One of the most common questions people ask before booking a cruise is simple but important: how much will drinks cost onboard? If you’re sailing with P&O Cruises, you’ve probably noticed that beverages aren’t included in the base fare, which naturally leads to the next question — should you buy a beverage package, and how much is it really going to cost you?
This guide breaks everything down clearly and honestly. We’ll look at current beverage package pricing, what’s included, what’s excluded, how it compares to buying drinks individually, and whether it’s worth the money depending on your cruising style. Whether you’re a casual soda drinker, a wine-with-dinner person, or someone who enjoys cocktails by the pool, this article will help you make the right choice.
P&O Cruises does things a little differently from some other cruise lines. Rather than offering one all-inclusive drinks package, they provide a limited selection of beverage packages, primarily focused on soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are typically paid for individually unless included as part of a promotional fare.
This approach gives guests flexibility but also means you need to plan ahead to avoid unexpected onboard spending.
P&O Cruises generally offers two main beverage package options, although availability may vary depending on ship, itinerary, and sailing date.
This is the most widely available and consistently offered beverage package.
An expanded version of the soft drinks package, including additional non-alcoholic options such as specialty coffees and bottled water.
Unlike some cruise lines, P&O does not offer a standard unlimited alcohol package for general purchase.
The Soft Drinks Package typically costs:
£9.99 per person, per day
This package is available for both adults and children and must usually be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise.
The package usually covers:
Fountain soft drinks (cola, lemonade, etc.)
Tonic water and soda water
Fruit juices (from the bar or restaurant)
Squash and cordials
Drinks can be ordered at bars, restaurants, and poolside venues, making it convenient throughout the ship.
Bottled water
Specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos)
Mocktails
Smoothies
Energy drinks
Alcoholic beverages
The Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package costs approximately:
£19.99 per person, per day
This package is designed for guests who want more variety beyond standard sodas.
In addition to everything in the Soft Drinks Package, it typically includes:
Bottled still and sparkling water
Specialty coffees from onboard cafés
Hot chocolate and premium teas
Mocktails
Smoothies
Energy drinks
This package is particularly popular with guests who enjoy coffee throughout the day or prefer bottled water rather than fountain drinks.
In most cases, P&O Cruises does not sell an unlimited alcoholic drinks package to the general public. However, alcohol may be included under specific circumstances:
Occasionally, P&O Cruises offers fares that include:
Selected alcoholic drinks with meals
A set daily drinks allowance
Onboard spending credit that can be used toward drinks
These promotions vary by sailing and are usually time-limited.
Some fare types include beer, wine, and soft drinks with evening meals in main dining rooms. This does not extend to bars, lounges, or pool areas.
If you choose not to purchase a beverage package, drinks are charged individually. While prices can change, here’s a general idea of what you might pay onboard:
Soft drinks: £2.50–£3.50
Bottled water: £2.00–£2.75
Beer: £5.50–£6.50
Wine (by the glass): £6.50–£8.50
Cocktails: £7.50–£10.00
Specialty coffee: £2.75–£3.50
A discretionary service charge is usually added to drinks purchases.
Whether a beverage package is worth it depends entirely on your drinking habits.
The £9.99 soft drinks package can be good value if:
You drink 4–5 soft drinks per day
You’re traveling with children or teenagers
You prefer not to worry about individual charges
If you only drink the occasional soda, paying per drink may be cheaper.
The £19.99 package offers solid value if:
You drink multiple specialty coffees daily
You rely on bottled water throughout the day
You enjoy smoothies or mocktails
You prefer convenience and predictable spending
Many guests find that just two coffees, a smoothie, and bottled water per day can justify the cost.
Let’s look at an example.
£9.99 × 7 days = £69.93 per person
£19.99 × 7 days = £139.93 per person
For couples, that adds up quickly — but so can individual drink purchases if you’re not careful.
Children can purchase the soft drinks package, and it’s often a popular choice for families.
Benefits include:
No constant signing for drinks
Better control over spending
Easier budgeting before the cruise
Teenagers who enjoy mocktails and smoothies may benefit more from the non-alcoholic package.
Before purchasing, it’s important to understand the rules.
Packages must usually be purchased for the full cruise length
Everyone in the same cabin may be required to purchase the same package
Drinks cannot be shared
Packages are for personal use only
Unused days are non-refundable
Breaking these rules can result in package cancellation without refund.
P&O Cruises allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as bottled water or soft drinks, subject to size and quantity limits.
Alcohol brought onboard is typically stored and returned at the end of the cruise.
This policy can influence whether a beverage package makes sense for you.
Some fares include onboard spending credit, which can be used toward drinks.
If you have:
£100 or more in onboard credit
Light to moderate drinking habits
…it may be better to skip the package and pay as you go.
Compared to cruise lines with expensive all-inclusive alcohol packages, P&O Cruises can be more affordable for:
Non-drinkers
Light drinkers
Families
Guests who mainly drink with meals
However, heavy drinkers may find better value on lines with unlimited alcohol packages.
Here are some practical ways to reduce your onboard drink spending:
Drink water with meals (included)
Take advantage of drinks-included dinner offers
Bring allowed non-alcoholic drinks onboard
Use onboard credit strategically
Stick to happy hour or promotional pricing
So, how much is a beverage package on P&O Cruises? The answer depends on what you want to drink:
Soft Drinks Package: ~£9.99 per person, per day
Non-Alcoholic Package: ~£19.99 per person, per day
Alcoholic Packages: Generally not available for general purchase
P&O’s approach rewards guests who drink moderately and prefer flexibility over all-inclusive pricing. For many travelers, especially families and casual drinkers, the beverage packages offer convenience and predictable costs without forcing you to overpay for alcohol you won’t consume.
The key is knowing your habits. If you enjoy multiple soft drinks, coffees, or bottled water every day, a beverage package can absolutely make sense. If not, paying as you go may leave more money in your pocket for excursions, spa treatments, or another cruise altogether.
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