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Is the P&O Cruises drinks package worth it?

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-27 · 8 min read

Guests reviewing a P&O Cruises drinks menu at an onboard bar

Trying to decide if a P&O Cruises drinks package is worth it in 2026? Use our break-even method, traveller-type decision table, and money-saving tips tailored for UK cruisers.

Wondering if a P&O Cruises drinks package is worth it? In 2026, P&O offers multiple tiers that bundle coffees, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily cost. The value you’ll get depends on what you drink, your itinerary, who you’re sharing a cabin with, and a few P&O policies that can swing the maths. This guide gives a quick verdict, a decision table by traveller type, a straightforward break‑even method, and practical ways to save if a package isn’t the right fit. If Arvia is your ship, the Arvia drinks menu guide explains the current-menu and package-symbol checks to make for your sailing.

What P&O’s drinks packages typically include in 2026

P&O lists several package tiers that commonly cover: a soft‑drink option (for sodas and selected non‑alcoholic choices), an alcohol‑free package (mocktails and specialty coffees are often featured), and two alcoholic tiers (frequently described as Classic and Deluxe) with a per‑drink price cap. Names, exact inclusions, and drink-price caps can change, so treat this as a framework and verify the current details on P&O’s website for your specific ship and sailing before purchasing.

Key mechanics to look for when you check the official page:
- Per‑drink price cap: drinks priced above the cap are either not included or may attract a surcharge equal to the difference.
- One‑drink‑at‑a‑time rule: bartenders generally serve one drink per package holder at a time, in line with responsible service.
- Package duration: packages are usually for the full cruise, not single days.
- Inclusion scope: specialty coffees, bottled water, mocktails, fresh juices, premium mixers, and room service beverages may or may not be included, depending on tier.
- Venue exclusions: some high‑end or event venues can be excluded.

We avoid quoting inclusions or limits that could change; check P&O’s official drinks package page for the latest wording before you commit.

The break-even method (no guesswork, no prices needed)

You don’t need exact price lists to test value. Use this repeatable method tailored to your habits and itinerary:

  1. List your realistic daily drinks. Example: two cappuccinos, one soft drink by the pool, a pre‑dinner beer or glass of wine, and a cocktail after the show.
  2. Adjust for your itinerary. Sea days usually mean more onboard time (and more included usage); port‑intensive sailings often mean fewer drinks on the ship. Multiply your sea‑day consumption by the number of sea days, and your port‑day consumption by the number of port days.
  3. Check what’s actually included in your chosen tier. If you love bottled water, premium coffees or mocktails, ensure your tier covers them without surcharge.
  4. Compare against the package’s daily cost for your sailing. If your realistic daily tally is consistently below the package cost — especially after accounting for port days — paying as you go likely wins.
  5. Factor in cabin rules. If P&O requires all adults in the same cabin to buy the same alcoholic package, you must re‑run the maths for everyone in the cabin. One light drinker can tip the value calculation.

<table><thead><tr><th>Traveller type</th><th>Buy a package?</th><th>Why</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>All-day sipper (coffees, soft drinks, a few alcoholic drinks most days)</td><td>Often yes (alcoholic or alcohol-free tier)</td><td>High, steady consumption across sea and port days makes fixed pricing convenient and good value.</td></tr><tr><td>Cocktail connoisseur (prefers premium brands or pricier cocktails)</td><td>Maybe (check drink price caps)</td><td>If favourites are above the per-drink cap, you may pay surcharges; confirm your go-to drinks are fully included.</td></tr><tr><td>Selective wine drinker (1–2 glasses with dinner)</td><td>Usually no</td><td>Pay-as-you-go typically costs less unless you also buy multiple coffees/softs daily.</td></tr><tr><td>Teetotal / mocktail fan</td><td>Consider alcohol-free or soft-drinks tier</td><td>Value depends on specialty coffees, mocktails and water coverage; run the break-even on non-alcoholic items alone.</td></tr><tr><td>Port-intensive cruiser (Mediterranean city-hopping)</td><td>Usually no</td><td>Time ashore reduces onboard usage; day-to-day spend may not reach the package cost.</td></tr><tr><td>Sea-day heavy (transatlantic, repositioning, longer Canaries)</td><td>Often yes</td><td>More time onboard = more opportunities to use the package.</td></tr><tr><td>Mixed cabin (one drinks little, one drinks a lot)</td><td>Tricky – check cabin rules</td><td>If all adults must buy the same alcoholic package, the light drinker can erase the heavy drinker’s savings.</td></tr><tr><td>Short-break cruiser (2–4 nights)</td><td>Maybe</td><td>High per-day socialising can help, but short trips can also feel rushed. Do the per-day math.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Pros and cons of buying a P&O drinks package

Objective pros
- Predictable costs: easier to budget in pounds before you sail.
- Convenience: no mental tallying of each latte, soft drink or sundowner.
- Encourages variety: you can try different options within the cap without worrying about the bill.

Potential drawbacks
- Cabin rules can force extra spend: if all adults must buy the same alcoholic tier, value depends on the lightest drinker.
- Port-day wastage: city-heavy itineraries reduce onboard usage.
- Per-drink caps: if you like premium labels or large-format beverages, check for surcharges or exclusions.
- Full-cruise commitment: packages are usually for the entire sailing and may not be refundable once activated; verify current terms.

What’s commonly included — and what often isn’t

Inclusions vary by tier and ship. When you check P&O’s official page for your sailing, look specifically for:

Often included depending on tier
- Fountain sodas and certain canned soft drinks
- Selected beers, wines by the glass, and classic cocktails up to the price cap (alcoholic tiers)
- Specialty coffees and teas (commonly on higher tiers)
- Mocktails and alcohol-free beers/ciders (alcohol-free tier)

Frequently excluded or limited
- Drinks above the per‑drink cap (may be available with a surcharge)
- Full bottles of wine or spirits, minibar items, and in‑cabin services (often excluded)
- Premium venues, souvenir glassware, or tasting events
- Multiple drinks at once or sharing with others (typically not permitted)

Because specifics can change, use the official inclusions list for your ship and date before you buy.

Key P&O policies that affect value

These policies can materially change the maths; always confirm the latest wording on P&O’s website:

  • All-adult-in-cabin rule: P&O has historically required that if one adult in a cabin buys certain alcoholic packages, all adults in the same cabin must purchase the same package for the full duration. If still in force on your sailing, price the package for everyone.
  • Responsible service: expect one drink per transaction and that staff may decline service if you appear intoxicated.
  • Duration and changes: packages are typically sold for the full cruise; changes or cancellations may be restricted after activation.
  • Bringing drinks aboard: P&O sets limits on bringing alcohol and soft drinks at embarkation; policies can differ by ship/itinerary. Check the official alcohol policy page for current allowances and corkage rules.

A simple worksheet for your cruise

Use this quick worksheet before you book:

  • Sea days: list the average number of included coffees, softs and alcoholic drinks you genuinely consume on a relaxing day at sea. Tally the typical menu prices from P&O’s current menus (or your best estimate based on similar ships), then multiply by the number of sea days.
  • Port days: repeat with a conservative estimate (many travellers only have breakfast coffee and an evening drink onboard). Multiply by the number of port days.
  • Add a small buffer: an estimated 5–10% buffer accounts for impulse mocktails or evening coffees.
  • Compare to package cost: if the total divided by cruise nights exceeds the package’s daily price, the package can be worth it. If not, pay as you go.

If you like a visual guide to bar lists and sample prices, see our P&O menus overview in P&O drinks and coffee menus.

Itinerary matters: Med city-hops vs sea-day stretches

  • Mediterranean city-hopping: packed port days (Rome, Barcelona, Athens) usually mean early starts and long days ashore. Many travellers only tap the package for breakfast coffee and a nightcap — often not enough to justify an alcoholic tier.
  • Canary Islands and longer UK cruises: more sea days and lazier afternoons make soft drinks, coffees and sundowners stack up, helping packages pay off.
  • Fjords and cooler climates: cooler weather can reduce poolside soft-drink demand but increase specialty coffee usage. Alcoholic tiers can still be marginal if you’re an early-to-bed explorer.

Run the maths against your exact port/sea-day split rather than relying on averages.

Families, teetotallers and mixed groups

  • Families with teens: soft-drink or alcohol-free tiers may offer good value if mocktails and specialty coffees feature heavily in your routine. Always check any age-related package rules.
  • Teetotal travellers: the alcohol-free or soft-drinks tiers can be worthwhile if you love premium coffees, waters and mocktails. If you mostly drink complimentary tea/coffee at meals and tap water, pay-as-you-go is usually cheaper.
  • Mixed adult cabins: if an all-adult purchase rule applies, run the numbers for the lightest drinker. In many cases, one light drinker in the cabin pushes you to pay-as-you-go or pick a lower tier.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>Alcoholic packages</th><th>Alcohol-free / soft-drinks</th><th>Pay-as-you-go</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Budget predictability</td><td>High</td><td>High</td><td>Variable</td></tr><tr><td>Flexibility (drink choices)</td><td>Good (within cap)</td><td>Good (within list)</td><td>Excellent</td></tr><tr><td>Cabin-wide rules</td><td>Often required for all adults</td><td>Varies</td><td>Not applicable</td></tr><tr><td>Best for</td><td>Regular daily drinkers</td><td>Coffee/mocktail fans</td><td>Light/irregular drinkers</td></tr><tr><td>Risk of overpaying</td><td>Moderate on port-heavy trips</td><td>Low–moderate</td><td>Low if disciplined</td></tr></tbody></table>

Money‑saving alternatives if you skip a package

  • Use included options: P&O typically offers complimentary water, tea and coffee at certain dining venues; confirm what’s free on your ship. This can meaningfully reduce daily spend.
  • Bring permitted drinks: within P&O’s alcohol/soft-drink policy limits at embarkation; always check the official allowance and any corkage rules before you sail.
  • Share a wine bottle at dinner: even if bottles aren’t covered by a package, sharing among the table can lower per‑glass cost compared with premium by‑the‑glass choices.
  • Target happy hours or specials: ships sometimes run promotional pricing; never assume — verify onboard and compare to your plan.
  • Prioritise what you value: if premium coffees are your must‑have, budget for those and go lighter elsewhere. See our strategies in How to save on cruise drinks.

When to buy: before sailing or onboard?

P&O may offer the ability to purchase packages pre‑cruise via your booking portal or once onboard. Pricing, availability and any promotional differences can change. Before deciding:

  • Check the pre‑cruise portal for your sailing and screenshot the details for your records.
  • On embarkation day, confirm onboard pricing and inclusions match what you saw pre‑cruise.
  • If prices and terms are identical, buying early can simplify embarkation; if not, run your break‑even with the latest figures before committing.

Avoid relying on generalised advice; check your exact sailing in 2026.

What about gratuities and service charges on drinks?

P&O’s approach to service charges and gratuities is different to some US‑based lines, but policies can evolve. The key is to check whether drink menu prices are inclusive or whether a bar service charge is added to each order on your sailing. That detail affects the break‑even.

For more on cruise tipping context from a UK angle, see Cruise gratuities explained for UK travellers. Always confirm the latest P&O gratuities and bar service information on the official site for your departure year.

Short breaks, themed sailings and big-event cruises

Short 2–4 night getaways can swing either way. Some travellers enjoy higher daily consumption due to celebration vibes, while others spend most time ashore or at shows and simply don’t use the package enough. Themed sailings or big sporting-event screenings can increase bar time, but your actual drink choices vs the per‑drink cap still determine value. Use the same worksheet: estimate realistically; don’t assume you’ll drink more just to ‘get your money’s worth’.

If you prefer specific brands or premium cocktails

Check the per‑drink cap and current menus for your ship. If your favourites consistently sit above the cap, you’ll either pay a surcharge or substitute with included alternatives — either way, re‑run the maths. Brand‑led drinkers (certain gins, single malts, Champagne by the glass) often do better pay‑as‑you‑go, or by choosing a higher tier only if that tier fully includes their staples.

Editorial verdict: who should buy, who should skip

Buy (after verifying inclusions and cabin rules) if you:
- Regularly enjoy multiple paid drinks every day (coffees, softs and alcoholic choices) and have several sea days.
- Value budgeting certainty and the freedom to experiment within the cap.

Skip or choose a lower tier if you:
- Mostly drink complimentary tea/coffee and water, with only a drink or two most evenings.
- Have a port‑intensive itinerary where onboard time is limited.
- Share a cabin with a light drinker and an all‑adult purchase rule applies.

Bottom line: the P&O drinks package is worth it when your real, daily, onboard habits add up — not when you stretch to make the numbers work.

Where to verify details for your 2026 sailing

Because names, inclusions, per‑drink caps, purchase rules and allowances can change, always verify on P&O’s official pages for your exact ship and date before purchasing. See the links below.

Sources and verification

Official P&O Cruises pages to check before booking:
- P&O Cruises – Drinks packages: https://www.pocruises.com/holiday-extras/drinks-packages
- P&O Cruises – Onboard food and drink overview: https://www.pocruises.com/life-on-board/food-and-drink
- P&O Cruises – Alcohol policy and bringing drinks onboard (see FAQs): https://www.pocruises.com/holiday-help-centre

Note: Package names, inclusions, drink price caps, venue exclusions, purchase rules, service charges and allowances may vary by ship and sailing and can change at any time. Always rely on the latest wording on P&O’s website for 2026 before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all adults in a P&O cabin have to buy the same alcoholic drinks package?

P&O has historically required that if one adult buys certain alcoholic package tiers, all adults in the same cabin must purchase the same package for the full duration. As policies can change, check the wording for your 2026 sailing on P&O’s official site before you commit.

Is there a daily limit on how many drinks I can have on a P&O drinks package?

P&O typically applies responsible service rules (one drink per transaction and service can be declined if intoxicated). Some packages have a per‑drink price cap rather than a fixed daily count. Limits and caps can change, so verify the current terms on P&O’s drinks package page for your ship.

Are specialty coffees and bottled water included on P&O’s drinks packages?

Inclusion varies by tier. Higher tiers often include specialty coffees and some water options, while entry tiers may not. Review the inclusions list and any per‑drink price caps for your exact sailing on the official P&O page to avoid surprises.

Can I buy a drinks package for only some days of my cruise?

Packages are generally sold for the full duration of the cruise, not by the day. Any exceptions, trial periods or upgrade/downgrade rules should be confirmed on the official site or with P&O before sailing, as terms can change.

If my favourite cocktail is priced above the package cap, what happens?

If a drink exceeds the per‑drink cap for your tier, it is either not included or you pay the difference as a surcharge. This is why it’s important to compare your go‑to drinks to the current cap on P&O’s website before purchasing.

Does P&O add a service charge to drinks onboard?

P&O’s approach to gratuities and bar service can differ from US lines and may change over time. Check whether bar menu prices are inclusive or whether a service charge is added per drink for your 2026 sailing. Verify on the official site under onboard or FAQs sections.

Can I bring alcohol or soft drinks onboard P&O Cruises instead of buying a package?

P&O sets allowances for bringing drinks onboard at embarkation and may apply corkage if consumed in public venues. The specifics can vary and change, so check P&O’s alcohol policy and FAQs for your departure to avoid confiscation or fees.

Is an alcohol-free package good value if I don’t drink alcohol at all?

It can be, especially if you enjoy multiple specialty coffees, mocktails and soft drinks every day, including on port days. Run the same break‑even test using only non‑alcoholic items and compare to the alcohol‑free tier’s daily cost for your sailing.

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