Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?
Most cruise lines sell some form of all-inclusive drink package covering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to a certain price point per drink, charged as a flat daily rate added to your onboard account. Non-alcoholic packages (soda, specialty coffee, juice) are also usually available at a lower price for guests who don't drink alcohol.
Whether a package is worth it comes down to how much you'd actually drink on a typical cruise day - packages generally pay for themselves if you're having several drinks a day, but casual drinkers often come out ahead just paying per drink. Some cruise lines require every adult in a cabin to buy the package if one person does, which changes the math for couples or families.
Package pricing and inclusions vary by cruise line, and pricing often changes with promotions, so it's worth checking current rates before you sail. Call +1-800-406-8495 and an advisor can check current drink package pricing for your specific cruise line and sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cruise drink packages typically cost?
Pricing varies significantly by cruise line and package tier, generally charged as a daily rate for the length of your cruise - check your specific cruise line's current pricing, since it changes with promotions.
Do I have to buy a drink package if my cabin-mate does?
Some cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to purchase the package if one does; this varies by line, so check the specific policy before assuming.
Are non-alcoholic drink packages available?
Yes, most cruise lines offer a soda or non-alcoholic package at a lower price point for guests who don't want the full alcohol package.
Is a drink package worth it for a light drinker?
Probably not - packages generally make financial sense only if you're having several drinks per day; occasional drinkers often save money paying per drink instead.
Does the drink package cover specialty coffee and bottled water?
Many packages include specialty coffee drinks and bottled water, but this varies by cruise line and package tier - worth double-checking before you buy.
How many drinks do I need per day to make a drink package worth it?
Most packages break even somewhere between 5 and 8 drinks a day, depending on the package price and your typical drink choices.
Do drink packages cover bottled water and specialty coffee?
Yes, most all-inclusive drink packages cover bottled water, specialty coffee, and soda in addition to alcoholic beverages up to a per-drink price cap.
Can one person in a cabin buy a drink package while the other doesn't?
Some cruise lines require all adults in a cabin to purchase the same package, while others allow individual selection - check your specific line's policy.
Is there an age requirement for cruise drink packages?
Yes, alcohol-inclusive packages require guests to meet the applicable legal drinking age, which can vary depending on the ship's flag and itinerary.
Are drink packages cheaper if bought before the cruise?
Yes, pre-cruise pricing on drink packages is typically discounted compared to purchasing once onboard.