P&O Cruises drinks packages explained: Prices, inclusions & is it worth it?

Last updated: 17/04/2026

Drinks packages can sometimes feel a little confusing when you’re planning a cruise - especially when you’re trying to work out what’s included, how they work and whether they’re actually worth it. 

P&O Cruises isn’t an all-inclusive cruise line, but it does offer a range of drinks packages designed to give you more flexibility and help you tailor your holiday to suit you. There are four options to choose from, each offering something slightly different depending on how you like to spend your time onboard. 

Available on cruises of five nights or more, these packages can be used across restaurants, bars and cafés throughout the ship. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know, from what’s included and how they work to whether one is the right choice for your cruise. 

P&O Cruises keeps things fairly straightforward with its drinks packages, offering a small selection to suit different preferences. 

There are four main P&O Cruises drinks packages to choose from, each offering something slightly different: 

• The Refresh Drinks Package is a lighter option, typically covering soft drinks and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. It’s ideal if you’re not planning on drinking alcohol but still want a little extra included.
• The Alcohol-Free Drinks Package builds on this. It includes a wider range of soft drinks, mocktails and speciality coffees. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a variety of alcohol-free options throughout the day. 
• The Classic Drinks Package is where alcoholic drinks come into play. It covers a range of beers, wines and spirits up to a certain price point. It’s a good middle ground for guests who like a few drinks without going overboard.
• The Deluxe Drinks Package offers the most flexibility, with a higher per-drink price limit and a broader selection. It’s ideal if you enjoy premium brands or a wider choice of cocktails during your cruise.

Each package is designed to give you a different level of flexibility. So, it really comes down to how you like to spend your time onboard. That might be with a morning coffee, an afternoon soft drink or something a little stronger in the evening.

Drinks packages on P&O Cruises are priced per person, per night. This makes it easy to get a clear idea of the overall cost before you travel. Below is a guide to the current pricing: 

^{P&O drinks package prices last updated: 17/04/2026}

We’ll break down exactly what’s included in each package next, so you can see how they compare.

It’s worth noting that drinks packages must be purchased for the full duration of your cruise, rather than on selected days. Prices can also vary slightly depending on your sailing, so it’s always a good idea to double-check at the time of booking. 

While the upfront cost might seem like a lot at first glance, many guests find it helpful to think of it as a way to manage spending in advance. Especially if you’d prefer not to keep track of individual drink prices throughout your holiday. 

Each of P&O’s drinks packages includes a different range of beverages, so it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s covered. Below, you’ll find a simple comparison of what’s included in each P&O Cruises drinks package, followed by a little more detail on what you can expect from each package. 

• Soft drinks on tap, like Pepsi, Pepsi Max and lemonade 
• Small glasses of fruit juice, including orange, pineapple and apple 

Everything in the Refresh drinks package, plus:

• Bottled still or sparkling water 
• A selection of mixers, like tonic water, ginger ale and soda water 
• Bottled juices and soda, including Frobishers, J2O and Fentiman’s 
• Sugar-free soda options like 7UP
• Alcohol-free alternatives, including Heineken 0%, Tanqueray 0% and Torres 0%
• A selection of Costa Coffee and teapigs drinks 
• A range of non-alcoholic cocktails 

Everything in the Refresh drinks package, plus:

• A selection of cocktails, such as Piña Colada, Mai Tai and Cosmopolitan 
• A range of 25ml spirits, including Marabelle, Golden Tide, Smirnoff and Bell’s 
• Beers and ciders, like Birra Moretti, Heineken and John Smith’s 
• A selection of 175ml wines, like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Malbec 
• Selected dessert and fortified wines 
• 125ml glasses of prosecco 
• A 20% discount on drinks not included in the package 

Everything in the Classic drinks package, plus: 

• A wider selection of Costa Coffee and teapigs drinks 
• An extended range of cocktails, including Aperol Spritz, Sunset Cooler, Raspberry and Hazelnut Brûlée
• A broader choice of 50ml spirits, like Grey Goose, Salcombe Gin, The Tidal Rum and Johnnie Walker 
• Craft beers like St. Austell Brewery Tribute and Okell’s Triumph 
• A wider selection of 250ml wines, like Côtes de Provence Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Rioja 
• Perfect serves featuring Marabelle gin and Golden Tide rum 

As you can see, each package builds on the last. So the right choice will largely come down to how much variety you’re looking for and whether you plan to enjoy alcoholic drinks during your cruise. 

While P&O Cruises drinks packages cover a wide range of options, there are a few things that aren’t included. It’s worth being aware of these before you decide which package is right for you. 

Across all P&O Cruises drinks packages, the following are typically not included:

• Drinks from the mini bar or via room service
• Bottles of wine (only wine by the glass is included)
• Large bottles of water or certain premium bottled drinks 
• Drinks purchased in onboard shops or from vending machines
• Speciality or premium drinks above your package’s price limit
• Drinks served at private events or functions, such as weddings or cocktail receptions 

If you do order something that isn’t covered by your package, don’t worry - it’ll simply be added to your onboard account. On Classic and Deluxe packages, you’ll usually receive a 20% discount on drinks outside of your allowance.

It’s also worth noting that drinks packages are designed for use in bars, restaurants and lounges across the ship, rather than for in-cabin or retail purchases. 

Once you’ve chosen your drinks package, using it on board is very straightforward. But there are a few key things worth knowing before you go. 

So whenever you order a drink, you simply present it at the bar, restaurant or lounge. There’s no need to carry cash or keep track of individual prices; everything is handled as you go.

For packages that include alcohol, there is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person. For most guests, this is more than enough and rarely something you’ll need to think about. It’s worth noting that the packages are designed for responsible enjoyment rather than unlimited consumption. 

If your drink falls within that limit, it’s included in full. If it goes over, you’ll simply pay the difference. This is where the difference between Classic and Deluxe really comes into play, especially if you prefer premium brands or cocktails. 

They're for individual use only and can’t be shared with others. This is standard across most cruise lines and helps ensure the packages are used as intended. 

If you’re travelling with other adults, it’s important to know that all adults in the same cabin must purchase the same drinks package. Children and teenagers aren’t included in this rule; they can have their own (or no) package depending on what suits. 

Alcoholic drink packages are available only to guests aged 18 and over.  Non-alcoholic packages can be enjoyed by all ages. 

Drinks packages must be purchased for the full duration of your holiday. If you decide to buy one on board, you’ll pay for the remaining days of your sailing. 

Once you’re on board, it’s all designed to feel easy. You can order what you like, when you like, without constantly checking prices. The main things to keep in mind are the daily limit, the price cap, and that packages are per person. 

If you’re wondering whether a P&O Cruises drinks package is worth it, you’re not alone - it’s one of the most common questions guests ask before booking. And the honest answer is that it really depends on how you like to spend your time onboard. 

For some guests, a drinks package offers great value and peace of mind. For others, paying as you go can work out just as well. 

A simple way to think about it is how many drinks you’re likely to have each day.

• If you’re only planning on having two or three drinks a day, whether that’s a glass of wine with dinner or the occasional cocktail, it may be more cost-effective to pay as you go. 
• If you’re more likely to enjoy five or six drinks throughout the day, perhaps a coffee in the morning, a soft drink by the pool, and a couple of drinks in the evening, then a package can start to offer much better value.

Of course, this can vary depending on what you’re drinking, but it’s a helpful starting point. 

With pay-as-you-go, you’ll simply pay for each drink individually, which can work well if you’re only ordering occasionally. 

A drinks package, on the other hand, allows you to:

• Budget in advance
• Avoid keeping track of spending on board
• Enjoy a wider range of drinks without thinking too much about the cost 

For many guests, it’s less about saving money and more about convenience and peace of mind. 

It’s also worth thinking about your itinerary.

• On sea days, you’ll likely spend more time onboard, which means more opportunities to make the most of a drinks package 
• On port-heavy itineraries, where you’re off the ship most of the day, you may not use it as much 

Drinks packages are often a good fit for: 

• Guests who enjoy a variety of drinks throughout the day
• Those who like to have everything paid for in advance
• Anyone who prefers not to think about individual prices while on holiday 

They may be less suited to:

• Guests who drink very little alcohol
• Those who spend most of their time ashore 

A quick way to decide: If you like the idea of having a coffee, a soft drink and a few alcoholic drinks each day without thinking twice about the cost, a drinks package can be a great option. If you’re more of an occasional drinker, you may find that paying as you go offers better value. 

The good news is that P&O Cruises gives you the flexibility to choose. 

If you do decide to go for a drinks package, there are a few simple ways to make the most of it throughout your cruise. 

• Make the most of more than just alcoholic drinks: It’s easy to focus on cocktails and wine, but don’t forget what else is included. Speciality coffees, soft drinks, and bottled water can all add up over the course of the day, so using them can really help maximise value.
• Sea days are where it really comes into its own: You’ll likely get the most out of your drinks package on sea days, when you’re spending more time onboard. From a morning coffee to drinks by the pool and something in the evening, it’s much easier to make full use of it when you’re on the ship all day.
• Check what’s included before you order: Each package has a price limit per drink, so it’s worth having a quick look at menus to see what’s covered. That way, you can avoid any unexpected charges and make the most of what’s already included. 
• Stay hydrated throughout the day: It might sound simple, but regularly picking up bottled water or soft drinks can make a difference, especially in warmer destinations. It’s an easy way to get more value from your package without even thinking about it.
• Think about your plans for each day: If your itinerary is port-heavy, you may not use your package as much as you would on sea days. Keeping this in mind before you book can help you decide whether it’s the right option for your particular cruise.

If you’re unsure, it can help to think about how you’d typically spend a day at home or on holiday. If you’d naturally reach for a few drinks, coffees, or soft drinks throughout the day, chances are you’ll get good value from a package on board, too. 

There are a few different ways to book a drinks package, depending on what suits you best. 

• At the time of booking your cruise
• Through My P&O Cruises after you’ve booked (up to three days before departure, often with a small discount)
• By speaking to us, your chosen travel agent 
• Or onboard within the first two days of your holiday

Booking in advance is usually the simplest option, as everything is sorted before you travel - but there’s still flexibility if you prefer to decide once you’re onboard. 

Yes, you can. Drinks packages are available to purchase onboard, but only within the first two days of your cruise. It’s worth noting that if you wait until you’re onboard, you won’t receive the pre-cruise discount.

If one adult in a cabin buys an alcohol drinks package, the other adults sharing that cabin generally must buy the package as well. This helps ensure the package is used as intended. 

No, not if you’re adults sharing a cabin. The same drinks package must be purchased by guests aged 18 or over sharing a cabin. The exception is for children, who can have the Refresh drinks package independently of their parents. This can be purchased onboard. 

You’re free to do either. Many guests choose to pay as they go, while others prefer the ease of having a drinks package arranged in advance. It really comes down to what suits your holiday style.

Your drinks package is linked to your cruise card, which you’ll use to order drinks throughout your cruise. Simply present your card at the bar, restaurant or lounge when ordering. 

Yes, for packages that include alcohol, there is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person. For most guests, this is more than enough for a day onboard.

No, a selection of drinks, including water, tea and coffee, is already included in your cruise fare. A drinks package simply adds more choice, such as alcohol, soft drinks and speciality coffees.

Drinks packages can be used in bars, restaurants and lounges across the ship. However, they don’t usually apply to room service, mini-bar items, or drinks purchased in onboard shops. 

So, are P&O drinks packages worth it? For many guests, the answer is yes, but it really comes down to how you like to travel. 

If you enjoy a mix of drinks throughout the day, a package can quickly start to make sense. Not only can it offer good value, but it also means everything is taken care of in advance. So you can relax and enjoy your holiday without keeping an eye on every round. 

That said, if you’re more of an occasional drinker or expect to spend a lot of time exploring ashore, paying as you go may suit you just as well. 

Ultimately, it’s less about finding a one-size-fits-all answer and more about choosing what feels right for you. P&O Cruises gives you the flexibility to do exactly that, whether you prefer to plan ahead with a drinks package or simply decide as you go.