Alcohol policy shock

[anneed]

Hi All,

Just received this from P&O via my travel agent:

"As of 1 February 2018, guests can only bring on board a single bottle of
alcohol (up to 1litre in size) as they embark the ship for the first time only.
And alcohol bought at ports along the way cannot be consumed while on board.
Another policy change, as of 1 January 2018, means fancy dress, novelty or
clothing personalised with images/slogans will not be permitted (a change from
the policy wording in the January 2018 - October 2019 brochure)."

Not happy about this! I know P&O have been more generous than other cruise lines for a long time regarding alcohol brought on board but this does seem a mean ploy.
And not sure how the dress code is going to work. An awful lot of 'designer' clothes bear logos and slogans. Will this only apply to clothing worn on board? What about when you go ashore? How exactly will they decide what constitutes 'fancy dress'?
Look forward to your comments...

[Stephen]

Getting more and more like the Red state with increasing doo's and don'ts. Has Putin taken over P&O.

[david63]

Certainly the "fancy dress" dress code is aimed at the "party cruise" passengers - not sure if the alcohol one is the same, but personally it is not an issue as anything I buy ashore is for consumption at home anyway.

[qbman1]

Further discussion on the booze policy on this thread....

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6420

[towny44]

Fortunately we are not big drinkers, but I will struggle to make 2 bottles of wine last on our upcoming 35 night cruise for in cabin consumption, I will have to switch one bottle to spirits to make it last 5 weeks.
I cannot see the dress code being well policed, unless they are going to recruit a few bouncers to enforce it.

[anneed]

Thanks Qbman, I'm clearly behind on this one. Must check in more regularly to keep up with the news!

[Manoverboard]

Fortunately we are not big drinkers, but I will struggle to make 2 bottles of wine last on our upcoming 35 night cruise for in cabin consumption, I will have to switch one bottle to spirits to make it last 5 weeks.
I cannot see the dress code being well policed, unless they are going to recruit a few bouncers to enforce it.

I take it there are no restrictions on mixers given the price of these on board ?

[blodwyn]

We only bring tonic water on board in Southampton as we buy our Gin from Room Service for cabin consumption.
£19 for a litre of very strong Gordons!
Hoping that the dress code is 100% enforced.

[daib GC]

We only bring tonic water on board in Southampton as we buy our Gin from Room Service for cabin consumption.
£19 for a litre of very strong Gordons!
Hoping that the dress code is 100% enforced.

Snap.

[qbman1]

What will I do with all my replica football shirts ?!

[Meg 50]

my husband has loads of 'slogan t shirts' - mainly bridge related, but also - 'I don't need Google, My wife knows everything' and 'You can't scare me, I have two daughters'.

These were a point of comments on our recent cruises - the stewards would stop in their tracks to read them as they went about their work. Are they banned too?

[Meg 50]

And how will they know if you drink a shore bought bottle? 'Spy in the cabin'?

[david63]

And how will they know if you drink a shore bought bottle? 'Spy in the cabin'?

Because it will (or in theory should) be spotted when you go through the scanner when re-boarding the ship. That does, however, raise the question of how it would be enforced (or if it is even enforceable) at ports where the local security is used in preference to that of the ship's own.

[daib GC]

my husband has loads of 'slogan t shirts' - mainly bridge related, but also - 'I don't need Google, My wife knows everything' and 'You can't scare me, I have two daughters'.

These were a point of comments on our recent cruises - the stewards would stop in their tracks to read them as they went about their work. Are they banned too?

No.

The ban is on offensive clothing which stag and hen parties wear.

[Meg 50]

And how will they know if you drink a shore bought bottle? 'Spy in the cabin'?

Because it will (or in theory should) be spotted when you go through the scanner when re-boarding the ship. That does, however, raise the question of how it would be enforced (or if it is even enforceable) at ports where the local security is used in preference to that of the ship's own.

yes, but you're allowed to buy it ashore.... So how will they know whether it goes home with you or not? Or will they impound it til the end of the cruise?

[david63]

Or will they impound it til the end of the cruise?

That is what has been stated

[Manoverboard]

... and that is what happens on most Cruise Lines, in our experience anyhow.

[Whynd1]

How will that affect the excursions to a winery where you purchase some bottles. Will they automatically take it from you at security.
I can problems with this.

[Stephen]

I'll not worry about it if and when it happens. Cruising isn't the be all and end all of holidaying.

P&O take note if you don't want to get your funnels burnt.

[Happydays]

I have now had an email from P&O about the new policy regarding drinks and fancy dress
We usually take one or two bottles for cabin drinks while dressing for dinner. Don't drink in the cabin at any other time, we go to the bars or on deck. It's just nice to have the option!

[Mervyn and Trish]

If it's aimed at restoring some of the lost standards and discouraging the booze cruisers I'm all for it.

[Kendhni]

I have no issue with either policy change ... in some instances it may even improve the atmosphere on board.

However, I do take issue with changing T&C's after someone has booked. I might even suggest that this change to contract could mean that if anyone needs to cancel (for any reason) they should cite this contract change and get a full refund of any monies paid.

[david63]

However, I do take issue with changing T&C's after someone has booked. I might even suggest that this change to contract could mean that if anyone needs to cancel (for any reason) they should cite this contract change and get a full refund of any monies paid.

There is no change to the alcohol policy only a redefinition as previously they have said "reserve the right" - now they are exerting their right.

[Mervyn and Trish]

And no change to dress code. Just appears they are going to enforce it

[towny44]

And no change to dress code. Just appears they are going to enforce it

I will believe them when I see it.