Disney offers two main alcohol packages, plus the option to buy drinks individually
Disney Cruise Line sells alcohol by the drink or through two prepaid packages: the Beverage Package and the Deluxe Beverage Package. Both cover most alcoholic drinks served on the ship, though neither includes everything — some premium spirits and specialty cocktails cost extra even with a package. You can also skip packages entirely and pay per drink at the bar.
The packages are optional. If you do not buy one, you will not be charged for alcohol you do not order. Disney does not push packages on you, and many cruisers skip them and pay as they go.
Key Takeaways
- The Beverage Package covers most bar drinks, wine by the glass, and beer, but excludes premium liquors and specialty cocktails marked on the menu.
- The Deluxe Beverage Package adds premium spirits, specialty cocktails, and coffee drinks, and costs more per day than the standard package.
- Both packages are per-person, per-day charges added to your cruise bill, and you must buy them for your entire cruise — you cannot buy them for single days.
- Gratuity (tip) is not included in either package and is charged separately on top of the package price.
- You can bring your own alcohol in your cabin but cannot bring it into dining rooms or public areas of the ship.
What the Beverage Package covers and costs
The standard Beverage Package covers most drinks you will order at bars and lounges: beer, wine by the glass, cocktails made with standard spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and soft drinks. It does not cover bottles of wine you buy to take to your cabin, premium liquors like top-shelf vodka or aged rum, or specialty cocktails that use rare ingredients or house-made syrups.
The price varies by cruise length and season. A 7-day cruise in peak season costs more per day than a 3-day cruise in the off-season. Disney publishes prices on its website when you are booking, and you can add the package at that time or onboard during your cruise — though buying onboard usually costs slightly more per day than pre-purchasing.
If you buy the package, you still pay gratuity (tip) on top of it. Disney automatically adds 18 percent gratuity to your bar bill, whether you have a package or not. The package price itself does not include the tip.
The Deluxe Beverage Package and what makes it different
The Deluxe Beverage Package costs more per day than the standard package and adds premium spirits, specialty cocktails, and coffee drinks. If you like top-shelf liquor, craft cocktails with house-made ingredients, or specialty coffee drinks, this package covers them. It also includes wine by the glass and beer, just like the standard package.
Even with the Deluxe package, some drinks are not covered. Ultra-premium bottles (rare wines, aged cognacs, or limited-edition spirits) are still extra. The bartender or menu will tell you which drinks fall outside the package.
Like the standard package, the Deluxe package is per-person, per-day, and gratuity is added on top. You buy it for your entire cruise, not for individual days or meals.
How to buy a package before or during your cruise
If you book a Disney cruise, you can add a Beverage Package when you first purchase your cruise or anytime before you board. Log into your Disney Cruise Line account, go to your reservation, and look for the "Onboard Purchases" or "Beverage Package" section. You will see the price per day for your specific cruise dates and ship.
You can also buy a package onboard during your cruise. Visit Guest Services on the first day or call them from your cabin. The per-day price is usually higher if you buy onboard, so pre-purchasing saves money. If you buy onboard, the package starts the next day — you cannot retroactively cover drinks you already ordered.
Once you buy a package, it covers all alcoholic drinks you order for the rest of your cruise, except those marked as premium or specialty. You do not need to show a card or sign anything at the bar — Disney links the package to your room key.
Paying per drink instead of buying a package
You do not have to buy a package. If you skip it, you pay for each drink when you order it. Prices per drink are higher than the per-day package cost if you drink multiple drinks per day, but lower if you drink only one or two drinks during your entire cruise.
When you order a drink without a package, the bartender charges your room key. The charge appears on your final bill when you leave the ship. Gratuity is added to each drink, so you pay tip on every single drink rather than a lump sum at the end.
Many cruisers calculate whether a package makes sense by estimating how many drinks they will order per day. If you plan to have two or more drinks per day, a package usually costs less. If you drink zero or one drink per day, paying per drink is cheaper.
What you can bring into your cabin and what you cannot
Disney allows you to bring your own alcohol into your cabin — a bottle of wine or spirits you purchase at a port or bring from home. You can drink it in your room without buying a package. However, you cannot bring alcohol into dining rooms, restaurants, bars, lounges, or any public area of the ship. If you are caught with outside alcohol outside your cabin, Disney will confiscate it.
This rule exists because Disney makes money from bar sales, and it also prevents guests from mixing drinks they brought with the ship's mixers and ice, which creates liability. The cabin exception is a compromise: Disney lets you enjoy your own bottle in private but not in shared spaces.
Premium drinks and specialty cocktails that cost extra
Even if you buy the Deluxe Beverage Package, some drinks are marked as premium and cost extra. These include rare wines, aged spirits, and cocktails made with ultra-premium liquors. The menu or bartender will tell you which drinks are premium — they are usually listed separately or marked with an asterisk.
Specialty coffee drinks like certain espresso-based drinks at the coffee bar may also be extra, depending on the ship and the specific drink. Ask the bartender or barista before you order if you want to know whether a drink is covered by your package.
Premium drinks are not common, and most cruisers never order them. But if you like rare spirits or very high-end cocktails, budget extra cash beyond your package cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a package for only part of my cruise?
No. Packages are sold per-person for the entire cruise. You cannot buy a package for just one day or the last three days. You either have a package for your whole cruise or you do not. If you decide you want one partway through, you can buy it onboard, but it starts the next day.
Does the Beverage Package include drinks at the pool bar?
Yes. Both packages cover drinks at all bars and lounges on the ship, including the pool bar, deck bars, and specialty lounges. The only exception is drinks marked as premium or specialty, which cost extra even with a package.
What happens if I buy a package and do not drink much?
You lose money. Packages are non-refundable. If you buy a package and end up drinking only one or two drinks, you would have paid less by ordering drinks individually. Disney does not offer refunds or credits if you do not use the full package.
Can I share a Beverage Package with someone else in my cabin?
No. Packages are tied to your room key and your name. Only the person whose name is on the package can use it. If you travel with a spouse or friend, each person needs their own package if you both want one.
Do I have to tip on top of the Beverage Package?
Yes. Gratuity is separate from the package price. Disney adds 18 percent gratuity to your bar bill automatically, whether you have a package or pay per drink. The package covers the drink itself, not the tip.