Drink packages usually cost less than ordering drinks individually, but only if you drink enough to reach the break-even point

A drink package on a cruise bundles unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, juice, and alcoholic beverages into a single upfront price. The cruise line counts on most passengers not drinking enough to make the package cheaper than paying per drink. Whether it saves you money depends entirely on your actual drinking habits over the days you are at sea.

The math is straightforward: add up what you would spend on drinks if you ordered them one at a time, then compare that total to the package price. If the package costs $65 per day and you would drink $70 worth of beverages, the package wins. If you would drink $40 worth, you lose money by buying it.

Key Takeaways

  • Drink packages range from $15 to $20 per day for soft drinks only, and $50 to $80 per day for alcohol included, depending on the cruise line and how far in advance you buy.
  • A single cocktail or beer at sea costs $8 to $15, so you need to drink at least four to six alcoholic drinks per day for an alcohol package to pay for itself.
  • Buying a package before you board is cheaper than buying it onboard, sometimes by $10 to $15 per day.
  • Specialty drinks (craft cocktails, premium wines, champagne) often cost extra even with a package, so check the fine print for what is and is not included.
  • If you drink rarely or only at dinner, a package will cost you more than ordering as you go.

What drink packages actually include

The contents vary by cruise line, but a typical alcohol package covers beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks made with standard liquor. It also includes soft drinks, coffee, tea, juice, and water. Some packages add energy drinks or specialty coffee drinks like lattes.

What is almost never included: premium wines by the glass, craft cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, champagne, wine packages sold separately, drinks at specialty bars (like the wine bar or tequila bar), and drinks ordered from room service. Read the terms before you buy, because "unlimited drinks" does not mean unlimited everything.

How to calculate whether a package saves you money

Start by listing what you actually drink in a typical day at home. If you have one coffee in the morning, two soft drinks, and two beers, that is five drinks. Now price those drinks as they appear on the ship's menu: coffee might be $4, soft drinks $3 to $4 each, beer $8 to $12. That day costs you $31 to $38 in drinks.

A cruise is different from home—you are on vacation, the bar is always open, and drinks are part of the social rhythm. Most people drink more at sea than they do on land. Estimate high rather than low. If you think you might have three beers and two cocktails per day, price that: three beers at $10 each is $30, two cocktails at $14 each is $28, total $58 per day.

Now compare that to the package price. If an alcohol package costs $65 per day and you estimated $58 in drinks, the package does not save you money. If you estimated $75, it does. The break-even point is the package price itself.

Pricing varies by cruise line and when you buy

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian all offer drink packages, and the prices are different at each line. Royal Caribbean's alcohol package runs roughly $60 to $75 per day depending on the ship and sailing date. Carnival's is typically $50 to $65. Disney's is higher, around $75 to $85. Norwegian's is in the $60 to $75 range.

Buying before you board is almost always cheaper than buying onboard. Pre-purchase prices are often $10 to $15 per day lower. If you wait until you are on the ship, you will pay more. Some cruise lines offer discounts if you book during the first few days of your cruise, but the pre-purchase price is still usually the best deal.

Prices also shift based on the sailing date and how far ahead you book. A package for a peak summer sailing costs more than one for an off-season cruise. Book as early as you can if you know you want a package.

When a package makes financial sense

A package is worth buying if you drink four or more alcoholic drinks per day on average. At $10 to $12 per drink, that is $40 to $48 per day in alcohol alone, plus soft drinks and coffee. Add those up and you easily exceed a $65 package price.

A package also makes sense if you want to avoid thinking about cost while you drink. Some people find the mental math of tracking drinks stressful, and the package removes that friction. That is a real benefit, even if the math is neutral.

A package does not make sense if you drink fewer than two or three alcoholic drinks per day, or if you mostly drink water, coffee, and soft drinks. You will pay more for the package than you would spend ordering individually.

Specialty drinks and premium options cost extra

Even with a drink package, certain drinks carry an upcharge. A craft cocktail made with premium vodka or whiskey might cost an extra $5 to $8 on top of the package. A glass of wine from the premium wine list might be $8 to $15 extra. Champagne by the glass is almost always extra.

Ask the bartender or check the menu before you order if you are unsure. Some bars have a separate menu for premium drinks. If you plan to drink a lot of premium options, the package savings shrink or disappear.

Alternatives to buying a full package

You do not have to choose between a full package and paying per drink. Some cruise lines offer a soft-drink-only package for $15 to $20 per day, which covers non-alcoholic beverages. This is useful if you do not drink alcohol but want unlimited coffee and soft drinks without the per-drink cost.

Another option is to buy a limited package—some lines offer a three-day or five-day package instead of a full-cruise package. If your cruise is seven days but you only plan to drink heavily for part of it, a partial package might be the right fit.

You can also skip the package entirely and use your onboard account to pay per drink. This works well if you are uncertain how much you will drink, or if you know you will drink very little.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a drink package after I get on the ship?

Yes, but it will cost more than if you bought it before boarding. You can purchase one at the guest services desk during the first few days of your cruise. Some cruise lines offer a discount if you buy within the first 24 hours, but the pre-purchase price is still usually cheaper.

Do tips and gratuities get added to drink packages?

Most cruise lines automatically add an 18% gratuity to drink packages. Check your terms before you buy. Some lines include gratuity in the package price; others add it on top. This can add $10 to $15 per day to the total cost.

What happens if I do not drink the full value of my package?

You do not get a refund. Drink packages are all-you-can-drink for the duration of your cruise, but unused drinks do not roll over or pay back. If you buy a package and drink less than the package costs, that money is gone.

Are drinks at specialty restaurants included in the package?

Usually not. Drinks at the main dining room are included, but drinks at specialty restaurants, wine bars, or premium lounges often carry an extra charge even if you have a package. Check the fine print for your specific cruise line.

Can my travel group split one drink package among multiple people?

No. Drink packages are tied to your individual cabin account. Each person who wants unlimited drinks needs their own package. You cannot share one package across multiple passengers.