Here's everything you need to know about P&O Cruises Australia's alcohol policy:
Passengers must be 18 years of age to consume or purchase alcohol on a P&O Cruises Australia cruise.
Bringing alcohol onboard at embarkation: It is not allowed. If, however, someone does bring it on, it will be confiscated at the gangway and returned at the end of the cruise.
Purchasing alcohol in port to bring onboard: The same rule applies. If passengers purchase any alcohol in port, it will be confiscated and returned at the cruise's conclusion.
Purchasing alcohol in the ships' duty-free shop(s): Alcohol can be purchased but it will be held for safekeeping and returned to the passenger at the end of the cruise.
Free sparkling wine may be handed out at themed Gatsby events (on sailings of five nights or longer). A range of free drinks are served at the Meet The Officers function for frequent P&O cruisers. Guests also report receiving invitations for free sailaway drinks at the onboard Byron Beach Club but these run out very quickly, if they exist at all.
Passengers who spend enough in the ships’ casinos to become members of the P&O Players Club sometimes receive free drinks, but there does not appear to be any rules or guarantees.
P&O Australia ships have several bars in common such as Charlie’s in the lobby, Pool Bar, Ocean Bar and the adults-only Oasis Bar and Casino Bar. The three ships also have different specialty bars. For those who enjoy a nightclub, Altitude is located on Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure.
On Pacific Encounter, you’ll find the Bonded Store is a speakeasy-style bar with a quieter, sophisticated atmosphere and premium cocktails made with top-shelf spirits and fresh ingredients. On deck 17, the outdoor Sunset Bar has the best sea views and hot tubs, while Sky Bar overlooks the pool deck. Blue Room is a live music club with performance by jazz, blues, funk and R’n’B bands. The Encounter Hotel serves draft beers, boutique ales and ciders in a large venue.
For passengers staying in Suites and selected Mini Suites, Byron Beach Club is a private retreat with an outdoor pool, whirlpool spas and games such as Giant Jenga, located on the top deck.
Pacific Adventure has the Sunset Bar, Sky Bar, Blue Room and Byron Beach Club as well as The Adventure Hotel serving beers and ciders.
The Bonded Store, Blue Room and The Explorer Hotel can be found indoors on Pacific Explorer.