Definitive Guide to Drinks Packages on P&O Cruises 2025/2026

The Ultimate Guide to Drinks Packages on P&O Cruises 2025/2026

Updated September 2025

P&O Cruises Drinks Packages – Everything You Need to Know

P&O Cruises drinks packages explained – rules, prices, limits, how to buy, and whether they’re worth it. Find the best option for your next cruise.

A Guide to P&O Cruises Drinks Packages

Whether you’re a social drinker, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, prefer soft drinks, or can’t start the day without that extra-special coffee, there’s a P&O Cruises drinks package to suit your style. These packages are designed to help you save money onboard while enjoying your favourite tipples stress-free.

P&O Cruises currently offers four drinks packages: a Refresh package, Alcohol-Free package, Classic package and Deluxe package. Each option caters to different tastes and budgets, so whether you want unlimited soft drinks, barista coffee, cocktails, or premium wines and spirits, you’ll find a package that works for you.

All drinks packages are available on cruises of five nights or more, and can be used in every bar, café and restaurant onboard. This makes them a flexible and convenient way to enjoy your holiday exactly as you like it – without worrying about the bill at the end.

So, is a drinks package worth it on a P&O Cruise? Only you can decide based on how much you usually drink, but the good news is that you now have all the details to make an informed choice. Cheers! Mine’s a Cosmopolitan – what’s yours?

P&O Cruises Drinks Package Rules & Restrictions

Before deciding if a P&O Cruises drinks package is right for you, it’s worth knowing the key rules and restrictions:

• Available only on cruises of 5 nights or more

• All adults in the same cabin must choose the same package

• Daily cap of 15 alcoholic drinks (between 6am–6am) – unlimited soft drinks are included

• One drink every 15 minutes to prevent misuse

• Purchase window: Pre-cruise (up to 3 days before sailing) for 10% off, or onboard by the end of Day 2

• Excluded items: Mini-bar, room service, shop or vending machine drinks, large bottles of water, and some specialty beverages

Do You Have to Buy a Drinks Package on P&O Cruises?

Absolutely not! Drinks packages are optional extras. You can simply order drinks individually at any bar, restaurant or café, with the cost added to your onboard account. For light drinkers, this can sometimes be better value than a package.

Who Needs a Drinks Package?

A common question is: Can just one person in a cabin buy a drinks package, or can we share?

The rules are clear:

• All adults in the same cabin must purchase the same drinks package

• Children under 18 receive the Refresh package free of charge if the adults in their cabin purchase the Classic or Deluxe package

Is Tax Added to P&O Cruises Drinks Packages or Drinks?

Good news: the price you see is the price you pay. All drinks and drinks packages onboard P&O Cruises include taxes and gratuities. There are no hidden extras added at checkout.

How to Purchase a P&O Cruises Drinks Package (Pre-Cruise & Onboard)

Before You Sail

Log in to My P&O Cruises with your booking number and select your chosen drinks package. If you qualify for a loyalty discount, it will be applied automatically. Booking in advance also gives you 10% off the onboard price.

Onboard

You can purchase your package from any bar within the first two days of your holiday. Onboard spending money (if you have it) can be used, and any applicable loyalty benefits will be applied.

Activating Your Drinks Package

Once purchased, your cruise card will be stamped to show you have a drinks package. Waiters and bar staff will recognise this immediately, and your package will be activated straight away.Do You Have to Buy a Drinks Package on P&O Cruises?

Which Drinks Package is Worth It on P&O Cruises?

Whether a drinks package is worth it depends on your drinking habits. If you enjoy several coffees, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages each day, the packages usually work out cheaper than paying as you go. Families with children benefit most, as the Refresh package is included for under-16s when adults purchase Classic or Deluxe. However, if you only drink occasionally or prefer bringing a small allowance of wine on board, you may find it better value to pay individually.

Can you share a drinks package?

P&O Cruises clearly state that all adults in the same cabin must purchase the same drinks package - you cannot share or buy drinks for others. If the case of the Refresh Package, all children sharing a cabin must each have the drinks package individually.

Are bottles of wine included in any P&O Cruises Drinks Packages?

Whilst wines by the glass are included on both Classic and Deluxe drinks packages, neither package includes wines by the bottle. There is however two separate Wine Packages.

Can I buy bottles of wine on board P&O Cruise?

Bottles of wine are available to purchase onboard, but not included in the drinks packages. If you want to buy a bottle of wine at dinner, or in bars, the cost will be added to your cruise card. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate wine package.

What’s excluded from a drinks package?

P&O Cruises Drinks Packages Exclusions. Image: P&O Cruises

Exclusions are shown for each individual package below. However the table above shows what is excluded across ALL packages. This includes drinks from room service, mini-bar, duty-free, vending & shop items are not included in a drinks package.

P&O Cruises Drinks Packages Explained

Compare P&O Cruises Drinks Packages 2025/2026 – Refresh, Alcohol-Free, Classic & Deluxe. Prices, inclusions, exclusions & best value tips.

What’s Included in a P&O Cruises Package?

🚸🥤 Refresh Drinks Package (2025/2026)

The Refresh Package replaces the previous Children’s Drinks Package and is ideal for families as well as adults who prefer unlimited soft drinks.

Price: £14.45 per person, per day (£12.95 if purchased before sailing).

What’s included:

• Regular and Large Soft Drinks On Tap

• Glass of Juice & Squash

👉 Bonus: If adults in a cabin buy the Classic or Deluxe Package, children aged 16 and under receive the Refresh Package free of charge.

What’s excluded:

• Bottled water (500ml+, 750ml, 1.5L)

• Premium canned/bottled soft drinks, juices and smoothies

• Full Range of Costa Coffee (Small & Medium) & teapigs

  Non-Alcoholic Cocktails*

• Mini-bar, vending machines, room service

Restrictions:

• All children in the same cabin must purchase the package (no sharing allowed)

• Only available on cruises of 5 nights or more

• 1 drink per order, with a 15-minute wait between refills

• Not complimentary for guests aged 17 years

☕ Alcohol-Free Drinks Package (2025/2026)

The Alcohol-Free Package is an upgraded Non-Alcoholic Package, perfect for guests who don’t drink alcohol but still want variety and value.

Price: £26.95 per person, per day (£24.25 if purchased before sailing).

What’s included:

• Everything in the Refresh Package

• Water 330ml

• Mixers

• Bottled Juices & Soda

• Sugar-Free Soda

• Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Selected Costa Coffee (Small) & teapigs

• Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

What’s excluded:

• Larger bottled water (750ml / 1.5L)

• Medium/large Costa Coffees or hot chocolates

• Premium bottled or canned juices/smoothies

• Mini-bar, vending machines, room service

• Alcoholic beverages

Restrictions:

• All adults in the cabin must purchase (no sharing)

• 1 drink per order, 15-minute interval

• Only valid on cruises of 5 nights+

• Strictly non-refundable once purchased on board

🍷 Classic Drinks Package (2025/2026)

The Classic Package is the most popular choice, covering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Price: £48.85 per person, per day (£43.95 if purchased before sailing).

What’s included:

• Everything in the Alcohol-Free Package

• Selected beers, ciders and cocktails

• Wines by the glass (175ml)

• Prosecco (125ml)

• 25ml measures of spirits, including P&O’s exclusive Golden Tide Rum and Marabelle Gin

• Selected Dessert & Fortified Wines

• 20% discount on drinks not included in the package

What’s excluded:

• Full Range of Costa Coffee (Small & Medium) & teapigs

• Extended Range of Cocktails

• Extended Range of 50ml Spirits

• Extended Range of 250ml Wines

• Craft Beers

• Perfect Serves

Restrictions:

• Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package. Sharing is not permitted

• Only available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise

• Only one drink at a time may be ordered (minimum 15-minute wait between orders)

• All bottles and cans will be served opened

• Strictly not refundable or transferable when purchased on board

🍸 Deluxe Drinks Package (2025/2026)

The Deluxe Package is the most comprehensive option, covering nearly all drinks on board.

Price: £60.50 per person, per day (£54.45 if purchased before sailing).

What’s included:

• Everything in the Classic Package

• Premium craft beers and extended cocktail list

• Wines by the glass (up to 250ml)

• 25ml and 50ml spirits

• Full Costa Coffee menu

What’s excluded:

• Champagne and Fine Wines

• Signature Spirits

• Freakshakes

• Large Bottled Water

  For all exclusions see below.

Restrictions:

• All adults in the cabin must purchase (no sharing)

• 1 drink per order, 15-minute interval

• Only valid on cruises of 5 nights+

• Strictly non-refundable once purchased on board

✅ Key Things to Know

• Drinks packages are only available on cruises of 5 nights or more.

• All adults in the same cabin must purchase the same package.

• Children under 16 get the Refresh Package free when adults buy Classic or Deluxe.

• Prices include service charge and gratuities. No hidden costs.

Full Details of Individual Drinks Packages on P&O Cruises

Here is an expanded explanation about P&O Cruises Drinks Packages.

P&O Cruises Refresh Package

Replacing the Children’s Drinks Package, the Refresh Package includes favourite classic fizzy drinks like R.Whites Lemonade and Pepsi to your choice of orange, pineapple and apple juice, othis package is perfect for daily refreshment from poolside to the bar and can be purchased by both adults and for children.

Price: £14.45 per person, per day
10% discounted price when purchased before your holiday.

What’s included in The Refresh Drinks Package On P&O Cruises

We all know how thirsty children get! When we took our four on cruises they were forever asking for drinks. It was much easier once we bought them a package and they could order themselves. So if you want to relax by the pool in the knowledge that they aren’t going to dehydrate whilst you do so, then the Refresh Drinks Package might be just the thing. Adults and children alike can enjoy unlimited large or small soft drinks including favourite brands, and selected juices by the glass . Plus remember, If you purchase the Deluxe or Classic drinks packages for the adults in your cabin and you’re travelling with children 16 and under, the Refresh package is included without charge. Bonus! Any guests aged 17 years old must purchase an Alcohol-free or Refresh package when any adult guests purchase an alcoholic package.

What’s excluded from the Refresh Drinks Package on P&O Cruises?

• Bottles of water, canned and bottled premium soft drinks, juices and smoothies

• Hot drinks

• Items offered in shops on board

• Drinks from room service, mini-bar, self-service or vending machines

• Any drinks featured in other programmes or promotions (on-board specials, events such as masterclasses, buy one get one free offers etc)

Restrictions on the Refresh Drinks Package

• Each child assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package. Sharing is not permitted.

• Only available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise

• Strictly not refundable or transferable when purchased on board

• Only one drink at a time may be ordered (minimum 15-minute wait between orders)

• Pepsi products are served on draught in the majority of venues, no substitutions.

• Not complimentary for guests aged 17 years old.

  P&O Cruises Alcohol-Free Package

  Replacing the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package, the Alcohol-free Package offers the very best value from Costa Coffee for a morning pick-me-up or one of our refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails at sundown.

  Price: £26.95 (per person, per day)
  10% discounted price when purchased before your holiday.

  Not everyone enjoys or wants to drink alcohol. However, if you like to rehydrate regularly, enjoy hot drinks throughout the day/evening or like to stay cool by the pool with a fruity mocktail, then P&O Cruises Alcohol-free drinks package offers something for everyone. Enjoy draught soft drinks and selected juices to selected small Costa coffees and refreshing teapigs™ teas.

  What’s included in The Alcohol-Free Drinks Package On P&O Cruises?

  The Alcohol-free drinks package includes everything from the Refresh drinks package, plus Costa Coffee (small), hot chocolate, non-alcoholic beverages including Heineken 0%, a choice of still or sparkling water (small) and a whole range of non-alcoholic cocktails and soft drinks.

• Non-alcoholic beers, ciders, cocktails, wines and spirits

• Unlimited draught soft drinks, selected juices, non-alcoholic cocktails.

• Extended range of soft drinks

• Selected small Costa Coffees, teapigs™ teas, hot chocolate

• Small bottled water (500ml only)

  What’s excluded In the Alcohol-Free Drinks Package on P&O Cruises?

• Large bottles of water (750ml & 1.5L), canned and bottled premium soft drinks, juices and smoothies

• Large/medio sized coffees and hot chocolate

• Items offered in shops on board

• Drinks from room service, mini-bar, self-service or vending machines

• Any drinks featured in other programmes or promotions (on-board specials, events such as wine tastings, cocktail masterclasses, buckets of beer, buy one get one free offers etc)

• All alcoholic beverage

  Restrictions on Alcohol-Free Drinks Package

• Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package. Sharing is not permitted

• Only available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise

• Only one drink at a time may be ordered (minimum 15-minute wait between orders)

• All bottles and cans will be served opened

• Strictly not refundable or transferable when purchased on board

P&O Cruises Classic Drinks Package

The Classic drinks package includes everything from the Refresh and Alcohol-free drinks packages, plus even more. From Piña Coladas and Mai Tais to your pick of popular branded spirits, P&O Cruises exclusive Marabelle Gin and Golden Tide Rum, and a choice of Heineken, Birra Moretti or John Smith’s for the beer-lovers, you’re spoilt for choice.

Price: £48.85 (per person, per day)
10% discounted price when purchased before your holiday.

If you enjoy a cocktail or two, a pre-dinner G&T or a glass of wine with dinner, then the Classic Drinks Package could be the right choice for you.

What’s Included in P&Os Classic Drinks Package?

Included in the Classic Drinks Package is a wide selection of fabulous drinks with a tipple for every mood. The Classic drinks package includes: Pepsi, selected Costa Coffee, Piña Colada, Heineken and much more.

• Everything from the Refresh and Alcohol-free drinks packages

• Beers and ciders

• Selected cocktails

• Prosecco 125ml

• Selected 175ml wines

• Selected 25ml spirits

• 20% discount on drinks excluded from this package

• Complimentary Refresh package for children aged 16 years and under

  What’s excluded In the Classic Drinks Package on Arvia?

• All Signature whiskies, cognac and rums

• Bottles of wine, Champagne or spirits

• Selected glasses of fine wine

• Large bottled water

• Freakshakes

• Seven Wonders cocktails / Seven Treasures cocktails in Amber and Emerald Bar

• Exclusive Cocktails in Anderson’s Bar

• Drinks sold in shops on board

• Wine, beer and spirit flights or buckets of beer

• Drinks provided via self-service or vending machines

• Room service orders

• In-cabin water orders

• Mini-bar items

• The Retreat menu items

• For guests under the age of 18, non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits and Red Bull are not available

• Use at special events such as P&O Cruises cocktail parties, wedding receptions or similar pre-booked private events.

  Restrictions on Classic Drinks Package

• Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package. Sharing is not permitted

• Only available on cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise

• Only one drink at a time may be ordered (minimum 15-minute wait between orders)

• All bottles and cans will be served opened

• Strictly not refundable or transferable when purchased on board

P&O Cruises Deluxe Drinks Package

Whilst I’m not a huge drinker at home, I do like to indulge when I am on holiday. Nothing beats a bucks fizz with breakfast, a class of chilled white wine with an alfresco lunch, and my personal favourite, a sundowner cocktail at sunset. With P&O Cruises Deluxe drinks package, The Deluxe drinks package you get the same selection as other packages but with the addition of premium and speciality brands. On the Deluxe Drinks Package guests can enjoy premium brands such as Grey Goose Vodka, Tidal Rum and Salcombe Gin, as well as an extended selection of cocktails, including a fresh Aperol Spritz or Sunset Cooler.

Price: £60.50 (per person, per day)
10% discounted price when purchased before your holiday.

If you would like to try something a bit more decadent on your P&O cruise (and who doesn’t on holiday), you also get a 20% discount on excluded drinks with this package – ideal for spoiling yourself with a special bottle of Champagne. Plus, if you are travelling with children 17 and under it’s even better value as if you buy the Deluxe drinks package P&O Cruises will include the Children’s package at no extra cost.

What’s included in The Deluxe Drinks Package On P&O. Cruises?

Savour your favourites or branch out and try a new tipple with P&O Cruises most generous drinks package. From colourful cocktails to fine spirits and everything in between, the Deluxe drinks package includes lots of drinks from Costa Coffee (plus fruit coolers), Pepsi, prosecco, a wide selection of wines from The Glass House and so much more.

• Everything from the Classic drinks package

• Beers and ciders

• Craft beers

• Extended range of cocktails

• Prosecco 125ml

• Extended range of 250ml wines

• Extended range of 50ml spirits

• Perfect Serves

• Extended range of soft drinks

• Full range of Costa Coffee and teapigs™

• 20% discount on excluded drinks

• Complimentary Refresh package for children aged 16 years and under

What’s excluded In the Deluxe Drinks Package on P&O Cruises?

• All Signature whiskies, cognac and rums

• Bottles of wine, Champagne or spirits

• Selected glasses of fine wine

• Large bottled water

• Freakshakes

• Seven Wonders cocktails / Seven Treasures cocktails in Amber and Emerald Bar

• Exclusive Cocktails in Anderson’s Bar

• Drinks sold in shops on board

• Wine, beer and spirit flights or buckets of beer

• Drinks provided via self-service or vending machines

• Room service orders

• In-cabin water orders

• Mini-bar items

• The Retreat menu items

• For guests under the age of 18, non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits and Red Bull are not available

• Use at special events such as P&O Cruises cocktail parties, wedding receptions or similar pre-booked private events.

  Restrictions on Deluxe Drinks Package

• The same Drinks Package must be purchased by guests aged over 18 years sharing a cabin.

• · A complimentary Refresh Drinks Package will be provided to guests aged 16 or under where all adults travelling in the same cabin have purchased a Classic or Deluxe Drinks Package.

• All Drinks Packages are limited to 15 drinks per guest in any 24-hour period, starting each day at 6am.

• P&O Cruises reserves the right to refuse the service of alcohol at any time in accordance with our policy for the Responsible Service of Alcohol. This requires bar staff not to serve guests they believe to be intoxicated.

• Only one drink may be ordered at a time. All drink orders must be at least 15 minutes apart.

• Guests can only use their own Drinks Package to order drinks. Sharing or transferring Drinks Packages is not permitted.

• Some drinks are excluded from Drinks Packages. See the Exclusions section for details.

Check out Drinks Packages Inclusions here.

Summary of Main Rules

✅ Key Points

• Available only on cruises 5 nights or longer.

• All adults in the same cabin must purchase the same package.

• Children (under 18) receive the Refresh package free if adults choose Classic or Deluxe.

• Maximum 15 alcoholic drinks per day (6am–6am).

• One drink at a time, spaced ~15 minutes apart.

• Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.

• Pre-buy discount (~10%) available via My P&O up to 3 days before sailing.

• Room service, mini-bar, duty-free, vending & shop items are not included.

• No drinks allowed during theatre performances.

• Bring a reusable coffee cup for Costa—single-use cups no longer provided.

The Lowdown

Choosing the right P&O Cruises drinks package really comes down to how you like to holiday. If you or your family mainly stick to soft drinks, the Refresh or Alcohol-Free Package will easily cover your needs. For those who enjoy a glass of wine at dinner, a G&T by the pool or a couple of cocktails in the evening, the Classic Package is often the best-value option. If you like premium spirits, larger pours and a wider choice of wines and cocktails, then the Deluxe Package means almost everything on the menu is included.

Remember:

• Packages are available on cruises of five nights or more

• All adults in a cabin must purchase the same package

• Buying in advance saves you 10%

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your drinking habits, your budget, and the kind of holiday experience you’re looking for. With options for every style of traveller, there’s a package to make your P&O Cruise even more enjoyable.

Lowdown: If you’re likely to order more than a few drinks a day, a package can save money and hassle. If not, paying as you go may be the smarter choice. Either way, you won’t go thirsty on a P&O Cruise! 🍹⚓