Overview of Can you take soft drinks on P&O Cruises UK
can you take a soft drink on P&O Cruises UK: P&O Cruises updated their onboard drinks policy bringing the most important changes starting May 7, 2024. The new rules prohibit passengers from bringing spirits and beer onboard, but the policy for soft drinks remains surprisingly flexible.
P&O Cruises’ approach to bringing drinks on board is more lenient than other cruise lines. Passengers can bring unlimited soft drinks and water. They are also privileged to carry up to 1 liter of wine or champagne at the time of embarkation. A £20 corkage fee applies if you want to enjoy your wine in public areas like restaurants or bars.
Let’s explore what you need to know about P&O Cruises’ drink policies. We’ll cover detailed allowances and restrictions and practical packing tips to help you prepare for your upcoming cruise vacation.
Understanding P&O Cruises’ 2024 Soft Drinks Policy
Let’s tuck into P&O Cruises’ latest soft drinks policy specifics. Their beverage rules have undergone the most important changes about what passengers can bring onboard.
Latest policy updates and changes
P&O Cruises will allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard starting May 2024. You can bring up to 6 cans or 1 large bottle per person. Each passenger can also pack a 1.5-litre flavoured water bottle or a 2.5-litre bottle of fizzy drink.
The cruise line has four drink packages with new pricing that takes effect May 8, 2024:
| Package Type | Pre-cruise Price (per day) | Onboard Price (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | £12.95 | £14.45 |
| Alcohol-Free | £24.25 | £26.95 |
| Classic | £43.95 | £48.85 |
| Deluxe | £54.45 | £60.50 |
Different rules for different P&O ships
The new policy rolls out to ships of all sizes throughout May 2024:
- Azura: May 9
- Britannia: May 10
- Ventura and Iona: May 11
- Arvia: May 12
- Aurora: May 15
- Arcadia: May 25
Key restrictions and allowances
You’ll find complimentary beverages throughout your cruise. These include:
- Tap water (available in all venues)
- Tea and coffee in restaurants during meals
- Breakfast juices in the buffet
The drink packages must be purchased to cover your entire cruise. Children under 17 sharing a cabin with guests who choose Classic or Deluxe packages get a free Refresh package.
Note that non-alcoholic drinks in packages come without limits, unlike alcoholic beverages with specific restrictions. You can buy these packages before your cruise or your first two days onboard.
Types of Soft Drinks Allowed on Board
P&O Cruises offers passengers many soft drink options during their voyage. Let’s look at what beverages you can enjoy on board.
Permitted beverage categories
P&O Cruises has an extensive selection of non-alcoholic beverages. In fact, you can get complimentary drinks throughout your cruise, including:
- Tap water in all venues
- Tea and coffee in restaurants during meals
- Breakfast juices in the buffet
You’ll find a great variety of soft drinks available to purchase:
- Pepsi and Pepsi Max
- R.Whites Lemonade
- Fruit juices (orange, pineapple, apple)
- Still and sparkling water
- Costa Coffee selections
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
Restricted items and packaging types
P&O Cruises has generous drink allowances, but some packaging restrictions apply. These items are not allowed on board:
- Glass bottles (opened or unopened)
- Plastic bottles
- Slab packs of canned drinks
- Tetra pack drinks including juice poppers
However, you can bring up to 12 non-alcoholic canned drinks in your carry-on luggage. We suggest you transfer any beverages from restricted containers into approved ones before boarding.
Special considerations for energy drinks
Energy drinks follow the same rules as other soft beverages on P&O Cruises. You can buy these onboard or bring them in approved containers. The cruise line offers several non-alcoholic alternatives:
- Sugar-free sodas
- Fruit coolers
- Alcohol-free beers
- Non-alcoholic spirits
- Mocktails
The Refresh package costs £14.45 per day and gives you unlimited access to soft drinks. This option works well if you enjoy having various beverage choices throughout your cruise without tracking individual drink costs.
Note that while bringing your own soft drinks is fine, the cruise line’s drink packages might offer better value, especially on longer voyages. The Alcohol-free package costs £26.95 per day and includes more non-alcoholic options, such as specialty coffees and mocktails.
Quantity Limits and Container Restrictions
A smooth boarding process depends on knowing P&O Cruises’ quantity limits and container restrictions. Let’s look at what you can bring on board in terms of beverages.
Maximum allowance per person
P&O Cruises has clear guidelines about beverage quantities. Each passenger can bring up to 12 non-alcoholic canned drinks in their carry-on luggage. We suggest you pack within these limits instead of bringing large quantities.
For those purchasing drink packages, these rules apply:
- All non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited with any package
- Only one drink can be ordered at a time
- You must wait 15 minutes between drink orders
Approved container types
P&O Cruises has specific rules about drink containers. These items are not allowed onboard:
- Plastic bottles (opened or unopened)
- Glass bottles
- Slab packs (cartons) of canned drinks
- Tetra pack drinks and fruit juice poppers
Loose canned drinks are fine when packed in your carry-on luggage. While bottled drinks aren’t allowed, you can transfer beverages to cruise-approved containers before boarding.
Storage requirements in cabins
Your cruise cabin’s storage space needs careful planning. Here’s what we suggest:
- Keep drinks in their original packaging until consumption
- Store opened beverages in your cabin’s mini-fridge
- Keep a reasonable supply that fits your cabin space
Wine has its own set of rules. Each adult passenger (18+ years for European ports, 21+ for US ports) can bring one litre of wine or champagne during boarding. A £20 corkage fee applies per bottle if you drink these in public areas.
Note that staff will collect any alcoholic beverages bought in ports at the gangway. You’ll get these back at the end of your cruise with no storage fees.
Our experience shows that following these guidelines helps you stay compliant and keeps your cabin organized throughout the trip.
Port Day Policies for Bringing Drinks Onboard
Let me share significant information about handling beverages during your port visits on P&O Cruises. The rules are different from embarkation day policies, so you need to understand what’s allowed.
Rules for purchasing drinks in ports
P&O Cruises strictly oversees beverages brought back from ports. You must declare and hand over any alcoholic beverages purchased during port visits at the gangway. The staff will store these items safely until your cruise ends.
Here’s what happens when you return from port:
- Declare all purchased beverages at the gangway
- Hand over items to security staff
- Receive a collection ticket
- Pick up your purchases on the final evening
Security screening procedures
The security screening process at ports is different from airport procedures. You’ll find no restrictions on liquid allowances in your hand luggage. This makes managing your beverages easier during port days.
Essential items to present at security:
- Passports and travel documents
- Medication (keep in hand luggage)
- Valuable items
- Port purchases declaration
Restrictions during port visits
The cruise line has clear guidelines about beverages purchased in ports. You cannot consume any alcoholic drinks bought during port visits onboard. The staff will store these items securely and return them to you before disembarkation at no extra cost.
Wine lovers should note a specific policy. Each adult passenger (18+ for European ports, 21+ for US ports) can bring up to one litre of wine or champagne, but only during original embarkation. A £20 corkage fee applies per bottle if you want to enjoy this wine in dining rooms, bars, restaurants, or lounge areas.
These rules also apply to duty-free alcohol from the ship’s onboard shops. The staff will store these items safely and return them when your cruise ends. This policy will give a fair and controlled environment for all passengers while maintaining security standards.
Our experience shows that knowing these policies helps avoid confusion during port visits. The process runs smoothly, and the core team handles stored items carefully to keep your purchases safe throughout your trip.
P&O Cruises’ Alcohol Policy Overview
Major changes are coming to P&O Cruises’ alcohol policy. We focused on stricter regulations that will start from May 7, 2024. These updated rules will affect every passenger’s cruise experience.
Current alcohol allowance rules
Right now, P&O Cruises has made notable changes to their beverage policy. Each adult passenger can bring only one litre of wine or champagne when they first board the ship. The age requirements vary by location:
| Port Location | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| European Ports | 18 years |
| US Ports | 21 years |
The cruise line has removed the option to bring beer, spirits, or liqueur onboard. These items are now restricted and staff will confiscate them during embarkation.
Wine and champagne restrictions
The wine and champagne allowance follows these specific guidelines:
- One litre limit strictly enforced per adult passenger
- Additional quantities will be stored until cruise end
- Must be brought during original embarkation only
- Bottles purchased in ports will be stored
Also, you must hand over any alcoholic beverages bought during port visits or from duty-free shops onboard for storage until your cruise ends.
Corkage fees and consumption areas
Your choice of location to enjoy your brought-aboard wine or champagne affects the costs. A corkage fee of £20 applies per bottle, per occasion, in these areas:
- Dining rooms
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Lounge areas
If you get a bottle through P&O Cruises’ gift service, you should carry your gift card to avoid corkage charges. The cruise line has a special rule for 16 and 17-year-olds – they can have small amounts of beer, cider, or wine with meals when a parent or legal guardian is present.
Room service gives you a private option with spirits and wines available to buy by the bottle. The cruise line keeps strict oversight of alcohol consumption, and bar staff might refuse service to guests who appear inebriated.
Practical Tips for Packing Drinks
Our years of cruise experience have taught us plenty about packing drinks for your P&O cruise. Let’s look at the best ways to bring your beverages while following the rules.
Best practices for transport
We learned that careful wrapping and sealing of bottles prevents accidents during transit. Here are the packing strategies that worked well for us:
- Pack soft drinks in hand luggage only
- Wrap each container individually
- Use bubble wrap or clothing as cushioning
- Keep drinks away from electronics
- Store documentation with beverages
Good packaging stops leaks and protects your belongings throughout your trip.
Recommended container types
P&O Cruises has strict rules about containers. Here’s a detailed list of what you can and cannot bring:
| Approved Containers | Not Permitted |
|---|---|
| Aluminum cans | Glass bottles |
| Travel flasks | Plastic bottles |
| Reusable bottles | Tetra packs |
| Ship-approved containers | Cartons |
The best results come from bringing up to 12 canned drinks in your hand luggage. You might also want to pack a 1.5-litre flavoured water bottle or a 2.5-litre bottle of fizzy drink.
Security checkpoint guidelines
We learned that knowing security procedures makes embarkation much smoother. Here’s what you should know about documentation and screening:
- Keep gift cards for pre-purchased wine or champagne to avoid corkage fees
- Keep medication in hand luggage
- Declare all port-purchased beverages at security
- Have cruise documentation ready
A £20 corkage fee applies when you drink wine or champagne in public areas. This fee doesn’t apply if you enjoy your beverages in your cabin.
You can save 10% by booking drink packages before your cruise. These packages often give better value on longer voyages. You must buy them either before the cruise or within the first two days onboard.
P&O shows its dedication to the environment by cutting down on single-use items. They no longer give out disposable takeaway cups in their coffee shops and bars. Bring your own reusable cup to enjoy beverages while moving around the ship.
Water, standard teas, and coffees come free throughout your cruise. You’ll need a drinks package or pay-as-you-go option for specialty drinks like Costa Coffee or Teapigs.
Medical Exceptions and Special Requirements
Let’s dive into P&O Cruises’ medical accommodations and requirements for passengers with special health needs. Managing medical conditions while cruising needs careful planning and preparation.
Process for medical necessities
P&O Cruises has specific guidelines for passengers who need medical equipment. Oxygen concentrators are allowed, but oxygen cylinders, tanks, or bottles are not permitted. Guests who depend on oxygen should plan their trip carefully.
Essential medical equipment policies include:
- You must carry CPAP/BiPAP machines as hand luggage
- Staff will perform electrical safety checks when you board
- You can use personal extension leads only for medical equipment
- Device-dependent passengers should bring backup equipment
The core team gives special attention to pacemaker users during security screenings and provides staff escorts at security checkpoints.
Required documentation
Beyond standard travel documents, you need specific paperwork for medical necessities. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill out the ‘On-board Needs’ questionnaire on My P&O Cruises
- Send your forms at least 14 days before departure
- Get approval from the medical team for specific equipment
- Have detailed cruise-specific travel insurance
Your insurance policy must have:
- £2 million minimum medical and repatriation coverage
- Emergency evacuation coverage
- Complete coverage for pre-existing conditions
Contact procedures
P&O Cruises gives you several ways to arrange medical accommodations. Here’s a detailed contact guide:
| Purpose | Contact Method | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| General Medical Queries | medical@carnivalukgroup.com | Before booking |
| Equipment Delivery | Southampton.Port.Agency@carnivalukgroup.com | Pre-cruise |
| Flight Arrangements | 0344 338 8003 | 14+ days before |
| Travel Agent Support | 0344 338 8656 | As needed |
Proper coordination is vital for liquid feeds and dialysis fluid deliveries. Contact the port agency first to arrange delivery. Your delivery must include:
- Your name
- Booking reference
- Cabin number
- Ship name
- Cruise number
- Travel date
If you use electrical medical equipment, note these extra points:
- Pack enough medication supplies
- Ask for extra refrigerator storage if needed
- Work with your medical team to arrange distilled water alternatives
P&O Cruises has specific rules for pregnant passengers. You cannot sail if you’ll be more than 23 weeks pregnant at any point during the cruise. You must provide:
- Expected due date certification
- Fitness to travel confirmation
- Doctor or midwife verification
Passengers who need peritoneal dialysis or ventilatory support must get approval from the medical team first. Start this process well before your sailing date to ensure everything is ready.
P&O Cruises cannot accommodate hemodialysis patients. This rule applies to all ships in the fleet, whatever the destination or duration.
Cost Comparison: Bringing vs Buying Onboard
The cost implications of bringing your own drinks versus buying onboard can help you plan better for your P&O cruise. Our analysis of various scenarios will help you understand what different beverage options mean for your wallet.
Onboard drink prices
P&O Cruises keeps their prices competitive with UK pub rates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of current onboard prices:
| Beverage Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pint of beer | £5.05 – £5.40 |
| Bottle of beer | £4.85 – £5.15 |
| Glass of wine | £5.75 – £9.25 |
| Spirits | £4.45 – £7.10 |
| Cocktails | £7.15 – £8.50 |
| Mocktails | £3.75 |
| Soft drinks | £2.55 – £3.60 |
| Bottle of water | £2.00 |
These prices stay the same whatever your cruise destination, and everything is priced in pounds sterling.
Potential savings analysis
Our calculations show different savings scenarios. The budget-friendly approach depends on your drinking habits. We found that:
- Wine lovers should note:
- Restaurant consumption of your own wine comes with a £20 corkage fee
- Wine packages save you 15-20% on six or twelve bottles
You could save over £400 by bringing your own drinks compared to buying similar spirits and mixers at bar prices.
Drink package alternatives
P&O Cruises has four drink packages that match different priorities:
- The Refresh Package:
- £14.45 per day (pre-booked)
- Perfect for soft drink lovers
- Has unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
- The Alcohol-Free Package:
- £26.95 per day
- Full range of non-alcoholic options
- Has specialty coffees and premium soft drinks
- The Classic Package:
- £48.85 per day
- Has simple spirits and wines
- Covers most standard beverages
- The Deluxe Package:
- £60.50 per day
- Largest selection available
- 20% discount on excluded drinks
Booking these packages before your cruise saves you 10%. Some key things to remember:
- Package restrictions include:
- 15-minute intervals between drinks
- Maximum 15 alcoholic drinks per day
- One drink order at a time
The value you get varies based on how much you drink. To name just one example, see how a package might save you money if you drink more than eight pints daily. Paying as you go might be better otherwise.
Your cruise includes several free options:
- Water, tea, and coffee in buffet areas
- Breakfast juices
- Simple beverages in restaurants
Your drinking habits will determine whether a package or pay-as-you-go works best. Families get extra value since children under 16 receive a free Refresh package with adults’ Classic or Deluxe packages.
The best way to decide is to multiply your typical daily drink consumption by your cruise duration. This calculation helps you make the right choice based on your priorities and budget.
Conclusion
P&O Cruises’ drink policies can make your sailing experience better. Their flexible approach to soft drinks makes them unique among cruise lines. Passengers can bring reasonable amounts of non-alcoholic beverages on board.
Bringing your own drinks can help you save money compared to buying them on board, especially on longer trips. Drink packages are a great way to get convenience and value, especially when you book them early with a 10% discount. You can choose what works best for you – bringing drinks, buying packages, or paying as you go – based on how you travel and your budget.
The soft drinks policies are still generous, but alcohol rules have become stricter since May 2024. Good planning around these new rules and proper paperwork for medical needs will give you a smooth boarding process and an enjoyable cruise.
Take time to calculate how much you usually drink daily and compare it with package prices before your trip. This budget-friendly strategy will help you plan your cruise drinks while following P&O’s guidelines.
FAQs
Q1. What are the current soft drink allowances on P&O Cruises UK? Passengers can bring up to 12 non-alcoholic canned drinks in their hand luggage. Additionally, each person is allowed to bring a 1.5-litre flavoured water bottle or a 2.5-litre bottle of fizzy drink.
Q2. Are there any restrictions on the types of drink containers allowed onboard? Yes, P&O Cruises prohibits glass bottles, plastic bottles, slab packs of canned drinks, and tetra pack drinks. Only loose canned drinks and approved containers are permitted.
Q3. Can I bring alcoholic beverages on a P&O cruise? Each adult passenger (18+ for European ports, 21+ for US ports) can bring one litre of wine or champagne during initial embarkation. However, spirits and beer are not allowed to be brought onboard.
Q4. What happens if I purchase drinks at ports during the cruise? Any alcoholic beverages purchased during port visits must be handed over at the gangway. These items will be stored safely and returned to you at the end of your cruise, at no additional cost.
Q5. Are drink packages available on P&O Cruises, and how do they work? Yes, P&O Cruises offers four drink packages: Refresh, Alcohol-Free, Classic, and Deluxe. These packages must be purchased for the entire cruise duration and can be bought either before the cruise or during the first two days onboard. Pre-booking offers a 10% discount.
