P&O drinks packages May 2024 update + SHOCKING new rule!

Everything you need to know about P&O's drinks packages May 2024 update, including the shocking new rule about what drinks you're allowed to take on board with you for consumption in your cabin. Refresh, Alcohol Free, Classic and Deluxe. What do they cost? What's included? Would you be better off not buying one? Can you cheat the system? How can you save money? Should you buy one? Is it right for you? Captain Chris Cruises through the facts, and shows you some sample drinks menus, to help you to decide. Hacks and tips for travellers that are essential viewing if you're cruising on Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura, Ventura, Arcadia or Aurora. Prices correct as of May 2024, but the information given will still be relevant even after the next price rise.

[@kimberleybree6731]

I love the new alcohol free package. I didn't see this advertised when we booked our cruise so we're very pleased to have a non alcoholic option for us. I don't drink alcohol anymore and my husband is happy with the non alcoholic options and shared this new package with me. We're very happy. Even when I did drink... Nowhere near 15 alcoholic drinks a day .... My liver couldnt have handled that.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Ha ha! Nor mine! Thanks for your comment. Have a great cruise.

[@emjayvick511]

NEVER purchased a rip.off drinks package,never will

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. I don't drink enough to justify buying one myself, but they are incredibly popular. Enjoy your next cruise. Best wishes.

[@peterjaro6804]

When your video's came up on my feed, I thought it was a bit naff... but I was wrong. Not only do you have clear information about each cruise subject, but you also 'do the math' and illustrated what things actually mean, such as how much (in reality) you have to drink for a drink packages to make sense. Top mark for the video and top marks for you background work and evenclear presentation. I am now officially a fan!!!

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thanks very much for your complimentary comment. All I wanted to be, when I started this channel, was informative, so I'm glad you've found the videos useful. I hope you enjoy your next cruise, wherever it may take you. Best wishes.

[@pjs2409]

I could understand it if it applied to cruises booked after 7th May but not for existing customers who have already booked and are having their terms and conditions changed! Out of order P&O!!

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

I know how you feel. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@andrewcurtis8739]

With every passenger booking at a different time (sometimes up to 2 years ahead) that would be absolutely impossible to enforce.

[@MichaelYore-v9j]

Totally out of order. People have booked cruises (ourselves included) knowing that this was part of the deal. Scandalous that they are changing this rule after people have paid for their cruise. I know there will be something in the terms and conditions that lets them do it but morally they should honour what was agreed at the time of booking. All about money!

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. The P&O website has now been updated. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@ardongrainford8004]

Too late updating it now.

[@andrewcurtis8739]

Of course it's all about money, they are a commercial enterprise not a charity! It's not scandalous, they've just brought it into line with other cruise companies and you can purchase bottles through Room Service at a cheaper price than most supermarkets.

[@Blah-blah-blah696]

Looking to book P&O for the first time and we will definitely NOT be buying the drinks package. Definitely not worth it and especially when you can only 15 drinks per day 😂. No thanks

[@CruiseDomandHelen]

One the reasons we don't book P&O is the 15 drinks in 24hrs and 15 mins between drinks. I understand why, but with RCI there are no restriction (unless you're totally irresponsible)

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. I've just got back from an MSC cruise, and they had no upper limit on drinks either. More videos on that to come. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@davidpearson243]

I’m a shareholder and receive £150 credit per 14 day cruise I bought 100 shares two years ago at £6.20 wish I had bought 10000 as they are now £11 The last cruise we had in February we bought 3 litres of whiskey at Lisbon nobody checked our bags (if they had would have been ok as it was last port and was for home use )

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your interesting comments. Sorry I was a bit slow replying, but we have just returned from a cruise with Virgin Voyages. It was a real eye opener, so watch this space for videos about that. Best wishes, and enjoy your next cruise.

[@philjackson1422]

Hi when you first board the ship can you take a bottle of martini on board or is that classed as spirit's

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

My understanding is that it's wine, Champagne and soft drinks only. Best wishes. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@pjs2409]

had same question - reply from p&0 - its fortified wine therefore ok if under 1 litre...🎉

[@JJLondon2]

I bought a drinks package and it really couldn't have been a bigger waste of time - the lack of staff meant that you had to wait forever to get a drink anyway; you can't even go to the bar and buy a drink as they only 'make' the drinks and need to be passed on from a waiter. Furthermore, things like a drink at the theatre now means getting a drink before entering, as staff no longer take orders from the theatre (and when the bar is full you're left standing around trying to catch a waiter to place an order). I for one have been so disappointed with the cutbacks that I'm now looking to other cruise lines in future - might as well pay cheap(er) for rubbish service!

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Experiences like this can really spoil a holiday, can't they? I hope you enjoy your next cruise, whichever cruise line you choose. Best wishes.

[@garethtaylor7437]

Why have p&o not officially announced this yet?

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

The P&O website was updated on the 7th, to reflect the changes to what drinks you can take on board. The rule applies from the 7th, they announced it on the 7th, no warning given. Best wishes. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@beautifulscotland7443]

I booked my refresh package before the price change so glad I did so only paid £9.85 per day! Seems crazy you can’t take 1 litres spirts onboard !

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

That's great. A nice little win! Enjoy your cruise.

[@andrewcurtis8739]

Not crazy at all, it's in line with nearly every other cruise company. Wanting people to spend on board instead of bringing it with them is just good business sense.

[@jade291000]

Goin on the brittania on the 24th got my drinks package in february

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Well done! Enjoy the savings! Have a great time.

[@philippayne6655]

Not being a big drinker usually I only have a couple of beers a day when I cruise. That's far more than usual when I'm at home anyway. I guess cruise lines don't want a lot of passengers getting drunk.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

I'm not much of a drinker myself, but the drinks packages are very popular. Thanks for your comment, best wishes and enjoy your next cruise.

[@adrianfoster8881]

We have just returned from a P&O cruise on Iona. Bearing in mind it often took 30 minutes to get served I can't see how such large increases could be justified.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. Enjoy your next cruise, whichever cruise line you choose.

[@thomasdevlin2379]

Hi I've just came off p&o azura they never checked what you brought on ship from start of my cruise you could bring anything on at each port

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for this information. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@suzannelee6362]

We have a 17 year old and she has a free drinks package with our drinks package 👍

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

This is valuable information, and I thank you for it. The website agrees with what you say, but when I phone them to ask for confirmation, I never get the same answer twice! Enjoy your cruise. Best wishes.

[@donnaharrison972]

To be fair, I don't blame them. So many people on Facebook groups openly admit to taking more alcohol on board than permitted or drinking the alcohol out of their cabins. The packages have only gone up a little bit. The bar prices are comparable to those on land and bottles of spirits etc can be bought from room service to drink in your cabin and they are very reasonably priced.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. The drinks prices on P&O are very reasonable, I agree. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@adrianfoster8881]

Classic drinks package gone up about £9 - almost 25%

[@JH-zv7lt]

This information will certainly put me off going with P&O and look at other provider's and is far too expensive.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. Many feel the same way. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@Willow1899]

How will they find spirits in a suitcase, when they have over a thousand suit cases to check when boarding? They wouldnt have the time to open up all the suitcases and take it out and most cases are locked!

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. I guess they pass through an airport style X-ray device. When you board the ship after visiting each port, everything you're carrying with you gets X-rayed, so I imagine the same happens with your main suitcase after you drop it off at the cruise terminal. Hope this helps. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@annbailey6316]

So glad we haven't booked yet and won't be booking again we go twice a year always book a balcony because we love to have a vodka and bacardi with coke before we go out for the evening and when we come back.also when we depart it's always been that we had a drink to start our holiday.Out of principle we won't be booking again.

[@helenpask254]

You can buy a bottle from room service so you can still have a drink in the cabin. Its not that expensive.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for this useful comment.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

It's a shame, isn't it? I hope you enjoy your next cruise.

[@andrewcurtis8739]

That's ridiculous. What principle? They are a business and people were buying goods somewhere else rather than on board. It's basic business sense. Pretty much all of their competitors do the same. And you can still have your vodka and bacardi from Room Service.

[@tonynightingale7356]

Now officially on their website , thanks for the tip off Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America ports) and older may bring up to 1 litre of wine or Champagne on board as they embark the ship for the first time only. Wine or Champagne over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20* per bottle, per occasion which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account. Other alcohol types such spirits are considered restricted items and are prohibited to bring on board when guests first embark the ship.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your kind comment. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@tonynightingale7356]

@CaptainChrisCruises we will , 34 days to go before we embark on Arvia. Your vlogs have helped us so much, we cannot express our gratitude enough, but if we ever bump into you on a future cruise, the drinks are on me. Keep up the good work friend....er sorry ...Captain

[@ColinsMadCamCrew-1993]

I'm sure it's possible to buy 1Litre Spirits of Whiskey, Gin and Vodka from room service at fairly reasonable prices not too much more expensive than the major supermarkets? Surely this is just the same as bringing on your own other than P&O making a little extra.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. I'm sure you can. Enjoy your next cruise. Best wishes.

[@pjs2409]

Example - room service charge £26 - £38 for 'luxury' branded gin as opposed to 11.99 for your standard duty free bottle.....which would you rather pay?

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

Thay are not enforceing this, i took 3 liters of sprits on at the start, and two more bottles in ports and thay didnt take them, its too much hassle for them to take bottles and return them.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. Very interesting. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@markmw123]

That’s a BIG blow as currently I am enjoying my 1Lt of Gin with mixers in my cabin but, not surprised at P&O making these changes….might need to consider other cruise providers 🤔 for my next trip…..

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. The P&O website has now been updated. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@markmw123]

Please Can you include a link to the new rules regarding cabin drinks allowance.

[@garethtaylor7437]

1 litre of wine each?

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

One litre per adult.

[@peterjones6322]

Not a shocker at all, it's what most cruise lines already do. Last year Princess made much more significant changes than this After customers like us had already paid in full for the cruise.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

It's annoying when you've already booked, isn't it? Thanks for your comment. Enjoy your next cruise. Best wishes.

[@phil7794]

How about a Cruise Line adopting an all inclusive cruise deal, all drinks and meals free. Could be onto a winner there ! (Might be a bit pricy though) But I still reckon it would be very popular!

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. Best wishes.

[@emjayvick511]

Just come back from a Marella all.imclusive cruise.

[@annat8824]

Can you fill up a water bottle anywhere on the ships? We’re with Arcadia in December and I drink about 3 Litres a day..?

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Hi. I haven't been on Arcadia. On Arvia there are water dispensers on the ship, in several places, and there's nothing wrong with the tap water in the cabins. There's water available at the table in the restaurants too, so, hopefully, you'll find enough to drink. Hope this helps. Enjoy your cruise.

[@stevedee6467]

Bought the package on Anthem of the Seas last year. 14 night cruise.Broke even on day 9😵‍💫

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Well, if you've bought the package, you'd be a fool not to try. Best wishes and enjoy your next cruise.

[@stevedee6467]

@@CaptainChrisCruises Many thanks !! What are your thoughts on the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship?

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

All its residents have my sympathy. Belfast is great, but you wouldn't want to be stuck in port for all that time, would you. Hopefully they can get going again soon.

[@philgreen8737]

I am on the Arcadia in September, they changed the rules after we booked it. This will be my last cruise with P&O, THEY ARE A RIP OFF.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

It's a shame they don't honour the rules that were in place at the time of booking, isn't it? I hope you still enjoy your cruise. Best wishes.

[@Caroline-se7gh]

Can you still buy a bottle of spirits on board for your cabin? Any idea what irish whiskeys they have in bars on board?

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Hi. You can buy spirits in the shop, but you only collect it on the last day, so no chance to drink it during your holiday. We bought some gin at a great price. There is Jameson's whiskey in the bars. Hope this helps. Enjoy your cruise. Best wishes.

[@Caroline-se7gh]

@@CaptainChrisCruisesThis is still the info in their FAQs........ If you would like to purchase a bottle of spirits for in cabin consumption during your cruise you may do so by ordering via room service (also, from May 2017 we are introducing an exciting new range of chargeable items to the menu). Intra EU Cruises (Cruises visiting only Countries within the European Union) On intra EU voyage we are unable to sell any duty free liquor or tobacco for on board consumption or to take ashore from the shops on board. I wonder if the cruise starts in England (non eu) but travels in eu....can one buy spirits for the cabin? I'm probably as well to email them!! Thanks for your info!

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

We travelled from Southampton to EU countries, and we bought from the duty free shop, but couldn't have the purchases until the last day. Of course you can order from room service for cabin consumption, but these will surely be at a very different price to the duty free shop. Happy sailing.

[@Caroline-se7gh]

@@CaptainChrisCruises Thank you. I looked further into room service and apparently a litre bottle of Jameson is approx 26 pounds! Cheaper than in shops here! Happy days! Nice to have a night cap in the cabin, or a hot one on a cold night!

[@CaptOReilly]

is that a litre of wine each or between 2?

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

One litre per adult. Enjoy your cruise.

[@LeeLee-xt5uy]

do they check for spirits when you board? say i put spirits in a coke bottle?

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

I've heard of people who've done that and got away with it but, as I said in the video, I can't recommend that you try it. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great cruise.

[@karenwinterton3292]

Absolutely disgraceful. It is not fair that P&O can change their polices when people have paid in full for their cruise. Allowing 1 litre of spirit onboard, for comsumption over two weeks, is a minimal amount. Very greedy on their part, squeezing every penny from their customers.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. Many people have said the same. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@magsn2829]

I’ve booked my cruise with the deluxe package for2025

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

That's great!

[@louisealdred-z8e]

Do you get a free glass off wine at dinner time.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

No. Some of the dearer cabins get a bottle of bubbly in their cabins on arrival, and some get drinks at a welcome on board lunch, but for the rest of us there's no free booze. You can have tea & coffee after dinner at no extra charge, but alcohol has to be paid for. Enjoy your cruise. Best wishes.

[@robertowen6499]

I meant we just don't drink the amounts that drinks packages specify in my earlier comment.Sorry, my error😂

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

No problem. Best wishes.

[@123yozzer]

Very poor from p and o. Not only can't you take a bottle of gin onnoard for the room there has been 2 price increases in 12 months.was £39.99 per day and now £48 .

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. A lot of people are very unhappy. I hope you enjoy your next cruise anyway. Best wishes.

[@TheCaperer]

Well Captain Chris, where did you get your information? Was it from P & O? Or another less reliable source, I suggest you only use information direct from P&O, I will be boarding Arvia on Sunday with my full 1 litre of Spirit as I can find nothing about this either on an email or website from P&O. Fake news from the Fake Captain me thinks

[@tonynightingale7356]

Still on their website as of today: Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America and United Arab Emirates ports) and older may bring up to 1 litre of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit or liqueur on board as they embark the ship for the first time only. Alcohol over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. Very informative but with respect ,Where was your information from?Still on their website as of today: Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America and United Arab Emirates ports) and older may bring up to 1 litre of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit or liqueur on board as they embark the ship for the first time only. Alcohol over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your question. The P&O website has now been updated to reflect the alcohol policy change of 7th May. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, if only it was fake news! I hope you still enjoy your holiday. Best wishes. Be kind.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

We didn't take any alcohol on the ship for our holiday (Feb), but on every port day we took some back on, not once were we challenged.

[@helenpask254]

You might find now they will take it off you and give you it back on the last night.

[@helenpask254]

Its not fake news at all. Its on the website now and thats that. Most other cruise lines have done the same thing. They are a business. You dont go into a pub and take your own drink so why on a cruise ship.

[@poppyh65128]

Im going on the ventura is it any good 😊

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Ventura is a good bit smaller than Arvia or Iona, but it's still huge, with plenty of facilities. I'm sure you'll have a great time. Enjoy it. Best wishes.

[@poppyh65128]

@@CaptainChrisCruises 👍

[@AdaIrving]

Fantastic, fantastic. Fantastic

[@salforlad64]

I won’t bother with them again.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. It's a shame, isn't it? Enjoy your next holiday.

[@andrewcurtis8739]

Why? You'll find a similar rule on nearly every cruise line.

[@salforlad64]

Just won’t bother with cruises. I went to Norway with p&o and you could bring on a litre each. Stick to flying

[@magsn2829]

No not on their website

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

I hope you have a fantastic holiday.

[@hawiiancanetoad]

This will cost P&O in the long run.... hopefully. It's getting out of hand. We had already booked before this nonsense was announced, but out of principle it will be the last we book with P&O.

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. Lots of people feel the same way. I hope you enjoy your cruise nonetheless. Best wishes.

[@stevenmintandrews4859]

Cheers won’t be booking P&O

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Enjoy your next cruise, whichever cruise line you choose. Best wishes.

[@theresalennon4048]

Lot of desperate people on hear really need that alcohol don’t they , I’m happy been sober on my holiday

[@CaptainChrisCruises]

Thank you for your comment. I'm not much of a drinker myself, but the drinks packages are really popular. Enjoy your next cruise.

[@123yozzer]

Not really,just people who enjoy a drink wanting a fair deal. Well done for being sober

[@phyllisbiram5163]

Yes I'm sure you feel the need to be sober on your holiday - it's just everybody who meets you feels they have to be drunk.

[@mrfixit2788]

Says you the prick