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P&O Cruise Drinks Menu 2026 Explained: A UK Cruiser's Perspective

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-07-15 · 12 min read

Navigating the P&O Cruise Drinks Menu 2026 can be tricky, but we'll break down all the options, prices, and whether a package is right for you.

Planning a P&O cruise for 2026? One of the biggest questions that comes up, especially for us UK cruisers, is all about the drinks. What's on the P&O cruise drinks menu 2026? What do things cost? And, crucially, are the drinks packages worth it? This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about P&O's drink offerings, from individual prices to package details, helping you decide how best to quench your thirst at sea. For a general overview of drink packages, check out our guide on are cruise drink packages worth it. Use the complete P&O drinks-package guide to compare the menu with package inclusions, exclusions and buying rules before sailing. If you are sailing on Iona, pair the drinks decision with the Iona restaurants and dining guide. Arvia passengers can continue with the ship-specific Arvia drinks menu guide for venue and package checks.

Further reading: practical guide; practical guide.

Understanding the P&O Cruises Drinks Philosophy

P&O Cruises, being a quintessentially British cruise line, understands the importance of a good pint, a refreshing G&T, or a lovely glass of wine. Their drinks philosophy aims to offer a broad selection that caters to all tastes, from classic pub favourites to sophisticated cocktails, all at prices that are generally comparable to or slightly better than what you'd find in a mid-range UK pub or restaurant. This approach means you won't find the ultra-premium, all-inclusive luxury of some other lines, but rather a focus on quality and value for the British market.

They often feature local beers from the regions they visit, which is a nice touch, especially on longer itineraries.

Key Things to Know About P&O Drinks

• Variety is Key: P&O offers a diverse range of beverages, from soft drinks and juices to an extensive list of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails.
• UK Pricing Model: Prices are generally set to be competitive with the UK high street, making them familiar to British cruisers.
• Drinks Packages Available: P&O provides various drinks packages that can offer value if you plan to consume multiple drinks daily.
• Non-alcoholic Options: Plenty of choices for those who don't drink alcohol, including mocktails, specialty coffees, and soft drinks.
• Water & Basic Hot Drinks: Complimentary water, tea, and coffee are available at self-service stations and during meals.
• Age Restrictions: The legal drinking age on P&O Cruises is 18 when sailing from the UK, but can be 21 on certain international itineraries, particularly those involving the USA or Caribbean. Always check your specific itinerary.

P&O Cruise Drinks Menu 2026: Individual Drink Prices

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty: how much do individual drinks cost on P&O Cruises in 2026? While prices can vary slightly between ships and specific bars, the following gives you a very good indication of what to expect.

Beers, Ciders & Lagers

P&O generally offers a good selection of draught and bottled beers, including popular British lagers, ales, and some international options. You'll find everything from a classic Stella Artois to local craft brews, especially on newer ships like Iona and Arvia. Prices are for a standard pint or bottle.

• Draught Lager: from £5.95 a pint (P&O Cruises bar menu, menu dated 05/2025, checked 1 Nov 2026)
• Draught Ale: from £5.95 a pint (Doom Bar is £5.85 for a 500ml bottle)
• Bottled Beers/Ciders (e.g., Corona, Budweiser, Kopparberg): £5.55 for 330–355ml beers, £5.85–£6.10 for 500ml beers and ciders
• Craft Beers: £5.55 for BrewDog Punk IPA (330ml)

Wines & Sparkling Wine

The wine list on P&O is comprehensive, offering a good selection of reds, whites, and rosés from various regions, alongside sparkling wine and Champagne. You can purchase by the glass or by the bottle. House wines are usually good value, while premium selections offer more choice for connoisseurs.

• House Wine (175ml glass): £6.50 (The Bon Viveur), or £8.50 for 250ml (P&O Cruises bar menu, menu dated 05/2025, checked 1 Nov 2026)
• Standard Wine (175ml glass): £7.50–£7.95, or £9.50–£10.75 for 250ml
• Premium Wine (175ml glass): Around £9.50 - £12+
• Bottle of House Wine: About £25 - £30
• Bottle of Standard Wine: Roughly £30 - £45
• Prosecco (125ml glass): £7.50, or £27 a bottle
• Champagne (125ml glass): £9.95–£10.15 for Lanson, or £49.50–£52.50 a bottle

Spirits & Liqueurs

From gin and tonic to whisky and rum, P&O's bars are well-stocked. Spirits are sold in 25ml and 50ml measures. They often have a 'gin menu' or 'whisky menu' with a wider selection of premium brands.

• Standard Spirits (e.g., Gordon's Gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Bacardi Rum): £4.80 for 25ml or £7.30 for 50ml, with mixers from £2.95 (P&O Cruises bar menu, menu dated 05/2025, checked 1 Nov 2026)
• Premium Spirits (e.g., Grey Goose Vodka, Johnnie Walker Black Label): £5.15 for 25ml or £7.65 for 50ml, plus mixer
• Liqueurs (e.g., Baileys, Kahlua - 50ml): Approximately £6.50 - £7.50
• Cognac/Brandy (25ml): Usually £8 - £15+

Cocktails & Mocktails

The cocktail menus are always a highlight, especially in venues like The Glass House or the Crow's Nest. You'll find all the classics, plus some P&O-specific creations. Mocktails are also readily available and often just as creative.

• Standard Cocktails (e.g., Mojito, Margarita, Pina Colada): £8.50 (P&O Cruises bar menu, menu dated 05/2025, checked 1 Nov 2026)
• Spritz-style Cocktails (e.g., Aperol Spritz): £9.50 on the deck-bar menu; speciality bars may charge more
• Mocktails: £4.50

Soft Drinks & Hot Beverages

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, or just need a caffeine fix, P&O has you covered. Specialty coffees are a popular choice, and you'll find a good range of soft drinks.

• Soft Drinks: £3.00 for a regular draught Pepsi (£3.70 large), £4.20 for a 330ml Coca-Cola (P&O Cruises bar menu, menu dated 05/2025, checked 1 Nov 2026)
• Juices: £3.25 for Frobishers (250ml), £3.50 for J2O or Appletiser
• Bottled Water (still/sparkling, 330ml): £2.35
• Specialty Coffee: £3.55–£3.80 for a latte or cappuccino, £2.30–£2.60 for an espresso
• Hot Chocolate: £3.65–£3.95

P&O Cruises Drinks Packages 2026: Options & Prices

P&O offers a selection of drinks packages designed to help you manage your onboard spending and enjoy your holiday without worrying about the bill. It's important to understand what each package includes and its associated cost. Remember, these packages are per person, per day, and all adults in the same cabin usually need to purchase the same package.

As of June 2026, P&O typically offers the following main packages. Prices are indicative and can vary slightly by itinerary and booking period. For a deeper dive into whether these packages are right for you, check out our dedicated article on P&O Cruises Drink Package 2026: Is It Worth It?.

1. The Refresh Drinks Package

This package is perfect for those who don't drink alcohol but enjoy a variety of soft drinks and specialty coffees. It's also a great option for younger cruisers or designated drivers.

• Price: £16 per person, per day (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026).
• Inclusions: Unlimited draught soft drinks, a selection of bottled soft drinks, fruit juices, mocktails, and specialty hot drinks (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate).
• Exclusions: Bottled water, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages.

2. The Classic Drinks Package

This is P&O's most popular alcoholic drinks package, offering a good range of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, in addition to everything in the Refresh Drinks Package. It's designed for those who enjoy a few alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

• Price: £55 per person, per day on 5–14 night cruises, or £50 on 15+ nights (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026).
• Inclusions: All drinks from the Refresh Drinks Package, plus a selection of house wines by the glass (up to £7.50), spirits (up to £6.50), beers (up to £6), and cocktails (up to £8). Also includes an estimated 20% discount on drinks outside the package limits.
• Exclusions: Premium spirits, premium wines, Champagne, bottled water (beyond what's included in Refresh), energy drinks, drinks over the specified price limits.

3. The Deluxe Drinks Package

P&O's top tier is the Deluxe Drinks Package, which it describes as its most generous package. This package typically includes a wider selection of premium brands and higher price limits for drinks.

• Price: £65 per person, per day on 5–14 night cruises, or £60 on 15+ nights (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026).
• Inclusions: Everything in the Classic Drinks Package, but with higher price limits for wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails, often including a broader selection of premium brands. Usually includes bottled water.
• Exclusions: Very high-end spirits, vintage wines, Champagne by the bottle, and drinks exceeding the higher price limits.

P&O Drinks Packages 2026: Is It Worth It? Independent Verdict

The million-dollar question for many P&O cruisers: are the drinks packages worth the upfront cost? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but we can certainly break it down.

When a P&O Drinks Package IS Worth It

1. High Consumption: If you plan to have 5-7 alcoholic drinks per day (e.g., 2 beers at lunch, 1 glass of wine with dinner, 2-3 cocktails in the evening) plus soft drinks and specialty coffees, the Classic Drinks Package will almost certainly save you money. For example, at £55 a day on a 5–14 night cruise, you'd need to drink about £55 worth at bar prices. That is roughly 9 pints, 8 glasses of house wine or 6 cocktails, or a mix of these plus your coffees and soft drinks.
2. Budget Control: If you prefer to pay upfront and not worry about the bill at the end of your cruise, a package offers peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your holiday without constantly checking prices. This is a huge benefit for many.
3. Variety Seeker: If you enjoy trying different cocktails, specialty coffees, and a range of soft drinks, the package allows for this experimentation without fear of racking up a huge bill.
4. Longer Itineraries: On longer cruises (e.g., 14 nights or more), the daily cost can sometimes be slightly lower, and the cumulative savings become more significant.
5. Designated Drinker (Refresh Drinks Package): If one person in your cabin doesn't drink alcohol but loves specialty coffees, mocktails, and soft drinks, the Refresh Drinks Package is excellent value for them, especially if they're consuming 3+ specialty coffees and 4+ soft drinks daily.

When a P&O Drinks Package Is NOT Worth It

1. Light Drinker: If you only have 1-2 alcoholic drinks per day, or primarily stick to the complimentary water, tea, and coffee, buying drinks individually will be much cheaper. For example, if you only have 2 glasses of wine and 1 soft drink, that's about £16 at deck-bar prices, far less than the £55 Classic package.
2. Port-Intensive Itinerary: If your cruise has many port days, you'll likely be off the ship for a significant portion of the day, reducing your onboard drinking time. Drinks purchased ashore are not covered by the package.
3. Specific Preferences: If you only drink very specific, expensive premium spirits or wines that are above the package's price limit, you'll still be paying extra for each drink, diminishing the package's value.
4. Bringing Your Own: P&O allows a limited amount of alcohol to be brought on board (typically one 750ml bottle of wine/Champagne per adult). If you plan to enjoy this in your cabin, it reduces the need for a package.

How to Get the Best Deal on P&O Drinks

Even if you decide against a drinks package, or if you're just looking to maximise your value, there are plenty of ways to save money on drinks on a P&O cruise.

1. Pre-Purchase Packages: Drinks packages are often slightly cheaper if purchased in advance through the 'My P&O Cruises' portal before your sailing. Keep an eye out for any pre-cruise promotions.
2. Utilise Happy Hours & Daily Specials: P&O ships frequently have happy hours or 'cocktail of the day' promotions in various bars. These are usually advertised in the Horizon daily planner or on screens around the ship.
3. Bring Your Own Allowances: Remember P&O's policy on bringing your own drinks. One bottle of wine or Champagne (750ml) per adult in your cabin can save you a significant amount, especially if you enjoy a glass before dinner. You can also bring a reasonable amount of soft drinks.
4. Drink Water, Tea & Coffee: Don't forget the complimentary options! Water, tea, and filter coffee are always available at self-service stations and in the main dining rooms. Staying hydrated with these free options helps reduce your overall spend.
5. Consider a Water Package: If you primarily drink water, P&O sometimes offers bottled water packages, which can be much cheaper than buying individual bottles throughout your cruise. Check the onboard services once you embark.
6. Loyalty Discounts: If you're a returning P&O passenger and part of their Peninsular Club loyalty programme, you might be eligible for onboard discounts, which can sometimes extend to drinks. Check your membership tier benefits.
7. Port Day Savings: When in port, enjoy local beverages ashore. These are often much cheaper than onboard prices, and it's a great way to experience local culture. Just remember to factor in the cost of drinks when budgeting for your shore excursions.

P&O Drinks Menu vs. Other Cruise Lines: A Comparison for 2026

How does P&O's drinks menu and pricing stack up against other popular cruise lines for UK cruisers in 2026? It's a common question, and understanding the differences can help you choose the best cruise line for your preferences and budget. Here's a brief comparison of typical offerings and package structures.

As you can see from the table, P&O generally sits in the mid-range for package pricing, offering good value for its target market. Lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity tend to have higher individual drink prices and more expensive packages, often reflecting a more premium or international offering. NCL's 'Free at Sea' can seem like a great deal, but remember the mandatory gratuities on the package can add a significant amount. Our advice is always to compare the total cost, not just the daily rate, and consider what's truly included.

Specialty Bars and Venues on P&O Cruises

P&O ships boast a variety of bars and lounges, each with its own unique ambiance and often a slightly tailored drinks menu. Exploring these can be part of the fun of your cruise! On newer ships like Iona and Arvia, the variety is particularly impressive.

The Glass House

The Glass House wine bars offer an extensive wine list by the glass and bottle, often with recommendations from Olly Smith. While some wines might be above the Classic Drinks Package limit, the selection is superb, and the food pairings are excellent.

The Crow's Nest

Located at the top front of many P&O ships, The Crow's Nest offers incredible panoramic views and a sophisticated atmosphere. It's renowned for its gin and cocktail menu. Definitely a spot for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxing evening.

Anderson's Bar

A more traditional, club-like bar, Anderson's is perfect for whisky and brandy lovers. It's often quieter and has a classic British feel. You'll find a wide selection of premium spirits here, some of which might be outside the standard drinks package but worth the splurge for a special occasion.

The Limelight Club

This supper club venue offers dinner and a show, and the drinks menu complements the experience. It's a more intimate setting, and the bar staff are usually excellent at recommending drinks to go with your meal.

Poolside Bars (e.g., Sunset Bar, Beachcomber Bar)

These are your go-to spots for refreshing drinks by the pool. Expect a menu heavy on cocktails, frozen drinks, beers, and soft drinks. Perfect for a sunny sea day. The atmosphere is always lively, especially on ships like Iona with its expansive lido decks.

The Coffee Shop (e.g., Costa Coffee)

Many P&O ships feature a dedicated coffee shop, often a Costa Coffee outlet. Here you'll find all your favourite Costa drinks, from lattes and cappuccinos to iced coffees and Frappuccinos. These are included in the Refreshment and Classic Drinks Packages, making them a great value if you're a coffee lover.

Frequently Asked Questions About P&O Cruise Drinks Menu 2026

What is the average cost of a standard alcoholic drink on P&O Cruises in 2026?

P&O's fleet-wide deck-bar menu lists draught beer from £5.95 a pint, house wine at £6.50 a 175ml glass and standard spirits from £4.80 for 25ml (£7.30 for 50ml), with mixers extra (P&O Cruises bar menu, menu dated 05/2025, checked 1 Nov 2026). These prices are generally competitive with UK pub prices, but can add up quickly over a week-long cruise if you're not careful.

Are there any free drinks available on P&O Cruises without a package?

Yes, P&O Cruises include basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee (from self-service machines), and juice at breakfast, all free of charge. However, specialty coffees, bottled water, soft drinks, and all alcoholic beverages will incur an additional cost if you don't have a drinks package. This is standard across most mainstream cruise lines.

Can I share a P&O drinks package with another person in my cabin?

No, P&O Cruises' drinks packages are strictly personal and cannot be shared. Each adult (over 18 for soft drinks, over 21 for alcohol on certain itineraries) in the same cabin must purchase the same package. This policy is in place to prevent misuse and ensure fair pricing for all guests, a common rule across many cruise lines.

What is the difference between the P&O drinks packages available in 2026?

In 2026, P&O typically offers a Refresh Drinks Package (soft drinks, mocktails, specialty coffees), a Classic Drinks Package (includes Refresh plus house wines, spirits, and beers up to a certain price point), an Alcohol-free Drinks Package (£29 a day), and the Deluxe Drinks Package (P&O's most generous package). The specific inclusions and price limits vary, so always check the latest details for your sailing.

Is it cheaper to buy drinks individually or get a package on P&O Cruises?

Whether a package is cheaper depends entirely on your consumption habits. If you plan to drink 5-7 alcoholic beverages daily, plus soft drinks and specialty coffees, a package will likely save you money. However, if you're a light drinker or only enjoy a couple of drinks per day, buying individually will almost certainly be more cost-effective. Use a cruise drink package calculator to assess your specific needs.

Can I bring my own alcohol or soft drinks onto a P&O cruise ship?

P&O Cruises generally allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages in their carry-on luggage, usually up to 1 litre per person. For alcohol, policies vary, but typically guests are permitted to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per adult for consumption in their cabin. Any additional alcohol will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. Always check the latest policy before you sail.

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