P&O Cruises Toughens Alcohol Policy and Expands Conduct Rules

Bringing too much wine onboard a P&O Cruises ship could now come with a costly consequence.

The cruise line has updated its alcohol policy, introducing a stricter rule for guests who exceed the line’s one-liter wine or Champagne allowance at embarkation.

Under the previous policy, passengers who brought more than the permitted one liter had the excess stored and returned at the end of the cruise. Under the revised policy, any wine or Champagne over that limit will be confiscated and discarded, with no compensation provided.

The allowance itself remains unchanged. Guests aged 18 and older (or 21 and older when sailing from US ports) may still bring up to one liter of wine of Champagne onboard when they embark for the first time. Spirits and other alcoholic beverages remain prohibited.

“Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America ports) and older may bring up to one litre of wine or Champagne on board when they embark the ship for the first time only. Wine or Champagne over the one-litre limit will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided,” said the cruise line.

The revised policy continues P&O Cruises’ focus on responsible drinking. Guests who appear intoxicated can be denied service, and the cruise line warns that offensive, unruly, dangerous, or violent behavior linked to alcohol consumption could result in serious consequences.

Any alcohol purchased ashore during a cruise must still be declared and handed over at the gangway, where it will be stored and returned before the end of the voyage. Alcohol purchased from onboard duty-free shops is also held until the cruise concludes.

While the confiscation rule may seem like a small change, it represents a tougher approach and removes what had effectively been a grace period for passengers breaking the rules.

Expanded Rules on Behavior

The alcohol update is just one part of a broader revision to P&O Cruises’ guest policies, which now contain more detail about passenger behavior and the consequences for breaking the rules.

Under the new guidelines, guests who become excessively intoxicated, harass others, create disturbances, or refuse crew instructions could face disciplinary action during their cruise.

Whether it’s a confrontation in a bar, shouting in a hallway after midnight, or behavior that leaves other guests feeling uncomfortable, P&O Cruises is making it clear that disruptive conduct will not be ignored. 

Said the cruise line, “At all times while on board and during shore experiences, guests are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and with due regard to the health, safety and enjoyment of all other guests, crew and shore experience guides.”

P&O Cruises also reminded passengers that failure to comply could result in being sent home at their own cost.

The updated code specifically prohibits abusive, aggressive, threatening, intimidating, or discriminatory behavior. Harassment, bullying, offensive language, and unwanted physical contact are also among the actions that could result in intervention from crew members. 

The cruise line has also added new language addressing excessive noise, reminding guests that everyone onboard is entitled to enjoy their vacation without disruption.

The changes don’t stop with adults. Parents and guardians are also being put on notice. The updated rules make clear that adults are responsible for supervising children throughout the voyage and ensuring they follow ship rules and behave appropriately in public spaces. 

The code also reinforces the authority of crew members, stating that guests must comply with instructions and cooperate with any onboard safety or security investigations. 

Passengers who violate the policy could face consequences ranging from warnings and removal from activities to confinement in their cabin. In more serious cases, guests could be denied boarding, removed from the ship at their own expense, or prevented from sailing with the cruise line in the future.