we are going on a P and O cruise on

As there is no cash used on board, with all purchases being charged to your room account, there isn't a "tipping culture". Just back from 4 weeks on Ventura; First day, £44.80 for each of us charged to our on board account. This is 28 days @ £1.60 to cover any tips in the Dining room as we were freedom dining, i.e. could be different waiters every night. Last day put whatever we like in envelope for cabin steward. Suggested amount was £44 each; we were more than happy to give more, but could have easily given less. Therefore in 4 weeks we gave 1 tip, no "culture there". - Drink prices are on a par with average pub prices, certainly cheaper than London. £3 pint of Stella, £3.00 or £3.50 for cocktail of the day. Best bit is Duty free shop; 2 x 1L Napoleon Brandy was £12, 2 x 1L Smirnoff was £15, so you can drink in your cabin/balcony for less than you do at home. - Obviously no tipping culture in Peterborough!

thank you that seems very reasonable, when we had paid we were told it would be about £12 per person per day which seems alot on top of what we have paid already.

Sounds like your worry was caused by misinformation from your booking agent! It is, as stated by Walker, £3.10 per person per day. It is not paid in advance, merely taken from your onboard account at the end of your cruise and can be adjusted if you feel it necessary.

thank you wiseman, very kind of you, we don't want not to tip but, like to tip certain people and the cabin staff, we have never not tipped.

Agree with you entirely. I cannot understand why some people always assume that by removing the account system in favour of tipping personally that they are trying to avoid tipping. I prefer to tip personally, always have and always will. Some people will always dodge tipping but i believe they are a very small percentage compared to the vast majority who do tip by whatever means..... Regards Ian