What cruise drink packages cost
Drink packages on cruises typically range from $15 to $20 per person per day for basic beverage plans, and $18 to $25 per day for premium plans that include alcohol. Some lines charge by the bottle or drink rather than by the day. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian each price their packages differently, and costs vary by ship, sailing length, and season.
Most cruise lines add a gratuity charge on top of the stated price — usually 18 percent — so a $15-per-day plan actually costs closer to $18 per day once that is included. Some lines bundle gratuity into the advertised price; others do not. The difference matters if you are comparing quotes across multiple cruise lines.
Drink packages are optional. You can also pay per drink at the bar, which typically costs $8 to $15 for a cocktail depending on the cruise line and drink type. If you drink fewer than two or three drinks per day, paying as you go is usually cheaper than buying a package.
Key Takeaways
- Basic beverage packages cost $15 to $20 per person per day before gratuity; premium alcohol packages run $18 to $25 per day.
- Gratuity (usually 18 percent) is added on top of the package price on most cruise lines, raising the real cost by roughly $3 per day.
- Individual drinks at the bar cost $8 to $15 each, so a package makes sense only if you drink more than two or three drinks daily.
- Prices vary by cruise line, ship, sailing date, and how far in advance you book — booking onboard is usually more expensive than booking before you sail.
- Some cruise lines offer drink packages that cover only non-alcoholic beverages or wine and beer but not spirits.
How prices differ by cruise line
Royal Caribbean's beverage package costs roughly $15 to $18 per day for non-alcoholic drinks and $18 to $22 per day for alcohol, depending on the ship and sailing. Carnival's packages run $12 to $16 per day for basic coverage and $16 to $20 per day for premium. Disney Cruise Line does not sell drink packages; instead, you pay per drink or use a Disney Visa card that earns onboard credit.
Norwegian Cruise Line charges $20 to $25 per day for their unlimited beverage package, which is higher than Royal Caribbean and Carnival but includes more premium spirits. Celebrity Cruises prices packages between $16 and $22 per day. Princess Cruises offers both daily packages ($15 to $18 per day) and multi-day packages that cost slightly less per day if you commit upfront.
Booking before you sail is almost always cheaper than buying onboard. Pre-cruise prices are typically 20 to 30 percent lower than what you will pay at the bar on the ship. If you wait until you board, expect to pay the highest rate.
What is included in each package type
A basic or non-alcoholic package usually covers soft drinks, coffee, tea, juice, and water. It does not include alcohol, specialty coffee drinks (like lattes), or bottled water you purchase separately. Some lines include basic smoothies; others charge extra for those.
A premium or unlimited beverage package includes beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks made with top-shelf liquor. It covers drinks ordered at bars, restaurants, and the pool deck. Most premium packages also include non-alcoholic drinks, so you do not need to buy two packages. Some lines exclude wine from the wine list that costs more than a certain price per bottle, or they exclude champagne and top-tier spirits.
A few cruise lines offer middle-tier packages that cover beer and wine but not spirits, or wine and spirits but not beer. These are cheaper than full premium packages but more expensive than non-alcoholic plans. Read the fine print on what each line includes, because the boundaries shift.
When the package saves you money versus paying per drink
A drink package makes financial sense if you drink more than two or three drinks per day on average. If a cocktail costs $12 and you drink three per day, that is $36 daily. A $18-per-day package (before gratuity) is cheaper. Once you add gratuity, the package costs roughly $21 per day, so you break even at about 1.75 drinks per day.
The math changes if you drink specialty drinks, which cost more. A frozen daiquiri or craft cocktail might cost $15 to $18 per drink, making a package worthwhile even at two drinks per day. Conversely, if you mostly drink beer or wine, paying per drink is often cheaper because those cost less than the package price per drink.
Consider your actual drinking habits before you book. Many people overestimate how much they will drink on a cruise and buy a package they do not use fully. If you are unsure, wait until you board and buy a package on day two or three once you know your rhythm.
How to buy a drink package and when prices change
You can purchase a drink package when you book your cruise online through the cruise line's website, by phone with a travel agent, or onboard at the guest services desk. Buying before you sail locks in the pre-cruise price. Buying onboard costs more but gives you time to decide whether you actually want one.
Prices are typically lowest 60 to 90 days before your sailing date. They rise as your departure date approaches. If you book a package and the price drops later, most cruise lines will honor the lower price if you contact them before your sailing, though policies vary. Some lines offer a price-match may provide; others do not.
Drink packages are non-refundable on most cruise lines, but you can usually cancel and get a credit toward future sailings. Check the cancellation policy when you purchase, because it differs by line and by how close you are to your departure date.
Hidden costs and what to watch for
Gratuity is the biggest hidden cost. Most cruise lines add 18 percent gratuity automatically to beverage packages, though a few include it in the advertised price. Always ask whether the price you see includes gratuity or if it will be added later.
Some drinks are excluded from packages even if you have the premium plan. Bottled water, energy drinks, and specialty coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos) often cost extra. Drinks ordered from room service may not be covered. Alcohol purchased at retail shops on the ship is not covered. If you want a bottle of wine to take to your cabin, you typically pay full retail price.
A few cruise lines charge a small surcharge for premium brands or top-shelf liquor even if you have a package. Read the terms before you buy, or ask at guest services what is and is not covered.
Alternatives to drink packages
If a package does not make sense for your trip, you have other options. You can pay per drink at the bar, which works well if you drink fewer than two drinks daily. You can bring your own alcohol in your cabin on most cruise lines — typically one bottle of wine or champagne per person, though policies vary. You cannot bring alcohol into dining rooms or bars, but you can drink it in your cabin.
Some cruise lines offer drink vouchers or credits as part of onboard promotions or loyalty programs. If you are a repeat cruiser, check whether your cruise line offers perks that include drink credits. A few lines offer free or discounted packages to suite guests or loyalty members.
Another option is to skip alcohol entirely and order soft drinks, coffee, and water as you go. These are usually cheaper than buying a package, and you pay only for what you actually consume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a drink package for only part of my cruise?
Most cruise lines sell packages by the day, so you can buy a package for three days of a seven-day cruise if you want. However, the per-day cost is usually the same whether you buy for one day or the full sailing. Some lines offer discounts if you commit to the full cruise upfront, so compare the total cost before you decide.
Do drink packages cover drinks at specialty restaurants?
Most do, but it depends on the cruise line. Drinks ordered at the main dining room, buffet, and pool bars are almost always covered. Drinks at specialty restaurants that charge an extra fee (like steakhouses or Italian restaurants) may or may not be covered. Check your cruise line's policy or ask at guest services when you board.
What happens if I do not use all my drinks?
Unused drinks do not roll over to the next day or the next cruise. You pay for the package whether you use it or not. Some cruise lines allow you to share drinks with travel companions on the same booking, which can help you use what you paid for.
Is there a difference between booking a package before the cruise and buying it onboard?
Yes — the price is usually 20 to 30 percent higher if you buy onboard. The package covers the same drinks either way, so booking in advance saves money. However, buying onboard gives you a chance to see how much you actually drink before committing.
Do children need a drink package?
No. Children can order non-alcoholic drinks at the bar or from room service and pay per drink, which is usually cheaper than a package. Most cruise lines do not sell separate children's drink packages.