Is The Beverage Package Worth Buying On Aurora Expeditions: What Aurora Expeditions Guests Should Know for 2026
Plenty of Aurora Expeditions guests ask about whether the drink package is worth it, so here's a clear rundown of how it actually works.
To answer that, it helps to see exactly what the package covers: Gratuity expectations vary by voyage - confirming whether tips are included or left to guest discretion for your specific Aurora sailing is worthwhile before you travel.
Since whether the drink package is worth it can vary by cabin category and sail date, an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 can confirm exactly what applies to your booking. If dietary restrictions are a factor, flagging them with the cruise line ahead of time usually gets a better result than asking once onboard. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the beverage package worth buying on Aurora Expeditions?
It depends on your habits - guests who'd have 4+ drinks a day typically save money with a package, while those who drink less often usually spend less paying à la carte. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. That's the short version, at least.
Does the package include specialty coffees and bottled water?
Most premium packages include specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks in addition to alcohol, though the exact inclusions vary by tier and cruise line. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Is there a cheaper non-alcoholic package option?
Yes, most lines offer a soda or non-alcoholic beverage package at a lower price point for guests who don't drink alcohol but still want unlimited specialty drinks. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can I share a package with someone else in my cabin?
No, most lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same package rather than allowing one package to be shared. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Is it cheaper to buy the package before sailing or onboard?
Almost always cheaper to prepay before sailing - onboard pricing for the same package is typically higher. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Who can help calculate if a package makes sense for my Aurora Expeditions cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can run the numbers based on your typical drinking habits. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. That's the short version, at least.
How many drinks per day would make a beverage package worth it?
As a general rule of thumb, if you'd typically have 4 or more drinks a day, a package often pays for itself compared to paying per drink - light drinkers usually come out ahead without one. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Does Aurora Expeditions require everyone in the cabin to buy the package if one person does?
Some cruise lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same beverage package rather than letting one person buy it alone - check your specific line's current policy. This can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Is the package cheaper if bought before boarding versus once onboard?
Yes, prepaying for a beverage package before your cruise is almost always cheaper than the price charged if you wait and purchase it once onboard. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Does the beverage package include specialty coffee and bottled water?
Many packages include specialty coffee and bottled water, but this varies by cruise line and package tier, so it's worth checking the specific inclusions before buying. Pricing for packages tends to be updated periodically, so confirming the current rate before your cruise avoids surprises at checkout. Worth keeping in mind either way.