P&O introduces new alcohol rules on ships which will have major impact on passengers

Anyone planning on sailing off into the sunset on a cruise ship this summer has been warned about some pretty serious new rules.

Now, we already know all about the new all-inclusive drinking rules in Spain, but it seems travel company, P&O, has now followed suit after introducing new alcohol rules on ships, which will have a major impact on passengers.

So, you may want to brush up on the new requirement ahead of cramming your suitcase with a bunch of bottles.

Earlier this month (7 May), P&O, which is dubbed 'Britain's favourite cruise line', changed its alcohol policy.

For some context, cruisers used to be allowed to bring one litre of wine, champagne, beer, spirits or liqueur with them.

However, these updated restrictions have tightened the reigns as passengers are now no longer allowed beer or spirits on board.

You may want to think twice before packing your suitcase. (Maria Korneeva / Getty Images)

What is the new alcohol allowance?

According to the P&O website, the new change applies to all passengers aged 18 and over or 21 years in United States of America ports.

They will only be allowed to bring up to one litre of wine or Champagne on board when they embark the ship for the first time.

"Wine or Champagne over the one-litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise," the website continues.

"If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20* per bottle, per occasion, which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account."

Guests will only be allowed to bring up to one litre of wine or Champagne on board. (courtneyk / Getty Images)

How will the new alcohol allowance be carried out?

Alcohol which is considered as a restricted item, such as spirits, are completely prohibited from being brought on-board when passengers first embark the ship.

P&O notes: "Other alcohol types such as spirits are considered restricted items and guests are prohibited from bringing them on board when they first embark the ship."

"Any alcoholic beverages purchased mid-cruise in ports of call cannot be consumed on board. Guests will need to declare and hand over any alcohol bought in port at the gangway. It will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise, at no charge."

P&O outlined their policy on 'responsible drinking'. (courtneyk / Getty Images)

Why the change?

P&O explained that they reviewed the alcohol policy and 'decided to align' with the cruise industry to adhere to Health, Environmental, Safety and Security (HESS) guidelines around our responsibility to serve alcohol.

The travel company also shared a statement about 'responsible drinking', which reads: "We believe responsible drinking is a valued and enjoyable part of a cruise. However, we ask our policy for the responsible consumption of alcohol is adhered to at all times.

"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."

A P&O Cruises spokesperson added: "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."