Drink packages usually cost money upfront but save you cash only if you drink regularly throughout the day
A drink package is a per-person daily charge that lets you order most beverages without paying per drink. On most cruise lines, packages range from $15 to $20 per person per day for basic options (sodas, coffee, juice, beer, wine by the glass) up to $30 or more for premium packages that include top-shelf liquor and specialty cocktails. The ship charges your account each day of the cruise, whether you use it or not.
Whether it saves you money depends entirely on how much you actually drink and what you would order. A single cocktail on a ship typically costs $8 to $15. A beer runs $6 to $8. If you order three drinks a day, a $15 package pays for itself. If you order one drink every other day, you are paying for drinks you never touch.
The math also shifts based on what you drink. Wine by the glass costs $8 to $12 on most ships, so a package breaks even quickly if wine is your drink. Bottled water and sodas cost $3 to $5 each, so ordering those without a package is cheaper than buying the package itself.
Key Takeaways
- Drink packages cost $15 to $30+ per person per day and cover most beverages, but you pay the full daily rate whether you drink or not.
- A package saves money only if you order at least two to three drinks per day, depending on what you drink and which package tier you choose.
- Water, sodas, and coffee are cheaper to buy individually than to cover with a package, so many cruisers skip the package and buy only those items.
- Specialty drinks, top-shelf cocktails, and wine tastings often cost extra even with a premium package, so check the fine print before you book.
- Cruise lines offer package discounts if you book before you board, but the savings are usually small compared to the daily cost.
What drinks are actually included in each package tier
Most cruise lines offer at least two package levels. A basic package typically covers beer, wine by the glass, well liquor cocktails, sodas, coffee, tea, juice, and water. A premium package adds top-shelf spirits, specialty cocktails made with premium ingredients, and sometimes wine from a reserve list.
What is not included matters as much as what is. Bottles of wine, champagne, and spirits you buy to take to your cabin are almost never covered. Specialty drinks like frozen cocktails with premium liqueurs, wine tastings, and drinks at specialty bars (like the sushi bar or steakhouse) usually cost extra even if you have a package. Some cruise lines charge an upcharge for energy drinks or premium coffee drinks.
Read the terms before you book. Each cruise line structures packages differently, and what is free on one line may cost extra on another. The ship's website or your booking confirmation should list exactly what is included.
How to calculate whether a package makes financial sense for you
Start by counting how many drinks you actually order on a typical day at home or on vacation. Be honest—many people overestimate. If you have one cocktail at dinner and one beer by the pool, that is two drinks. At $10 per drink average, you spend $20. A $15 package would save you $5 that day, but only if you order those drinks anyway.
Next, look at what you drink. If your go-to order is a $12 glass of wine, a $15 package pays for itself in two drinks. If you mostly drink sodas and water, skip the package and buy those individually—a bottle of water costs $3, and a soda costs $4 to $5, so you would need to order five sodas a day just to break even on a $15 package.
Factor in that you will be on the ship for multiple days. A seven-day cruise with a $15 daily package costs $105 per person before any discounts. If you order two drinks a day at $10 each, you spend $140 without the package—so the package saves you $35. If you order one drink a day, the package costs you an extra $35.
Pre-cruise discounts and when to book a package
Cruise lines often discount packages if you purchase them before you board. The discount is usually $2 to $5 per day, so a $15 package might cost $12 to $13 per day if you book it with your cruise. This is the cheapest time to buy, if you decide you want one.
You can also buy a package onboard during the first day of your cruise, but the price is higher—usually the full daily rate with no discount. Some people wait to see how much they actually drink on day one before deciding, but this costs you money if you do decide to buy.
A few cruise lines offer a trial period—you can buy a one-day package to test it out. If you like it, you can extend it for the rest of the cruise at a discounted rate. This is a good option if you are unsure.
Alternatives to buying a package
The most common alternative is to skip the package and pay per drink. This works well if you drink fewer than two drinks per day or if you mostly order water and sodas. You control exactly what you spend.
Some cruisers buy a package for part of the cruise. If your ship stops at ports, you might skip the package on sea days when you are less likely to drink, and buy it only for port days or formal nights when you plan to have more drinks. This is not always possible—some cruise lines require you to commit to the full cruise—but it is worth asking.
Another option is to bring your own alcohol. Most cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of wine or beer into your cabin (usually one bottle of wine or two beers per person, per day). You can drink these in your room or at the pool, which costs nothing. You cannot bring spirits or drink outside your cabin, and the ship will confiscate anything over the limit.
Common mistakes that make packages cost more than they should
The biggest mistake is buying a package and then not drinking because you feel obligated to get your money's worth. You already paid for the package—ordering drinks you do not want does not save you money, it just means you spent money on something you did not use.
Another mistake is not reading the fine print. Specialty bars, wine tastings, and premium cocktails often cost extra even with a premium package. If you plan to visit the wine bar or order craft cocktails, check whether those are covered before you buy.
Some people buy a package for everyone in their group even though only some people drink. If you are traveling with non-drinkers or light drinkers, let them skip the package. There is no group discount or shared package—each person pays separately.
Finally, do not assume the package is the same price every cruise. Pricing varies by cruise line, ship, season, and length of cruise. A seven-day cruise might have a different daily rate than a three-day cruise on the same ship.
How drink packages compare across major cruise lines
Pricing and what is included varies. Carnival's basic package typically costs around $15 to $17 per day and covers beer, wine by the glass, and well cocktails. Royal Caribbean's package is similar in price but may include more premium options depending on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line includes drinks in some of their fares but charges for packages on others.
Disney Cruise Line does not offer a traditional drink package—instead, they charge per drink, and prices are higher than other lines. Princess and Holland America offer packages in the $15 to $20 range with similar coverage to Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
Luxury lines like Regent and Seabourn often include drinks in the cruise fare, so there is no package to buy. This is one reason their per-person cost is higher upfront.
Check your specific cruise line's website for current pricing and what is included. Prices change seasonally and by ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a drink package for just some days of my cruise?
Most cruise lines require you to commit to the full cruise if you buy a package, but some allow you to add it for specific days. Contact your cruise line directly to ask—policies vary by line and sometimes by ship. If they do not offer daily packages, you can always skip the package and pay per drink on the days you want to drink more.
Do tips and gratuities get added on top of the drink package price?
Yes. Most cruise lines automatically add a gratuity (usually 15 to 18 percent) to drink packages. This is on top of the daily package cost, so a $15 package actually costs around $17 to $18 per day after gratuity. Check your booking confirmation to see the exact amount.
What happens if I buy a package and barely drink?
The cruise line keeps the money. Drink packages are non-refundable, even if you do not use them. This is why calculating your actual drinking habits before you buy is important. If you realize on day two that you do not want the package, you cannot get a refund for the remaining days.
Are drinks at specialty restaurants covered by the package?
Usually not. Drinks at the steakhouse, sushi bar, or other specialty dining venues often cost extra even with a premium package. Some cruise lines include them, so check the fine print. Wine pairings with meals are almost always an upcharge.
Can I share a drink package with someone else in my cabin?
No. Packages are per-person and non-transferable. Each person who wants a package must buy their own. You cannot pool money or share one package between two people.