The Ultimate Cruise Drink Package Calculator & Price Guide
Cruise drink packages are the number one debate among travelers: “Is it worth it, or should I pay as I go?” The answer isn’t simple. With dynamic pricing on lines like Royal Caribbean, strict 15-drink daily limits on Carnival, and complex tiered “Collections” on Cunard, the math changes for every voyage.
That’s why we’ve built the Ultimate Cruise Drink Package Hub. Below, you can use our general estimator for a quick snapshot, or select your specific cruise line to access our deep-dive calculators, 2026 price charts, and exhaustive FAQ guides. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a specialty coffee lover, we’ll help you do the math before you set sail.
Cruise Line Specific Beverage Package Information & Calculators
- Strict Limit: Hard 15-drink daily cap.
- Rule: All adults in cabin must buy.
- Tip: Buy pre-cruise to save 10%.
- Tiered: $10 vs $17 drink limits.
- Gratuity: 20% added at checkout.
- Zero Proof: Premium water & coffee.
- New 2026: 4 distinct package tiers.
- Value: Cheaper on 7+ night voyages.
- Gratuity: 15% usually included.
- Have It All: Included in most fares.
- Limit: 15 drinks (Alcohol + Soda).
- Coffee: Excellent specialty coffee.
- Value: Best for short 2-3 day cruises.
- Limit: 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
- Includes: Cocktails up to $12 & soda.
- Updates: “Easy” package retired.
- Limit: 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
- Bonus: Works at Ocean Cay Reserve.
- No Limit: Truly unlimited alcohol.
- Bonus: Works at Perfect Day CocoCay.
- Price: Dynamic (check your app!).
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Line Drink Packages
Not necessarily. If you only have one or two alcoholic drinks per day, paying for drinks individually is usually cheaper. Drink packages tend to make sense if you also enjoy specialty coffees, sodas, cocktails throughout the day, and wine with dinner. For many cruisers, packages break even at roughly five to seven alcoholic drinks per day. Using a cruise line–specific drink package calculator is the best way to know for sure.Do I really need a drink package on a cruise?
No. Nearly all major cruise lines strictly prohibit sharing drink packages. To prevent this, most lines require every adult in the same stateroom to purchase the package if one person does.Can I share a drink package with my spouse or travel companion?
Yes. Many cruise lines offer discounted pricing when you purchase drink packages in advance through their Cruise Planner or mobile app. Pre-cruise discounts are often 20% to 30% off the onboard price.Are drink packages cheaper if I buy them before the cruise?
It depends on the cruise line. Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Celebrity generally honor drink packages on their private islands such as CocoCay, Ocean Cay, and Labadee. Carnival and Holland America typically do not honor ship drink packages on private islands like Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays, where drinks must be purchased individually.Do drink packages work on private islands like CocoCay or Half Moon Cay?
Most cruise lines allow you to pay only the price difference plus gratuity if a drink exceeds your package limit. However, some lines may charge the full menu price for drinks over the cap. It is important to check the specific rules for your cruise line before sailing.What happens if I order a drink that costs more than my package limit?
In most cases, no. Cruise lines typically add an automatic service charge, usually 18% or 20%, to the total package price at checkout. Once onboard, you generally do not need to tip on individual drink orders unless you choose to add extra.Are gratuities included in the drink package price?