Drink Prices on Cruise Ships
Most cruise lines charge for alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages separately from your cruise fare, though water, coffee, and basic tea are included. A beer or mixed drink typically costs $6 to $15 per drink depending on the cruise line and drink type. Wine by the glass runs $8 to $18. Soft drinks and bottled water cost $3 to $6 per bottle, though you can refill a cup at the buffet for free.
The exact price depends on which cruise line you book with and what type of drink you order. A standard beer on Carnival might cost $7, while the same beer on Disney Cruise Line could be $9. Premium spirits, craft cocktails, and drinks ordered at specialty venues (like the wine bar or poolside tiki bar) cost more than drinks ordered at the main bar or dining room.
Prices also vary by sailing region. Caribbean cruises typically have lower drink prices than Alaska or European sailings. Some cruise lines charge more on sea days than on port days, and prices may increase during peak travel seasons.
Key Takeaways
- Alcoholic drinks cost $6 to $15 each on most cruise ships, with wine by the glass ranging from $8 to $18.
- Soft drinks and bottled water cost $3 to $6 per bottle, but you can refill a cup at the buffet for free.
- Specialty drinks at bars, lounges, and themed venues cost more than standard drinks ordered at the main bar.
- Beverage packages that cover unlimited drinks for the cruise are available on most lines and may save money if you plan to drink regularly.
Beverage Packages and What They Cover
Most cruise lines offer a beverage package that lets you pay one flat rate upfront instead of buying drinks individually. These packages typically cover unlimited beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks for the length of your cruise. Prices range from $50 to $80 per person per day depending on the cruise line and package tier.
A basic package usually includes beer, house wine, well spirits, and soft drinks. Premium packages add top-shelf liquor, specialty cocktails, and drinks at specialty venues. Some lines offer a "non-alcoholic" package for around $15 to $20 per day that covers soft drinks, coffee, and juices.
Whether a package saves you money depends on how much you drink. If you plan to have two or more drinks per day, a package usually costs less than paying per drink. If you drink occasionally or prefer water and coffee, you will save money by paying as you go.
Drinks Included in Your Cruise Fare
Your cruise fare includes water, coffee, tea, and basic soft drinks at the buffet and dining room. You can refill a cup at the buffet as many times as you want during the day. Milk and juice are also included at breakfast and lunch in the main dining room.
Some cruise lines include a limited amount of wine or beer with dinner in the main dining room, though this varies by line and cabin category. Check your cruise documents or the cruise line's website to see what is included with your specific booking.
Specialty coffee drinks (like lattes or cappuccinos) from the coffee bar cost extra, usually $5 to $8 per drink. You can bring your own water bottle and refill it at water fountains throughout the ship to save money on bottled water.
Drinks at Specialty Venues and Bars
Drinks ordered at specialty bars, lounges, and themed venues cost more than drinks at the main bar. A cocktail at the poolside tiki bar might cost $12, while the same drink at the main bar costs $9. Wine bars, champagne lounges, and nightclubs charge premium prices — sometimes $15 to $20 per drink.
Some specialty venues charge a cover charge in addition to drink prices, typically $10 to $25 per person. This is common for nightclubs, comedy clubs, and adult-only lounges. The cover charge is usually waived if you order a drink.
If you purchase a beverage package, most specialty drinks are included, though some ultra-premium options (like rare wines or top-shelf spirits) may cost extra even with a package. Check your package details before ordering to avoid surprise charges.
How to Budget for Drinks on Your Cruise
Start by estimating how many drinks you plan to have per day. If you drink one beer at lunch and one cocktail at dinner, that is two drinks per day. Over a seven-day cruise, that is 14 drinks. At $10 per drink, that would cost $140 without a package, or roughly $50 to $60 per day with a package.
Write down the drink prices from your cruise line's website and calculate the total cost of paying per drink for your entire cruise. Then compare that number to the cost of a beverage package for the same period. If the package costs less, it is the better choice.
Remember that beverage packages do not include drinks at some specialty restaurants or premium wine selections. If you plan to dine at specialty restaurants that charge extra, ask whether drinks are included or if you will pay separately. Some cruise lines allow you to purchase a package that covers specialty dining drinks for an additional fee.
Bringing Your Own Drinks Onboard
Most cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of your own alcohol onboard, typically one bottle of wine or champagne per person. This bottle must be brought in your carry-on luggage during embarkation — you cannot purchase it at a port and bring it onboard later.
You cannot bring beer, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages in your checked or carry-on luggage. Any alcohol you bring onboard that is not wine or champagne will be confiscated and held until the end of your cruise. Some cruise lines charge a fee to return it.
You can purchase drinks at ports of call and consume them in your cabin, though prices at port bars are often higher than onboard prices. This is not a cost-effective way to save money on drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share a beverage package with someone in my cabin?
No. Beverage packages are individual and non-transferable. Each person who wants unlimited drinks must purchase their own package. Some cruise lines offer a discount if multiple people in the same cabin purchase packages together.
Do I have to pay for drinks if I do not order them?
No. You only pay for drinks you actually order. If you bring a beverage package, you pay the flat rate regardless of how many drinks you have. If you do not have a package, you are charged only for drinks you purchase.
What happens if I run out of money on my onboard account?
Your onboard account is linked to a credit card you provide at check-in. When you order a drink, it is charged to that account. If your card is declined, the bartender will ask for a different payment method. You will not be prevented from leaving the ship if you have an outstanding balance — the cruise line will bill you after your cruise ends.
Are there free drinks anywhere on the cruise ship?
Water, coffee, tea, and basic soft drinks at the buffet are free. Some cruise lines offer complimentary champagne at the captain's welcome reception. Occasionally, the cruise line runs promotions offering free drinks during certain hours, which are announced in your daily program.
Do drink prices change during the cruise?
Prices stay the same throughout your cruise. However, some cruise lines charge different prices on sea days versus port days, and prices may be higher during peak travel seasons. Check your cruise documents for the specific pricing that applies to your sailing.