Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Worth the Cost?
Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Worth the Cost?
When planning a cruise, one of the biggest questions is whether to buy a drink package. With daily prices ranging from $50 to $100 per person, it's a significant decision. In this guide, we'll break down the math, the pros and cons, and help you decide if it's worth it for your upcoming voyage. And remember, with InCruises, you can save up to 80% on your cruise, leaving more budget for those cocktails.
Understanding Cruise Drink Packages
Cruise drink packages typically cover alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails), soft drinks, juices, and sometimes specialty coffees. Prices vary by cruise line and ship. For example, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package costs around $65–$85 per day, while Carnival's Cheers! Package is about $60–$70. Most lines require all adults in the same cabin to purchase the package if one does.
What's Included?
Most packages include drinks up to a certain price cap (e.g., $15 per drink), which covers most standard cocktails and glasses of wine. Some also include bottled water, non-alcoholic mocktails, and specialty coffees. However, mini-bar items, cans of soda (often), and top-shelf spirits (usually) are excluded.
Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It? The Math
To determine value, calculate your average daily drink consumption. If a cocktail costs $12–$14, you'd need about 5–6 drinks per day to break even with an $80 package. That includes sodas, coffees, and bottled water. But remember: sea days are longer, and you might drink more while lounging by the pool. Port days are shorter – you may be ashore for hours and drink less on the ship.
Break-Even Calculator
Assume the package costs $75/day. If a beer is $8, a wine $10, a cocktail $13, and a coffee $5 (or a bottle of water $3), you'd easily hit 6 drinks if you have: 2 cocktails by the pool, 2 wines at dinner, 1 coffee in the morning, and a bottle of water. That's about $44 without the package – still under $75. But if you're a heavy drinker, you can easily exceed $100 in value.
Who Should Buy a Drink Package?
You should buy if:
- You drink 6+ alcoholic beverages a day (heavy drinker).
- You love specialty coffees, fresh juices, and bottled water throughout the day.
- You don't plan to get off the ship at every port, so you have more time to drink.
- You enjoy premium spirits and craft cocktails (check the package's per-drink cap).
You should skip if:
- You're a light or occasional drinker (1–2 drinks/day).
- You have lots of port days and plan to be off the ship all day.
- You're on a budget and prefer to pay as you go.
- You don't drink alcohol at all – then a non-alcoholic package might be cheaper, or just skip it.
Non-Alcoholic Packages: A Cheaper Alternative
Many lines offer soda-only or non-alcoholic packages (e.g., Royal Caribbean's Refreshment Package) that include sodas, juices, mocktails, and specialty coffees for $20–$30 a day. These are great for families or those who don't drink alcohol. If you drink 2–3 sodas, a couple of coffees, and a mocktail, it can be worth it.
Hidden Costs and Fine Print
Always read the fine print. Some packages automatically add an 18% gratuity on top of the price – so a $75 package is really $88.50. Also, some lines limit the number of alcoholic drinks per day (e.g., 15) even as a package. And if you're not sure, check if your cruise line allows you to purchase the package for just one day (most do not).
How to Save on Cruise Drink Packages
If you decide a package is worth it, don't pay full price. Many cruise lines offer pre-cruise discounts of 10–20% when you book online in advance. Also, watch for special promotions during holiday sales or through travel partners. Another tip: instead of buying a package, you can bring a bottle of wine onboard (usually allowed) or pay per drink on port days.
Our Verdict
So, are cruise drink packages worth the cost? It depends on your drinking habits. For many, it's a convenient way to budget and enjoy worry-free cocktails. For others, it's wasted money. The best approach: track how much you typically drink in a day (think about sea days vs. port days), then do the math. If you're still unsure, start without a package and see your bar tab at the end – you can always buy a package for remaining days (if your line allows).
Remember, the real savings come from booking your cruise at the best price. Explore InCruises to access exclusive discounts on thousands of sailings – you could save hundreds, which more than pays for a drink package or two!
Happy cruising, and cheers to smart decisions!
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