Are cruise drink packages worth it? How they work and how to do the math

Are cruise drink packages worth it?

For steady drinkers, often yes; for light or moderate drinkers, usually not. A package charges a fixed daily price for every day of the cruise, so it only pays off if you’d otherwise spend at least that much at the bar each day. Two glasses of wine at dinner rarely gets there. Several cocktails by the pool, wine at dinner and a nightcap often does.

The other reason people buy one is peace of mind. With a package you never think about the bill, and some cruisers value that even if the numbers come out roughly even. That’s a fair choice, as long as you make it knowingly rather than assuming a package is always the better deal.

How cruise drink packages work

The rules are similar across mainstream lines, though the details vary and change. Read your line’s terms before buying, because several rules surprise first-timers.

• You pay per person, per day, and must buy the package for the entire cruise, not just the days you want.
• On many lines, if one adult in a cabin buys an alcoholic package, every adult in that cabin must buy one too.
• A service charge, often around 18 to 20 percent, is added to the package price.
• Packages usually cover drinks up to a set menu price; above that, you pay the difference or the drink isn’t covered.
• Some lines cap drinks per day. Carnival’s CHEERS! package, for example, limits alcoholic drinks in a 24-hour period.
• Packages are for one person only, one drink at a time; sharing with a non-package guest can get the package canceled.
• Packages don’t work in port, though on some lines they cover bars on the line’s private island.

How to work out if a drink package pays off

Do the math for your own habits rather than relying on general advice. Take the daily package price, add the service charge, and divide by the typical price of the drinks you’d actually order, including their service charge. The result is how many drinks you’d need every day to break even.

Then be honest about a realistic day. Count sea days and port days separately: many people drink much less on days spent ashore, especially on busy, port-intensive itineraries. Include sodas, specialty coffees, smoothies and bottled water if the package covers them, since those small purchases add up.

• Likely worth it: you’d have five or more paid drinks most days, including specialty coffees and sodas.
• Possibly worth it: long cruises with many sea days, or celebrations where you’ll be at the bar a lot.
• Probably not: port-heavy itineraries, early nights, light drinkers, or when only one person in the cabin drinks.
• Not at all: if you’d drink mainly the free options, such as water, tea, regular coffee and buffet juices.

Types of cruise drink packages, by line

Most mainstream lines sell an all-inclusive alcohol package, a soda package and a non-alcoholic package covering specialty coffees, juices and mocktails. Some bundle drinks with Wi-Fi and gratuities. Names and contents change, so treat these as examples rather than a definitive list.

• Royal Caribbean: the Deluxe Beverage Package for alcohol, plus the Refreshment Package and Classic Soda Package.
• Carnival: CHEERS! for alcohol and Bottomless Bubbles for soda.
• Celebrity: Classic and Premium drinks packages, with drinks also bundled into All Included fares.
• Norwegian: an open-bar package is bundled into many fares through its More at Sea program.
• Princess: drinks bundled with Wi-Fi and other perks in its Plus and Premier packages.
• MSC: Easy and Easy Plus packages, among others.
• Disney: no unlimited drinks package, though you can buy drinks individually and bring a limited amount of wine or beer on board.
• Virgin Voyages: no unlimited package, but a prepaid bar tab often comes with bonus credit.

Rules that catch people out

Beyond the cabin rule and the daily cap on some lines, a few policies cause the most frustration on board. Most mainstream lines sailing from North America set the drinking age at 21, though some permit guests 18 and over to drink on certain sailings from Europe, South America or Australia. Guests under the drinking age can usually buy soda or non-alcoholic packages instead.

If a package is canceled midway, refunds are limited or none, so don’t buy one hoping to drop it later. And watch premium items: top-shelf spirits, bottles of wine, minibar items and drinks in certain venues may be excluded or only partly covered.

Cruise lines where drinks are already included

If you enjoy a drink and dislike tallying costs, consider a line or fare where drinks are already part of the price. Luxury lines including Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn and Explora Journeys include most drinks. Viking includes beer and wine with lunch and dinner. Celebrity’s All Included fares and Norwegian’s More at Sea fares bundle drinks in, though it’s worth checking what level of package is included and what charges still apply.

Comparing an inclusive fare with a lower fare plus a package is a useful exercise. For couples who both drink, the more inclusive option can come out close to, or better than, buying everything separately.

How to save on drinks without a package

Skipping a package doesn’t mean paying full price for every drink. These are the most common ways cruisers keep bar bills down.

• Bring your line’s allowance of wine or champagne on board at embarkation; a corkage fee applies if you drink it in a restaurant.
• Look for happy hours, drink-of-the-day specials and discounted buckets of beer listed in the daily schedule.
• Use free options: water, iced tea, lemonade, regular coffee and juice at breakfast are included on most ships.
• Bring a limited amount of sealed soft drinks or water if your line allows it.
• Check loyalty perks, since higher tiers on some lines include complimentary drinks in a lounge or at set times.
• Watch for pre-cruise sales on packages, which are often cheaper than buying on board.

When to buy a drink package

If you’ve decided a package suits you, buy it before the cruise. Lines run frequent sales in the run-up to sailing, and the onboard price is often higher. Some booking promotions also include a drinks package or credit toward one, which can change the math entirely.

If you’re unsure, you can usually wait until embarkation day and buy on board, though you may pay more. Keep an eye on receipts during the first day or two: if you’re ordering far less than expected, it’s a sign to skip the package on your next cruise.

Frequently asked questions