Cruise drink packages cost money upfront but may save you money if you drink regularly during your voyage
A cruise drink package is a per-person daily charge that lets you order most beverages without paying per drink. The package typically covers sodas, coffee, juice, beer, wine by the glass, and mixed cocktails at bars and restaurants. You pay one flat rate per day—usually $15 to $18 per person for a basic package, or $20 to $30 for a premium package that includes top-shelf liquor—rather than $8 to $15 per individual drink.
Whether the package saves you money depends entirely on how many drinks you actually order each day. If you drink three or more alcoholic beverages daily, the package usually costs less than paying per drink. If you drink one or two, or none, you will spend more money buying the package than you would ordering à la carte. The math is straightforward: count how many drinks you typically consume on a vacation day, multiply by the per-drink price, and compare that to the daily package rate.
Key Takeaways
- A basic drink package costs $15 to $18 per person per day and covers most non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, while premium packages run $20 to $30 and include top-shelf spirits.
- The package saves money only if you order three or more drinks per day; fewer than three drinks usually costs less when purchased individually.
- Specialty drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, and coffee shop beverages are often excluded and cost extra even with a package.
- Cruise lines offer drink packages at different prices depending on when you book, with early bookings sometimes discounted 10 to 20 percent.
- You can share a package with a travel companion if only one of you drinks regularly, though most cruise lines require the package to be purchased for the whole cabin.
How much individual drinks cost on a cruise
A single beer or glass of wine at a cruise bar typically costs $8 to $12. Mixed cocktails run $10 to $15. Non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and coffee cost $3 to $5 each if purchased separately. These prices vary slightly by cruise line and ship, but the range is consistent across the industry.
If you order three drinks per day for a seven-day cruise, you would spend roughly $210 to $315 on beverages alone without a package. A basic drink package for the same week costs $105 to $126 per person. The package breaks even at about three drinks per day, meaning it saves money only if you drink more than that.
What drinks are and are not included
A standard drink package includes beer, wine by the glass, well liquor (the basic spirits behind the bar), sodas, coffee, tea, juice, and water. You can order these at any bar, restaurant, or pool area without additional charge. Premium packages add top-shelf spirits like Grey Goose vodka or Patron tequila, which cost more per drink when purchased individually.
Drinks explicitly excluded from most packages are bottled water, energy drinks, specialty coffee drinks (like lattes from the coffee shop), smoothies, and drinks made with premium liqueurs. Bottle service—buying a full bottle for your cabin or a table—is also not covered. Some cruise lines exclude wine bottles ordered at dinner, though wine by the glass is included. Read your specific cruise line's package terms before booking, because exclusions vary.
When to buy a package versus paying per drink
Buy a package if you plan to drink three or more beverages per day. This includes people who have a beer with lunch, a cocktail by the pool, and a drink at dinner, plus coffee or soda throughout the day. The package also makes sense if you want the convenience of not tracking costs or carrying a payment method to every bar.
Skip the package if you drink fewer than two drinks per day, prefer wine bottles over glasses, or plan to spend most time in your cabin. You will also save money if you drink only at specialty venues—some upscale restaurants charge extra even with a package, and those costs add up quickly. If your group is mixed (some drinkers, some non-drinkers), only the drinkers should purchase packages; cruise lines typically allow this.
Package pricing and booking timing
Drink package prices are lowest when you book your cruise earliest—usually 6 to 12 months in advance. Early bookings may be discounted 10 to 20 percent compared to last-minute purchases. Prices also fluctuate by season; packages cost more during peak travel times like summer and holidays.
Most cruise lines allow you to add or remove a drink package up to a certain date before your voyage—typically 3 to 7 days before departure. This means you can book your cruise without the package and add it later if you change your mind, though you will pay the higher last-minute rate. Some cruise lines offer onboard upgrades on the first day of your cruise, but these are usually the most expensive option.
Hidden costs and exclusions to watch for
Gratuity (tip) is not included in most drink packages. Cruise lines automatically add 15 to 18 percent gratuity to bar tabs, and this applies whether you have a package or not. If you order 20 drinks over a week with a package, you still pay gratuity on top of the package price.
Drinks at specialty restaurants, pool bars during certain hours, and premium venues may carry an upcharge even with a package. Some cruise lines charge an extra $10 to $15 per drink at their upscale steakhouse or wine bar. Bottled water, which many people buy for their cabin, is not included and costs $2 to $4 per bottle. If you plan to drink bottled water throughout your cruise, that cost adds up separately from the package.
Comparing packages across cruise lines
| Cruise Line | Basic Package (per day) | Premium Package (per day) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $15–$18 | $22–$28 | Beer, wine by glass, well liquor, sodas, coffee |
| Royal Caribbean | $16–$19 | $24–$30 | Beer, wine by glass, well liquor, sodas, coffee, specialty drinks |
| Disney Cruise Line | $17–$20 | $26–$32 | Non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine by glass, well liquor |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $18–$21 | $25–$31 | Beer, wine by glass, well liquor, sodas, coffee, specialty drinks |
Prices vary by cruise line, ship, and sailing date. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line tend to include more specialty drinks in their basic packages than Carnival. Disney Cruise Line's packages are geared toward families and include more non-alcoholic options. Always check your specific cruise line's website for current pricing and what each package covers on your ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a drink package for just part of my cruise?
Most cruise lines do not allow partial-week packages. You must purchase the package for your entire voyage or not at all. Some lines offer onboard purchases on the first day, which technically lets you add it mid-cruise, but you pay the full daily rate for remaining days and cannot get a refund for days already sailed.
What happens if I buy a package and don't use it much?
Drink packages are non-refundable once purchased. If you buy a package and drink only one beverage per day, you cannot get your money back. This is why calculating your expected daily drink consumption before booking is important. You can remove the package up to a few days before departure on most cruise lines.
Do kids' drinks count toward a family package?
Cruise lines typically sell drink packages per person, not per cabin. Children's non-alcoholic beverages (juice, soda, milk) are usually included in kids' packages at a lower daily rate, around $10 to $12. You can purchase packages for only the adults in your cabin if you prefer.
Is a drink package worth it if I mostly drink wine?
Wine by the glass is included in standard packages, but wine bottles ordered at dinner are often excluded. If you plan to order full bottles at meals, a package may not save you money. However, if you drink wine by the glass at lunch and dinner plus a cocktail or beer, the package usually pays for itself.
Can I share a drink package with someone else in my cabin?
No. Drink packages are tied to individual key cards and cannot be transferred or shared. Each person who wants package coverage must purchase their own. If only one person in your cabin drinks regularly, only that person should buy the package.