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P&O Iona drinks menu prices 2026 — complete guide

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-08 · 12 min read

Everything you need to know about P&O Iona drinks menu prices in 2026 — package rates, a la carte options, money-saving tips and comparisons with other UK cruise lines.

If you’re planning a 2026 cruise on P&O Iona and searching for up-to-date information on drinks menu prices and packages, you’ve landed in the right place. In this guide we’ll break down P&O Iona drinks menu prices for 2026, explain the available drink packages, list specific a la carte prices, and give practical tips to help you decide whether an onboard package is worth it for your sailing. We’ll also compare Iona’s pricing with equivalent offers on Cunard and Marella and point you to related MyCruiseAdvisor articles for deeper reading.

Overview: P&O Iona drink options in 2026

P&O Iona in 2026 offers a mix of a la carte drinks and drinks packages. The main options you’ll encounter are:

• Classic Drinks Package: covers a wide range of beers, wines by the glass up to a set price, cocktails, spirits and softs. £55pp/day on 5–14 night cruises, £50pp/day on 15+ nights.
• Refresh and Alcohol-free packages: soft drinks for £16pp/day (Refresh), or mocktails, Costa coffees and softs for £29pp/day (Alcohol-free) (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026).
• Pay-as-you-go (a la carte): single drinks priced individually — see the ‘Detailed menu prices’ section below for examples.

P&O occasionally runs offers that reduce the per-day rate (e.g. two-for-one family deals or discounted pre-book prices). The Classic Drinks Package is available to pre-book online via My P&O before you sail and onboard through the Guest Services desk or bars, but pre-booking is usually cheaper.

Who is eligible and what’s included?

Eligibility: Packages are available to guests aged 18+ for alcoholic packages and to younger guests for non-alcoholic options. When travelling as a couple or family, only those who purchase the package benefit from included drinks; there’s no free sharing of package benefits between guests at the table.

Inclusions: The Classic Drinks Package generally includes:

• Standard cocktails and long drinks (e.g. gin & tonic, rum & Coke)
• House wines by the glass up to a specified value (around £7–£10 depending on 2026 policy)
• Draught and bottled beers (standard brands)
• Spirits and mixers (single measures)
• Soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee

Excluded items may include top-shelf spirits, large-format bottles, premium wines above the per-glass limit and some speciality beverages.

<table><thead><tr><th>Package</th><th>Price (pp/day)</th><th>Includes</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Classic Drinks Package</td><td>£55 (5–14 nights), £50 (15+), checked 1 Nov 2026</td><td>Cocktails, spirits, beers, house wine (by glass limit), softs</td><td>Best for regular drinkers; pre-book offers often available</td></tr><tr><td>Refresh / Alcohol-free Package</td><td>£16 / £29</td><td>Fizzy drinks, mocktails, juices, speciality coffees</td><td>Good for families and designated drivers</td></tr><tr><td>Pay-as-you-go</td><td>£3–£9.50 per drink</td><td>Individual drinks from bars and restaurants</td><td>Cocktails £8.50–£9.50; bottled beer £5.55 (P&O bar menu, 05/2025)</td></tr></tbody></table>

You’ll find variations in the headline prices depending on when you book, the length of your cruise and whether P&O is running special promotions in 2026. P&O sometimes offers a fixed-price pre-book discount for the Classic Drinks Package — for example, 10% off when you pre-book in My P&O Cruises up to three days before you sail. Cruises of 15 nights or more have a lower daily rate for Classic and Deluxe (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). Always check your My P&O account and the email offers P&O sends in the months leading up to your cruise.

Detailed menu prices — typical a la carte costs on Iona (2026)

Here’s a realistic snapshot of a la carte prices you can expect on P&O Iona in 2026. Prices below are from P&O's fleet-wide deck-bar menu (P&O Cruises bar menu, menu dated 05/2025, checked 1 Nov 2026) unless marked as an estimate:

• House white, red or rosé (175ml) — £6.50 (The Bon Viveur); other wines £7.50–£7.95
• Premium wine by the glass (175ml) — around £9.50–£13
• Bottle of house wine — about £25–£35
• Cocktails (standard) — £8.50
• Spritz-style cocktails — £9.50
• Spirits — £4.80–£5.15 (25ml) or £7.30–£7.65 (50ml), plus a mixer
• Draught beer (pint) — from £5.95
• Bottled beer (330ml) — £5.55
• Soft drinks — £3.00 for a draught Pepsi, £4.20 for a 330ml Coca-Cola
• Mocktails — £4.50
• Specialty coffees (latte/cappuccino) — £3.55–£3.80

If you drink a lot of cocktails, the Classic Drinks Package can pay for itself: at £8.50 a cocktail, you would need six or seven a day to match the £55 daily price on a 5–14 night cruise.

Example bill scenarios

To give practical insight, here are a few scenarios based on P&O's published prices:

Scenario A — Solo drinker who enjoys one cocktail and one soft drink per day:
- Cocktail £8.50 + Pepsi £3.00 = £11.50/day. Over 7 nights = £80.50. Classic package (£55pp/day) is not cost-effective.

Scenario B — Two adults, each have two cocktails and one wine daily:
- (2 cocktails x £8.50) + (1 house wine £6.50) = £23.50 per person/day. Over 7 nights = £164.50pp. The Classic package (£55pp/day, £385 a week) is not cost-effective at this level.

Scenario C — Family with children using non-alcoholic package:
- Refresh package £16 per day versus paying £3.00–£4.20 per soft drink. If kids have 5 or more soft drinks daily, the package saves money.

Menus can be checked pre-cruise via the P&O website and inside your My P&O booking pages. Once onboard, you’ll find menus at bars, the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants. In 2026 P&O also offer digital menus accessible via the ship’s Wi‑Fi and QR codes at tables, which list the most current prices and seasonal cocktail specials.

Item	Typical Price (£)
Espresso Martini	£8.50
Margarita (classic)	£8.00
House Chardonnay (175ml)	£7.00
Prosecco (125ml)	£6.50
Peroni (330ml)	£4.20

Should you pre-book a drinks package or wait to buy onboard?

Pre-booking a drinks package before you sail is usually the most cost-effective route if you’re reasonably confident you’ll be a frequent drinker. P&O frequently offers reduced pre-cruise rates and flash discounts in the weeks before departure. Booking through My P&O secures the package at that price regardless of onboard changes.

However, if you expect to drink very little — perhaps just the odd glass of wine with an evening meal — pay-as-you-go will often be cheaper. Another approach is to pre-book for part of the cruise (if P&O offers day-specific options) or buy the package after a day or two onboard: some guests gauge their onboard drinking habits first and then upgrade, though note packages can only be bought for everyone in the same cabin on some fare types — check the small print in 2026.

How package rules work — important small print

Common rules to watch for on P&O Iona in 2026:

• Packages are per person and non-transferable between guests.
• Alcoholic packages require all adults in a booking (or cabin) sometimes to purchase the package — check promotion terms.
• Package prices usually include soft drinks, tea and coffee unless buying the softs-only plan.
• Some high-end wines and top-shelf spirits are excluded, and there’s often a per-glass wine value limit.
• Room service charges may or may not be included in your package — in 2026 many room service drink orders are included, but speciality or premium items may be extra.

Always read the terms on your My P&O booking screen; exceptions and promotions are common.

P&O operate a responsible service of alcohol policy. If you’re intoxicated, staff will refuse service. There are also restrictions when the ship is in port — local laws can mean reduced service or modified operating hours. Tipping or service charges for packages are sometimes automatically applied to drinks purchased a la carte; package prices typically display inclusive pricing but check if service charges or gratuities are added.

Comparing P&O Iona with Cunard and Marella (2026)

• Cunard: More formal, tends to have higher a la carte prices for cocktails and wines in speciality restaurants. Cunard’s drink packages in 2026 are usually slightly higher than P&O (e.g. Premium-style package from around £40–£45pp/day) but include certain cellar favourites in higher tiers.
• Marella: Marketed as a more inclusive, value-orientated brand. Marella’s Premier Drinks options in 2026 typically run from roughly £35–£40pp/day for comparable coverage, and they sometimes include a better range of included wines at table service meals.

If you value formal dining and high-end wine selections, Cunard may cost more but offers a different onboard feel. For everyday cabin and bar consumption, P&O Iona tends to be competitively priced for UK cruisers.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>P&O Iona (official, checked 1 Nov 2026)</th><th>Cunard (estimate)</th><th>Marella (estimate)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Main alcoholic package (pp/day)</td><td>£55 (Classic)</td><td>£45</td><td>£40</td></tr><tr><td>Softs package (pp/day)</td><td>£16 (Refresh)</td><td>£15</td><td>£13</td></tr><tr><td>Typical cocktail price</td><td>£8.50–£9.50</td><td>£9–£11</td><td>£7–£9</td></tr><tr><td>Pre-book discounts</td><td>Often available</td><td>Occasional</td><td>Often available</td></tr></tbody></table>

Value judgement — which line to choose based on drinking habits

If you’re deciding a cruise line mainly on drinks value:

• Choose P&O Iona if you want a modern ship with competitive package prices and lively bars.
• Choose Cunard if you prioritise fine wines and a more formal drinking/dining culture and don’t mind paying a premium.
• Choose Marella for balanced value and occasionally better soft-drink coverage for families.

Remember to factor in what you’re likely to drink daily. If wine lovers will regularly order mid-range bottles at dinner, Cunard’s more curated wine list might be appealing despite higher prices.

P&O offers a children’s or non-alcoholic drinks package that’s ideal for families in 2026. P&O lists the Refresh soft drinks package at £16 per day (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026); check My P&O Cruises for any child pricing. Some family promotions bundle kids’ packages at a reduced price when adults purchase the Classic package; always check the My P&O booking offers page for bundle deals.

1. Pre-book packages via My P&O to take advantage of early-bird discounts.
2. Share bottles of wine at dinner — a bottle for two can be cheaper than two glasses.
3. Use soft-drink refills in self-serve locations if available on your sailing.
4. Check for promotions like 2-for-1 cocktails at certain bars and times.
5. Buy duty-free bottles in port for private consumption in cabin (where allowed by P&O policy).
6. Consider the non-alcoholic package for kids and designated drivers to cut costs.
7. Compare per-day package cost to expected consumption using sample prices above.
8. Join P&O’s loyalty programme for occasional onboard discounts and offers.

How gratuities and service charges affect pricing

In 2026 P&O generally includes service charges in the advertised drinks prices, but voluntary gratuities for excellent service are accepted and appreciated. If you purchase a drinks package, double-check whether any additional service charge or daily gratuity is applied on top of the package price — in most cases, the package price is all-inclusive of standard service. When paying a la carte, expect to see a discretionary service charge added to your bill in main dining rooms or speciality restaurants.

A drinks package isn’t for every guest. If you’re on a short cruise (2–3 nights) or you rarely drink alcohol, paying as you go will almost always be cheaper. Likewise, if you prefer premium top-shelf spirits and boutique wines, you’ll likely pay significant extras even with a package. Use the sample prices and the example bill scenarios above to work out the tipping point for your own drinking habits.

Where the Classic Drinks Package pays off most

The package pays off particularly well if you intend to:

• Enjoy cocktails at the Sky Bar or pool bars daily.
• Order wine by the glass at dinner or share a bottle between two.
• Take advantage of bar happy hours and frequent bar service between shows.

If you’re the kind of cruiser who enjoys a pre-dinner cocktail, a glass of wine with dinner and a beer or two on port days, the package is a strong financial win.

• Premium or rare wines above the per-glass limit
• Large format bottles (magnums)
• Some wines by the bottle in speciality restaurants
• Certain limited-edition cocktails
• Drinks served during shore excursions or third-party venues
• Mini-bar items in cabin (unless specified)

Practical buying steps — how to add or remove a package

How to add a package:

1. Log in to My P&O and locate your booking.
2. Select Extras or Drinks & Dining and choose the package you want.
3. Complete the payment securely online — you’ll receive confirmation and the package is linked to your sailing.

How to remove or cancel:

• Cancellation policies vary; early cancellations often get a full refund, while last-minute changes may be penalised. Check the date-specific terms on the package page (in 2026 P&O typically allows cancellations up to a set number of days before sailing).
• If you change your mind onboard, you may be able to downgrade or buy-as-you-go, but refunds for unused days are uncommon.

If you choose to buy a package once onboard, you may be offered a slightly higher price than pre-cruise rates. Sometimes there are last-minute promotional upgrades — for example, upgrade to a package with higher wine limits for a fixed fee. Speak to Guest Services early in the cruise for the best chance of favourable onboard deals.

Room service and included drinks

P&O Iona’s room service policies in 2026 typically include standard hot drinks as part of the package. Alcohol delivered via room service may be covered depending on the terms you purchase; some premium bottles ordered to the cabin will be charged separately. If you plan to enjoy drinks in your room, check the package terms or ask Guest Services to avoid unexpected charges.

Scenario	Pay-as-you-go (£)	Classic Package, 7 nights at £55/day (£)
Light drinker (1 drink/day)	~£30	£385
Moderate (2 drinks/day)	~£84	£385
Heavy (3+ drinks/day)	~£180+	£385

Speciality bars and signature drinks on Iona

Iona features a number of speciality bars where you’ll find signature cocktails and themed drink experiences. In 2026 these include:

• Sky Bar: great for sunset cocktails — expect signature drinks approximately £9–£11.
• V&A Gallery Bar: stylish serve of premium wines and classic cocktails.
• Pool Bars: typically lower-cost options ideal for family-friendly mocktails.

Signature cocktails may be excluded from the base package or count toward a premium limit; check current menus.

If you plan to purchase alcohol in port, remember P&O’s policies about bringing alcohol back to the ship. Generally, duty-free purchases made ashore can be brought onboard, but consumption rules may vary and some lines ask you to declare purchases. Buying duty-free can be a good way to secure favourite spirits at lower prices than onboard retail, but compare total costs including any local taxes.

Using loyalty status to save

P&O’s loyalty scheme sometimes offers package discounts, onboard credits or bar promotions for frequent cruisers. If you have status through P&O, make sure your details are attached to your booking and check for exclusive offers in the months before sailing.

On embarkation, we suggest asking Guest Services the following to avoid surprises:

• Is my pre-booked drinks package confirmed and active?
• Are there any current onboard package promotions?
• Which drinks are excluded from my package?
• Are room service drink orders included?
• Does the non-alcoholic package cover speciality mocktails?

Having these answers early saves hassle and unexpected bills.

Real passenger examples from 2026 sailings

Families often bought the non-alcoholic package for kids and one adult bought the Classic package for two adults; couples often split spending by pre-booking and sharing bottles of wine. These real-world examples underline the value of flexibility: if you’re undecided, wait until you’re onboard but be ready to buy early if you fall into a higher-consumption pattern.

• Log into My P&O and compare package prices
• Check for pre-cruise discounts via email
• Note beverage limits and exclusions
• Plan drinks budget per day per person
• Bring copies of any duty-free receipts if buying in port
• Add loyalty membership number to your booking

FAQ: Can children have the drinks package?

Yes — P&O offers the Refresh soft drinks package at £16 per day and the Alcohol-free package at £29 (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). This includes soft drinks, mocktails and speciality coffees where applicable. Alcoholic packages are restricted to guests aged 18 and over.

FAQ: Is coffee included in packages?

Standard tea and coffee are normally included in the Classic Drinks Package. Specialty coffees (e.g. barista-made lattes or cold brews) are usually included in the soft-drinks or premium packages but check your package terms for any exclusions.

FAQ: Are drinks included during shore excursions?

Drinks provided as part of official P&O shore excursions (e.g. included lunch drinks) are covered by excursion terms. Drinks purchased during independent shore excursions are usually not included in your onboard package and will be charged locally.

FAQ: Can you split a drinks package in a cabin?

Package policies differ by promotion — commonly, packages are per person and cannot be shared between passengers. Some promotions require that all adults in a cabin purchase the package; check the My P&O terms for your booking in 2026.

FAQ: Are happy hour offers stackable with a package?

If you have the Classic Drinks Package, you typically won’t need happy hour discounts for covered drinks. Happy hour promotions usually apply to a la carte purchases and cannot be stacked with package inclusions. However, promotions on premium bottles or speciality items may still apply.

Menus indicate price and may flag premium items. If a wine is above the package’s per-glass value limit or a cocktail is a signature/premium creation, the menu will show its price and often a note about package exclusion. Ask bar staff or Guest Services if in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Classic Drinks Package cost on P&O Iona in 2026?

The Classic Drinks Package costs £55 per person per day on 5–14 night cruises and £50 on cruises of 15 nights or more; the top-tier Deluxe package is £65 / £60 (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). Always check your My P&O booking for the exact price for your sailing.

What does the Iona drinks package include?

The Classic Drinks Package usually includes standard cocktails, draught and bottled beers, house wines by the glass up to a value limit, spirits with mixers, soft drinks, juices and tea/coffee. Premium wines and top-shelf spirits are often excluded or limited. Terms can vary by promotion in 2026, so check the package inclusions on your booking.

Is pre-booking a drinks package cheaper than buying onboard?

Generally yes — P&O commonly offers pre-cruise discounts on drinks packages via My P&O. Pre-booking not only secures a lower price but also avoids onboard price increases. However, last-minute onboard promotions can occasionally be competitive; if you’re unsure, pre-book for peace of mind and a discount.

Are non-alcoholic drinks packages available for children?

Yes. P&O offers a Refresh soft drinks package at £16 per person per day and an Alcohol-free package (mocktails, Costa coffees and softs) at £29 (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). This package covers soft drinks, mocktails, juices and speciality coffees where applicable.

Does the drinks package cover room service and minibar?

Policies differ and may change by promotion. In 2026 many standard room-service drinks are included but premium mini-bar items and special deliveries of premium bottles are usually charged extra. Check the package terms on your My P&O booking or ask Guest Services at embarkation.

Can I gift a drinks package to someone on board?

Some lines allow guests to buy packages for other guests provided payment is handled through the booking. P&O’s policy in 2026 generally allows purchase for named guests in the same or linked booking; contact Guest Services for specific gifting arrangements.

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