P&O Cruises All-Inclusive Packages: what they actually are (and whether they’re worth it)

If you’ve ever got on board and thought, “Right… drinks, Wi-Fi, and the odd speciality meal is going to add up,” P&O have basically bundled those things into one easy add-on.

P&O’s new all-inclusive packages let you upgrade at the point you book and (in their words) save compared to buying those bits separately on board. 

So what do you get?

Both packages include three things:

1. A drinks package

2. Wi-Fi

3. Speciality dining credit (to spend in the speciality restaurants)

That’s the “all-inclusive” part: it’s not your whole cruise fare, it’s those on-board extras wrapped up together. 

The two options: Classic vs Deluxe

1) Classic Package

• From £49 per person, per day (P&O show this based on 5–14 night cruises) 

• Includes: Classic drinks package (alcoholic drinks, plus soft drinks, Costa Coffee and teapigs™) 

• Essential Wi-Fi (good for browsing, socials, messages, emails) 

• Speciality dining credit (tiered by cruise length, up to £55pp on 15+ nights) 

2) Deluxe Package

• From £59 per person, per day (again shown for 5–14 nights) 

• Includes: Deluxe drinks package (more premium spirits, wider wine/cocktail range, craft beers) 

• Ultimate Wi-Fi (better for streaming and voice/video calls) 

• Enhanced speciality dining credit (tiered, up to £80pp on 15+ nights) 

P&O also claim the bundle can be 32% cheaper than buying on board (they’ll obviously base that on typical usage).

The bit loads of people miss: who can add it (and when)

These packages come with a few important rules:

• You can only add it to a new booking and you must do it at the time you book. You can’t add it later to an existing booking, and you can’t buy it once you’re on board. 

• It’s available on 5+ night cruises departing after 1 March 2026 (as per the promo T&Cs).

• It must be bought for all eligible guests sharing the cabin. 

• Officially it’s for guests aged 18+, but there are specific child rules (see below). 

What about kids?

If two adults in the cabin buy the same all-inclusive package, P&O say under-18s in that cabin get the Refresh drinks package for free. 

But if it’s one adult travelling with kids, P&O’s T&Cs say the under-18s will be charged the adult all-inclusive price, even though they’ll receive the Refresh drinks package + Wi-Fi + dining credit. (So for single parents, it’s definitely one to price up properly.)

How the dining credit works

The dining credit:

• Is non-transferable, must be used during the cruise, and can’t be exchanged for cash. 

• Shows on your on-board account and is used automatically for eligible spend. 

• Can’t be used against speciality dining booked in advance through My P&O Cruises (so it’s more of an on-board treat than a pre-planned one). 

• Doesn’t cover shore experiences. 

Who this is best for

You’ll probably get the most out of it if you’re the type who:

• Has a couple of drinks most days (and a coffee or two)

• Uses Wi-Fi beyond just the odd message

• Likes doing at least one speciality restaurant during the trip

• Prefers knowing the cost up front rather than watching the on-board account climb

Deluxe tends to make sense if you:

• Actually want the premium drinks options

• Care about streaming/video calling on sea days (Wi-Fi varies at sea, but the package level matters) 

If you’re more of a “one cocktail at sailaway and that’s me done” cruiser, you might be better off sticking with pay-as-you-go (or a standalone drinks package), rather than bundling everything.

Quick tips before you book

• Check your cruise date: this promo is tied to sailings after 1 March 2026 and 5+ nights. 

• Decide Classic vs Deluxe based on Wi-Fi needs as much as drinks (lots of people forget that bit). 

• If you think you might change your mind, be aware: removing the package means cancelling and rebooking the cruise (with normal cancellation rules). 

Final Thoughts

P&O’s all-inclusive packages are really about convenience and keeping costs predictable. If you’ll use drinks + Wi-Fi + at least one speciality meal, bundling it can make the cruise feel a lot more relaxed and could work out better value.

If you barely drink, don’t care about Wi-Fi, or you’re off the ship most days, you might be better off paying as you go.

Quick decision check:

• Will you use Wi-Fi most days?

• Will you have a few drinks/coffees daily?

• Will you use the dining credit?

Classic vs Deluxe:

• Classic: great for most people who want the basics covered.

• Deluxe: makes sense if you want better Wi-Fi (streaming/video calls) and you’ll use the premium drinks options.

The biggest win isn’t always the saving, it’s knowing what you’re spending upfront.

FAQ: P&O All-Inclusive Packages

What does “all-inclusive” actually mean on P&O?

It’s an add-on bundle that includes a drinks package + Wi-Fi + speciality dining credit. It’s not the cruise fare, excursions, spa, photos, etc.

What’s the difference between Classic and Deluxe?

Classic is the standard option with Classic drinks + Essential Wi-Fi + dining credit. Deluxe upgrades you to Deluxe drinks + Ultimate Wi-Fi + higher dining credit.

Can I add it after I’ve already booked?

No. It has to be added at the time you book (you can’t add it later or buy it onboard).

Is it available on every P&O cruise?

Not necessarily. It’s linked to eligible sailings (P&O list it for 5+ night cruises and certain departure dates). Always check your specific sailing at booking.

Do I have to buy it for everyone in the cabin?

Yes, for eligible guests sharing the cabin it’s normally all or nothing rather than one person having it and the other not.

What about kids and teens?

If two adults in the cabin buy the same all-inclusive package, under-18s in that cabin get the Refresh drinks package included. Rules can differ if it’s one adult travelling with kids, so it’s worth checking the booking screen and T&Cs before you pay.

Is it worth it if I don’t drink alcohol?

Sometimes, but not always. You’ll need to be someone who’ll use soft drinks, coffees, Wi-Fi, and the dining credit enough to justify the daily price.

Does the package include bottled water?

It depends on what’s covered within the specific drinks package and onboard rules. Check the drinks package details shown during booking for the exact inclusions.

Is Wi-Fi unlimited?

The packages include Wi-Fi access, but the level depends on which package you choose: Essential (browsing/social/messages) vs Ultimate (better for streaming/video calls).

Can I use the dining credit to pre-book speciality restaurants before I sail?

Usually no. The dining credit is designed for use onboard, and it typically can’t be used against speciality dining booked in advance.

What happens if I don’t use all my dining credit?

It doesn’t roll over or convert to cash. If you don’t use it onboard, you lose it.

Can I remove the package later if I change my mind?

Normally it’s not a simple “remove”. It’s treated as part of the booking setup, so changing it can mean cancelling and rebooking under the usual terms. Always read the cancellation rules before you commit.

Does it cover room service, excursions, spa, or shops?

No. It’s focused on drinks, Wi-Fi, and speciality dining credit only.