P&O Cruises CHANGE their Alcohol Policy! What does it mean for you?

P&O Cruises CHANGE their Alcohol Policy as on 7 May 2024! What does it mean for you? Here are the new regulations, what it means for you and WHY P&O made the change. I also cover what this means in terms of purchases made during the cruises, corkage fees and whether drinks on room service remains unchanged. What do you think about these changes?
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#pando #cruise #alcohol #travelblogjamie #pandocruises #drinkspackage

[@lucyrabbit6163]

Responsible is NOT having a drinks package that allow 15 drinks per day and pricing it so that you have to drink almost that much to make it worth the price! More money grabbing in my opinion. Prices go up yet service and quality goes down. Long time loyal passenger looking elsewhere.

[@michaelcartwright4012]

We're the same. 18 P&O cruises done, 2 booked and that'll be it I think.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I totally agree

[@DaveEP]

Yep, I've never bought a drinks package yet, drink as much as I want and never spend anywhere near the daily price of the package. I do however know other people who always buy the package as they consider it 'good value' based on how much 'they' drink. I don't understand how they manage it!

[@richardcraik3635]

Work is the curse of the drinking classes

[@f1dave990]

@@DaveEP I could do 15 drinks a day we have to remember it’s not all alcohol, couple Costas, 4 soft drinks, 4 beers during the day, maybe 3 glasses of wine in the evening, nightcap, and couple bottles of water for tea. That’s not excessive. Whether it is worth it is another discussion, we don’t buy the package as we usually have more than enough OBC to cover all our cruise indulgences

[@philtaylor5444]

Will be looking for another cruise line now as P & O seems to be making cuts to quality for more profit.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Understood

[@russellbenton2987]

This is nothing more than P&O wanting to increase their bar sales . Nothing to do with responsible drinking . As you say they turn a blind eye to excessive alcohol consumption of their provided alcohol . Doesn’t really bother me frankly , but just another reason for not cruising on penny pinching P&O .

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks for your comments

[@billcook4768]

As my dad would say, don’t in my ear and tell me it’s raining. Just say you need to make more money. Don’t insult my intelligence.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

True - smart dad

[@davidsteed3755]

We did ten cruises in in ten years all with P&O , not any more they have no loyalty any more , year by year they have eroded the service that at best is 3 star plus, it’s such a shame for this once great British cruise line.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🙏🙏🙏

[@ianmarsh_uk]

So which cruise line do you recommend within the same price bracket that offers more loyalty and better service?

[@dlgregory35]

@@ianmarsh_uk FRed Olsen for sure.

[@johnnyhollis9977]

Unfortunately P&O are under orders and policies directed by Carnival and that was always going to be bad news! Life time cruiser and I totally agree with your comment.👍

[@jeaniburgess4086]

Shame on you big boozer

[@davidjenkins5051]

Oh no! We're off on Saturday on Iona in the cabin you had 😮. We purchased two bottles of spirits only the other day, which I wouldn't have bothered with otherwise 😢. Properly hacked off I've got to say. My first Pando cruise too so not starting with the best impression! They've not informed me of any changes, and I checked their rules just before buying. Enough ranting from me. I love your blogs, keep up the great work 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Enjoy your cruise 🚢

[@davidjenkins5051]

Thank you. On a more positive note I've just checked the weather forecast and it's just perfect 👌. Obviously organised by customer services to ease the drinks policy shocker (no David, just leave it, move on, hehe)

[@robandsue]

Yeah, i think its the appalling lack of communication that is winding me up - AND, I wasn't even taking anything!!!

[@davidjenkins5051]

I tried calling customer services, but it rings out with a message that they're too busy! I wonder why?

[@paulm8330]

Next they will tell you to turn up naked as you can only wear what’s purchased from the onboard boutique’s. Sick of these companies trying to enforce rules, that we all know, are simply to maximise profit. Hope it backfires to teach them that their ‘loyal customers’ are sick of it.

[@TheCheeseMan123]

I’ll be taking some very STRONG wine on board then in a twisty cap bottle 🤫

[@TravelBlogJamie]

😮 😂

[@percy1260]

Hi Jamie , it’s Percy ,, I’m not surprised at this announcement to be honest ,, there has been so many changes over the last few years with the whole cruise industry,, it’s just about money these days ,, hope you and maffoo are well ,, keep up the good work P

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s been on the cards for sure

[@paulphillips3783]

Cheers for the video. This is no doubt in response to their previously absurdly overpriced and over complicated drinks packages not selling. So they squeeze from a different angle.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I disagree on this occasion - it’s in response to the fact almost no other cruise line allows this and therefore P&O are losing money in not following suit. Drinks packages have been doing well by all accounts.

[@andy70d35]

P & O are like most cruise lines just a bunch of crooks, and hypocrites. Responsible is NOT having a drinks package that allow 15 drinks per day. Pricing it so that you have to drink almost that much to make it worth the price, this is all about screwing the customers as much as possible.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s hypocritical and disingenuous to suggest it’s about drinking responsibly, I agree

[@richardwalkertv]

I totally disagree. Responsible drinking is about personal responsibility and attitude. If you're the type of person who has to be drunk to enjoy yourself then you'll get off your face whether you have a drinks package or PAYG. We've seen drunk people onboard and staff have always been quick to refuse further service. We always have a deluxe package as we feel it's more economical, but we don't find ourselves rushing to get as much down our neck as we can as we pace ourselves during the day - and don't forget that the package includes soft drinks, Costa Coffee, etc, so it's not all about alcohol. Different people drink different amounts - it's a personal choice. If you feel P&O and other cruise lines are crooks and hypocrites, why do you cruise?

[@SerenaClare]

We saw you on MSC virtuosa at the weekend talking to the ladies on deck at back of the ship taking a video of us sailing out of southampton. Fun cruise and our first

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@stellamatthews6260]

Hi Jamie, thank you for your honest blog. Like other commenters on here, one of the unique benefits of booking with P & O was the initial allowance for a bottle of spirits/per person , because grown adult offspring with us, this would have helped with the cost of the bar bills. I'm miffed that we have not had any official notification from P & O; we sail in early July. My husband and I are not going to buy a drinks package, but the others in our party might. What I don't understand, maybe you can clarify this ... if 2 people share a cabin and I person pays for a drinks package, does the other person also have to have a drinks package? The P & O website seems to imply this. If this is genuinely the case then I'm not happy at all.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes they both have to have the package I’m afraid

[@clodia941]

Just come off a P and O ship and I enjoy a drink on the balcony. I tried to buy from room service and they kept putting obstacles in my way, trying to tell me that a brand wasn't available when every bar sells it. I got what I wanted to buy because I made a big fuss but you shouldn't have to. They'd way underestimated the number of guests who would want to buy bottles and ran out. I have written to P and O to demand that they stock properly in future. Or it will be another line for me.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@live2skide1]

Less than 30 days to my first P&O cruise. As you said, it is in line with out CCL brands. Going on Cunard in 2 weeks and hopefully they don't do a similar thing.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Have a great voyage with Cunard

[@gerardmackay8909]

Cunard don’t allow spirits but wine or champagne a bottle per person is fine

[@juliemcmeekin2095]

just read all the reviews p and o have been cutting and putting up prices . there are plenty other cruise lines so look around .

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I am definitely not loyal to one brand and always recommend people shop around ❤️

[@wendyjones2351]

Hi Jamie i can imagine that this isnt going to go down well with some im not a great drinker and wine is ok with me thank you for the update 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Welcome 🙏

[@robandsue]

Someone on a Facebook group I'm in rang and was told categorically by their staff that there were no changes in policy and it was a scam. Within two hours of posting that, p and o had changed their website. Go figure.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I don’t actually think some of the customer services team are in receipt of key info

[@ianloveland2726]

Going on our first cruise this weekend on arvia and tbh doesn't really change how we feel. We are not drinkers so I guess it's not a issue but the short notice is out of order. There should have definitely been a grace period for anyone already booked.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Enjoy ☺️

[@baileysmum2288]

Enjoy

[@derekvenus]

It's a money making exercise. Remember ALL booze on a ship is duty and vat free so, a bottle of gin that costs £26 in your local supermarket should only be about £15 on a ship.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

All true

[@DaveEP]

Not strictly true, as when in Spanish ports you will pay Spanish tax etc, but I get the gist.

[@derekvenus]

@@DaveEP I suppose I really meant to say at sea. P&O usually close bars and shops when they are in port.

[@DaveEP]

@@derekvenus I came off Arvia 3 weeks ago and had several days in Spanish ports. Bars and restaurants continued to sell alcohol while in port but added Spanish VAT. Shops were closed in ports as expected. Even so, we all know what duty free means.... it means a bit more profit margin for them!

[@barbadosbelle3516]

. We gave up P&O a decade ago (after taking nofly Caribbean cruises with them annually - sometimes twice a year - for 12-years). We usually had mini-suite, sometimes a suite and spent money on excursions and the occasional fine dining. We also liked a cocktail or two each evening. We became friends with many many people over the years who we met on board each year but who have also stopped sailing with P&O. Between us all we spent (c) approaching £100k a year with P&O. But then the joke became that the ship was full of earrings and tattoos - but the earrings were on the men and the tattoos on the women!! Then the Formal Nights became a disappointment as the staff were afraid to question those not adhering to the Dress Code. Doubt that there even is one now!! We all now meet up on Cunard (Princess Grill) but sadly not the Caribbean. I doubt that Carnival could care a toss though - as they also own Cunard - but at least standards are being maintained. .

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@kevinthomas2388]

Was expected to happen for cruise business reasons which becoming more tighter on customers . First class blog for several reasons . If you on travels again soon have great time 🍕🍹☀️

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🙏🙏🙏

[@davidcorbett62]

I used to cruise with P&O as they were very good and reflected British standards. Now they have went way down on any good list so I won’t be cruising with them. Around 25 years ago we went on a P&O cruise which first port stop was Gibraltar. Everyone onboard rushed off the ship but it wasn’t just to feel solid ground beneath their feet. It was the off licence shops was the target. Reason? Tax free alcohol. We had to go about 3/4 of a mile along the street before we could get into one. It was funny as all you could hear for several hours was the clink clink of bottles as passengers returned lol… no one got drunk that I saw and no one had booze littering their cabins. It was drunk responsibly and enjoyed. I hate lies and this new directive is obviously a huge one… it’s being done because P&O is now owned by a huge money making company in the US

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks for your comments

[@garyball5914]

Great blog as always glad to have met you in Hythe today 👍

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh hey Gary 👋

[@beautifulscotland7443]

Here’s me looking to take on a nice whisky from my collection next month- just going to have to save it for the Scottish mountain trips- just for them to make money!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

❤️

[@donnacourt1471]

We are done with P&O after last Seasons fiasco with Maleth Aero, P&O have become expensive compared to other cruise lines that have the add on package of excursions, speciality meals, extra on board credit, WIFI and drinks package not to mention gratuities included in their add on package.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I understand why

[@bostonbikebits6539]

This is really sad, we love a cruise and have had many over the years, quite a few with Pand O. The drinks policy was a big part of our decision, mainly because I hate feeling ripped off and the drinks prices on board are exactly that. P and O prices were among the most reasonable so it was less of an issue but I always enjoyed having a bottle of something in the cabin for a night cap or whatever. We first cruised on Ventura when she was a year old, we got silver service, great food, bed turn down service, chocolates on the pillows, the ability to take a drink on board. All that has gone now, we switched to Princess for the last cruise, it was a much better all round experience. Given that in this statement P and O have decided to bullshit their valued customers I doubt we will go back.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s definitely not been done because of responsible drinking, that’s for sure lol

[@karensnow1085]

Well that's about right, our first P&O cruise in a few weeks and they decide to change the policy. The cruise is now going to cost us more, maybe we will stick with Marella in future !!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@andrewmcevoy9063]

We just booked our first ever cruise with Marella. Booked full drinks package. Looks like we made good choice 👍

[@RhodaField]

Hi Jamie, thanks for letting me know. I am going on Aurora next Wednesday and had no clue. It's a shame but i can neck the sambuca when i return from my 3 day jaunt!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re welcome

[@JH-zv7lt]

Have been on p & o several time over the last 12 years, have been on Queen Mary one way with 6 weeks coming home & Queen Elizabeth. My husband can't drink for health reasons, i agree i like a drink, but feel guilty if i have to buy at full price. The staff are not happy if you enjoy a drink, i think they need to rethink their policy's and make sure you have different bands, one for me and soft drinks for partner. There is a huge difference now, as what it was, especially with the food and snack's, not picking on P & O, have travelled with different companies and the standard is not the same. In the last 20 years we have travelled most of Europe with our kids & my paid for the family to go on a weekend trip and really enjoyed it and also had a fantastic time. So going on my father passed away and she still wanted to travel, but the price for a single cabin was really over the top, my son is recently registered blind and living in supported living, so we paid for twin beds & a single & he went on his first cruise & loved it! So a lot of positive & a little negative. We are now enjoying plane trips, sorry.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks for sharing

[@craigbryan9402]

Thanks for the information

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Very welcome 🙏

[@katherinebrown8939]

Why do you feel you aren’t the target audience? I would think you would be exactly their target. I’ve only cruised with P&O so interested to hear which line/s you feel better suited to. Thanks👌

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m absolutely not - I’m the ‘previous’ audience who experienced P&O when they offered something to what they do now. They are wanting fresh blood now that have nothing to compare things to

[@23oakhill]

I do enjoy a G&T in my cabin, so I will have to buy a bottle on board. Such a nuisance but Princess have used these rules for years so I suppose this was to be expected. I think doing it without any warning is rather poor though.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

An email in advance would have solved a few issues for sure lol 😂

[@martgamer0197]

While myself and my wife are by no means big drinkers, we enjoyed a nice Grey Goose and mixer in the cabin whilst getting ready to go out. Shame its now off the menu (unless you buy it off them for twice the price). Code of conduct, yeah right....

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh I love Grey Goose - good choice

[@stuartwilliams9136]

I'm not an alcoholic and I don't need this restriction which actually encourages you to drink to the value of your drinks package. I have recently booked our first ever cruise, on the Azora, but would not have done so had I known this rule change. Sad really, another potentially repeat customer lost.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍

[@johnnyhollis9977]

Being a cruiser since 1974 I have seen many changes taking place over the years, many of them not that great. This all accelerated once Carnival's influence over many brands started to take a foothold on a lot of the cruise industry. Sadly I no longer feel that I can cruise because of this. I have though perhaps enjoyed the best years of cruising when commercial exploitation was not more important than the loyalty of the passengers......

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@Sinaisid]

Oh dear - the decline continues!! We have been on many P&O cruises and since 2019 it's been declining service and increasing cost - We have one more cruise with them booked, then maybe we need to look elsewhere. They are definitely targeting the family holiday market and that's not us!!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I have to say some of the more recent cruises for us were significantly cheaper than the equivalent ten years ago - but there are notable changes, yes

[@dsfiyhureiwyhjntrk]

Totally agree. We went in 2008/2010 and the little touches have disappeared. Chocolates after dinner ( only on formal night now) the afternoon tea everyday in dining room. Chocolate on pillow at night, the captains speech etc

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@dsfiyhureiwyhjntrk we had a captain’s speech on our recent Azura cruise btw

[@dsfiyhureiwyhjntrk]

@@TravelBlogJamie it just made me laugh when they say ‘ celebration night ‘ the only different thing compared to any other night is you have to dress up ( half the passengers don’t anyway) and you get a complimentary drink ( that you paid for in your fare ) I love cruises, however p and o are making it more butlins at sea now. Lots of older passengers were saying the same things when I was on Ventura 2 weeks ago

[@JohnSmith-yx4sc]

Very disappointed, might have to drink water as we are getting ready for dinner, certainly won't drink anymore in the evening 8:28 8:28

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@baileysmum2288]

Didn’t have drinks package on cruise in January , taking litre bottle on was great for other half , I’m not much of a drinker with alcohol, on Ventura in feb mini cruise and Iona in September won’t have drinks package on Iona hoping still allowed take soft drinks on board , @TravelBlogJamie thanks for update ❤

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re welcome

[@ASCOT1111]

Noticed on our last cruise how weak the cocktails were and bar staff using pre-mixes. All pina and no colada ,That being said, should put off the booze cruisers. Only hope passengers do not take new policy out on the crew.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍

[@donnawing4492]

Am I the only person who has realised that I don’t see a 1 litre size bottle of wine but they are normally 75cl. I suppose you can make it up almost a litre with a couple of small individual bottles.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh I’ve bought litre bottles before!

[@barbarajaneuk]

I am not loyal to p&o and sailed on quite a few different lines now (although got 2 booked with P&O this year 🙈). This is pretty standard across most other lines now and they all make little extras as best they can. The thing is cruise prices themselves have come down in price from years ago and now appeal to most budgets. They have to either up their general prices or make changes to bring in more money.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, exactly what I was saying in the vlog 👍

[@akajasonbourne]

I hope P&O will support crew, check in staff that have to face the poo end of the stick having to enforce code of conduct change.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Always the crew that end up taking the brunt

[@MJC1124]

There will obviously by many regular P&O cruisers who are unaware of the policy change and arrive at the port of embarcation with a bottle of spirts each. It seems to me to be yet another penny-pinching exercise by P&O. How they have deteriorated in the 10 short years since my first cruise with them.

[@jebtaifanc56]

So don't cruise on ANY P&O ships. Then watch them go into full reverse in the blink of an eye.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I would not ever not cruise on a line because they don’t allow you to take on board spirits - wouldn’t leave many cruise lines left to sail on (if any)

[@jonathansmith8862]

When I traveled with P&O for the first time a few weeks ago I was surprised to read that you could do this, is it really that important to some people to take bottles of alcohol onboard?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

For some it’s their way of making the onboard experience more affordable

[@1957bumpy]

Yes I know ,it's like wanting to see a show on board ,you could go to Broadway instead and leave more space for things that are actually interesting

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@1957bumpy I don’t think you’ve commented on the correct section

[@Peterpanic-c3h]

Like other's this is the final straw, I am done with P&O. We went on a short cruise to Rotterdam recently and the boat felt dated, the food was poor and it all felt a bit like Butlins at sea. I would have gone again as we had a good time and it was reasonably cheap, but if I have to pay for Alcohol as well then it is no longer worth it. I get the impression they are cutting costs to the bone and trying to squeeze every penny out of their guests.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Saddened to read this

[@clairebear6421]

Hi Jamie, love the blogs! This is diverting a little from the topic... Please correct me if I'm wrong but from what I understand P&Os policy on bringing alcohol on board when purchased at a port was you had to hand it over when getting back on the ship, there was always a table out at the top of the gangway for you to declare it (we've not been inboard since before the pandemic). We have often bought a top up of wine or beer to have in the cabin mid cruise and never declared it, never been challenged. So it will be interesting to see if they challenge anyone bring a sneeky bottle of vodka onboard and how they deal with it. Finally sailing in June on iona and can't wait! 😆.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Partly true but very inconsistently applied / often no tables and no challenge about bringing anything back

[@sheilacreatesmemories]

Hi Jamie this is very interesting as well as confusing! We went on P&O Aurora from 3rd June to 22nd June 2024 and the details on the website said that 1litre of spirits per adult was allowed to be taken when embarking at Southampton. So, my husband and I took between us 2 litres of spirits to drink in our cabin. These went through the scanner with no problem. Also when we disembarked at various ports on 2 occasions we bought some local wine with the expectation it would be confiscated and held until we disembarked back at Southampton. But this did not happen. So maybe it was too soon for the new rules to be enforced OR were any of the crew bothered???? 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I think they aren’t bothered - P&O lack consistency with many things they do / want to enforce

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

We went on the lona in Feb, on every port stop we brought back local wine/spirits, our rucksack was never checked. Wouldn't have been a big deal if they were confiscated anyway as the bar prices were cheaper than going out on Leeds! We just like trying different drinks....

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Drinks prices continue to rise onboard

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

@@TravelBlogJamie I think a pint of beer (Moretti l think) was about £5 on the ship, l paid over £13 for 2 pints in Leeds last weekend, can't remember the last time l got 2 for a tenner!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 I don’t doubt it but prices onboard have risen quite considerably in a short space of time and I expect them to rise again with further changes to the drinks packages

[@iangill8984]

We look at where we want to go, the itineray, the cabins available, then price and what is included. As long as the ship is ok we are not bothered about roller coasters, flow riders etc. That is what happens when you get old!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m not sure you’ve commented on the right video

[@iangill8984]

@@TravelBlogJamie Sorry, we are not bothered about add oms, it is the whole package we are bothered. Should have been more specific. Sat on the naughty step! :(

[@tonynewman1694]

We quite often buy bottles of spirits from the room service menu and not much dearer than tesco . That wont put us off . We have only cruisef with p&o but thats all change , we have booked 3 cunard cruises and looking at azamara as well , need to move crusing back to the old p&o 😁 happy cruising and boozing ❤️

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I totally agree

[@jamestaggart6376]

Maybe stupid question but I wonder does this policy also apply to Alcohol free "spirits"?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

They fall under soft drinks

[@jamestaggart6376]

Excellent thanks for info. Good news. I'm quite partial to a Morgan's 0.0 and coke now I've made peace with going alcohol free😅

[@kevinm-fr4wl]

Under old rules you could have 4 people in a cabin with 1 litre of spirits each..but only 2 of them drink so 2 people go off to see shows without a drink package and the other 2 join them a little typsy because they have 4 litres to drink so they dont need alcohol package either...this policy change would stamp those senarios out

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Correct

[@1957bumpy]

We have got back today from another p and o and if up to me our last arcadia is a shithole and needs scrapping

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🆗

[@Paulad39uk]

Regardless of what they do. We still wouldn't drink enough to make the extortionate costs of the drinks packages worth while. We sailed on Ventura very recently and they still gave you what you bought in the shop straight away and coming back on ship from port they wouldn't confiscate any alcohol you had bought. It seems they say one thing and do another. P&O all over.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh gosh, and these drinks packages are actually cheaper than many other lines

[@farfaraway3973]

Oh no have to tell hubby he can’t bring his Talisker with him on Saturday

[@TravelBlogJamie]

😮 😂

[@raydegs1602]

There reason is absolutely rubbish...just want to make more money....i wont be using them, apart from this they have gone way way down hill,all to make more money 😡

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍

[@richardfisher7248]

Its now become Butlins on sea.@@TravelBlogJamie

[@paulsquires9117]

They are also practicing disability discrimination now with their policy on mobility scooters. There’s plenty of other cruise lines out there P&O.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Start using them!

[@matthewpotter8491]

P&O (sorry Carnival) brought this upon themselves when they decided to cheapen the brand and go mass market all those years ago. With attracting a different type of audience, what did they expect?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hmm

[@clivemcquire7686]

It always surprised me that P&O actually let you bring spirits onboard, no one else did. Their room service prices for bottles of spirits are still (Currently) very cheap, £26 for gin ain’t bad, so it’s not the end of the world.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Exactly what I said on the vlog too

[@ardongrainford8004]

Can you get drinks in when on a port day. For example if in Rotterdam, shopping in the local supermarket market. How will they know what’s in your luggage?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You have to walk through a security arch and put your things through the screeners when you get back on board.

[@sassywitch9051]

After sailing on Iona in April, I am surprised the P&O make any money at the bar. We regularly waited 45 minutes or more before a waiter took our order. Maybe if they want to increase their profits, they should start serving customers more quickly.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

More crew needed and better systems

[@natasha8966]

Absolutely I think the crows nest was the worst love the place but slow indeed

[@Tania008]

They are just following every other cruise company. It’s another way of getting more money from us. Not really bothered as we still have a glass of bubbly to get ready to. (Not forgetting the disco lights). X

[@TravelBlogJamie]

True enough

[@Eagesss123]

I was suprised how cheap a bottle was from roo service tbh!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@jemc44]

Well based on a lot of these comments, it seems like there is going to be a lot less drunk people on P&0 Cruises in future, so may be not a bad thing after all 🙂 don't get me wrong i do drink but i don't buy the drinks package as i find it to expensive for the amount my wife and i drink, last year we were on Arvia for 2 weeks and the drinks package would have cost us £1118.60, we did pay as we go and spent £510 on drinks. We will be on Arvia again in Feb./march 25 and again will not be getting the drinks package. It certainly will not stop me cruising with P&O like some of these long term cruisers are saying, got to be other issues going on there ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’d say there are multiple issues, yes

[@stephanmccoll6813]

Thanks for the info, I hadn't noticed. We have a cruise on Iona in 9 weeks and we're planning on brining some spirits for the cabin 😭😭 I get why they're doing it, does irritate me a little but nothing major

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Have a great cruise

[@abiday5577]

Thanks Jamie, personally as I can't drink much due to medication it doesn't bother me, but I am interested in your opinion who you think I ought to try besides P&O as I cruise solo and have only done P&O.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I don’t think it matters which cruise line - I’m dictated my solo prices more than anything

[@chriswalsh7346]

Definately going with TUI on the next cruise then!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You are?

[@sal_d3688]

We’re going on a P&O cruise in August and have pre-booked the classic drinks package. The T&C’s state a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per day per package, ALL non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited. Only one drink may be ordered per package at any one time at a minimum of 15-minute intervals. We have been talking to someone who has just been on a P&O cruise in April. They have said that when they ordered a gin & tonic they were told that this was 2 drinks! Do you know if this is correct, what’s your experience with having the drinks package? Surely you’re not expected to order a gin, wait 15 minutes to go back for the tonic?! 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

A spirit and mixer is one drink

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Maybe they’d asked for a double?

[@Notjustlisa]

Neither surprised nor upset by this change. If I REALLY want a bottle (of rum) in my room we still have the option to buy spirits by the bottle for the room. And although the price will be inflated compared to at home supermarkets, I’d honestly rather pay that than have to carry the weight of a bottle on board anyway. It’s all about profit really as you say, and if higher profits mean improvements in other areas then it’s no skin off my nose. And like you say, none of us are tied to any cruise line but I doubt this change will make much of an impact to the number of bookings they take, especially in view of their apparent current target market :)

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It did surprise me when some people messaged to say they’d be cancelling because of it

[@imamiddleagedman]

It’s greed. Pure and simple. They want to make more money.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

They do indeed want to make more money much like all the other cruise lines

[@imamiddleagedman]

@@TravelBlogJamie fortunately I only drink beer in small quantities so it doesn’t affect me. Mrs isn’t happy about not being able to take pimms onboard though 😳

[@stephen5473]

Would you take your own drinks into a pub. P&O are a business and people bringing their own spirits onboard and then sneaking them into venues is hitting P&O's revenue stream. Why should those who purchase drinks at the bar subsidise those who sneak their own alcohol onboard.

[@AndrewPell-y8t]

Does that mean you can still take wine on board and drink in cabin?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

All in vlog

[@95Gabe]

Just how expensive are drinks on a cruise ship? UK ships.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Have a look at my drinks package vlog which has bar menus / prices too

[@Linda-w3o3s]

Well more reason to travel on Seabourn, Regent or Silversea where the alcohol is included!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Too expensive for me

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Hi I go on p&o a lot I'm not a big drinker but do have three kids and have to have two cabins and do spend some time with the kids watching film's in the cabin and normally have pop and a bottle of whiskey in the cabin on a cruise for two weeks so I do think this is over the top . will I be able to take a bottle of port in stead???? Thanks John

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Port is fortified wine so don’t see why not

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

@@TravelBlogJamie thanks for your reply 👍👍👍👍👍

[@nigelsknowledge]

Does anyone know how many cans of Pepsi we can take onboard?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

However many you want

[@alexanderevanska4274]

🎵Money money money 🎵 must be funny, 🎶 in the cruise line world🎵.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@jond46687]

The room service menu still sells good value 1 liter spirits (£22 upwards) and with limitless soft drinks makes still for some cut price drinks in the cabin. They are also fine about you bringing soft drinks onboard during the cruise too. Personally I don’t drink so this is cheaper still lol .

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@jimthatcher3952]

Who else let's you bring a litre of spirit on board. Don't like it but it brings p and o level with all others.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes that’s what I said in the vlog

[@richarddonaldson6873]

They never check your bags anyway,just bring what u want.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hmmm

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

I buy 2 liter bottles of coke, and put a 1 liter bottle of rum in each. And take a small 500ml bottle of coke to put rum in and drink around the ship.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hmm

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

They are not enforcing the alcohol limit, I brought more bottles of spirits in 2 ports and thay didn't take them.

[@catastrophic009]

Excuse the pun but we 'ditched' P&O a number of years ago ! Their standards dropped through the hull of their ships ! Royal Caribbean & Celebrity are much better but then again nothing is perfect in this day & age ! But P&O shot themselves in the foot !

[@TravelBlogJamie]

If only our Celebrity cruise had been better and RCI more reasonably priced for solos though

[@annemorgan7686]

There's ways round it. Unless P&O plan to taste test every water bottle and flask being taken on board!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🧐

[@bobikdylan]

£20 corkage. That's just a rip off. And a game changer. I don't like being taken for a fool.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🧐

[@KenGoesCruising]

This has been caused by passengers abusing the privilege. We have witnessed people pouring their own drink into glasses in bars and public areas. Unfortunately this means that honest and responsible passengers will be affected by this and the minority that have abused the system will continue to do so. Already people are talking on the forums about how to get around this change by filling wine bottles with spirits.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I actually think the main reason for the change is they’re losing money 💰 where other cruise lines are making more by not allowing booze to be taken on board (or at least limited amounts)

[@jimmeer]

This is nothing to do with responsible drinking it is about making more money for the cruise line. We stopped going on cruises some years ago because instead of being able to relax we found it was a constant struggle to see how much the cruise line could fleece us for on top of the money we had paid for the cruise. In my view it is a violation of our human rights to confiscate our possessions against our will or to apply a charge for using them.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@stephen5473]

Would you take your own drinks into a pub. Their ship their rules.

[@richardwalkertv]

Cruise lines are like any other business anywhere on the planet. Business is about making money - it is for my business - and if costs go up, you have to absorb it or pass it no to the customer somehow. We always have a drinks package, and we've never felt that we're being fleeced. We've just returned from a resort in Greece and their drink prices were very high -i t makes P&O seem like Poundland!! We were fine with that and it didn't affect our holiday. You wouldn't take your own booze into a pub or your own food into a restaurant so why get steamed up over a change in the rules - and if you think it's violating your human rights you're maybe not aware of proper violations that go on around the world.

[@andrewhopkins6038]

This ridiculous we always take champagne and a bottle of gin

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@royalrecordings4307]

Cash grab but we don't drink so doesn't affect us 😂😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@AnneMechen-no5gj]

Maybe it will stop some cruisers making their cruise a booze cruise.....you do get alcohol on board

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Well I always took a bottle on board and I’ve never been about booze cruising

[@AnneMechen-no5gj]

@@TravelBlogJamie that's because your sensible...

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@AnneMechen-no5gj said no-one else ever lol 😂

[@AnneMechen-no5gj]

@@TravelBlogJamie that made me giggle...by the way love your videos.

[@GeorgeRenshaw-f6c]

Since I have not any alcoholic drinks for 8 years I have realized you don't need a drink to enjoy yourself

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I personally don’t drink to enjoy myself

[@paulmittins6491]

I really don’t see this as a big issue and there’s still the option to buy a bottle of spirit for your room at what seems a reasonable price. No big surprise having this change and most likely it has been abused considerably for some time.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I agree

[@richardevans273]

HESS? as in Rudolf? Bad news!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

😮

[@joycesmith8354]

Oh please, another way of ripping us off.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh dear - I don’t think you cruise with other lines 😂

[@teekaytees]

I suppose those that took their own alcohol on board these beautiful floating hotels are the same people who take Bacardi to a pub on a night out and just purchase a coke from the bar.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hmmm but you were allowed to take alcohol on board and still can so I don’t get your point

[@stephen5473]

Absolutely spot on. Just buy a bottle from room service therefore P&O are happy and you get a relatively cheap drink.

[@Nick-xf5hr]

P&o cruises are not the same as p&O ferries yet they are just a likely to not pay minimum European and uk pay and want to fleece their clients whenever possible. P&o brand is contaminated stay clear.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

They aren’t related in any shape or form though

[@roberttaylor7950]

Absolute rubbish from P&O have travelled with them for the last 25yrs they will lose so many loyal customers now.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

The thing is the other cruise lines already don’t allow this

[@keithnewton8981]

P&O is loosing it way carnival the American parent Company are changing many things. But this year we were constantly being bombarded with buying there drinks packaged. Before long we will be charge guatuities I can see it coming soon It's all to do with money. Americans are destroying p&o Who is p&o target audience. The huge vegetarian aspect of the food has become an issue for me.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Gratuities are already charged - they went from charging a daily amount to including it all in the overall cruise cost. I am also pleased there’s more vegetarian food now. There are plenty of meat and fish dishes not to mention ‘always available’ steaks.

[@incident895]

Petulant child that I am, I'm still putting a bottle of Dead Mans Fingers Spiced Rum in my suitcase when we sail in July. If I have to get off the ship to remove it, then so be it, and I'll pour it down the drain, so when they 'confiscate' it, they wont have it either. Oh, said 0.75L 'Duty Free' rum is £20 on Britannia, £18 in Morrisons.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Go for it

[@incident895]

@@TravelBlogJamie I probably wont because I'm a big chicken full of bluster, but hey ho!

[@DawnNaylor-cc5yq]

At least the poor stewards wont have to keep filling the ice buckets every day, that should save a lot of time for them.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hmmm unless more room service deliveries??

[@TheSpanishChannel]

👀

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👀👀👀

[@carolchamberlain968]

Money money money in a rich man's p and o bank

[@TravelBlogJamie]

And the rest of the cruise world too