Travel Tools & Tips
🍹 Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Worth It? 🍹
Helping you spend your vacation dollars wisely.
🌴 The Short Answer
Should you buy the cruise line's drink package?
Maybe—but not always.
For some travelers, a beverage package is an outstanding value. For others, it can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a cruise without providing much benefit.
At Beach Chair Bookings Travel, we believe the best purchase is an informed purchase.
🧮 Calculate Your Break-Even Point
Before buying a package, ask yourself one simple question:
How many drinks would I actually need each day to make this worthwhile?
The Formula
Daily Drink Package Cost ÷ Average Drink Price = Break-Even Drinks Per Day
Example
- 💵 Beverage Package: $84 per day
- 🍸 Average Cocktail: $14
$84 ÷ $14 = 6 drinks per day
That means you'd need to average about six cocktails every day just to break even.
If your package also includes:
- ☕ Specialty coffee
- 🥤 Soda
- 💧 Bottled water
- 🧃 Premium juices
- ⚡ Energy drinks
…your break-even point may be lower.
💰 Typical Onboard Drink Prices
| Beverage | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| 🍹 Cocktail | $12–$16 |
| 🍺 Beer | $7–$10 |
| 🍷 Wine (Glass) | $10–$15 |
| ☕ Specialty Coffee | $5–$7 |
| 🥤 Soda | $3–$5 |
| 💧 Bottled Water | $2–$5 |
Prices vary by cruise line and itinerary.
🚢 Cruise Line Value Guide
⭐ Norwegian Cruise Line
✅ Excellent Value
Promotional bundles like Free at Sea often include extra perks, making Norwegian one of the best values for many travelers. Unlimited Open Bar, Specialty Dinning, Wi-Fi minutes, and Shore Excursion Credit are all included in Free at Sea package!!
⭐ Princess Cruises
✅ Excellent Value
Bundled packages frequently include drinks, Wi-Fi, and additional perks that improve the overall value proposition.
⭐ Celebrity Cruises
✅ Very Good Value
Ideal for guests who enjoy premium beverages and appreciate bundled amenities.
⭐ Royal Caribbean
⚠️ Depends on the Sailing
Prices can vary significantly. Purchasing before your cruise during promotional sales may provide substantial savings.
⭐ Carnival Cruise Line
👍 Good for Frequent Drinkers
CHEERS Package - Guests planning several alcoholic beverages each day may benefit, while lighter drinkers often spend less by paying for drinks individually.
✅ A Drink Package Might Be Worth It If…
- 🍹 You enjoy several cocktails or beers each day.
- ☕ You order specialty coffees every morning.
- 🥤 You drink plenty of bottled water or soda.
- 🎉 You're celebrating and don't want to monitor your spending.
- 💳 You prefer an all-inclusive vacation experience.
❌ You May Want to Skip It If…
- 🚶 You're spending most of your day exploring ports.
- 🍺 You only have an occasional drink.
- 💵 You're watching your vacation budget carefully.
- 🚫 You rarely purchase premium beverages.
💡 Insider Tips
✔️ Purchase beverage packages before sailing if discounts are available.
✔️ Remember to factor gratuities into your calculations.
✔️ Port-intensive itineraries usually mean fewer drinks consumed onboard.
✔️ Don't assume you need a package just because friends or family bought one.
✔️ Sometimes paying individually is the smartest financial decision.
🏆 Our Recommendation
There is no universal answer when it comes to cruise drink packages.
The best choice depends on:
- Your cruise line
- Your itinerary
- Your vacation style
- Your personal preferences
🌊 Let Us Help!
Before spending hundreds of dollars on a beverage package, let Beach Chair Bookings Travel LLC help you determine whether it's the right value for your cruise.
📧 Email: info@beachchairbookings.com
📞 Phone: 866-402-SAIL (7245)
⚠️ Disclaimer
Drink package pricing, inclusions, restrictions, and policies vary by cruise line and sailing and may change without notice. This guide is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a guarantee of current pricing or benefits.