Drink prices on cruises run $8 to $16 per cocktail, $6 to $10 for beer, and $5 to $8 for wine by the glass

Most cruise lines charge for drinks beyond water, coffee, and tea. A standard mixed drink costs between $8 and $16 depending on the line and the drink type. Beer runs $6 to $10 per bottle or draft pour. Wine by the glass is typically $5 to $8. Soft drinks, energy drinks, and bottled water cost $3 to $5 each. Specialty drinks — frozen cocktails, drinks with multiple liqueurs, or branded concoctions — often cost $2 to $4 more than a standard cocktail.

The price difference between cruise lines matters. Royal Caribbean and Carnival tend to charge on the lower end of these ranges. Disney Cruise Line charges more for the same drinks. Luxury lines like Regent and Seabourn include most drinks in the fare, but they cost significantly more upfront. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a drink package option that changes the math entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • A single cocktail on a cruise costs $8 to $16, and prices vary by cruise line and drink complexity.
  • Soft drinks and bottled water cost $3 to $5 per item, and these charges add up quickly over a week-long cruise.
  • Drink packages that cover unlimited cocktails, beer, and wine typically cost $60 to $80 per person per day, which breaks even around 5 to 7 drinks daily.
  • Water, coffee, tea, and lemonade are free at the buffet and in your cabin, so you can reduce costs by using these instead of paid beverages.
  • Specialty drinks, frozen cocktails, and premium spirits cost more than standard cocktails and are not always covered by drink packages.

How drink packages change the cost

Most cruise lines sell beverage packages that cover unlimited drinks for a flat daily rate. On Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney, these packages run $60 to $80 per person per day, depending on the length of the cruise and how far in advance you buy. A week-long cruise with a drink package costs roughly $420 to $560 per person for the week.

The break-even point matters. If you drink 5 to 7 cocktails per day, a package pays for itself. If you drink fewer than 3 per day, you save money by paying per drink. If you drink more than 7 per day, a package saves you money. Most casual drinkers — people who have one or two drinks at dinner and maybe one by the pool — do not need a package.

Some packages exclude premium spirits, top-shelf liquor, and specialty drinks. Read the fine print before you buy. Norwegian's drink package is broader than most and covers more premium options, but it costs more upfront.

What costs extra even with a drink package

Drink packages have limits. Bottle service — ordering a full bottle of wine or spirits for your cabin or a table — is almost never included and costs $40 to $150 depending on what you order. Specialty coffee drinks at the coffee bar (lattes, cappuccinos, flavored drinks) cost $5 to $8 and are usually not covered. Juice, smoothies, and blended drinks at the poolside bar sometimes cost extra.

Some cruise lines charge for certain premium wines by the glass even if you have a drink package. Ask at the bar if a wine is included before you order. Drinks ordered in your cabin through room service may have a delivery charge on top of the drink price.

Free and low-cost drink options

Water, coffee, and tea are free everywhere on the ship. The buffet has free lemonade, iced tea, and sometimes punch. Your cabin comes with a small fridge, and you can bring your own bottled water onboard (most lines allow one case per person). Filling a water bottle from the cabin tap or a public water fountain costs nothing.

Some cruise lines offer a free drink at dinner — usually a glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink included with your meal in the main dining room. Check your cruise documents to see what is included with your fare. Happy hour specials sometimes run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and offer discounts of $2 to $4 off regular drink prices.

Comparing costs across cruise lines

Carnival and Royal Caribbean charge similar prices: cocktails around $10 to $12, beer $7 to $8, wine by the glass $6 to $7. Disney charges more — cocktails $13 to $15, beer $9 to $10, wine $7 to $8. Norwegian's prices are comparable to Carnival and Royal Caribbean, but their drink package covers more premium options.

Luxury lines like Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea include most drinks in the cruise fare, so there is no per-drink charge. However, the base cruise price is much higher — often $300 to $500 per person per day instead of $100 to $200. If you drink heavily, the luxury line model can be cheaper overall, but the upfront cost is steeper.

Smaller lines and river cruises have their own pricing. Some river cruises include wine with dinner and drinks throughout the day. Others charge like ocean cruise lines. Ask the cruise line directly what is included before you book.

How to budget for drinks on your cruise

Start by counting how many drinks you typically have per day at home. If it is fewer than 3, skip the package and pay per drink. If it is 5 or more, buy the package. If you are between 3 and 5, calculate both options: multiply your average daily drinks by the per-drink price, then compare that to the package cost.

Remember that vacation often changes drinking habits. People tend to drink more on a cruise than they do at home because alcohol is available everywhere and the social atmosphere encourages it. Budget for a higher number than you think you will drink.

If you are traveling with a group, ask whether everyone wants a package or if some people will pay per drink. Packages are per person, so splitting costs does not work — each person either has one or does not.

Specialty drinks and premium options

Frozen cocktails, tropical drinks with multiple liqueurs, and drinks made with premium spirits cost $2 to $4 more than a standard cocktail. A piña colada or mojito might cost $14 to $16 instead of $10 to $12. These are usually covered by drink packages, but check the menu or ask the bartender.

Wine tastings, mixology classes, and other beverage events are separate charges, typically $15 to $30 per person. These are not covered by drink packages and are optional activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Most cruise lines prohibit bringing your own alcohol, with rare exceptions for wine or champagne in your cabin on embarkation day. The policy varies by line, so check your cruise documents. If you bring alcohol and it is discovered, the cruise line will confiscate it.

Do kids' drinks cost money?

Soft drinks for children cost the same as for adults — $3 to $5 per item. Juice and milk are usually free at meals and the buffet. Some cruise lines offer a kids' drink package for $5 to $8 per day that covers unlimited soft drinks and juice.

What happens if I order a drink and do not like it?

Most bartenders will remake a drink if you do not like it, but they will not refund the charge. If you have a drink package, you can order another drink at no extra cost. If you are paying per drink, ask the bartender before you order whether they can adjust the drink to your taste.

Are drinks cheaper if I buy them before the cruise?

Some cruise lines sell drink packages in advance at a discount compared to buying them onboard. The discount is usually 10 to 15 percent. If you know you want a package, buying before you board saves money.

Do tips get added to drink charges?

Yes. Most cruise lines automatically add 15 to 18 percent gratuity to drink charges. This is added to your onboard account and charged to your payment method at the end of the cruise. You can adjust the tip amount at the end of your cruise if you choose.