If you’re planning your next cruise, you’ve probably stuck on the big question: Should I buy a drink package? It’s one of those decisions that can feel like a gamble—will you sip your way to savings, or end up with a pricey package you barely use? As someone who sometimes buys a package and sometimes not, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each, along with some scenarios where they’re a total win, and times when you’re better off paying à la carte.
What’s in a Drink Package, Anyway?
First things first, let’s talk about what you’re actually getting when you buy a drink package. Most cruise lines offer some version of a beverage package, and while the details vary, they usually cover a range of drinks up to a certain price per glass (typically $12-$15). This often includes:
- Alcoholic drinks like cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits
- Non-alcoholic options like sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, and mocktails
- Sometimes premium drinks (top-shelf liquor or more expensive specialty coffees and lattes), depending on the package tier
You’ll usually pay a flat daily rate per person, often ranging from $60-$100 per day, and most cruise lines require everyone in the same cabin to buy the package to prevent sharing. Gratuities are sometimes included, but not always, so check the fine print.
When a Drink Package Makes Total Sense
- You’re a Daily Drinker (and I’m Not Judging!) – If you love a morning mimosa, a poolside margarita, and a glass of wine with dinner—plus maybe a nightcap—you’re probably going to get your money’s worth. Let’s do some quick math. Say a cocktail costs $12, a soda’s $3, and a specialty coffee is $5. If you have two cocktails, two sodas, and a coffee in a day, that’s $35 right there. On a $60/day package, you’re already halfway to breaking even, and that’s before you add in bottled water or a couple extra beers you might grab at the White Party later on.
- You’re Sailing with Lots of Sea Days – Cruises with multiple sea days are where most cruisers get their money’s worth with a drink package. With no ports to explore, you’re more likely to hang out by the pool, hit the onboard bars, or down a few to forget how bad the karaoke really is. More time on the ship means more opportunities to drink, making it easier to hit that break-even point. For example, on a 7-day Caribbean cruise with 4 sea days, you might easily rack up $50-$70 in drinks per day just enjoying all the ship has to offer.
- You Love Variety and Trying New Things – If you’re the type who wants to sample every craft beer on the menu or try the “drink of the day,” a drink package gives you freedom to do just that without worrying about the tab. Without a package, you might hesitate to order that $14 specialty martini, but with one, you can enjoy some Grey Goose and skip the Absolut.
- You’re Traveling with a Group of Sippers – If you’re cruising with friends or family who all enjoy a drink or two, a package can make things simpler. No one’s nickel-and-diming over who ordered what, and you can all just enjoy the moment. Plus, group activities like onboard pub crawls or karaoke nights tend to work better with a package covering everyone’s rounds.
When You Should Probably Skip the Drink Package
- You’re a Light Drinker (or Not a Drinker at All) – If you’re more of a “one glass of wine with dinner” kind of person, or you stick to water and the free iced tea at the buffet, a drink package is probably overkill. Let’s say you only have one $10 drink a day. On a $60/day package, you’re losing money big time. Even if you love your morning latte, you’re better off paying $3-$6 per coffee than shelling out for a full package. Non-drinkers, this one’s a no-brainer—skip it and enjoy the free drinks like lemonade, coffee, and tea that most ships offer.
- You’re On a Port-Heavy Cruise and Plan on Being Off the Ship a Lot – If your itinerary is packed with port days, and you’re out exploring from morning to evening, you won’t have much time to use the package. For instance, on a Mediterranean cruise with stops in Rome, Athens, and Barcelona, you might only be back on the ship for dinner. If you’re only having a drink or two in the evening, paying per drink makes more sense. You’d need to chug a lot of sodas or cocktails in those few onboard hours to justify the daily cost.
- You’re Budget-Conscious and Okay with Limits – Drink packages aren’t cheap, and if you’re trying to keep your cruise budget in check, you might find it’s easier to set a personal limit. Say you decide to stick to two drinks a day at $12 each—that’s $24/day versus $60-$100 for a package. You can still enjoy yourself without the upfront cost, especially if you’re fine skipping the specialty coffees or sticking to free onboard drinks.
- You’re Cruising with Kids or Non-Drinkers in Your Cabin – Since most cruise lines require everyone in the cabin to buy the package, this can get tricky if you’re traveling with kids or someone who doesn’t drink. Some lines offer non-alcoholic packages, but even those can be pricey for someone who’s just sipping soda. If your cabin mate isn’t going to use the package much, it could double your cost without doubling the value.
Other Things to Consider
- Check the Fine Print – Some packages have limits, like a max of 15 drinks per day or restrictions on premium liquors. Make sure the package fits your drinking style.
- Bottled Water May Not be Included – If you aren’t a drinker, but do drink a lot of bottled or sparkling water, many cruise lines do not include these in a soda-only package. Bottled water is often times only included in the alcoholic beverage package, so again, be sure to read the fine print so you’re not caught off guard.
- The NA Beer Catch – If you bought a package that includes only non-alcoholic beverages, many cruise lines don’t include NA beer in that mix. So if you’re one who enjoys a Heineken 0.0, be sure to make sure non-alcoholic beer is covered as part of a non-alcoholic package, as you may be stuck buying à la carte.
- Drinks Priced Above Your Package Limit – Most packages include the disclaimer “includes drinks priced up to $X.” So what happens if your package covers drinks priced up to $12, but you want to enjoy one priced at $15? Some cruise lines will simply charge you the $3 difference, while others may charge you the full price. (I won’t mention the importance of the fine print again.)
- Daily Limits – Almost all cruise lines have now imposed a daily limit of 15 beverages per day when using a package. Some count soda and water as part of that 15 while some do not, again… the fine print is your friend to see if the limit applies to all beverages or just alcoholic. Additionally, some will not let you have any alcohol after your 15, while some will just simply charge your shipboard account for drinks over 15.
- Look for Promotions – Cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, sometimes offer steep discounts on beverage packages, or throw in drink packages as a booking perk, especially during sales like Black Friday or Wave Season. If you snag a free or discounted package, it’s almost always worth it.
- Know Your Cruise Line – Lines like Carnival and Norwegian tend to push drink packages hard, while luxury lines like Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania often include drinks in the fare. Research what’s included before you buy.
- Do the Math – Use one of my handy Cruise Line Drink Package Calculators to estimate your daily drink count based on past vacations or your usual habits. If you’re close to the package cost, it might be worth it for the convenience and peace of mind.
So, is a Drink Package Worth It?
It depends on you and your cruise. If you’re a social drinker, love trying new cocktails, or plan to spend lots of time on the ship, it’s probably a smart buy. But if you’re a light drinker, always in port, or watching your wallet, you might be better off paying as you go. Think about your habits, check your itinerary, and use one of our drink package calculators to see if it’s worth the expense. Either way, you’re on a cruise—grab a drink (packaged or not) and toast to an awesome vacation!