P&O Cruises has recently implemented significant changes to its alcohol policy to ensure responsible alcohol service onboard its ships. Effective May 7, 2024, these changes impact guests embarking from European and US homeports.
Under the updated policy, only guests aged 18 years and older for European homeports (21 and older for US homeports) are permitted to bring alcohol onboard. However, there are restrictions on the type and quantity of alcohol allowed. Guests can no longer bring “spirits” onboard, including whiskey, brandy, vodka, gin, liqueurs, and similar beverages. Instead, travelers are limited to bringing a maximum of 1 liter of wine or champagne on embarkation day.
The excess wine or champagne will be confiscated upon embarkation and returned upon disembarkation at the end of the cruise. Furthermore, any alcoholic beverages purchased during port visits cannot be consumed onboard. Guests must declare these purchases upon returning to the ship, and the alcohol will be securely stored and returned after the cruise, with no additional charge for storage.
“We’ve reviewed our alcohol policy and decided to align with the cruise industry to adhere to HESS guidelines around our responsibility to serve alcohol,” the FAQ states.
As each of the seven ships in the P&O Cruises fleet sets sail at its next departure, these updated policies will come into effect, providing clarity and consistency for guests and crew alike regarding alcohol consumption onboard.
