If you're planning a cruise holiday with P&O Cruises, one of the things you may be wondering is whether to purchase a drinks package. After all, alcohol and other beverages can be quite expensive on board and the last thing you want is to blow your budget on drinks alone. But are P&O drinks packages worth it?
The answer depends on several factors, including your drinking habits, the length of your cruise and the ports of call you'll be visiting. P&O Cruises offer several different drinks packages to choose from, ranging from soft drinks only to all-inclusive packages that cover alcoholic drinks, coffee, and even bottled water. Plus drinks packages have just been updated!
What are the new drinks packages?
From 18th May 2023 P&O have released a set of new drinks packages:
The original Ultimate drinks package for £39.95 has been split into the Classic drinks package at £40.45 per person per day and Deluxe drinks packages at £49.45 per person per day.
The Non-Alcoholic drink package has been renamed to the Alcohol free package with a price increase from £19.95 to £22.45 per person per day.
The Children's drinks package has now been replaced by the Refresh drinks package with a price increase to £9.85 from £7.95 per person per day.
What are the package costs buying pre-cruise vs onboard?
Package | Pre-cruise price per person per day (10% off) | Onboard price per person per day |
Deluxe | £49.45 | £54.95 |
Classic | £40.45 | £44.95 |
Alcohol free | £22.45 | £24.95 |
Refresh | £9.85 | £10.95 |
When do the new drinks packages come into affect?
The launch dates will differ for each ship. Starting from May 18, 2023, new packages will be offered for purchase on My P&O Cruises. These packages will be applicable for all cruises departing on or after the respective launch dates below of each ship. Guests sailing before the launch dates can still buy the previous drinks packages either through My P&O Cruises or onboard.
Iona - 20/05/2023
Ventura - 20/05/2023
Arvia - 28/05/2023
Arcadia - 06/06/2023
Britannia - 09/06/2023
Aurora - 22/06/2023
Azura - 06/07/2023
Related article: Can I take drinks onboard P&O?
Could a drinks package benefit me?
If you're someone who enjoys a few drinks every day, especially alcoholic beverages, then a drinks package may be worth considering. The cost of individual drinks can add up quickly and a package can help you save money. However, if you only have an occasional drink or prefer non-alcoholic beverages, then a drinks package may not be necessary.
It's also worth considering the ports of call you'll be visiting. If you're going to be spending a lot of time off the ship, exploring different destinations, then you may not get your money's worth from a drinks package. However, if you plan to spend a lot of time on board, enjoying the ship's facilities and entertainment, then a drinks package could be a good option.
While some cruise lines offer all-inclusive options, P&O Cruises doesn't typically market their cruises as such. However, the good news is that in 2023, P&O Cruises introduced a new drinks package ‘The Deluxe drinks package’, that can effectively make your cruise feel like an all-inclusive one.
P&O Cruises Drinks Packages
There are four distinct drinks packages available on P&O Cruises, starting with the Deluxe drinks package, which costs £49.45 per person per day as well as the Classic drinks package for £40.45 per person per day. Additionally, there's the Alcohol free package, which is priced at £22.45 per person per day and finally, the Refresh drinks package is available at £9.85 per person per day.
What is the Deluxe drinks package?
The Deluxe drinks package includes all drinks in the Refresh, Alcohol free and Classic drinks packages. Deluxe includes Grey Goose vodka and Salcombe Gin, along with an extended range of cocktails, including options like Aperol Spritz or the Sunset Cooler.
The package is priced at £49.45 per person per day and must be purchased for the duration of your trip. Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the Deluxe drinks package as sharing is not permitted.
While the Deluxe drinks package is not included in the price of your cruise fare, it can be added on as an optional extra when booking your trip. It can also be added on to an existing booking in the ‘Manage my Booking’ site online.
The package is priced at £49.45 per person per day and must be purchased for the duration of your trip. Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the Deluxe drinks package as sharing is not permitted.
If you're planning a 7-night cruise for two adults, be prepared to spend an additional £692.30 for the Deluxe drinks package. Nevertheless, if you decide to purchase this package, any children aged 16 and under travelling with you in the same cabin will be offered Refresh drinks package at no cost.
So, while P&O Cruises may not offer all-inclusive packages like some other cruise lines, their Deluxe drinks package can certainly help you enjoy a more comprehensive and carefree experience onboard.
What is the Classic drinks package?
The Classic drinks package offers a wide selection of beverages, including those in the Refresh and Alcohol free drinks packages. Additional drinks include Piña Coladas and Mai Tais, premium spirits such as Smirnoff Vodka, Bell's Whisky, the exclusive Marabelle Gin, and Golden Tide Rum. For beer enthusiasts, the choice includes Heineken, Birra Moretti, or John Smith's.
The package is priced at £40.45 per person per day and must be purchased for the duration of your trip. Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the Classic drinks package as sharing is not permitted.
If you're planning a 7-night cruise for two adults, be prepared to spend an additional £566.30 for the Deluxe drinks package. As with the Deluxe drinks package any children aged 16 and under travelling with you in the same cabin will be offered Refresh drinks package at no cost.
Do P&O Cruises offer any packages for non-alcoholic drinks?
If you're looking for an alcohol-free option for your P&O cruise, you'll be happy to know that they offer a Alcohol free package. This package includes R. Whites Lemonade, Pepsi, juices, lattes, cappuccinos or teapigs™ from Costa Coffee, 0% Heineken, Tanqueray, Torres and wine, still or sparkling water (330ml) and some of our best non-alcoholic cocktails. By purchasing this package, you'll have unlimited access to these non-alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise for the price of £22.45 per person per day.
The Alcohol free package is a great option for those who don't drink alcohol, as well as for families with children or teenagers. You can enjoy refreshing beverages by the pool, during meals, or while relaxing in your cabin. By pre-purchasing this package, you'll save money compared to buying individual drinks throughout your trip. Plus, you won't have to worry about keeping track of your expenses, as everything will be included in the package. So, if you're looking for a tasty and convenient way to quench your thirst on your P&O cruise, consider the non-alcoholic drinks package.
Refresh drinks package
P&O Cruises offers a Refresh drinks package that is perfect for adults, children and infants.
Unlimited soft drinks, such as R. Whites Lemonade, Pepsi and juices are included with this package.
All guests ages 16 years old or under and are sharing a cabin with an adult who is on the Classic or Deluxe drinks package will receive a complimentary Refresh drinks package.
The Refresh drinks package is great value, as it allows kids to stay hydrated and refreshed without having to pay for individual drinks. Plus, it's a fun way for kids to feel like they have their own special treat on the cruise. So, if you're planning a family cruise with P&O, consider adding the children's drinks package to your booking for a worry-free and enjoyable holiday.
Who is eligible to purchase a drinks package?
Drinks packages are available on cruises of 5 nights or more and must be purchased for every day of your cruise.
You can buy packages on board at the areas advertised until midnight on night two of your cruise and you can use your package in all the restaurants, bars and cafés on board.
Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the same drinks package. Sharing is not permitted.
Children can have the Refresh Drinks package independently of their parents. There is no requirement for adults in the same cabin to also purchase a package.
When a Classic or Deluxe drinks package is purchased, a complimentary Refresh drinks package will be offered for all the children travelling in the same cabin only (aged 16 and under).
Related article: What drinks are free on P&O?
Is it cheaper to purchase a drinks package before boarding?
Yes, a 10% discount is applied if a package is purchased before your holiday. Prices in this article include the 10% discount.
Are wine packages still available?
Yes, both the Captain’s Collection and Commodore’s Collection wine packages are available to purchase via the customer contact centre or onboard.
Are there any limitations?
Only one drink can be purchased at a time with this drinks package, and there is a 15-minute wait time between ordering drinks to prevent sharing of the package.
There is a limit of 15 drinks per day per package. Any further drinks will be charged with a 20% discount.
If I have already purchased an old drinks package will this be honoured?
If you have previously purchased an old drinks package via My P&O Cruises you will automatically receive an upgrade to a new package at no extra cost. This will be communicated to you via an email, informing you of your new package entitlement as per below:
Children's drinks package > The Refresh drinks package
Non-alcoholic drinks package > The Alcohol-free drinks package
Ultimate drinks package > The Deluxe drinks package
This page may contain affiliate links. If you click one, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Comments