P&O Cruises announces strict new alcohol rules for its passengers

Many holidaymakers embark on a cruise for a trip across the seven seas, often picturing themselves sipping on a cocktail as they relax on a sun-lounger.

Or perhaps you'd prefer to be enjoying a bottle of beer alongside the evening's entertainment.

However this could be set to change. Anyone looking to spend their summer holidays onboard a P&O Cruise should familiarise themselves with the strict new alcohol restrictions which came into force on 7 May.

Previously travellers were allowed to bring up to one litre of either wine, champagne, beer, spirits or liqueur with them on their trip.

However the rules have now changed.

Going forward P&O Cruises confirmed it will be prohibiting customers from bringing any beer or spirits onboard for health and safety reasons.

The cruise-liner will continue to allow holidaymakers to bring up to one litre of wine or champagne on-board with them. Any beer or spirits purchased mid-cruise in ports will have to be handed over to cruise staff for storage before being returned at the end of the trip, with no extra charge.

While the new changes will no doubt upset some holidaymakers, the cruise company has stressed that the change is has been implemented in line with safety guidelines.

New alcohol rules are in place on some cruise-ships (P&O Cruises)

"We believe that responsible drinking is a valued and enjoyable part of a cruise. However, we ask that our policy for the responsible consumption of alcohol is adhered to at all times," the website reads.

"We reserve the right to deny access to the ship to anyone who appears to be heavily under the influence of alcohol. We may also confiscate alcohol in the terminal and at the gangway."

Should guests wish to purchase any spirits, they can do via the cruise's room service menu.

The new rules are in effect now. (Getty Stock Photo)

Confirming the new rules in a statement to The Sun Travel, a spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: "Effective May 7th 2024, each guest aged 18 years and older (21 years and older in United States of America ports) are permitted to bring up to 1 litre of wine or champagne onboard as they embark the ship for the first time.

"We regularly review our policies in line with the cruise industry and we are making the change to adhere more closely to our Health, Environment, Safety and Security guidelines around our responsibility to serve alcohol."

Further details regarding the new policy, as well as frequently asked questions can be found on the P&O Cruises website.