Responsible is NOT having a drinks package that allow 15 drinks per day and pricing it so that you have to drink almost that much to make it worth the price! More money grabbing in my opinion. Prices go up yet service and quality goes down. Long time loyal passenger looking elsewhere.

@michaelcartwright4012

Ай бұрын

We're the same. 18 P&O cruises done, 2 booked and that'll be it I think.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I totally agree

@DaveEP

Ай бұрын

Yep, I've never bought a drinks package yet, drink as much as I want and never spend anywhere near the daily price of the package. I do however know other people who always buy the package as they consider it 'good value' based on how much 'they' drink. I don't understand how they manage it!

@richardcraik3635

Ай бұрын

Work is the curse of the drinking classes

@Pandles639

Ай бұрын

P&O are a shambles, driving austerity. Utterly shambolic business plan. Customers that know how much has changed, are moving on. Those that are new to cruising, will stay for a while, until they realise what they can get elsewhere for similar money.

As my dad would say, don’t in my ear and tell me it’s raining. Just say you need to make more money. Don’t insult my intelligence.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

True - smart dad

Hey Jamie, it was lovely to meet yourself and Matthew on Arcadia, we loved our cruise and have cruised with P&O for 3 years running now, it's still our favourite cruise line.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Completed you had a good time and lovely to meet you too ❤️❤️❤️

Will be looking for another cruise line now as P & O seems to be making cuts to quality for more profit.

@TravelBlogJamie

28 күн бұрын

Understood

Thanks for the information

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Very welcome 🙏

We saw you on MSC virtuosa at the weekend talking to the ladies on deck at back of the ship taking a video of us sailing out of southampton. Fun cruise and our first

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed!

Great blog as always glad to have met you in Hythe today 👍

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Oh hey Gary 👋

Hi Jamie, thanks for letting me know. I am going on Aurora next Wednesday and had no clue. It's a shame but i can neck the sambuca when i return from my 3 day jaunt!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

You’re welcome

We’re off in Jan 25 and to be honest This was something that swayed me to book for a big family trip in 2026 ….. tbh I don’t want to drink the value of a drinks package… just enjoy a nice tipple or 2 while getting ready in my cabin….. so disappointing as it’s another erosion of its uniqueness 😮

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

It was a unique feature, true

I can confidently tell you that if a governmental body or corporation tell you it is for your safety or security …………..IT ISN’T.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Ha! I concur 😂

Thanks Jamie for clarifying the alcohol allowance we can bring on board on embarkation. As in the past we have usually flown to board the ship so we haven’t really taken alcohol on board. I understand their reasons but it is definitely still in the small print and I won’t have noticed if i had not seen someone mentioning it online. I wonder if you can take non alcoholic gin! 😂

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

You’re welcome

Didn’t have drinks package on cruise in January , taking litre bottle on was great for other half , I’m not much of a drinker with alcohol, on Ventura in feb mini cruise and Iona in September won’t have drinks package on Iona hoping still allowed take soft drinks on board , @TravelBlogJamie thanks for update ❤

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

You’re welcome

Hi Jamie i can imagine that this isnt going to go down well with some im not a great drinker and wine is ok with me thank you for the update 😊

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Welcome 🙏

This is nothing more than P&O wanting to increase their bar sales . Nothing to do with responsible drinking . As you say they turn a blind eye to excessive alcohol consumption of their provided alcohol . Doesn’t really bother me frankly , but just another reason for not cruising on penny pinching P&O .

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Thanks for your comments

We did ten cruises in in ten years all with P&O , not any more they have no loyalty any more , year by year they have eroded the service that at best is 3 star plus, it’s such a shame for this once great British cruise line.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

@ianmarsh_uk

Ай бұрын

So which cruise line do you recommend within the same price bracket that offers more loyalty and better service?

@dlgregory35

Ай бұрын

@@ianmarsh_uk FRed Olsen for sure.

@johnnyhollis9977

29 күн бұрын

Unfortunately P&O are under orders and policies directed by Carnival and that was always going to be bad news! Life time cruiser and I totally agree with your comment.👍

@jeaniburgess4086

11 күн бұрын

Shame on you big boozer

Oh no! We're off on Saturday on Iona in the cabin you had 😮. We purchased two bottles of spirits only the other day, which I wouldn't have bothered with otherwise 😢. Properly hacked off I've got to say. My first Pando cruise too so not starting with the best impression! They've not informed me of any changes, and I checked their rules just before buying. Enough ranting from me. I love your blogs, keep up the great work 😊

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Enjoy your cruise 🚢

@davidjenkins5051

Ай бұрын

Thank you. On a more positive note I've just checked the weather forecast and it's just perfect 👌. Obviously organised by customer services to ease the drinks policy shocker (no David, just leave it, move on, hehe)

@robandsue

Ай бұрын

Yeah, i think its the appalling lack of communication that is winding me up - AND, I wasn't even taking anything!!!

@davidjenkins5051

Ай бұрын

I tried calling customer services, but it rings out with a message that they're too busy! I wonder why?

@paulm8330

Ай бұрын

Next they will tell you to turn up naked as you can only wear what’s purchased from the onboard boutique’s. Sick of these companies trying to enforce rules, that we all know, are simply to maximise profit. Hope it backfires to teach them that their ‘loyal customers’ are sick of it.

I quite liked that you could bring a litre of spirits onboard for the cabin, however I usually end up bringing some home with me as hubby only drinks beer or the occasional cocktail. I’ve taken a bottle regardless of whether I’ve had the drinks package or not. However, with the drinks package price hike I will rethink whether to take it or not going forward, especially as my daughter is now 18 so doesn’t benefit from the free refresh package. It won’t stop me from choosing P&O though as they still represent good value for money for the cruise.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍👍

We booked a year ago, sailing Sunday and P&O have not advised us of this change. Thank you for telling me, there are going to be so many caught out by this on Sunday. I wonder if they will return or keep as now a prohibited item. Free bar stock if they keep !

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I’d imagine there’ll be a grace period especially as people haven’t been told?

As have 2 cruises next year with P&O this will be interesting to see what changes have been made

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍👍

Hi Jamie , it’s Percy ,, I’m not surprised at this announcement to be honest ,, there has been so many changes over the last few years with the whole cruise industry,, it’s just about money these days ,, hope you and maffoo are well ,, keep up the good work P

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

It’s been on the cards for sure

TBH after over 10 years with P&O we are done with them. The last couple of cruises we did the food was a very mixed experience and the quality of service is not what we have previously enjoyed.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

We found a real inconsistency in our last 2 as well - I think things can easily be fixed but there’s a missing link somewhere

@HappychappyUK

Ай бұрын

Back in 1999, P&O was a class act, but not anymore. Those days are long gone. Certainly, a different type of cruisers have entered the P&O market over the last 10 years. I've moved on myself to a much better brand, even Cunard, which I have done many, even more than P&O has changed to, not as much as P&O, though. The company I prefer now, I'm not telling you, I enjoy that why it lasts, because that too may go downhill in the future.

@Pandles639

Ай бұрын

@@HappychappyUK This reflects everything I have said about P&O. I too am keeping my new cruise line to myself. I will never return to P&O.

@mcglone70

17 күн бұрын

All cruise lines have been making cuts since the pandemic whether it be food or drink.

@TravelBlogJamie

17 күн бұрын

@@mcglone70 but our P&O cruises have suffered more than any other cruise line we’ve sailed with

Goodbye P&O it was nice knowing you. You totally ckufed up ! All about the money AS ALWAYS !

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👋

@jeaniburgess4086

11 күн бұрын

Is that because your a get as much down you as you can never remember a single hour good bye to your sort

P & O are like most cruise lines just a bunch of crooks, and hypocrites. Responsible is NOT having a drinks package that allow 15 drinks per day. Pricing it so that you have to drink almost that much to make it worth the price, this is all about screwing the customers as much as possible.

@TravelBlogJamie

28 күн бұрын

It’s hypocritical and disingenuous to suggest it’s about drinking responsibly, I agree

@richardwalkertv

11 күн бұрын

I totally disagree. Responsible drinking is about personal responsibility and attitude. If you're the type of person who has to be drunk to enjoy yourself then you'll get off your face whether you have a drinks package or PAYG. We've seen drunk people onboard and staff have always been quick to refuse further service. We always have a deluxe package as we feel it's more economical, but we don't find ourselves rushing to get as much down our neck as we can as we pace ourselves during the day - and don't forget that the package includes soft drinks, Costa Coffee, etc, so it's not all about alcohol. Different people drink different amounts - it's a personal choice. If you feel P&O and other cruise lines are crooks and hypocrites, why do you cruise?

Was expected to happen for cruise business reasons which becoming more tighter on customers . First class blog for several reasons . If you on travels again soon have great time 🍕🍹☀️

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

Cheers for the video. This is no doubt in response to their previously absurdly overpriced and over complicated drinks packages not selling. So they squeeze from a different angle.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I disagree on this occasion - it’s in response to the fact almost no other cruise line allows this and therefore P&O are losing money in not following suit. Drinks packages have been doing well by all accounts.

We are boarding Britannia on May 10. Seeing this post just in time as we were going to buy a bottle of vodka and some mixer tomorrow. I guess now we will buy 2 bottles of wine instead. I think there are going to be a lot of unhappy passengers in smelly old Southampton on Friday!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

You might be right!!

@michaelcartwright4012

Ай бұрын

Put your vodka in a wine bottle. The game of capitalism has 2 players 👍

Hi Jamie, thank you for your honest blog. Like other commenters on here, one of the unique benefits of booking with P & O was the initial allowance for a bottle of spirits/per person , because grown adult offspring with us, this would have helped with the cost of the bar bills. I'm miffed that we have not had any official notification from P & O; we sail in early July. My husband and I are not going to buy a drinks package, but the others in our party might. What I don't understand, maybe you can clarify this ... if 2 people share a cabin and I person pays for a drinks package, does the other person also have to have a drinks package? The P & O website seems to imply this. If this is genuinely the case then I'm not happy at all.

@TravelBlogJamie

27 күн бұрын

Yes they both have to have the package I’m afraid

Watched it thank you for this video this will be my 2nd cruise this year I am ok with this change cos I like my wine.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍

I was on Iona April 2023 and a pint of lager was around £4.50. Just came from Ventura last month (I was also on her 18 months ago) and the amount of pump drinks from what I remember has been reduced and if you order a can (Budweiser), then you will pay over £5 for it. That means that a pint (2 X 330ml cans) will now cost over £10! The last 3 cruises have been with P&O but after this policy change I will be using other cruise lines from now on.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

The prices continue to rise for sure (and on other cruise lines)

I’ll be taking some very STRONG wine on board then in a twisty cap bottle 🤫

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

😮 😂

Less than 30 days to my first P&O cruise. As you said, it is in line with out CCL brands. Going on Cunard in 2 weeks and hopefully they don't do a similar thing.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Have a great voyage with Cunard

@gerardmackay8909

Ай бұрын

Cunard don’t allow spirits but wine or champagne a bottle per person is fine

Thanks Jamie, personally as I can't drink much due to medication it doesn't bother me, but I am interested in your opinion who you think I ought to try besides P&O as I cruise solo and have only done P&O.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I don’t think it matters which cruise line - I’m dictated my solo prices more than anything

travelled to malta on the 9th and bought alot of spirits at the port's duty free before we got on Azura - never stopped once from taking on board as the security bag scan is before the duty free shop. everyone had white bags from duty free so P&O could clearly see but never stopped a single person

@TravelBlogJamie

26 күн бұрын

They are not ones for enforcing things

Here’s me looking to take on a nice whisky from my collection next month- just going to have to save it for the Scottish mountain trips- just for them to make money!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

❤️

Can you get drinks in when on a port day. For example if in Rotterdam, shopping in the local supermarket market. How will they know what’s in your luggage?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

You have to walk through a security arch and put your things through the screeners when you get back on board.

One could buy a glass of wine in any bar and take it to the Horizon buffet to drink with the meal presumably, cant see how anyone would know if it had been purchased in a bar or brought from the cabin?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

They wouldn’t know, you’re correct

We are leaving Saturday. I’ve received the final checklist e mail and there is no mention of the change. If we weren’t on social media we would have absolutely no clue. My friend and I bought a 75cl bottle of gin to have a glass when getting ready for the evening. It’s a little annoying that we have not been informed officially. I suspect there will be many turning up Friday and Saturday with no idea.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Absolutely true

@stephenelliottphotography

Ай бұрын

Summed up perfectly. What about those who dont do social media? Truth is P & O have been relying on social media to spread this message. I phoned them on the 7th May and was told there is no change to alcohol policy on embarkation and that there were no changes to drinks package prices. Three hours later the change was put into effect so I was lied to the telephone which I do not appreciate. They will never see my business again after this cruise.

We’re going on Iona on 18th and the bottle of Baileys we were going to bring is only £1 dearer onboard, although I expect a price rise as the drinks packages have gone up , as the drinks and packages do every May. I’m going to enjoy my holiday on pay as I go for drinks using our OBC as planned.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Have a great time

@robandsue

Ай бұрын

Am I right in thinking though if oyu buy a bottle in duty free, you cant take it back to the cabin and drink it? Dont they hold it for you until disembarkation?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

@@robandsue no - you can’t (all explained in the vlog)

@Andrea_Adshead

Ай бұрын

@@robandsue I meant ordered on board from the room service menu , sorry for the confusion, any alcohol bought in duty free is store u til the end of the cruise.

Hi Jamie, love the blogs! This is diverting a little from the topic... Please correct me if I'm wrong but from what I understand P&Os policy on bringing alcohol on board when purchased at a port was you had to hand it over when getting back on the ship, there was always a table out at the top of the gangway for you to declare it (we've not been inboard since before the pandemic). We have often bought a top up of wine or beer to have in the cabin mid cruise and never declared it, never been challenged. So it will be interesting to see if they challenge anyone bring a sneeky bottle of vodka onboard and how they deal with it. Finally sailing in June on iona and can't wait! 😆.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Partly true but very inconsistently applied / often no tables and no challenge about bringing anything back

TBF I always thought it was very generous that you could take a bottle of spirits on board with P&O. We sail mainly with NCL and such a thing does not exist though going Free At Sea is also considerably more cost effective than a P&O drinks package with less restrictions. No more vodka. sugar free red bull and disco lights Jamie!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Well I can take the red bull still and either bring vodka back to cabin from a bar or buy a bottle onboard 🤔

Jamie - Do you think P&O will retain the full bottles of Spirits on the Room Service drinks options? I've always previously opted to simply purchase a litre of Grey Goose Vodka for only £35 onboard using this method as this is cheaper than the cost of the same bottle from a supermarket! If so, there's not really much of a difference with this new announcement from P&O. Simply buy when onboard!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Yes, it makes them a lot of money (but of course range and brand of drinks offered can and does change)

It's a shame but not entirely surprising, I think another thing that's potentially led to the change is that it will likely end bucket of ice deliveries on an evening which will mean less work for cabin stewards

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Yes, another factor

Thats the spirit 😊

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Boom boom 💥

Just come off a P and O ship and I enjoy a drink on the balcony. I tried to buy from room service and they kept putting obstacles in my way, trying to tell me that a brand wasn't available when every bar sells it. I got what I wanted to buy because I made a big fuss but you shouldn't have to. They'd way underestimated the number of guests who would want to buy bottles and ran out. I have written to P and O to demand that they stock properly in future. Or it will be another line for me.

@TravelBlogJamie

11 күн бұрын

👍

Just a thought about holiday booking conditions/contract with P & O....for all passengers who had booked and even fully paid up for a cruise prior to May 7th. By issuing this directive is P & O breaking the terms of those holiday contracts? Is this legal? Just wondering?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I think it’s perfectly legal if you read their T&Cs

@maureenescott4034

Ай бұрын

@TravelBlogJamie Thankyou. What a shame.

Someone on a Facebook group I'm in rang and was told categorically by their staff that there were no changes in policy and it was a scam. Within two hours of posting that, p and o had changed their website. Go figure.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I don’t actually think some of the customer services team are in receipt of key info

Wait though...you can still by a bottle of spirits from the room service menu?...at just a few pound more than supermarket prices....so, not much difference ...or am I missing something?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Well it was twice the amount of what I paid actually but either way I don’t care much

Hi Jamie. Is martini classed as a spirit or fortified wine. Was thinking of taking a bottle. First cruise next year

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Martini is fortified wine??? When did this happen? I’m sure martini is a spirit

@faybarton9232

Ай бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie I thought it was a spirit but my husband said no it's a fortified wine. He doesn't drink so don't know where he got that from. Best not to take any. Thank you for replying 🙈🙊

@faybarton9232

Ай бұрын

Just google it. This came up FORTIFIED WINE MARTINI BIANCO

@g4ryaf

Ай бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie Martini is a brand of vermouth, a fortified wine that is flavoured with various botanicals, including herbs, spices, and fruits.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

@@g4ryaf and there was me thinking martini was made with vermouth and gin

We have booked a "taster" cruise with P&O for September. Just 4 nights to see if we enjoy it. I was going to take a bottle of vodka with us. We will now take a bottle of wine each. It is clearly a money driven policy but it will not change our approach to spending on board.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍

Thanks Jamie, so long as P & O continue to offer a broadly well priced product these tweeks are of little consequence to me.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍👍

Forgot to put Marella on my list. The so called expensive cruise lines can be quite good value when you consider what is included in the price eg flights, transfers, WiFi , gratuities,drinks, speciality dining and shore excursions. Yes they are still more expensive but the service and quality is so much better.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I find there are cruise lines the bridge both those markets that are more affordable for me

@user-nr4df1eo4u

Ай бұрын

⁠The thing is Jamie you are a lot younger than we are and obviously you want to travel more but we are at an age where we would rather do one or two trips a year and probably spend less than you do!!!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

@@user-nr4df1eo4u that absolutely wouldn’t work for me

. We gave up P&O a decade ago (after taking nofly Caribbean cruises with them annually - sometimes twice a year - for 12-years). We usually had mini-suite, sometimes a suite and spent money on excursions and the occasional fine dining. We also liked a cocktail or two each evening. We became friends with many many people over the years who we met on board each year but who have also stopped sailing with P&O. Between us all we spent (c) approaching £100k a year with P&O. But then the joke became that the ship was full of earrings and tattoos - but the earrings were on the men and the tattoos on the women!! Then the Formal Nights became a disappointment as the staff were afraid to question those not adhering to the Dress Code. Doubt that there even is one now!! We all now meet up on Cunard (Princess Grill) but sadly not the Caribbean. I doubt that Carnival could care a toss though - as they also own Cunard - but at least standards are being maintained. .

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍👍

I am not loyal to p&o and sailed on quite a few different lines now (although got 2 booked with P&O this year 🙈). This is pretty standard across most other lines now and they all make little extras as best they can. The thing is cruise prices themselves have come down in price from years ago and now appeal to most budgets. They have to either up their general prices or make changes to bring in more money.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Yes, exactly what I was saying in the vlog 👍

They have taken a unique selling point of theirs, that the British really liked (Cheeky Prink whilst getting ready) and ruined it. Call it like it is, Responsible consumption of *OUR* Alcohol.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍👍

We went on the lona in Feb, on every port stop we brought back local wine/spirits, our rucksack was never checked. Wouldn't have been a big deal if they were confiscated anyway as the bar prices were cheaper than going out on Leeds! We just like trying different drinks....

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Drinks prices continue to rise onboard

@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555

Ай бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie I think a pint of beer (Moretti l think) was about £5 on the ship, l paid over £13 for 2 pints in Leeds last weekend, can't remember the last time l got 2 for a tenner!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 I don’t doubt it but prices onboard have risen quite considerably in a short space of time and I expect them to rise again with further changes to the drinks packages

The only surprise is that it took Carnival 20 years to bring in P&O Cruises drink allowances in line with the rest of the carnival corporation.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

It surprises me too

Hi I go on p&o a lot I'm not a big drinker but do have three kids and have to have two cabins and do spend some time with the kids watching film's in the cabin and normally have pop and a bottle of whiskey in the cabin on a cruise for two weeks so I do think this is over the top . will I be able to take a bottle of port in stead???? Thanks John

@TravelBlogJamie

22 күн бұрын

Port is fortified wine so don’t see why not

@JohnBowman-ut4dz

22 күн бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie thanks for your reply 👍👍👍👍👍

I do enjoy a G&T in my cabin, so I will have to buy a bottle on board. Such a nuisance but Princess have used these rules for years so I suppose this was to be expected. I think doing it without any warning is rather poor though.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

An email in advance would have solved a few issues for sure lol 😂

Does that mean you can still take wine on board and drink in cabin?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

All in vlog

Have been on p & o several time over the last 12 years, have been on Queen Mary one way with 6 weeks coming home & Queen Elizabeth. My husband can't drink for health reasons, i agree i like a drink, but feel guilty if i have to buy at full price. The staff are not happy if you enjoy a drink, i think they need to rethink their policy's and make sure you have different bands, one for me and soft drinks for partner. There is a huge difference now, as what it was, especially with the food and snack's, not picking on P & O, have travelled with different companies and the standard is not the same. In the last 20 years we have travelled most of Europe with our kids & my paid for the family to go on a weekend trip and really enjoyed it and also had a fantastic time. So going on my father passed away and she still wanted to travel, but the price for a single cabin was really over the top, my son is recently registered blind and living in supported living, so we paid for twin beds & a single & he went on his first cruise & loved it! So a lot of positive & a little negative. We are now enjoying plane trips, sorry.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing

Thanks for this Jamie. I was surprised when I heard about this, and a bit disappointed initially - it was a unique perk that P&O offered which we always made use of. But they have finally followed the market and are finding new ways to make more money… As long as their overall cruise prices stayed competitive, I’m ok with it.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

They are definitely competitive

To be honest yes it’s all about the bottom line 🚢 but personally for us it would not bother us for the cost of 2 bottles of spirits. There’s so much more to a cruise 😊 great post keeping people updated though 👍

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍👍

This has put me off trying P&O I feel. It’s not that I drink a lot, far from it, but I do enjoy a nice wee dram or gin on the balcony as I relax and read/enjoy the view. It’s a lovely part of the holiday for me. I am getting the feeling that they are really cost cutting what with this and the flights. A little off putting.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Not in defence but I don’t know any other cruise line that allows you to take spirits onboard their ships and many don’t allow any alcohol to be taken on board

@awaywithpaul3423

Ай бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie ahh thanks for clarifying, I’ve only cruised with Marella so far and still a cruise newbie. Worth knowing thanks 🙏

P&O isn’t for me but when I did sail with them last summer people were taking containers with alcohol in and mixing it into their drinks. It didn’t bother me. So make sure you drink from your water bottle now or you could get a surprise 😂

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

😮 😂

Am I the only person who has realised that I don’t see a 1 litre size bottle of wine but they are normally 75cl. I suppose you can make it up almost a litre with a couple of small individual bottles.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Oh I’ve bought litre bottles before!

just read all the reviews p and o have been cutting and putting up prices . there are plenty other cruise lines so look around .

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I am definitely not loyal to one brand and always recommend people shop around ❤️

Oh no have to tell hubby he can’t bring his Talisker with him on Saturday

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

😮 😂

Just been on Arvia and to be fair the prices for a litre of gin or whisky from the room service menu seem quite reasonable.

@TravelBlogJamie

26 күн бұрын

Double the amount I paid tbh but I’m not really fussed either way - it’s still not too bad

I’m a bit pissed off as we go on Saturday but, As we are first time cruisers I remembered being surprised that they let people take alcohol in the first place. No big deal really

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Enjoy your cruise

Going on our first cruise this weekend on arvia and tbh doesn't really change how we feel. We are not drinkers so I guess it's not a issue but the short notice is out of order. There should have definitely been a grace period for anyone already booked.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Enjoy ☺️

@baileysmum2288

Ай бұрын

Enjoy

So don't cruise on ANY P&O ships. Then watch them go into full reverse in the blink of an eye.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I would not ever not cruise on a line because they don’t allow you to take on board spirits - wouldn’t leave many cruise lines left to sail on (if any)

When I traveled with P&O for the first time a few weeks ago I was surprised to read that you could do this, is it really that important to some people to take bottles of alcohol onboard?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

For some it’s their way of making the onboard experience more affordable

@1957bumpy

22 күн бұрын

Yes I know ,it's like wanting to see a show on board ,you could go to Broadway instead and leave more space for things that are actually interesting

@TravelBlogJamie

22 күн бұрын

@@1957bumpy I don’t think you’ve commented on the correct section

Just put it in your hand luggage! Pre departure screening are looking for different prohibited items. I'm type 1 diabetic and always take a new unopened bag of glucose powder through security, never once been questioned. On x-ray must look like coke. Worst case, they store it until you return, it's not a felony 😂

@TravelBlogJamie

28 күн бұрын

I don’t think anyone is suggesting it’d be a felony lol

Being a cruiser since 1974 I have seen many changes taking place over the years, many of them not that great. This all accelerated once Carnival's influence over many brands started to take a foothold on a lot of the cruise industry. Sadly I no longer feel that I can cruise because of this. I have though perhaps enjoyed the best years of cruising when commercial exploitation was not more important than the loyalty of the passengers......

@TravelBlogJamie

29 күн бұрын

👍👍👍

P&O could sadly be yet another case where a business has accidentally (or not) ventured into shareholder first customer second. Additionally in this case customer health and wellbeing not even on the list. It appears that excessive drinking is being encouraged?

@TravelBlogJamie

28 күн бұрын

👍👍

Noticed on our last cruise how weak the cocktails were and bar staff using pre-mixes. All pina and no colada ,That being said, should put off the booze cruisers. Only hope passengers do not take new policy out on the crew.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍

Thanks for the info, I hadn't noticed. We have a cruise on Iona in 9 weeks and we're planning on brining some spirits for the cabin 😭😭 I get why they're doing it, does irritate me a little but nothing major

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Have a great cruise

We are sailing next week for the first time with p and o and this is really disappointing to find out 11 days before we go, we have already purchased the 2 litres of vodka and whiskey. I have one question, what’s port classed as. Officially it’s fortified WINE but will they see it the same way. 😢 Thanks for the vids. ❤

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I have to be honest if you put it in your case it’s highly likely no one is going to check

@bencluroe4183

Ай бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie yeah I’m pretty tempted, what’s the worst. Claim ignorance then get it back a week later. Thanks Jamie

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

@@bencluroe4183 I mean that’s the worst isn’t it - you’ll get it back

@bencluroe4183

Ай бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie sold. I’ll be a chancer and report back. Could even take 2 wines on and declare them, throw them off the scent maybe?

Just how expensive are drinks on a cruise ship? UK ships.

@TravelBlogJamie

25 күн бұрын

Have a look at my drinks package vlog which has bar menus / prices too

What a load of rubbish we have always taken a bottle of gin board. This last is the 3 of us for the 2 week cruise. We do buy the very odd beer or a bottle of wine on formal night. This is all about money. The kettle tea and coffee will go soon. Thanks for the video Jamie.

@TravelBlogJamie

29 күн бұрын

👍👍👍

That’s a BIG disappointment in my opinion…..thanks for clarifying 😢

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

No problem

@markmw123

Ай бұрын

@@TravelBlogJamie currently on Arvia and enjoying my G&T each night in my cabin before dinner 🍸 gonna miss that 🥲

Ha, ha. Some of the comments on here are class! 18 years with P&O (also with RC, HAL, Marella, Cunard) and I have no issue with this. Love a bottle of wine with dinner plus maybe three or four drinks afterwards. Definitely more very drunk people on our recent P&O cruise than back in 2006 and I suspect that's a root cause, as well as competition in the market. I agree that extremely drunk passengers causing disturbance needs to be addressed more by the crew. But people never using P&O again because of this change!!! (Used to have the wine package when it was available but never a full drinks package, as we can't drink that much for that many days!)

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Yup, a bit extreme, especially as there’s no other line that would allow this

@richardwalkertv

10 күн бұрын

I agree with you. The way some people moan makes me wonder why they bother going on a holiday. We've got four cruises booked this year and three of them are with P&O. Yes, there have been changes but we still enjoy P&O. Like you we've been with other lines and they all have good and bad points but if you're a 'professional moaner' you can find fault with even the smallest thing.

I think this is due to the small number of people on cruises spoiling it for others by bringing spirits out with them or even taking empty glasses back to cabin - filling from their own stocks and then bringing into venues

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I don’t think this - it’s because most other cruise lines do this already and P&O are about making money

No official email from PO yet so I’ll still be packing a bottle on Saturday.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Go for it

@MrMacready1976

Ай бұрын

The Captain (Morgan) made it safely aboard 😂

Im going on first cruise next year. Can i take a half liter of vodka onboard. I'm confused

@michaelcartwright4012

Ай бұрын

Officially no...but, nobody checks.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

No.

Have been cruising with p and o for 10 yrs and have never taken any alcohol on boarding so won’t worry me at all.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Awesome

It's a money making exercise. Remember ALL booze on a ship is duty and vat free so, a bottle of gin that costs £26 in your local supermarket should only be about £15 on a ship.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

All true

@DaveEP

Ай бұрын

Not strictly true, as when in Spanish ports you will pay Spanish tax etc, but I get the gist.

@derekvenus

Ай бұрын

@@DaveEP I suppose I really meant to say at sea. P&O usually close bars and shops when they are in port.

@DaveEP

Ай бұрын

@@derekvenus I came off Arvia 3 weeks ago and had several days in Spanish ports. Bars and restaurants continued to sell alcohol while in port but added Spanish VAT. Shops were closed in ports as expected. Even so, we all know what duty free means.... it means a bit more profit margin for them!

I was suprised how cheap a bottle was from roo service tbh!

@TravelBlogJamie

24 күн бұрын

👍👍👍

From what I can see the room service provide 1 Litre spirits in the menu, not a lot of difference to prices you would pay in major supermarkets. Do you have experience from buying bottles of spirits to drink in your room? Surely this is the same as bringing on your own 1 litre bottle anyway.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

But you’re paying their prices to then have them delivered to your cabin - I paid half what they charge for vodka in my local - essentially P&O are looking to make more money (I don’t blame them tbh)

Regardless of what they do. We still wouldn't drink enough to make the extortionate costs of the drinks packages worth while. We sailed on Ventura very recently and they still gave you what you bought in the shop straight away and coming back on ship from port they wouldn't confiscate any alcohol you had bought. It seems they say one thing and do another. P&O all over.

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Oh gosh, and these drinks packages are actually cheaper than many other lines

This is really sad, we love a cruise and have had many over the years, quite a few with Pand O. The drinks policy was a big part of our decision, mainly because I hate feeling ripped off and the drinks prices on board are exactly that. P and O prices were among the most reasonable so it was less of an issue but I always enjoyed having a bottle of something in the cabin for a night cap or whatever. We first cruised on Ventura when she was a year old, we got silver service, great food, bed turn down service, chocolates on the pillows, the ability to take a drink on board. All that has gone now, we switched to Princess for the last cruise, it was a much better all round experience. Given that in this statement P and O have decided to bullshit their valued customers I doubt we will go back.

@TravelBlogJamie

19 күн бұрын

It’s definitely not been done because of responsible drinking, that’s for sure lol

We quite often buy bottles of spirits from the room service menu and not much dearer than tesco . That wont put us off . We have only cruisef with p&o but thats all change , we have booked 3 cunard cruises and looking at azamara as well , need to move crusing back to the old p&o 😁 happy cruising and boozing ❤️

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I totally agree

Does anyone know how many cans of Pepsi we can take onboard?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

However many you want

We have got back today from another p and o and if up to me our last arcadia is a shithole and needs scrapping

@TravelBlogJamie

22 күн бұрын

🆗

What you never mentioned is the drinks packages have also went up. Does this mean the bar prices will rise also?

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Because this isn’t about drinks packages

@reececollison5101

Ай бұрын

The drinks packages are a RIP OFF now. April 2023 I paid £7.99 a day for the basic draught drinks packets. Now it’s nearly £15!!!! No thanks 🤬

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

@@reececollison5101 there are draught drinks packages on P&O U.K.? I’ve never seen these.

@reececollison5101

Ай бұрын

that’s what the refresh package is, draught drinks and juices only. Used to be called the child’s drinks package (which adults could have lol), but they’ve doubled it in price from £7.99 pppd to nearly £15!! Rip off 🤬

Years ago in the 1990s I'd take on a box of Carling to drink in our cabin on the Canberra, then the same on the Aurora in the 2000s along with a box of soft drinks for the kids. No one cared. Packed lunches available for all of us if we were out at lunch time. I love classical music, and they'd have some of the finest classical musicians on board. The funniest comedians, the best singers, the best entertainment in the theatre, the most interesting talks in the afternoon. A friendly Ship's officer on almost every table at dinner. The captain always visible to passengers, greeting everyone with a warm smile as he walked around the ship. On one trip on the Oriana in 1999, we even got into the ward room party with free drinks because the lady officer on our table was the deputy purser. I've recently returned from an week long trip to Norway on the Iona, and what a miserable impersonal low quality (in comparison) experience that has been. The friendliest, kindest face of that trip by far was Dennis our cabin steward, to whom we left a tip as he deserved it. Elsewhere the glummest of faces everywhere from the staff and I didn't see a single officer with gold stripes all week. The singer/piano player they had on in the Iona Crow's nest bar one night couldn't even sing in tune, he was in my opinion abysmal. We get better entertainment in the local karaoke venues near our home! Even the bread rolls at dinner are now almost half the diameter of those in the nineties, served with miniscule five ounce steaks (if that) which might suit a ten year old. They were much bigger in the old Canberra days when Felim McGuinness was the executive chef. Just expressing my own opinions to which I am entitled.

@TravelBlogJamie

12 күн бұрын

No one is saying your not entitled to them

@shaunhw

11 күн бұрын

Sorry - I just wanted to make it clear I wasn't trying to defame the the company in any way, and that it was just my own opinion. But the P&O experience really was so much better in the old days for me at least. When I first left the Canberra after our first cruise on her in 1992 I had the strongest feeling of wanting to return again as soon as possible, and indeed I did twice more. The same for the Aurora. Sadly I had no such feeling at all when I walked away from the Iona just a few weeks ago.

Why do you feel you aren’t the target audience? I would think you would be exactly their target. I’ve only cruised with P&O so interested to hear which line/s you feel better suited to. Thanks👌

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

I’m absolutely not - I’m the ‘previous’ audience who experienced P&O when they offered something to what they do now. They are wanting fresh blood now that have nothing to compare things to

Well more reason to travel on Seabourn, Regent or Silversea where the alcohol is included!!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

Too expensive for me

We’re going on a P&O cruise in August and have pre-booked the classic drinks package. The T&C’s state a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per day per package, ALL non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited. Only one drink may be ordered per package at any one time at a minimum of 15-minute intervals. We have been talking to someone who has just been on a P&O cruise in April. They have said that when they ordered a gin & tonic they were told that this was 2 drinks! Do you know if this is correct, what’s your experience with having the drinks package? Surely you’re not expected to order a gin, wait 15 minutes to go back for the tonic?! 😂

@TravelBlogJamie

25 күн бұрын

A spirit and mixer is one drink

@TravelBlogJamie

25 күн бұрын

Maybe they’d asked for a double?

Well that's about right, our first P&O cruise in a few weeks and they decide to change the policy. The cruise is now going to cost us more, maybe we will stick with Marella in future !!!

@TravelBlogJamie

Ай бұрын

👍👍👍

@andrewmcevoy9063

Ай бұрын

We just booked our first ever cruise with Marella. Booked full drinks package. Looks like we made good choice 👍