Is the Drink Package Worth It on Cruises?
Is a Cruise Drink Package Really Worth It?
One of the most common questions I hear from cruise travelers is, “Is the drink package actually worth it?”
The honest answer is: it depends.
A drink package can be a great value for some travelers, but for others, it can end up costing far more than buying drinks individually. The best way to decide is to look at the price of the package, what is included, how much you realistically expect to drink, and how many days you will spend on the ship.
How Much Do Drinks Cost on a Cruise?
Drink prices vary depending on the cruise line and ship, but you can generally expect to pay:
Beer: Around $8–$10
Wine by the glass: Around $10–$15
Cocktails: Around $12–$16
Premium cocktails or spirits: Around $15–$20
Soda: Around $3–$4
Specialty coffee: Around $4–$7
Bottled water: Around $3–$6
Gratuity is usually added to individual drink purchases, so make sure you include that when comparing prices.
Most alcoholic drink packages cost approximately $60–$100 per person, per day before gratuities. Prices can be even higher depending on the cruise line, ship, sailing, and package.
Find Your Break-Even Point
Your break-even point is the number of drinks you would need to order each day for the package to cost less than buying everything individually.
Here is a simple way to estimate it:
Find the total daily cost of the package, including gratuities.
Estimate the average price of the drinks you would normally order.
Divide the daily package price by the average drink price.
The answer is approximately how many drinks you need each day to break even.
For example, if your package costs $77 per day after gratuities and your drinks average $12 each:
$77 ÷ $12 = 6.4 drinks per day
In that example, you would need to order around six or seven alcoholic drinks every day for the package to pay for itself.
However, do not forget about the non-alcoholic drinks that may be included. Bottled water, soda, fresh juice, mocktails, and specialty coffee can add up quickly and may help you reach that break-even point without ordering six or seven alcoholic drinks.
Five Things to Consider Before Buying
A colorful selection of beer, cocktails, frozen drinks, and specialty beverages displayed beside a cruise ship pool.
1. Calculate the True Cost
Cruise lines often advertise the package’s base price, but gratuities may be added during checkout.
For example, a package advertised at $65 per day could cost closer to $77 per day after an 18% gratuity. Multiply that amount by the number of days in your cruise to see what you will actually pay.
On a seven-night cruise, that $77 daily price would equal approximately $539 per person.
If two adults in the same stateroom are required to purchase it, the total would be approximately $1,078.
2. Look at Your Itinerary
Your itinerary can make a major difference.
If your cruise includes several sea days, you will probably spend more time enjoying the ship’s bars, restaurants, pools, and entertainment. That can make a drink package easier to justify.
If your itinerary has several port days, you may spend most of the day exploring away from the ship. You could return in the evening and only order one or two drinks, but you are still paying the full daily package price.
Drink packages are generally charged for every day of the cruise—not just the days you expect to use them the most.
3. Be Honest About How Much You Drink
It is easy to imagine yourself ordering drinks throughout the day while on vacation. In reality, you may not drink as much as you expect.
Think about what a normal cruise day might look like for you:
Specialty coffee in the morning
Bottled water during the day
A cocktail by the pool
A glass of wine with dinner
An evening drink at a show or lounge
Depending on what your package includes, those drinks may be enough to make it worthwhile. However, if you usually have only one or two alcoholic drinks per day, paying individually may be the better choice.
4. Review What Is Included
Not every package is the same. Before purchasing one, check whether it includes:
Beer
Wine by the glass
Cocktails
Premium spirits
Soda
Bottled water
Specialty coffee
Fresh-squeezed juice
Mocktails
Energy drinks
You should also check the maximum price allowed per drink. If the package covers drinks up to $15 and you order something that costs $18, the cruise line may charge you the difference. Policies vary by cruise line.
5. Compare the Full Costs
Do not compare only the advertised daily price. Compare the full package cost for the entire cruise against what you realistically expect to spend.
Here are a few sample scenarios:
Seven-day cruise with two port days and four drinks per day: Estimated à la carte cost is $284 compared with approximately $385 for the package. Buying drinks individually may save around $101.
Seven-day cruise with two port days and six drinks per day: Estimated à la carte cost is $426 compared with approximately $385 for the package. The package may save around $41.
Five-day cruise with one port day and five drinks per day: Estimated à la carte cost is $284 compared with approximately $308 for the package. Buying drinks individually may save around $24.
Five-day cruise with one port day and seven drinks per day: Estimated à la carte cost is $398 compared with approximately $308 for the package. The package may save around $90.
Ten-day cruise with four port days and five drinks per day: Estimated à la carte cost is $426 compared with approximately $462 for the package. Buying drinks individually may save around $36.
Ten-day cruise with four port days and seven drinks per day: Estimated à la carte cost is $597 compared with approximately $462 for the package. The package may save around $135.
These examples are only estimates. Actual prices, gratuities, package rules, and included drinks will depend on your cruise line and sailing.
When a Drink Package May Be Worth It
A drink package may be a good choice if:
You expect to order at least five to seven alcoholic drinks per day.
You enjoy specialty coffee, soda, bottled water, juice, or mocktails throughout the day.
Your cruise has several sea days.
You prefer having most of your vacation expenses paid before you sail.
You want the convenience of ordering without thinking about the price each time.
You find a good pre-cruise discount.
You enjoy premium cocktails, wine, or spirits that cost more individually.
For some travelers, the biggest benefit is not necessarily saving money. It is knowing the cost ahead of time and not worrying about every drink added to the onboard account.
When Buying Drinks Individually May Be Better
A smiling couple enjoys colorful tropical cocktails together at a cruise ship bar overlooking the ocean.
Paying as you go may be the better option if:
You usually have fewer than four or five drinks per day.
Your cruise includes several port days.
You plan to drink mostly while exploring the destinations.
One adult in the room drinks while the other rarely does.
You are comfortable keeping track of your onboard spending.
You mainly drink water, basic coffee, tea, or other beverages already included in the cruise fare.
The package is only available at full price.
If you are a light or occasional drinker, do not feel pressured to buy a package simply because it is convenient. Paying individually can save you a considerable amount of money.
Watch for Stateroom Requirements
Many cruise lines require every adult of legal drinking age in the same stateroom to purchase the alcoholic drink package.
This can quickly change the math.
If one person would use the package but the other person drinks very little, purchasing packages for both travelers may not make financial sense. Some cruise lines may offer exceptions for medical, religious, or other reasons, but their policies vary.
Always review the rules for your specific cruise line before purchasing.
Should You Buy the Package Before the Cruise?
In many cases, purchasing your drink package before sailing is less expensive than waiting until you are onboard.
Cruise lines frequently offer pre-cruise sales through their websites or apps. If you see a price you are comfortable with, you may be able to purchase the package and continue watching for a better promotion.
Cancellation and repricing policies vary, so check the terms before making changes.
Also, do not focus only on the advertised percentage off. Cruise lines can change the base price, which means a “30% off” sale is not automatically better than a previous “25% off” offer. Compare the actual price per person, per day.
My Honest Verdict
For travelers who expect to have six or more alcoholic drinks every day, spend plenty of time onboard, and enjoy specialty coffee, soda, juice, or bottled water, a drink package may be worth it.
For light drinkers or travelers on port-heavy itineraries, buying drinks individually will often be the more affordable option.
My recommendation is to think honestly about what you are likely to order—not what you could order simply because it is included.
A drink package should make your vacation easier and fit comfortably within your budget. It should not make you feel like you have to drink more just to get your money’s worth.
If you are unsure, I can help you look at the package price, itinerary, current promotions, and cruise line rules before you make your decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many drinks do I need each day to make a cruise drink package worthwhile?
Most travelers need approximately five to seven alcoholic drinks per day to reach the break-even point. The exact number depends on the package price, gratuities, and the types of drinks you order.
Do cruise drink packages include non-alcoholic beverages?
Many packages include soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, tea, juice, and mocktails. Inclusions vary, so review the details for your particular cruise line and package.
Are gratuities included in the package price?
Some cruise lines include gratuities in the displayed total, while others add them during checkout. Always look at the final price before comparing the package with buying drinks individually.
Are there limits on how many drinks I can order?
Some cruise lines have daily limits, while others do not. There may also be waiting periods between orders, maximum drink prices, and restrictions on sharing. Check your cruise line’s current terms before purchasing.
Does the drink package work while I am in port?
The package generally works onboard while the ship is docked, although local taxes may apply in certain ports. It usually does not cover drinks purchased at independent restaurants or bars ashore. Some cruise-line-owned private destinations may accept packages, depending on the cruise line and location.
Should I purchase a drink package before sailing?
Pre-cruise prices are often lower than onboard prices. If you are planning to purchase a package, watch your cruise planner or app for sales and compare the actual daily cost rather than relying only on the advertised discount.
Can one person buy the package without the other adult in the room?
Many cruise lines require all adults of legal drinking age in the same stateroom to purchase the package. Exceptions and alternative package requirements vary by cruise line.
Can my travel advisor help me decide?
Absolutely. I can help you review the package price, cruise length, itinerary, included beverages, and current promotions so you can choose the option that makes the most sense for you.