P&O Cruises 2026: Everything You Need to Know About All-Inclusive Packages
For the first time, P&O Cruises is offering all-inclusive packages that passengers can add when booking their 2026 voyages. Traditionally, your cruise fare included your cabin, buffet and main dining meals, and basics like tea, coffee, and juice. Extras such as cocktails, wine, spirits, speciality restaurants, and Wi-Fi were always optional and added cost.
The new all-inclusive options — the Classic and Deluxe packages — bundle these popular extras into one price, giving passengers predictable spending and the ability to enjoy drinks, speciality dining, and Wi-Fi without worrying about individual costs. These packages are available on voyages of five nights or more, and aim to make cruising simpler and more convenient, especially for families and first-time cruisers.
This guide will cover:
What’s included in each all-inclusive package
Pricing and value comparison
How these options differ from the traditional cruise fare
Who benefits most from all-inclusive cruising and whether it’s worth it
What Does “All-Inclusive” Mean on P&O Cruises?
It’s important to note that “all-inclusive” doesn’t cover absolutely everything on board. Instead, it bundles the extras that most passengers purchase anyway, providing convenience and a degree of cost savings.
What’s Already Included in Your Cruise Fare
Even without all-inclusive, your cruise fare already covers:
Accommodation
Buffet and main dining meals
Tea, coffee, and juice at meals and select venues
Entertainment, activities, and pools
Previously, anything beyond this — drinks, speciality dining, premium Wi-Fi, excursions, or spa treatments — required additional payment.
Kids fancy mocktail - 6th Street Diner, Arvia.
All-Inclusive Package Options: Classic vs Deluxe
1. Classic All-Inclusive Package (~£49 per day)
Perfect for those who want the basics covered, the Classic package includes:
Classic drinks package: beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks
Essential Wi-Fi: ideal for social media, browsing, and messaging
Speciality dining credit:
£20 per person on 5–9 night cruises
£40 per person on 10–14 night cruises
£55 per person on 15+ night cruises
Free soft drinks for kids under 18 when two adults purchase the package
Savings can be up to 32% compared to purchasing these extras individually, onboard..
2. Deluxe All-Inclusive Package (~£59 per day)
For a more premium experience, the Deluxe package includes:
Deluxe drinks package: premium spirits, cocktails, craft beers, extended wine options
Ultimate Wi-Fi: stronger connection for streaming and video calls
Higher speciality dining credit (£30–£80 depending on cruise length)
Free soft drinks for kids under 18 with two adults’ packages
Up to 34% savings compared with buying extras individually
What’s Included — Section by Section
🍹 Drinks
All-inclusive packages cover the drinks you’re most likely to buy anyway. The Classic package includes standard favourites, while the Deluxe version extends to premium spirits, craft beers, and cocktails.
🍽️ Speciality Dining Credit
Each package includes a credit that can be redeemed at speciality restaurants such as Sindhu or The Glasshouse. It’s not unlimited, but it lets you try higher-end dining without paying fully onboard.
🌐 Wi-Fi
Both packages include Wi-Fi — Essential on Classic and Ultimate on Deluxe — which can otherwise be costly if purchased separately.
If you’re sailing from Southampton, you can also read our full guide to cruising from Southampton, including parking and embarkation tips.
How All-Inclusive Differs From Traditional Fares
Before these packages, drinks, Wi-Fi, and speciality dining were optional extras. Now, you can pre-book a bundle that brings the most common purchases together at a predictable cost.
Think of it as a convenience and value package: if you normally buy drinks, use Wi-Fi, or plan to dine in speciality restaurants, you’ll likely save money. If you rarely use these extras, it might be cheaper to continue paying individually.
Is All-Inclusive Worth It? Pros & Cons
✅ Benefits
Predictable onboard spending — no surprise bar bills
Savings if you frequently use drinks and Wi-Fi
Speciality dining credit allows trying higher-end restaurants
Kids under 18 receive free soft drinks with adult packages
⚠️ Considerations
Does not cover excursions, spa treatments, or retail purchases
May not be cost-effective for light drinkers or minimal Wi-Fi users
Dining credit may not cover all meals in speciality restaurants
Who Benefits Most?
📌 Families — simplifies budgeting and keeps children’s drinks included
📌 Frequent drinkers — covers cocktails, wine, and spirits without extra cost
📌 Guests who value convenience — one upfront price reduces stress and planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the all-inclusive package include speciality dining?
Yes — each package includes a set credit usable in select speciality restaurants.
Q: Are kids included?
Children under 18 get free soft drinks when two adults purchase a package.
Q: Can the package be bought onboard?
It’s available at booking and offers better value than purchasing separately.
Q: Is it like a full resort-style all-inclusive?
Not quite — drinks, Wi-Fi, and dining credit are included, but excursions, spa treatments, and some premium options remain extras.
If you’re planning to stay overnight before your cruise, see our guide to where to stay before your Southampton cruise.
Final Thoughts: P&O All-Inclusive — A Smart Move?
P&O Cruises’ new all-inclusive packages represent a major shift in how British cruisers can plan their holidays. For families, first-time cruisers, and anyone who enjoys drinks, dining, and staying connected, these packages simplify budgeting and provide excellent value.
Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your cruise habits: frequent drinkers and speciality diners will benefit most, while lighter users may prefer the traditional pay-as-you-go approach. Overall, it’s a welcome addition that makes cruising more predictable and accessible — and could attract a new audience who appreciate the simplicity and convenience of all-inclusive pricing.
If you’re considering a 2026 P&O sailing and want help comparing options, feel free to get in touch and we’ll talk through what suits your family best.