Cruise drink packages can be a great deal or a waste of money, depending entirely on how you actually drink on vacation.
By Vacation Intel
How Drink Packages Work
Most major cruise lines sell an all-inclusive beverage package covering alcoholic drinks up to a set price per drink, plus sodas, specialty coffees and bottled water. Packages are typically sold per cabin, per day, for the length of the entire cruise — you generally can’t buy one for just a few days.
Do the Math Before You Buy
Packages usually cost somewhere between $60-$100 per person, per day, depending on the line and season. Divide that by a typical drink price (often $10-14 for a cocktail) to see how many drinks you’d need per day to break even — usually 5-7 drinks. If that’s more than you’d normally order, you’ll likely spend less paying per drink.
Who Packages Make Sense For
Drink packages tend to pay off for travelers who enjoy a cocktail by the pool, wine with dinner and a nightcap most evenings, since it removes the friction of watching a running tab. They make less sense for light or occasional drinkers, or anyone planning several port-day excursions where they won’t be onboard to use it.
Vacation Intel Tip
Most lines require every adult in a cabin to buy the package if one person does — solo splurging isn’t usually allowed. Check your specific cruise line’s policy before assuming you can split the cost within a cabin.