Are you planning on taking a cruise with Cruise with P & O in 2024? If so, you may be wondering about the drinks packages that are available. P&O Cruises drink packages are quite varied to different preferences and budgets. This ensures you can enjoy your favorite beverages while onboard without worrying about the cost.
However, things have all changed in relation to P&O’s drinks packages as they had a revamp back in May 2023. So if you thought you already knew everything about the deluxe drink package, refresh drinks package, and classic drinks package, then think again. Here’s everything you need to know about the new drinks package.
The NEW P and O Drinks Packages For 2024
Overview of P&O’s New Drinks Packages for 2024
Whether you prefer wine, beer, cocktails, alcohol-free drinks, or soft drinks, there is a drinks package that will suit your needs.
The packages include a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as specialty coffees and teas. With a drinks package, you can enjoy “unlimited” drinks throughout your cruise and avoid any surprise charges on your onboard account.
What Drinks Packages are available?
P & O offers four new drinks packages to cater to different preferences and budgets. These packages can be purchased before your cruise or onboard the ship. The idea behind the packages is that in theory, you should be able to save money.
If you were to drink 8 alcoholic cocktails at say £12 per day then you would spend £96 plus a gratuity. (I am quoting figures in British Pounds as that is the Currency P&O uses on their cruise ships – this is an important point to note for US-based cruisers. At the current time £1 equals around $1.25).
The Deluxe Drinks Package (formerly the Ultimate Drinks Package)
The deluxe package offers a wide range of drinks, including cocktails, spirits, beers, wines, soft drinks, and more. You also have access to double measures (50ml), larger wine pours (250ml) and premium brands. Craft Beers and Premium coffees are also included. You also are entitled to a 20% discount on drinks excluded from the package, such as a bottle of wine for dinner, for example.
The Classic Drinks Package
This is similar to the Deluxe drinks package but excludes access to 50ml measure, premium cocktails, craft beers and 250ml measures of wine. A lot of people assume that the classic drinks package includes everything, but that’s not the case. Specifically it excludes premium coffees, the extended range of cocktails, double measures (50ml), large glasses of wine and premium spirits like Grey Goose and Tidal Rum.
The Alcohol-Free Drinks Package
If you prefer a non-alcoholic drinks package, then this package is for you. You can enjoy unlimited soft drinks, juices, mocktails, coffees and more.
The Refresh Drinks Package
The refresh package limits you to a range of soft drinks like soda’s and fresh juices. This is a new package and it used to be referred to as the Children’s drinks package.
It’s important to note that the classic and deluxe drinks packages are only available to guests aged 18 and over (or over 21 if sailing in the USA or United Arab Emirates). Also, drinks packages do not include drinks from room service, mini-bars, or vending machines.
How Much are P&O’s New Drink Packages?
The price of the new drinks packages are as follows:-
- Deluxe Drinks Package: £54.95 per day
- Classic Package: £44.95 per day
- Alcohol-Free Package: £24.95 per day
- Refresh Soda and Juice Package: £10.95
These are the onboard prices. If you purchase any of the packages prior to boarding you will receive a 10% discount
What are the limitations on the Packages? How many drinks can I have?
Okay, this one is very important to note. ALL drinks packages, (not just the alcoholic packages) have a limit of 15 drinks per day. The 15 drink limit is reset at 6 am each day.
Additionally, if one person in a cabin purchases either the deluxe or classic alcohol package then ALL of the adults in that cabin must purchase it as well.
Here’s an interesting one. If you have any 17-year-olds in the cabin, they also have to buy either the Refresh or Alcohol-free options. That rather strange policy might catch a few people out. However, anyone 16 years or under in that cabin, will receive a complimentary Refresh package.
The package must also be purchased for the full duration of the cruise. Or if you buy it onboard, for the remaining duration of your cruise (e.g. if you buy it on the second day). Therefore you cannot buy it for certain days of your cruise.
The drinks offerings are also only available on cruises of 5 days or longer. So if you are looking to take advantage on a short weekend cruise, you are out of luck!
The full terms and conditions of the packages can be found here.
Is P and O Cruises Drinks Package Worth it or Not? : What are the Drink Prices onboard P&O Ships?
Before deciding on which package might be best for you, it’s important to know what the bar prices are like on board. You then also need to look closely at the options in detail and decide what would work. For instance, would the classic or deluxe drinks package work best?
So let’s start by looking at standard bar prices for alcoholic drinks on board. Prices across all of P&O’s fleet from the P&O Arvia to the Ventura are the same.
- Draft Beers and Lagers: £5.00 to £5.20
- Bottled Beers and Lagers: £4.75 to £5.05
- Ciders: £5.30
- Spirits & Liqueurs (Vodka, Gin, Whisky, Baileys): 25ml measures £3.95 to £40, 50ml measures £6.50 to £7.50
- Brandy and Cognacs: 25ml £4.35 to £8.50, 50ml £6.85 to £11.00
- Wine by the Glass: Standard Glass (175ml) £5.50 to £9.00, Large glass (250ml) £6.75 to £12.25
- Sparkling Wine and Champagnes by the Glass: £6.45 to £9.25
Can you bring your own alcohol on a P&O cruise?
Yes, you can. So this is something else to take into consideration when deciding on the booze package or not. With P&O you are allowed to bring up to one litre of alcohol on board per person. That includes, spirits, wine, champagne or beer.
How much are the drinks gratuities on P&O?
Okay, this is a big one. There are NO gratuities charges or service charges on board P&O ships. This can be a huge difference when comparing other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Disney.
How much are hot drinks on board?
You can get water, tea and standard filtered coffee free of charge from the buffet or dining rooms, but if you are looking for a premium Costa Coffee the price starts at £1.95.
How much are non-alcoholic drinks on board?
Things are always a little unfair for non-drinkers as quite often the non-alcoholic drinks are not that much less expensive than the alcoholic versions. Fro instance a
What happened to the Hot drinks Package?
This used to cover premium teas and coffees, but it has been effectively replaced by the alcohol-free package, so that as well as the hot drinks, you also have access to a range of other soft drinks, juices and mocktails.
Benefits of Purchasing The Drinks Packages
You can Save Money
One of the biggest benefits of buying a drinks package is that it can save you money. Instead of paying for each drink individually, you can pay a flat rate upfront and enjoy up to 15 drinks a day throughout your trip.
Depending on your drinking habits, this can be a significant cost savings. If you add up the cost of 15 alcoholic drinks like a large glass of wine, that saving could be significant. 15 large glasses of wine would cost a minimum of £101.25, whereas the cost of the deluxe package is just £49.45 if purchase pre-cruise. Now whether you will still be standing after 15 large glasses of wine is another story LOL.
Budgeting
Another benefit of getting the package is the fixed budget that provides. You’ll know exactly how much you’ll be spending on drinks.
Access to Premium Drinks
If you buy a deluxe drinks package you also give you access to premium drinks that you might otherwise overlook if you were paying for drinks individually. It gives you a great opportunity to try new brands.
How to Purchase A Drinks Package
Here’s how to buy the drinks packages:
Pre-Purchase Online
You can purchase the P & O drinks packages before your cruise by logging into your Cruise Personaliser account on the company’s website. Here’s how:
- Log in to your Cruise Personaliser account.
- Click on the “Manage My Booking” tab.
- Click on the “Add Packages” button.
- Select the drinks package you want to purchase.
- Follow the instructions to complete your purchase.
Purchasing your drinks package online before your cruise can save you time and hassle once you’re onboard. You’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that your drinks package is paid for in advance.
Onboard Purchase
If you didn’t pre-purchase your drinks package online, you can still purchase one onboard. Here’s how:
- Visit one of the ship’s bars or restaurants.
- Ask the bartender or server for a drinks package.
- Choose the drinks package that best suits your needs.
- Pay for your drinks package with your cruise card.
It’s also important to note that drink packages must be purchased for the entire duration of your cruise and must be purchased no later than day two of the cruise.
Bottoms Up!
The new P&O drinks packages offers something to suit every taste and budget for the 2024 season. Whether you prefer to indulge in premium spirits or stick to soft drinks, there is a package that will meet your needs.
By purchasing a drinks package, you can enjoy up to 15 beverages per day throughout your cruise without worrying about the cost adding up. This can be a great way to save money and make the most of your vacation.
If you enjoy a drink or two (or three) on vacation, then the drinks packages offered are definitely worth considering. Comparing the prices to some of the best cruise lines out there, P&O definitely is offering great value here. For me, it’s a no-brainer on every single P&O trip.
Overall, the drinks packages offers are a great way to enhance your cruising experience and ensure that you have everything you need to relax and enjoy your vacation. So, why not take advantage of these packages and make your next cruise on P&O even more enjoyable?
Do you have any more questions?
If you do have any more questions, or perhaps we have missed something from this article that you need to know, then please contact us and we will put that right.
Are you able to take drink on deck with you from your allowed one litre bottle.?
Thank you
That’s a great question Brodie. Technically, any alcohol brought on board is only for consumption in your cabin. But having said that, I’ve seen a lot of people ignore that rule and I’ve never seen them being pulled up for it.
question – does the 1 litre of wine/beer p/p allowed to be brought on board apply to each port that the ship stops at?
It was on our last P&O cruise Michael 😉
They said people would be stopped when boarding in overseas ports if they had alcohol on them…some they did some they didn’t. Arcadia Xmas
That’s interesting to note John. Thanks for the update!