Drink Packages

I don’t know if you’ve heard but p&o and Cunard have now brought drink packages out for there cruises.

P&O did a trial last year on the Azura to see how many people would buy the drink packages and how it would work. Well, this looks as it worked really well as they’ve now rolled this out to all there ships. The cost of P&O drink packages start from £39.95 Per Person per day this is for what they call the Ultimate drinks package, This includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day up to a value of £6.95 per drink. It doesn’t include room service or Mini-Bar items. All adults in the same cabin are required to purchase the same drinks package. The Ultimate drinks package is available on selected cruises of five nights or more and must be purchased for every day of the cruise. The package can be purchased on the first two days of the cruise and is not refundable or transferable once purchased on board. In line with our alcohol policy, bar staff may refuse service if a guest appears to be inebriated.

15 drinks might sound a lot to people but I don’t think I would like to take a drinks package out and have to count my drinks through the day and night and hope I don’t go over 15, Princess is another cruise line that only allows 15 drinks. I do believe that if you take a drinks package out and are paying this amount you should be allowed how many you want. I do know people do abuse it but most people don’t so why be limited.

Cunard have also decided to bring a drinks package out the cost for there All-Inclusive drinks package is  $69 per person per day and the range includes Beers, Wines and Spirits, you can also purchase a Premium Soft Drinks Option ($29* per person per day), a Soft Drinks Option ($10* per person per day) and a Speciality Hot drinks option ($15* per person per day). These prices are inclusive of 15% bar service charge. Cunard is one of the most expensive drinks packages that I’ve seen but at least as far as I can see your not limited to your drinks.

Do you think the cruise lines are going in the wrong direction with the drink package? let me know your thoughts.