Beverage packages usually cost $15 to $18 per person per day, and whether they save you money depends on what you drink and how much

A beverage package on a cruise covers most drinks at bars, the buffet, and your cabin, but not specialty coffee, bottled water, or alcohol at premium bars. The package typically costs between $15 and $18 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and how far in advance you book. If you buy it onboard instead of before your cruise, the price jumps to $20 or more per day. The real question is whether you'll drink enough to break even—and most casual drinkers won't.

The math is straightforward: a single cocktail at sea costs $10 to $14, a beer runs $6 to $8, and a glass of wine is $8 to $12. If you order three drinks a day, a package pays for itself. If you order one or two, you're probably spending more than you would without it. The package also includes soft drinks, coffee (except specialty drinks), and juice, which are otherwise $3 to $5 each.

Key Takeaways

  • Beverage packages cost $15 to $18 per person per day when booked in advance, or $20+ if purchased onboard, and cover most bar drinks, beer, wine, and soft drinks but not premium cocktails or specialty coffee.
  • You need to drink at least three alcoholic drinks per day or five non-alcoholic drinks to break even financially with a package.
  • Cruise lines offer different package tiers—some cover only beer and wine, while others include all spirits, and premium packages add specialty cocktails and coffee.
  • Booking a package before your cruise saves $5 to $7 per day compared to buying it onboard, and some cruise lines offer discounts if you book during a sale period.
  • If you drink little or prefer specialty items, paying per drink or skipping the package entirely usually costs less than committing to a daily rate.

What different beverage packages actually cover

Cruise lines offer multiple tiers, and the differences matter. The basic package on most lines covers beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice at regular bars and the buffet. It does not cover premium cocktails (usually marked with a special symbol on the menu), top-shelf spirits, bottled water, or specialty coffee drinks like lattes. Some lines call this the "Beverage Package" or "Unlimited Beverage Package."

A mid-tier package adds all spirits and premium cocktails but still excludes specialty coffee and bottled water. The highest tier includes everything except bottled water, which you can usually buy by the bottle or get free at your cabin tap. Specialty coffee—lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew—is almost always separate, even on premium packages, and costs $5 to $8 per drink. Check your cruise line's website or your booking confirmation to see exactly which package you're considering, because the names and coverage vary widely.

When a package actually saves you money

The break-even point depends on your drinking habits. If you order three alcoholic drinks per day at $12 each, that's $36 in drinks against a $17 package—the package wins. If you order one drink per day, you're spending $12 against $17, so you lose. The calculation changes if you include soft drinks and coffee: a person who drinks one cocktail, two sodas, and one coffee per day is spending roughly $1 + $6 + $5 = $12 in individual prices, still less than the package.

A package also makes sense if you plan to drink at unusual hours or want to avoid thinking about cost while you're relaxing. Some people find the peace of mind worth the extra few dollars. Others travel with family members who drink heavily while others drink little—in that case, a package for the heavy drinkers and per-drink purchases for the light drinkers often costs less than packages for everyone.

How to compare prices across cruise lines

Prices vary by cruise line and sailing date. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line all offer beverage packages, but the daily rate and what's included differ. Royal Caribbean's package is typically $15 to $17 per day when booked in advance. Carnival's is similar. Norwegian's is often slightly higher but may include more premium items depending on the ship class. Disney Cruise Line does not offer a traditional beverage package; you pay per drink.

The best way to compare is to look at your specific sailing on each cruise line's website, find the package price, and then estimate how many drinks you'd order per day. Write down the average price of a cocktail, beer, wine, and soft drink on that line, multiply by your expected daily drinks, and compare to the package cost. If the cruise line is running a sale—sometimes packages are discounted 20 to 30 percent—the break-even point shifts in the package's favor.

Booking before your cruise versus onboard

Booking a beverage package before you sail saves $5 to $7 per person per day compared to buying it onboard. If you're on a seven-day cruise with two people, that's $70 to $98 in savings. The downside is that you commit without knowing whether you'll actually want it once you're aboard. Most cruise lines allow you to cancel a pre-purchased package within a certain window—usually 24 to 48 hours before your sailing—and get a refund, so there's some flexibility.

If you're unsure, book it before your cruise. You can always cancel if you change your mind, and you'll save money if you keep it. Buying onboard means paying the higher price, and by then you've already spent your first day without the package, so you can't retroactively explore it to drinks you've already ordered.

Alternatives to a full beverage package

If a package doesn't fit your budget or drinking style, you have other options. Some cruise lines offer limited packages that cover only beer and wine, which cost $8 to $12 per day and work well for people who don't drink spirits. You can also buy a set number of drinks upfront—a "beverage credit" or "drink package lite"—at a discount compared to per-drink prices. These usually come in blocks of 5 to 10 drinks and cost $5 to $8 per drink when bought this way, versus $10 to $14 per drink ordered individually.

Another option is to skip the package entirely and budget for drinks as you go. Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it at the buffet or your cabin tap to avoid paying for bottled water. Order soft drinks and coffee at the buffet rather than at bars, where they're sometimes cheaper. If you're traveling with people who drink different amounts, mix and match: buy a package for the heavy drinker and let others pay per drink.

Common mistakes that make packages cost more

The biggest mistake is buying a package and then not drinking enough to justify it. You've already paid, so the temptation is to order drinks to "get your money's worth," which often means spending more than you would have otherwise. Decide your actual drinking habits before you book, not after.

Another mistake is forgetting that specialty items aren't included. You order a cappuccino thinking it's covered, and it costs $7 extra. Or you buy bottled water at the bar for $5 when tap water is free. Read the package details carefully and know what's excluded. Finally, some people book a package for a short cruise—two or three days—when the daily rate makes it expensive for the total cost. On a two-day cruise, a $17 per day package costs $34 per person; you'd need to drink heavily to break even.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a beverage package for only some days of my cruise?

Most cruise lines do not offer daily packages; you buy for the entire cruise or not at all. Some lines allow you to add a package after you board, but the price is higher. A few cruise lines are experimenting with shorter packages, so check your line's website for current options.

Do beverage packages include drinks at specialty restaurants?

Usually not. If your cruise includes a paid specialty dining venue, drinks there are typically not covered by a beverage package unless you buy a package that specifically includes that restaurant. Check your booking details or call the cruise line to confirm.

What happens if I buy a package and don't use it?

You do not get a refund for unused drinks. The package is a daily rate, not a per-drink purchase. If you order two drinks on a day when you've paid for unlimited, you've paid for the other drinks whether you use them or not.

Are there discounts if I book a beverage package with other people?

Most cruise lines do not offer group discounts on beverage packages. However, some lines discount packages during sale periods, which explore to everyone booking at that time. Sign up for your cruise line's email list to hear about sales.

Do kids' beverages count toward a family package?

Beverage packages are usually priced per person, and children's packages (if offered) are cheaper than adult packages. Kids' packages typically cover juice, soft drinks, and milk but not alcohol. Check your cruise line's policy, as this varies.