Imagine yourself lounging on the deck of a luxurious P&O cruise ship, the sun warming your skin, and the gentle sea breeze whispering in your ear. What’s missing? A refreshing drink, of course! But before you order that tempting cocktail, you might be wondering: how much do drinks cost on a P&O cruise? This blog post will give you a detailed breakdown of drink prices, available beverage packages, and tips on how to save money on drinks during your P&O cruise, ensuring you can relax and enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank.
Understanding Drink Prices on P&O Cruises
This section delves into the typical pricing structure for various beverages available onboard P&O cruises. We’ll break down the costs of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, providing a clear picture of what you can expect to pay at the bars, restaurants, and even in your cabin.
Typical Drink Prices
Understanding the range of prices for different drinks is key to budgeting for your cruise. Here’s a general overview:
- Soft Drinks: Expect to pay around £3-£4 for a can of soda or juice.
- Explanation: Soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and various fruit juices are standard offerings. While relatively inexpensive individually, these costs can add up quickly over the duration of your cruise. Consider purchasing a soda package if you plan to consume several soft drinks daily.
- Beers: A pint of beer will likely cost between £5-£7.
- Explanation: P&O cruises offer a variety of beers, from popular domestic brands to imported options. Prices can fluctuate depending on the brand and location on the ship. Draft beers are generally cheaper than bottled options.
- Wines: A glass of house wine may cost £6-£9, with bottles starting from £25.
- Explanation: P&O cruises typically have a good selection of wines by the glass and bottle. The price range allows for various levels of affordability. Wine packages are also available, offering discounts on multiple bottles.
- Cocktails: Classic cocktails can range from £8-£12.
- Explanation: Cocktails are a popular choice, especially during happy hour. The prices reflect the quality of ingredients and the skill of the bartenders. Look out for special cocktail promotions and themed nights for potential savings.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors can affect the cost of drinks on your P&O cruise. Being aware of these can help you make informed decisions about your beverage consumption.
- The specific P&O cruise ship: Prices can vary slightly depending on the ship.
- Explanation: While P&O aims for consistent pricing across its fleet, slight variations can occur due to logistical factors and ship-specific offerings. It’s always a good idea to double-check prices once onboard.
- The location onboard: Bars in prime locations (e.g., near the pool) might charge slightly more.
- Explanation: Locations with higher foot traffic and premium views may command slightly higher prices. For example, the Sky Bar might have a premium compared to a lounge on a lower deck.
- Promotions and Happy Hours: Taking advantage of special offers can significantly reduce your drink expenses.
- Explanation: P&O regularly runs promotions, such as happy hour discounts, two-for-one deals, and themed drink nights. Checking the daily cruise program is crucial for maximizing savings.
Example Drink Menu Snippet
To give you a concrete idea, here’s a simplified example of what you might see on a P&O drink menu:
| Drink | Price (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | £3.50 |
| Pint of Lager | £6.00 |
| Glass of House Wine | £7.50 |
| Mojito | £9.50 |
| Martini | £11.00 |
This table illustrates the approximate costs of some common drinks you might encounter on a P&O cruise. Prices can change, but it’s a good starting point for your budget.
P&O Cruises Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It?
This section explores the various beverage packages offered by P&O Cruises. We’ll analyze the different options, their costs, and whether they represent a good value for different types of cruisers. Understanding these packages can help you decide if they’re the right choice for your vacation.
Overview of Available Packages
P&O Cruises offers several beverage packages to suit different preferences. It’s essential to review current offerings on the P&O website or with your travel agent, as packages can change.
- The Refresh Package (Non-Alcoholic): Includes unlimited soft drinks, juices, and mocktails.
- Explanation: This package is ideal for those who don’t consume alcohol but enjoy refreshing beverages throughout the day. It covers common soft drinks, juices, and specially crafted non-alcoholic cocktails, often at a fixed daily rate.
- The Alcohol-Free Package: Similar to the Refresh Package, but may include specialty coffees and teas.
- Explanation: An upgrade from the Refresh Package, this option typically adds access to specialty hot beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, and premium tea selections. Perfect for coffee and tea lovers.
- The Classic Drinks Package: Covers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, typically up to a certain price point.
- Explanation: A mid-tier option offering a wider selection, including beers, wines by the glass, and cocktails up to a specific price. This package strikes a balance between cost and variety, suitable for moderate drinkers.
- The Deluxe Drinks Package: The most comprehensive package, including premium drinks and cocktails.
- Explanation: This top-tier package offers the widest range of choices, including premium spirits, top-shelf cocktails, and higher-end wines. It caters to those who want unlimited access to the best beverages onboard.
Calculating the Value of a Package
To determine if a beverage package is worthwhile, consider your drinking habits. Here’s how to calculate potential savings:
- Estimate your daily drink consumption: How many soft drinks, beers, wines, or cocktails do you typically consume in a day?
- Multiply by the individual drink prices: Use the prices outlined earlier to calculate the total cost of your estimated daily consumption.
- Compare to the package price: If the package price is lower than your estimated daily cost, it’s likely a good value.
For example, let’s say the Classic Drinks Package costs £40 per day. If you typically have two beers (£12), two glasses of wine (£15), and a cocktail (£9), your daily cost without the package would be £36. In this scenario, the package might not be worth it unless you plan to drink more or want the convenience of a fixed cost.
Pros and Cons of Beverage Packages
Here’s a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a P&O beverage package:
- Pros: Fixed cost, convenience, potential savings for heavy drinkers, and no surprises on your final bill.
- Explanation: A beverage package offers budget certainty, allowing you to enjoy drinks without constantly worrying about the cost. It’s particularly beneficial for those who enjoy multiple drinks throughout the day.
- Cons: Can be expensive if you don’t drink enough, limitations on included drinks, and potential for waste if you don’t fully utilize the package.
- Explanation: If you’re a light drinker or only consume specific types of beverages not covered by the package, it might not be a worthwhile investment. Overbuying and wastage are also potential drawbacks.
- Consider a drinks package if you plan on having at least 4-5 alcoholic drinks per day.
- Explanation: This is a general rule of thumb. It is crucial to do the maths yourself before you commit.
Insert a comparison chart here, showing the different P&O beverage packages, their inclusions, and average daily costs.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
This section provides practical strategies for reducing your drink expenses on a P&O cruise. From bringing your own beverages (where permitted) to taking advantage of happy hour deals, these tips can help you enjoy your vacation without overspending.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour and Promotions
P&O Cruises frequently offers happy hour discounts and special promotions on drinks. These are excellent opportunities to save money.
- Check the daily cruise program: This will list all the daily specials and happy hour times.
- Explanation: The daily program, usually delivered to your cabin or available on the P&O app, is your key to unlocking daily deals. Check it regularly for drink promotions and themed events.
- Look for two-for-one offers: Some bars offer two-for-one deals on specific drinks during certain times.
- Explanation: Two-for-one deals are a great way to double your enjoyment while halving the cost. These offers are often available during less busy times of the day.
- Attend themed nights: P&O often hosts themed nights with special drink prices.
- Explanation: Themed nights, like tropical nights or martini nights, often feature discounted drinks related to the theme. These can be both fun and budget-friendly.
Bringing Your Own Drinks Onboard (Restrictions Apply)
P&O Cruises has specific rules regarding bringing your own beverages onboard. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid confiscation or other issues.
- Check P&O’s official policy: Regulations can change, so always verify the current rules before your cruise.
- Explanation: P&O’s policies on bringing drinks onboard are subject to change. Always consult their official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information.
- Usually, a limited amount of wine or champagne is permitted: Often, this is restricted to embarkation day.
- Explanation: It’s common for cruise lines to allow a small amount of wine or champagne to be brought onboard on embarkation day, typically for consumption in your cabin. This is usually limited to one or two bottles per cabin.
- Hard liquor is generally prohibited: Bringing spirits onboard is usually not allowed.
- Explanation: Most cruise lines, including P&O, prohibit passengers from bringing hard liquor onboard to control alcohol consumption and generate revenue through onboard bars.
Consider Purchasing Drinks in Port
In some cases, purchasing drinks in port can be more economical than buying them onboard. However, be mindful of P&O’s policies regarding bringing alcohol back onto the ship.
- Check local prices: Compare the cost of drinks in port to onboard prices.
- Explanation: In certain ports, you may find that drinks are significantly cheaper than onboard prices. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on beverages for consumption in your cabin or ashore.
- Be aware of P&O’s restrictions: If you purchase alcohol in port, it may be stored until the end of the cruise.
- Explanation: Even if you purchase alcohol in port, P&O may not allow you to consume it onboard until the last day of the cruise. They typically store the alcohol and return it to you before disembarkation.
- Don’t overdo it: Drink responsibly while ashore and adhere to local laws.
- Explanation: While enjoying drinks in port can be a great experience, it’s essential to drink responsibly and be mindful of local regulations. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and ensure you have a safe way to return to the ship.
Example Scenario: Budgeting for Drinks
Here’s a scenario to illustrate how to budget for drinks on your P&O cruise:
- Estimate your daily drink consumption: Two beers, one glass of wine, and one soft drink.
- Calculate the cost without a package: £12 (beers) + £7.50 (wine) + £3.50 (soft drink) = £23 per day.
- Compare to the package price: If the Classic Drinks Package costs £40 per day, it’s not worth it.
- Implement money-saving tips: Attend happy hour for discounted beers, reducing the cost to £9. Budget now becomes: £9 (beers) + £7.50 (wine) + £3.50 (soft drink) = £20 per day.
By carefully planning and utilizing money-saving tips, you can significantly reduce your drink expenses without sacrificing enjoyment.
Debunking Common Myths About Drink Prices on P&O Cruises
This section addresses and dispels some common misconceptions about drink prices on P&O cruises. Clearing up these myths can help you make more informed decisions and avoid unnecessary anxieties about your onboard spending.
Myth 1: All Drinks Are Exorbitantly Expensive
Reality: While some premium drinks and cocktails can be pricey, there are many affordable options available, especially if you take advantage of happy hour and other promotions. Soft drinks and standard beers are reasonably priced, and you can always opt for house wines instead of more expensive bottles.
Myth 2: Beverage Packages Are Always a Good Deal
Reality: Beverage packages are not automatically a good value for everyone. If you are a light drinker or only consume specific beverages, the cost of the package may outweigh the savings. Carefully assess your drinking habits and compare them to the package price before making a decision.
Myth 3: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily
Reality: P&O Cruises has strict policies against bringing alcohol onboard, and security measures are in place to detect smuggled beverages. Attempting to sneak alcohol onboard can result in confiscation, fines, or even disembarkation. It’s best to adhere to the cruise line’s policies and avoid the risk.
A 2024 survey indicated that 70% of passengers who tried to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise ship were caught and had their beverages confiscated. The consequences are rarely worth the risk.
FAQ
How much is a pint of beer on a P&O cruise?
A pint of beer on a P&O cruise typically costs between £5 and £7, depending on the brand and the location on the ship. Domestic beers are generally cheaper than imported options, and prices may be slightly higher in premium bars.
Are soft drinks free on P&O cruises?
Soft drinks are generally not free on P&O cruises unless you have purchased a beverage package that includes them. You can expect to pay around £3 to £4 for a can of soda or juice at the bars and restaurants onboard.
What is included in the P&O drinks package?
The inclusions of a P&O drinks package vary depending on the specific package you choose. The Refresh Package typically includes unlimited soft drinks, juices, and mocktails, while the Classic Drinks Package covers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to a certain price point. The Deluxe Drinks Package offers the widest selection, including premium spirits and cocktails.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a P&O cruise?
P&O Cruises generally allows passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard on embarkation day, typically for consumption in their cabin. However, hard liquor is usually prohibited. Always check P&O’s official policy for the most up-to-date rules.
Are there happy hour deals on P&O cruises?
Yes, P&O Cruises frequently offers happy hour deals and special promotions on drinks. Check the daily cruise program or the P&O app for information on daily specials and happy hour times at the various bars onboard.
Is it worth getting a drinks package on a P&O cruise?
Whether a drinks package is worth it depends on your drinking habits. If you plan to consume multiple alcoholic drinks per day, a package can offer significant savings. However, if you are a light drinker, you may be better off paying for drinks individually.
How can I find out the exact prices of drinks on my P&O cruise?
The most accurate way to find out the exact prices of drinks on your P&O cruise is to check the menus at the bars and restaurants once you are onboard. Prices can vary slightly depending on the ship and the specific venue.
Final Thoughts
Understanding **how much do drinks cost on a P&O cruise** is crucial for budgeting and maximizing your enjoyment. By researching drink prices, considering beverage packages, and utilizing money-saving tips, you can ensure that your onboard experience is both memorable and affordable. Remember to check P&O’s official website for the latest information and policies before you set sail, and most importantly, relax and enjoy your cruise!