Cruises are often sold as all-inclusive escapes, but anyone who has cruised before knows that not everything comes wrapped up in the base fare. Drinks are one of the biggest extras, and they can add up fast. If you are sailing with P&O Cruises, you have probably come across their drink packages and wondered the same thing many cruisers do: is it actually worth buying one?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. Whether a P&O Cruises drink package is worth it depends on how you drink, who you are travelling with, how long your cruise is, and what kind of experience you want onboard. Some people swear by drink packages and would never cruise without one. Others feel they overpaid for drinks they never fully used.
In this guide, we are going to break everything down in detail. We will look at how P&O Cruises drink packages work, what is included and excluded, how much drinks cost without a package, and the type of cruiser who gets the most value from buying one. By the end, you should have a clear idea of whether a drink package makes sense for you.
P&O Cruises offers drink packages designed to simplify onboard spending and give guests more predictability in their holiday budget. Instead of paying for each drink individually, you pay a fixed daily price and enjoy a range of beverages throughout the cruise.
Unlike some cruise lines that offer one universal package, P&O Cruises provides different packages depending on the ship, itinerary, and sometimes the age of the guest. The most common options include packages focused on alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks for children or teens.
The key idea behind these packages is convenience. You do not have to worry about signing receipts or checking prices every time you order a drink. For many people, that feeling of freedom is a major part of the appeal.
While the exact details can vary, a standard P&O Cruises alcoholic drink package usually includes a wide selection of beverages up to a certain price limit per drink. This often covers:
• House spirits and a range of branded spirits• Wines by the glass within the package limit• Draught and bottled beers• Ciders• Selected cocktails• Liqueurs
Non-alcoholic options may include:
• Soft drinks and mixers• Mocktails• Fruit juices• Bottled water• Hot drinks such as specialty coffees and teas
It is important to note that drinks are typically limited to one per person per order, and packages are intended for personal use only. Sharing drinks is not allowed.
This is where many cruisers get caught out. Even with a drink package, not everything onboard is included. Premium or luxury drinks above the package price cap are excluded, and you will need to pay the difference if you order one of these.
Common exclusions often include:
• High-end or rare spirits• Premium wines and champagne• Certain specialty coffees or alcoholic coffees• Drinks purchased in souvenir glasses• Room service beverages
Understanding these exclusions is crucial, as they can affect how much value you actually get from the package.
To decide if a drink package is worth it, you need to have a rough idea of individual drink prices onboard. While prices can vary by ship and itinerary, they generally fall within predictable ranges.
A beer or cider might cost around the same as you would expect in a UK pub, sometimes slightly more. Wines by the glass are priced similarly to mid-range restaurant prices. Cocktails and spirits tend to be more expensive, especially when you factor in service charges.
If you enjoy cocktails, branded spirits, or wine with dinner, the cost can add up surprisingly quickly. On a sea day, when you might be enjoying drinks by the pool from late morning to evening, spending can climb even faster.
Most cruisers want to know the magic number. How many drinks per day do you need to have before the package pays for itself?
While the exact number depends on the package price and the drinks you choose, many people find that the break-even point is often around four to six alcoholic drinks per day. If you are also using the package for specialty coffees, bottled water, or soft drinks, that number can drop even further.
If you regularly enjoy a coffee in the morning, a soft drink by the pool, a couple of drinks in the afternoon, wine with dinner, and a cocktail in the evening, you may easily exceed the break-even point without even feeling like you are drinking heavily.
Certain types of cruisers tend to get excellent value from drink packages.
Social drinkers often come out ahead. If you enjoy a few drinks spread throughout the day and evening, the package can offer both savings and peace of mind.
Couples and groups travelling together may also find value, especially if everyone in the cabin has similar drinking habits. There is no awkward splitting of bills or tracking who ordered what.
People who like to try a variety of drinks often appreciate the freedom to experiment. You might try cocktails you would normally avoid because of the price, knowing they are already covered.
Cruisers who value budgeting certainty also benefit. Having most of your drinks prepaid makes it easier to relax and enjoy the holiday without worrying about a large bill at the end.
Not everyone will get good value from a drink package, and that is perfectly fine.
Light drinkers may struggle to reach the break-even point. If you only have the occasional glass of wine with dinner or a beer in the evening, paying per drink is likely cheaper.
Port-heavy itineraries can also reduce value. If you are off the ship most of the day exploring destinations, you may not have enough time onboard to make full use of the package.
People who prefer premium drinks may feel limited by the package price cap. If your go-to choices are high-end wines or top-shelf spirits, you may still end up paying extra on top of the package cost.
One often overlooked aspect is the mental side of cruising with or without a drink package.
With a package, many people feel more relaxed. There is no hesitation before ordering another drink, no second-guessing whether it is worth the cost, and no end-of-cruise sticker shock.
On the other hand, some cruisers feel pressured to drink more than they normally would in order to justify the cost. This can lead to overindulgence or simply not enjoying drinks as much because they feel like a calculation rather than a pleasure.
Knowing your own personality and habits plays a big role in deciding whether a package will enhance or detract from your cruise experience.
Drink Packages and Sea Days
Sea days are where drink packages really shine. With no ports to explore, you are likely to spend more time lounging, watching shows, attending activities, and socialising.
From poolside drinks to afternoon coffees and evening cocktails, consumption naturally increases. Many cruisers find that sea days alone justify the package, especially on longer itineraries with multiple days at sea.
If your cruise includes several consecutive sea days, the value of a drink package increases significantly.
The length of your cruise also matters.
On shorter cruises, especially those of two to four nights, people often drink more than usual. Celebratory vibes, limited time, and a party atmosphere can make drink packages particularly worthwhile.
On longer cruises, drinking habits may settle into a more relaxed routine. Some days you may drink more, others less. Over the full length of the cruise, value can still be there, but it depends on consistency.
For families, drink packages can be a mixed bag.
Adults may enjoy the convenience, while children and teens might benefit from soft drink packages if they enjoy fizzy drinks, juices, or mocktails. However, younger children often drink water, squash, or standard juices that may already be included or inexpensive.
It is worth carefully considering whether every member of the cabin truly needs a package, as rules often require all adults in a cabin to purchase the same alcoholic package.
P&O Cruises sometimes offers promotions where drink packages are discounted or bundled with other perks. Buying a package before you sail is usually cheaper than purchasing onboard.
If you see a good pre-cruise deal, it can tip the balance in favour of buying a package, even if you are borderline on value. Locking in a lower price reduces the risk of overpaying.
Drink packages come with rules, and it is important to be comfortable with them.
There may be daily limits on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order. Bars and venues may have slightly different menus for package holders. Packages typically start and end at specific times, such as not being active on the final morning of the cruise.
For most people, these restrictions are reasonable, but if you value total freedom, paying per drink may feel less limiting.
When you pay as you go, you have complete control. You only pay for what you consume, and there is no pressure to drink more than you want.
However, costs can creep up, especially if you are not tracking spending closely. A few drinks here and there can turn into a surprisingly high total by the end of the cruise.
Drink packages trade that control for predictability and convenience. Neither option is objectively better; it comes down to personal preference.
If you are still unsure, try this simple exercise.
Think about a typical sea day at home or on holiday. How many alcoholic drinks would you realistically have? Add in coffees, soft drinks, and bottled water. Multiply that by the average onboard prices. Then compare that total to the daily cost of the drink package.
Be honest with yourself. Do not base your decision on an idealised version of your holiday or on trying to get maximum value at all costs.
So, is it worth buying a drink package on P&O Cruises?
For many cruisers, the answer is yes. If you enjoy a range of drinks throughout the day, like the idea of prepaid convenience, and want to relax without watching every pound you spend, a drink package can significantly enhance your cruise experience.
For others, especially light drinkers or those who spend most of their time ashore, paying per drink makes more sense and can save money.
The key is understanding your own habits and expectations. A drink package is not about drinking more; it is about drinking without worry. If that sounds appealing to you, it may well be worth it.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Cruisebookinghub.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
