PO Cruise Drinks Package: Everything You Need to Know

Surprising fact: more than one in three holidaymakers find a pre-booked drinks option saves money on voyages of five nights or more.

This concise guide explains the four UK tiers for drink package from P&O Cruises, Refresh, Alcohol-free, Classic and Deluxe, and shows where the real value sits for different guests.

The article sets out day rates (book-before versus onboard), common rules such as the 15-drink daily cap, one-at-a-time orders with a 15-minute gap, and the 6am reset. It also flags cabin rules that normally require all eligible adults in the same room to choose the same option.

We also cover exclusions like minibar and room service, family benefits when adults buy higher tiers, and quick tips on how to weigh sea-day consumption against shore-day savings at the bar.

Key Takeaways

• You’ll learn what each of the four UK tiers includes and who benefits most.
• Book-before prices often beat onboard rates for longer sailings.
• Usage rules limit daily pours, so check habits before you buy.
• All adults in a cabin usually must select the same option, plan costs together.
• Children can qualify for Refresh at no extra cost when adults buy Classic or Deluxe.

At-a-glance guide to P&O Cruises drinks packages in the UK

This rapid breakdown shows what each tier covers and the typical UK cost per day.

Refresh (Refresh drinks package): draught softs, juices and cordials. Ideal for casual poolside sipping. Price: £14.45 per person, per day.

Alcohol-free: everything in Refresh plus selected Costa Coffee, teapigs, mocktails and mixers. Price: £26.95 per person, per day.

Classic: adds selected wines, beers, spirits and classic cocktails, with a 20% discount on excluded premium items. Price: £48.85 per person, per day.

Deluxe (deluxe drinks package): premium wines, spirits, craft beers, wider cocktail list and the full Costa range, plus the same 20% discount on excluded items. Price: £60.50 per person, per day.

Book-before prices usually lower the overall cost, especially on longer sailings. Choose by thinking about your routine, morning coffee, pool softs, pre-dinner cocktails and wine with meals will quickly show which option gives you the best value.

Quick note: headline rules such as daily limits and one-drink-at-a-time apply across all packages. Use this short guide to compare price and inclusions before you decide.

Refresh drinks package: what’s included and who it’s for

This section outlines the Refresh offering, its main inclusions and when it represents good value.

What the package includes

Soft drinks, juices, cordials and water

Refresh covers draught soft drinks such as Pepsi, Pepsi Max and R. White’s Lemonade, small glasses of juice and fruit cordial. Still and sparkling water is widely available around the ship, though exact availability can vary by venue.

Current UK rates and value

UK example pricing is £14.45, per person, per day. As the lowest-cost option, it often suits families and budget-conscious groups.

Best suited to

Families, teens and non-alcoholic drink fans

This tier is handy if you mainly want soft drinks and juices rather than coffees or mocktails. On many sailings, if adults choose Classic or Deluxe, children in the same cabin receive Refresh at no extra cost, check the age rules for your itinerary.

Alcohol-free drinks package: coffee, mocktails and more

The Alcohol-free option extends the Refresh list so you can enjoy barista-style coffees, teapigs tea and mocktails without buying each item separately. It keeps soft drinks and juices from Refresh but adds bottled juices, mixers and sugar-free sodas for extra choice throughout the day.

Included beverages

Included P&O items cover selected Costa Coffee beverages (usually smaller sizes), teapigs tea, fountain soft drinks and bottled juices. Non-alcoholic cocktails are served to adults (18+) and bottled water options vary by ship.

Price per person, per day

UK example rates are £26.95, per person, per day. Booking ahead typically saves money on longer sailings.

Who benefits most

This tier suits early risers grabbing multiple coffees, tea lovers and families seeking a wider non-alcoholic menu. If your typical day includes two to three speciality coffees plus softs, the maths often favours this choice over buying à la carte.

Tip: if you later want alcohol, compare the upgrade cost to Classic rather than mixing single alcoholic purchases with Alcohol-free.

Classic drinks package: wines, beers, spirits and selected cocktails

The Classic level adds everyday alcoholic choice to the non-alcoholic benefits you already get. It is aimed at guests who want a measured selection of alcoholic pours without moving to the premium tier.

What’s covered: house wines, beers, spirits and classic cocktails

The Classic option includes everything in Alcohol-free plus selected 175 ml glasses of wine such as Pinot Grigio, Rioja and Malbec. It also covers mainstream beers and ciders like Birra Moretti and Heineken.

Spirits are served as 25 ml measures and include familiar names such as Marabelle Gin and Golden Tide Rum. Selected classic cocktails, Piña Colada and Mai Tai, are part of the offering, and Prosecco is available in 125 ml pours.

Pricing and the 20% discount on excluded drinks

UK example pricing is £48.85, per person, per day. A 20% discount applies to excluded premium items such as Champagne, craft beers and certain top-shelf wines and spirits.

When the Classic drinks package makes sense

This option suits travellers who enjoy a beer by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner and a single cocktail at night. It keeps soft drinks and coffees covered, so daytime hydration and speciality hot drinks remain included p&o benefits.

If you favour premium pours or craft cocktails often, upgrade to Deluxe may deliver better value. For families, adults on Classic often trigger complimentary Refresh for kids on eligible sailings, boosting overall value.

Deluxe drinks package: premium spirits, cocktails and specialty coffees

For guests who favour top-shelf pours and crafted cocktails, the Deluxe tier delivers a broader, premium selection across ship bars and lounges.

What the package includes

This level builds on Classic and adds premium spirits (often served as 50 ml pours), bartender-crafted cocktails and an expanded wine list with larger pours such as 250 ml options.

Expect popular craft beers like St Austell Tribute and Okell’s IPA, plus the full Costa Coffee range including frappés and fruit coolers. The package includes the same 20% discount on excluded premium bottles and Champagne.

Per person, per day pricing in the UK

UK example price: £60.50, per person, per day. Booking ahead usually gives better value on longer itineraries.

Deluxe value for frequent drinkers and cocktail lovers

Deluxe drinks suit guests who order premium cocktails, larger spirit pours and speciality coffees regularly. If you spend more time on sea days or favour crafted beverages, this selection often pays off.

If you mostly have a beer by the pool and a glass of wine with dinner, Classic may be the smarter, lower-cost option. Always check menus on your ship; availability varies across p&o cruises.

P&O drinks packages prices at a glance

Knowing the advance versus onboard cost per day makes choosing a tier much easier.

Book-before-your-holiday vs onboard prices

Save by booking before you sail: UK example prices are lower across all tiers when purchased in advance. That upfront saving often adds up on longer sailings and for multiple adults in a cabin.

Per person, per day costs by package

Refresh: £14.45 - covers soft drinks, juices and cordials. Ideal for light users and children who need basic refreshment.

Alcohol-free: £26.95 - adds selected Costa coffee, teapigs tea, mocktails and bottled mixers for more variety.

Classic: £48.85 - adds selected wines, beers, spirits and classic drinks, plus a 20% discount on excluded premium items.

Deluxe: £60.50 - premium spirits, craft beers, wider wines and the full Costa range, with a 20% discount on excluded items.

All prices are per person, per day. Total cost rises with cruise length and the number of eligible adults in your cabin. Think about where you’ll spend time, bars, lounges and pool decks, or days ashore when usage is lower.

Tip: check your sailing for the latest price and any promotional windows that might cut the cost further for p&o drinks packages.

Is the po cruise drinks package worth it?

The best way to judge value is to compare your usual daily orders with the per day fee. Tally coffees, softs, wines, beers, cocktails and spirits you expect to buy. This quick sum shows if an all‑in option saves money.

Break-even maths: how many drinks per day justify the cost

Start with the package price and add up typical pour costs. Onboard prices are often similar to a UK pub and there is no automatic gratuity on drink bills, so pay‑as‑you‑go can be cheaper for light users.

Sea days vs shore days: how your itinerary affects value

Sea days push value up because you stay onboard and order more. Port‑heavy trips reduce consumption and often lower the package's worth.

Light drinkers vs frequent drinkers: choosing the right option

Non‑alcoholic drinks buyers who enjoy multiple speciality coffees or mocktails may find the Alcohol‑free tier useful. Classic suits those who have several alcoholic drinks daily.

Practical tips: consider mixing strategies, factor cabin rules on everyone taking the same option and reassess after day one if usage is lower than expected.

Rules, limits and exclusions to know before you buy

Understanding service limits and exclusions helps avoid surprises at the bar. Below are the key rules that affect value and daily use.

Daily caps and order spacing

There’s a firm daily ceiling of 15 drinks per guest, which resets at 6am. Orders must be spaced at least 15 minutes apart.

One-drink policy and no sharing

P&O enforces a one-drink-at-a-time rule and a strict no-sharing policy. Staff may clear a glass before serving the next drink.

Cabin and age requirements

All eligible adults in the same cabin usually need the same packages. Note legal age changes: 21+ applies if a sailing visits USA or UAE waters; otherwise 18+.

What’s not included in PO Cruise Drinks Package

Minibar and room service are charged separately. Classic and Deluxe guests receive a 20% discount on excluded premium items such as some Champagne and craft beers.

Tip: packages are sold on voyages of five nights or more and normally must be purchased by midnight on day two for the remaining days. Carry ID; bars will check age and entitlement at service points.

Families on P&O Cruises: included Refresh drinks and age rules

Families can often pick up clear savings when adults buy Classic or Deluxe. On many UK sailings, children in the same cabin receive the refresh drinks package at no extra cost. This inclusion covers fountain soft drinks and juices, handy for pool time and mealtimes.

Kids’ value: complimentary Refresh drinks with Classic or Deluxe

Included P&O benefits mean youngsters may enjoy free Refresh throughout day without extra spend. That makes the overall cost per family lower, especially when adults use the Classic level for wine and cocktails.

Age restrictions: UK sailings vs USA/UAE waters

Eligibility rules vary. On most UK, European and Asian itineraries, alcoholic packages are for 18+. If the ship visits USA or UAE waters, the age limit rises to 21+, which can affect guests mid‑itinerary.

Check your booking for the exact child cut‑off; some notices show 16 and under, others 17 and under. If you travel with a 17‑year‑old, confirm whether they must take Refresh or Alcohol‑free when adults choose Classic or Deluxe.

Practical tip: families who spend many port days may gain less from adult alcohol tiers, yet still value the covered soft drinks for kids. Bring refillable bottles for water and reassess package choices before the day two deadline if you have not bought one.

Alternatives and add-ons: wine packages, beer vouchers and bringing your own

If you prefer targeted savings, combining a curated wine selection or a beer voucher book with a lighter onboard option often beats a full all‑in option for value. Below are common choices to consider after embarkation.

Captain’s and Commodore’s wine collections

Choose six or 12 bottles from a curated list and save about 15% versus the onboard wine list. The selected wines are stored by the ship and served on request at dinner or in restaurants.

If you mainly drink wine with meals, these collections can deliver better overall value than buying an alcoholic drinks plan every day. They suit couples or small groups who favour bottles over single pours.

Draught beer voucher books

Some vessels sell voucher books, typically 10 or 20 pints, with savings close to 15% compared with bar prices. Availability varies and these offers are usually onboard‑only.

Beer vouchers work well for groups who expect regular bar visits but do not need a full drinks cover. Check for availability after boarding.

Bringing alcohol onboard and duty considerations

Guests may bring a limited amount of alcohol at embarkation (often 1 litre per person). Any bottles bought ashore during the voyage are normally held and returned at the end of the sailing.

Remember UK customs allowances on return to avoid unexpected duty. For many, pairing an Alcohol‑free option with a wine collection for dinners keeps costs down while preserving choice. Coffee lovers can still enjoy specialty coffees on Deluxe, or buy them as needed and mix with a wine or beer add‑on for tailored value.

Conclusion

Your routine should guide the choice. Morning coffee, poolside softs and evening wine determine value more than labels. If you favour premium cocktails and top-shelf spirits, the deluxe drinks package often pays off. For steady, everyday pours and wine with meals, the classic drinks package is the sensible pick.

Book-before pricing in the UK is usually cheaper than buying onboard, and these options apply on sailings of five nights or more. Remember the rules: a 15-drink daily cap, one drink at a time with 15 minutes between orders, and cabin adults usually on the same selection.

Families gain value when adults choose Classic or Deluxe and children receive Refresh free. Tally what you’ll actually order per person, per day to find your break-even and pick the best fit.