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P&O Cruises Drink Package 2026: Is It Worth It?
Deciding on a P&O Cruises drink package can save you money, but only if it aligns with your drinking habits and cruise style.
P&O passengers can also compare onboard extras in our P&O gratuities answer when checking the account.
Planning a P&O Cruises holiday in 2026? One of the biggest decisions, after choosing your itinerary and cabin, is often whether to invest in a drink package. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about the P&O Cruises drink package 2026, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next adventure. For a general overview of whether these packages are good value, check out our article on Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It in 2026?.
What Is the P&O Cruises Drink Package: Everything You Need to Know
P&O Cruises offers a selection of drink packages designed to cater to different preferences and budgets, allowing you to pre-pay for your beverages and enjoy a more all-inclusive feel to your holiday. These packages are a popular choice for many guests, helping to manage onboard spending and avoid bill shock at the end of the cruise. They cover a range of drinks from soft drinks and specialty coffees to a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.
There's something wonderfully liberating about ordering a cocktail by the pool or a glass of wine with dinner without having to think about the individual cost each time.
Key Things to Know About P&O Cruises Drink Packages 2026
- Package Options: P&O primarily offers the Ultimate Drinks Package (alcoholic) and the Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic), plus a Children's Package and a Cellar Door Package for wine lovers.
- Mandatory Purchase: If one adult in a cabin purchases an alcoholic package, all other adults (18+) in the same cabin must also purchase either an alcoholic package or the Refreshment Package for the entire duration of the cruise. Children (17 and under) must purchase the Children's Package.
- Duration: All packages must be purchased for the entire length of your cruise, not just selected days. This is a crucial factor when calculating the overall cost and value.
- Price Cap: The Ultimate Drinks Package typically covers drinks up to a certain price point, usually around £12 per serving. Anything above this can be purchased by paying the difference.
- Drink Limit: For the Ultimate Drinks Package, there's a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period. This is a generous limit that most guests won't reach, but it's there for responsible drinking.
- Availability: Drink packages can be purchased pre-cruise via the 'My P&O Cruises' portal or onboard during the first few days of your sailing. Booking online beforehand can sometimes offer a slight discount or promotional offer.
P&O Cruises Drink Package Prices 2026: What to Expect
Understanding the pricing structure for P&O Cruises drink packages in 2026 is crucial for determining their value. Prices are per person, per day, and are charged for the entire duration of your cruise. While these figures are estimates as of June 2026, they provide a solid baseline for your budgeting. Always confirm the exact prices for your specific sailing on the P&O website or your booking portal.
It's important to remember that these prices are subject to change and can vary slightly based on the ship, itinerary, and any special promotions P&O might be running. For example, a longer cruise or a special themed sailing might have slightly different pricing.
| Package Name | Estimated Price (per person, per day) | Inclusions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Drinks Package | £40-£45 | Drinks up to £12 (spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water) | Heavy drinkers, cocktail lovers, those who want an 'all-inclusive' feel |
| Refreshment Package | £20-£25 | Unlimited soft drinks, specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, bottled water | Non-drinkers, designated drivers, those who enjoy premium non-alcoholic beverages |
| Children's Package | £10-£12 | Unlimited soft drinks, fruit juices, hot chocolate | Children and teenagers (under 18) |
| Cellar Door Package | Varies (e.g., £250 for 6 bottles) | Selection of premium wines by the bottle at a discounted rate | Wine connoisseurs, those celebrating a special occasion |
| Individual Drinks | Varies (e.g., £4-£12) | Pay-as-you-go for all beverages | Light drinkers, those who prefer specific premium brands, port-intensive itineraries |
The table above gives you a clear snapshot of the main P&O drink package options and their approximate costs in 2026. The 'Best For' column provides a quick guide to help you decide which package aligns best with your holiday style. Remember, the daily cost multiplies by the number of nights on your cruise, so a 7-night cruise with the Ultimate Package could cost around £280-£320 per person.
Is the P&O Cruises Drink Package Worth It? Independent Verdict
In our opinion, whether a P&O Cruises drink package is 'worth it' is entirely subjective and depends on your individual drinking habits, the length of your cruise, and how much time you plan to spend off the ship.
It's a balance, and understanding your typical consumption is key.
When the P&O Cruises Drink Package IS Worth It
- You're a Moderate to Heavy Drinker: If you typically enjoy 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day (e.g., 3 cocktails, 2 glasses of wine, 2 beers) plus specialty coffees and bottled water, the Ultimate Package will likely save you money. At £40-£45 per day, you'd need to consume about £40-£45 worth of drinks to break even.
- You Love Variety: The package allows you to try different cocktails, wines, and spirits without worrying about the individual cost. This is great for adventurous palates or those who like to sample new things.
- You Want an 'All-Inclusive' Feel: If you prefer to budget upfront and not think about individual drink costs, the package offers peace of mind and a truly all-inclusive holiday vibe.
- Plenty of Sea Days: Cruises with numerous sea days provide more opportunities to utilise the package fully, as you'll be onboard for longer periods enjoying the ship's amenities and bars. A transatlantic crossing, for instance, would be ideal for a drink package.
- You Enjoy Specialty Coffees & Bottled Water: Even if you're not a huge alcohol drinker, if you consume multiple specialty coffees (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos at roughly £3-£4 each) and several bottles of water (approximately £2.50-£3 each) daily, the Refreshment Package or even the Ultimate Package can quickly pay for itself.
When the P&O Cruises Drink Package Is NOT Worth It
- You're a Light Drinker: If you only have 1-2 alcoholic drinks per day, or primarily stick to water and basic soft drinks, paying as you go will almost certainly be cheaper. For example, two glasses of wine at £6.50 each is only £13, far less than the £40-£45 package cost.
- Port-Intensive Itineraries: If your cruise has many port days where you'll be off the ship exploring for most of the day, you'll have fewer opportunities to use the package onboard. You'd essentially be paying for drinks you're not consuming.
- You Prefer Premium Brands: If your preferred drinks are typically above the £12 price cap (e.g., specific premium whiskies or high-end wines), you'll still be paying the difference, which can erode the value of the package.
- Solo Traveller in a Cabin with Others: Due to the 'all adults in a cabin must purchase' rule, if you're a light drinker sharing with a heavy drinker, you might be forced to buy a package you won't fully utilise, making it poor value for you personally.
How to Get the Best Deal on Your P&O Cruises Drink Package
While P&O Cruises drink package prices are fairly standard, there are a few strategies you can employ to ensure you're getting the best value or even a better deal.
- Book During Promotions: Keep an eye out for P&O Cruises' promotional periods. Occasionally, they offer onboard credit, which can then be used towards a drink package, or even include a drinks package as part of a 'select fare' booking. This is less common than with some other lines, but it does happen.
- Pre-Purchase Online: While not always a discount, buying your package via the 'My P&O Cruises' portal before you sail can sometimes be slightly cheaper than buying onboard. More importantly, it saves you time queuing at guest services on embarkation day.
- Consider Your Itinerary: As discussed, a cruise with more sea days will naturally give you more opportunities to utilise the package. If you're on a port-heavy itinerary, factor in how many drinks you'll actually consume onboard. Sometimes, a shorter cruise makes a package more viable.
- Bring Your Own: P&O Cruises typically allows guests to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard on embarkation day (e.g., one bottle of wine or champagne per adult). This can help reduce your overall spend, especially for pre-dinner drinks in your cabin. Always check the latest policy before you sail.
- Utilise Happy Hours: If you decide against a package, make the most of happy hour promotions in various bars onboard. These are often advertised in the ship's daily planner and can offer significant savings on individual drinks.
- Check Your Onboard Account Daily: Whether you have a package or not, regularly check your onboard account via the P&O app or your cabin TV. This helps you track your spending and ensures you're not being charged incorrectly.
- Stay Hydrated with Free Options: Remember that complimentary water, tea, and coffee are available in the buffet and main dining rooms. Utilise these free options to stay hydrated, especially if you're not on a package, and save your paid drinks for special moments.
P&O Cruises Drink Package Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
It's helpful to see how P&O Cruises' drink packages compare to other popular cruise lines, especially if you're considering alternatives for your 2026 holiday. While each cruise line has its own nuances, this comparison focuses on the main alcoholic drink package offerings and general pricing as of June 2026.
| Cruise Line | Main Alcoholic Package | Estimated Price (per person, per day) | Best For | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Cruises | Ultimate Drinks Package | £40-£45 | British cruisers, traditional experience, good value for moderate drinkers | 4.0/5 |
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | £60-£80 | Party atmosphere, wide selection, includes gratuities | 4.5/5 |
| Carnival Cruise Line | CHEERS! Package | £50-£65 | Fun-loving crowd, good for beer & cocktail drinkers | 4.0/5 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Unlimited Open Bar (Free at Sea) | Often included or discounted via 'Free at Sea' promotion, otherwise £80-£100 | Value-seekers, those who enjoy choice, includes gratuities | 4.5/5 |
| MSC Cruises | Easy Package / Easy Plus Package | £35-£50 | Budget-conscious, good for wine & beer, some cocktails | 3.5/5 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Classic Drink Package | £55-£70 | Premium experience, sophisticated drinks, includes gratuities | 4.5/5 |
As you can see from the table, P&O Cruises' Ultimate Drinks Package is generally more competitively priced than many of its American counterparts like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, especially considering that P&O's prices are often quoted without gratuities (which are usually included in the package price for US lines). This makes P&O a strong contender for UK cruisers looking for good value.
Frequently Asked Questions About P&O Cruises Drink Packages 2026
What are the main P&O Cruises drink packages available in 2026?
In 2026, P&O Cruises primarily offers the 'Ultimate Drinks Package' for alcoholic beverages and the 'Refreshment Package' for non-alcoholic options. The Ultimate Package includes a wide range of alcoholic drinks up to £12 per serving, plus all non-alcoholic options, while the Refreshment Package covers soft drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water. There are also specific packages for children and wine enthusiasts, ensuring there's something for almost every preference on board.
How much do P&O Cruises drink packages cost in 2026?
As of June 2026, the Ultimate Drinks Package typically costs around £40-£45 per person per day, while the Refreshment Package is about £20-£25 per person per day. These prices can vary slightly depending on the specific itinerary and ship, so it's always best to check the exact pricing for your chosen cruise. Children's packages are usually around £10-£12 per day. Remember, these packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise.
Is the P&O Ultimate Drinks Package worth it for a 7-night cruise?
For a 7-night cruise, the Ultimate Drinks Package can be worth it if you plan to consume at least 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day, plus specialty coffees and bottled water. For example, if a cocktail is £8-£9 and a glass of wine is £6-£7, you'd need to drink a combination of these to break even on the £40-£45 daily cost.
Can I share a P&O Cruises drink package with someone else?
No, P&O Cruises drink packages, like most cruise lines, are strictly for individual use and cannot be shared. If one adult in a cabin purchases an alcoholic package, all other adults aged 18 and over in the same cabin must also purchase an alcoholic package or the Refreshment Package. This policy is in place to prevent sharing and ensure fair usage across all guests. Children aged 17 and under in the same cabin must purchase the Children's Package.
What drinks are typically included in the P&O Ultimate Drinks Package?
The P&O Ultimate Drinks Package includes most drinks priced up to £12 on the menu. This generally covers a wide selection of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, draught and bottled beers, ciders, and all non-alcoholic options like specialty coffees, teas, soft drinks, and bottled water. Premium spirits or wines above the £12 threshold are usually excluded, but you can pay the difference. It's a comprehensive offering that caters to most preferences.
Are there any restrictions or limitations with P&O drink packages?
Yes, there are a few limitations. Packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, and they cannot be shared. You can only order one drink at a time, and there's typically a 15-minute waiting period between orders to prevent excessive consumption. These rules are standard across many cruise lines to promote responsible drinking.
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