Is the P&O Cruises Drinks Package Worth It in 2026? The Complete UK Guide
Cruise Advisor planning guide. Verify changing prices, policies and itineraries with the relevant provider before booking.
If you’re eyeing up a P&O Cruises holiday and wondering whether the drinks package is worth it in 2026, you’re in the right place. Below I’ll break down the latest P&O packages, typical prices in pounds, what’s included, the fine print, and the exact break-even maths. I’ll also compare P&O to other cruise lines and share hard-won, real-world tips from British cruisers sailing from Southampton and beyond.
For most UK cruisers in 2026, the P&O drinks package is worth it if you typically drink at least 5–7 alcoholic beverages (or a mix of beers, wines, cocktails and speciality coffees/soft drinks) on sea days and 3–4 on port days. P&O’s lack of automatic gratuity on bar bills improves the value versus US lines. Light drinkers or port-heavy itineraries often do better paying as you go or choosing the Alcohol-free/Refresh packages instead.
P&O simplified and refreshed its packages in recent years, and by early 2026 most sailings offer a tiered line-up that covers everything from soft drinks to premium spirits and cocktails. While exact inclusions and prices can vary slightly by ship and sailing, this is the current picture you’ll typically see on the Cruise Personaliser and once onboard.
Packages with alcohol include a per-drink price cap (Classic typically around £7; Deluxe typically around £10). If you pick something above the cap, you’ll usually pay only the difference or receive a discount (commonly around 20%)—check your sailing’s exact terms. P&O typically has a maximum alcoholic drinks limit per day (often around 15), and staff may refuse service if you appear intoxicated. Importantly for value, P&O bar prices already include service—there’s no automatic 15–20% gratuity added to each drink, which makes the maths kinder than on US lines.
Let’s make it crystal-clear what your package generally covers in 2026 and what it doesn’t. This avoids surprises at the bar.
Official sources
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