visit the P&O website for the most up to date information.

If you by the Classic or Deluxe packages you get a 20% discount off drinks that are not included.

Is there a limit on the number of drinks you can have?

Yes. You can ‘only’ have up to 15 drinks each day and there must be 15 minutes between your orders.

Your daily allowance resets at 6am each day.

You cannot order doubles or larger spirit measures, or glasses of wine larger than your package allows.

Can you share your drinks with other people?

No. You can’t give drinks to other people.

You can only order one drink at a time and if you are seated the staff will take your glass away before bringing you another.

Does everyone in you cabin have to have a drinks package?

Everyone aged 18 or over in your cabin must have the same drinks package.

If you are in the same cabin as children aged 16 and under they will receive a complimentary Refresh Drinks Package where all adults have purchased a Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package.

Any guests aged 17 years must purchase either a Refresh or Alcohol-Free Drinks Package when any adults in the same cabin purchase a Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package.

Be aware that the Classic and Deluxe Drinks Packages can only be purchased by guests over the age of 18 on UK, European and Asian cruises, or those aged over 21 if your cruise visits USA or UAE waters.

Does P&O offer a non-alcoholic drink package for adults?

Yes. The P&O non-alcoholic drinks package costs £24.95 and includes bottled water (500ml only), draught soft drinks, juices, sodas, primo Costa coffees, selected pigteas, and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Other non-alcoholic drinks, such as canned drinks, can be bought at a 20% discount.

Is your cabin’s mini bar included in the package?

No. Mini bar and room service drinks are not included in any P&O drinks package.

Can you get a P&O drinks package on a mini-cruise?

No, sadly not.

This might be one of those occasions when you could get value for money but drinks packages are only available on cruises of five nights or over.

Other P&O cruises drinks package options

So, we didn’t go for the P&O Drinks Package.

But we did get other drinks packages while onboard and know we got value for money verses paying as we drank.

You will need to check if these are available on your cruise when you board as they cannot be bought in advance.

The P&O wine packages

Two wine packages were available on P&O Azura when we sailed. These   came in packages of six or 12 bottles.

Buy one of these and you can make a saving on purchasing a bottle each night with dinner.  

When we sailed, we bought the Captain’s wine package of 12 bottles for £230, which worked out at £19.16 a bottle. It’s not supermarket prices but it’s still a saving to buy in bulk.  

There were red, white, rose and sparkling wines (not champagne) included on the package wine list.

If you are happy to pay a bit more then there’s the Commodore’s wine package (£270 for 12 bottles at the time we sailed), but we enjoyed every bottle in the Captain’s list.  

You can purchase a wine package at any time during your cruise and get a booklet of vouchers to give to hand over in the main restaurant.  

Take good care of this little booklet as it is paper and could easily get lost.

We had a panic one night when we thought Mr Tin Box had put it through the wash in one of his shirt pockets.

Draught beer package

On Azura, there was also a draught beer package that worked in a similar way to the wine packages.

They don’t seen to advertise this off the ship but we saw information about it onboard. We were able to get a book of 10 or 20 vouchers and saved 15% on buying pints individually.

You’ll need to check if this is available on your P&O ship.

You can find out more about most of P&O’s drink packages on their website .

What about the P&O Children’s drink package?

This is now the Refresher Drinks Package and costs £10.95 per child and includes draught soft drinks (Pepsi, Pepsi Max and Lemonade), selected juices and fruit cordial by the glass.

Each child in your cabin has to have the package and it can’t be shared.

The good news for any mums and dads who buy the Classic and Deluxe Drinks Package is that your kids get the Refresher Drinks Package for free.

This is handy for families with children who consume lots of soft drinks each day and adds a lot value of the adult drinks package.

However, if you are cruising with a baby or young children you won’t get the benefit.

How much do P&O mini bar drinks   cost?

In your cabin you have a selection of mini bar drinks including lager, gin in a tin and soft drinks. You can ask your steward to take these away to make room for your own drinks.

The mini bar is slightly more expensive than the ship’s bars, but no more so than a hotel mini bar.

You’ll also find a large bottle of still water in your cabin soon after boarding. This is complimentary and comes with a form attached to sign up to get six more bottles for a set price.

The water in your cabin has a chemical taste but is drinkable.

If the taste will bother you then get the water package or bring some cordial. We always travel with a mini Robinson Sauash’d super concentrated cordial bottle.  

What drinks are included in your cruise?

You can get tap water, tea and coffee in the buffets and in your cabin on P&O cruise ships.

Some juices are also available in the buffets. So you don’t need to buy drinks at all if you are happy with these basic beverages.

Top tip: for a free glass of bubbly, make sure you attend the Captain’s drinks reception. Wine can also be on offer at shopping and gallery events during your cruise.

Cost of drinks on P&O Azura

If you’re wondering how much it costs to buy drinks on a P&O cruise here’s a few of the drinks menus from onboard in December 2019 to January 2020.

Prices will have been updated since then so take these as indicators of what you might expect plus inflation.

The P&O pool bar menu prices

Here’s the menu from the Terrace Bar, Aqua Bar and The Retreat.

P&O lounge and bar drinks menu

Here’s the menu for the Planet Bar, Mala Bar and Brodie’s Bar.

How many bottles of alcohol can you bring onboard P&O cruise ships?

Don’t forget that you can bring alcohol onboard when you embark your P&O cruise.  

We each brought a litre bottle of spirits that we’d bought in duty free at the airport on our way to the Caribbean.

You could use your allowance to bring a litre of wine, Champagne, or beer instead. We opted to bring our own pre-dinner drinks.

If you buy anything else in port during your cruise this will be taken away when you board the ship.

It isn’t gone forever though. You are given a ticket and will get your booze back at the end of your cruise.  

Be aware of personal allowances for spirits if you are flying back to the UK.

So, is the P&O drinks package worth it?

It wasn’t for us, but that doesn’t mean other people wouldn’t get value.

If you like lots of alcoholic or premium drinks while on holiday then it’s worth looking into, especially if you have lots of sea days.

It’s also something to consider if you don’t want to bring your own one litre bottle allowance onboard.

What do you think about cruise drink packages? Do you think they offer value for money or do you prefer to pay as you go?

More cruise reading

Here’s some more posts I’ve written about cruising:

• A guide to cruising with toddlers
• What to pack for a cruise
• What it’s like to stay onboard the QE2 hotel in Dubai
• How to have a more environmentally-friendly cruise
• Toiletries to pack for a winter sun holiday
• Are cruise drinks packages worth it?
• A 15 night Caribbean cruise without kids
• Tips for disembarkation day
• Advantages of booking a luxury cabin
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Marilyn Makins

Friday 27th of January 2023

Hi only just booked a 15 day cruise around the Caribbean islands on p & o shop from Barbados on 18th February this year can anyone tell me if we need a visa? It’s our first time cruise and real novices and although the cruise rep who I booked it with did her best to give me all details but nothing was mentioned at time of booking and it wasn’t until the confirmation arrived that I noticed that we ‘may’ need visas?? would appreciate any help or maybe a direct link?? Tia Marilyn

Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller

Sunday 29th of January 2023

Hi Marilyn, cruise ship passengers do not require a visa for Barbados unless you are flying out early and staying in a hotel/other accommodation before joining your ship. I hope that helps. Have a wonderful cruise! Claire

Thursday 26th of January 2023

I have an on board value to spend - can you use this towards a drinks package to bring the price down going on the Azura for New Year

Hi Alexi, this is a question to ask P&O direct as I don't know the answer myself. I suspect you may have to buy the package onboard rather than in advance so that it is added to your onboard account where you have the credit. Please check in advance. The customer service team is always very helpful.

Denis McLean

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

How much are specialty coffees?

Hi Denis, I'm afraid I don't know the most up-to-date speciality coffee prices but primo sized (275ml) Costa coffees are included in the drinks package.

Eve Nicholson

Tuesday 26th of July 2022

Hi Claire, this is really very helpful, thank you. We are going on the Christmas 35 night to Carribbean, for that length of time would it be better to pay as we go and do we have to then add gratuities?

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

Hi Eve, I'm glad you've found this post helpful. P&O don't charge gratuities or a service charge on top of the price of your drinks, so there's no extra cost to paying as you go. So, it all comes down to whether you'll make the most of the £39.99 per day. Have a great cruise! Claire

Wednesday 20th of July 2022

Hi .. if I am on a 15 day cruise and we don’t get on ship until late .Can I buy the drinks package the next day on board .As paying £80 on arrival night will be a waste .Is this possible

Thursday 21st of July 2022

Hi Fee, that was possible when we did this cruise in 2019/20. We paid for our Retreat passes the day after joining. However, check with P&O to see if their T&Cs have changed since then. Claire

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

A latte in the morning here, a piña colada by the pool there. On a cruise, ordering drinks can rack up a steep bill before you know it.

Though beverages like water, regular coffee, iced tea and lemonade are generally included in cruise fares, others cost extra. That’s where drink packages come in handy.

The optional add-ons broaden the range of beverages you can order without worrying about incurring charges each time. But they aren’t always worth it, and it can be cheaper to quench your thirst a la carte.

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“What I tell clients is: Do the math on it,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises.

What do cruise drink packages include?

“Each cruise line has a different package system,” Pickett said. The packages typically range from more limited soda or coffee packages to those that cover a wide range of alcohol and other drinks.

Carnival offers a Bottomless Bubbles package that includes sodas and juice. The line’s Cheers! package includes those, plus spirits, beer and wine by the glass priced at $20 or less, specialty coffee and more (guests can order only one drink at a time and are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours). Carnival also offers wine-specific packages. 

Be sure to read the fine print, too, because there are often restrictions. On Royal Caribbean International ships, for example, beverage packages exclude drinks served in licensed Starbucks stores.

How much do cruise drink packages cost?

Beverage packages are typically priced per person, per day and sold for the duration of a cruise. Starting prices vary but can range from $10 to $15 for soda and specialty coffee packages to upward of $100 for those that include alcohol. Pickett also noted that a number of lines have raised drink package prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aforementioned Cheers!, Carnival's most comprehensive package, starts at $59.95 per person, per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults. During a recent cruise on the line’s newest ship, Jubilee , cocktails at new venues Dr.Inks, Ph.D., and The Golden Mermaid were priced at $14 a la carte, plus an 18% gratuity charge. Beverage packages generally include gratuities, Pickett said.

The most I racked up in a single day on Jubilee – for two lattes at the ship's JavaBlue Cafe and Marina Bar; two bottles of water in my stateroom; and one cocktail at the Marina Bar that night (plus additional gratuities I added) – was $34.86.

“When (clients) want to talk it through, it's usually about how much you drink per day,” said Valerie Dorsey, a franchise owner and travel adviser at Cruise Planners. “And if you're only going to have one or two drinks, even at $15 a drink, it's still cheaper than buying a $100-a-day package.”

Mainstream cruise lines may offer lower prices if guests purchase a package advance, according to Dorsey (luxury lines tend to include more in their fares, including drinks). Operators may also bundle them as part of other offers.

Even if not for cost savings, Pickett and Dorsey both said some travelers are drawn to drink packages for the convenience. “They're willing to pay money for not being nickeled-and-dimed when they go up to the bar,” Pickett said.

Does everyone in the cabin need to get the drink package?

Often, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase a drink package if any guest in the cabin buys one, including the Cheers! package and Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package .

Can I buy a drink package midcruise?

Even if you don't buy a drink package beforehand, you're not out of luck. Passengers may be able to buy them after they board, depending on when they make the purchase.

Royal Caribbean, for instance, sells drink packages on the first or second day of cruises four nights or longer; for sailings three nights or less, they're sold only on the first day. Celebrity Cruises (also part of Royal Caribbean Group), meanwhile, sells them up until three days before the end of a cruise.

Prices would be prorated on a per-day basis.

Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?

Yes, depending on what it is. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed , but guests can bring wine or champagne to enjoy during their sailing – though Dorsey warned they will probably have to pay a corkage fee if they want to drink them outside their cabin.

For example, Princess Cruises charges $20 “should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the ship’s public areas,” according to its passage contract.

Guests may also be able to bring non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, sodas and milk, but policies vary by line.

Dorsey also noted that if guests don’t mind going without espresso-based drinks or cocktails, they can opt not to buy a drink package at all. “I say to clients, ‘You don't have to put up extra money on a cruise if you don't want to.’ ”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.