P&O Cruises’ Drinks Package Price Hike: What UK Cruise Holidaygoers Need to Know
P&O Cruises, a member of the Carnival Corporation & plc family, has recently adjusted the prices of its onboard drinks packages. This change, which took effect in late October 2025, sees some packages increase by up to 12%. Interestingly, the cruise line has not formally informed booked passengers about this update. Instead, guests discovered the new prices while browsing the P&O Cruises website.
New Prices and Package Options
P&O Cruises offers four distinct drinks packages, catering to a range of preferences from soft drinks to premium spirits. The updated daily rates per person are as follows:
– Refresh: £16 (previously £14.45) for on-tap fountain soft drinks and juice.
– Alcohol-Free: £29 (previously £26.95) for soft drinks, coffees, teas, bottled juices, water, and mocktails.
– Classic: £50 or £55 (previously £48.85) for most alcoholic and soft drinks, excluding premium brands.
– Deluxe: £60 or £65 (previously £60.50) for an all-inclusive selection covering the full range of beverages.
Notably, the Classic and Deluxe packages now have two price points. The cost varies based on the length of your cruise. For sailings of 15 nights or more, the lower prices apply (£50 per night for Classic, £60 per night for Deluxe). However, for cruises of 14 nights or fewer, the higher prices are in effect.
Understanding the Price Changes
The Refresh package has increased by 10%, while the Alcohol-Free option has risen by nearly 8%. The Classic package sees a price hike of either 2% or 12%, depending on the cruise duration. Meanwhile, the Deluxe package has slightly decreased by less than 1% for longer cruises, but increased by around 7% for shorter ones.
This small reduction in the Deluxe package price for longer itineraries suggests P&O Cruises may be encouraging more passengers to choose the all-inclusive option. This package remains the best value for those who frequently enjoy premium drinks. However, most guests will be on cruises of 14 nights or fewer, meaning they will face the higher price.
Factors Behind the Increase
Drinks package pricing can vary based on the ship, sailing length, and itinerary demand. Typically, shorter or high-season sailings come with higher daily rates. Guests who pre-book drinks packages before their cruise can save up to 20% compared to onboard pricing. Importantly, those who have already purchased packages for upcoming cruises will not face additional charges, as pre-paid rates are locked in.
If you’re booked on a longer cruise and have the Deluxe package, consider cancelling and rebooking at the new lower rate. This could lead to significant savings.
A Wider Trend Across Carnival Brands
This quiet price adjustment is part of a broader trend within the Carnival family. Recently, Carnival Cruise Line increased the cost of its internet plans. This has led to speculation that more price updates could be forthcoming across the group’s brands, including Princess Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Holland America.
For UK cruise holidaygoers, staying informed about these changes is crucial. By understanding the new pricing structure, you can make the most of your cruise experience and ensure you get the best value for your money.
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