Travel Tools & Tips
Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
Helping you spend your vacation dollars wisely. For some travelers, a beverage package can be an outstanding value. For others, it can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a cruise without providing much benefit.
Try the Drink Package CalculatorThe Short Answer
Maybe — But Not Always.
Should you buy the cruise line’s drink package? The answer depends on your cruise line, itinerary, drink preferences, and vacation style. At Beach Chair Bookings Travel, we believe the best purchase is an informed purchase.
Calculate Your Break-Even Point
Before buying a drink 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
If a beverage package costs $84 per day and the average cocktail costs $14, then $84 ÷ $14 = 6 drinks per day. That means you would need to average about six cocktails every day just to break even.
If your package also includes specialty coffee, soda, bottled water, premium juices, or energy drinks, your break-even point may be lower.
Typical Onboard Drink Prices
Prices vary by cruise line, ship, itinerary, and sailing, but these common ranges can help you estimate your daily cost.
| Beverage | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Cocktail | $12–$16 |
| Beer | $7–$10 |
| Wine by the Glass | $10–$15 |
| Specialty Coffee | $5–$7 |
| Soda | $3–$5 |
| Bottled Water | $2–$5 |
Interactive Tool
Cruise Drink Package Calculator
Use this calculator to compare the estimated cost of paying per drink versus purchasing a cruise drink package.
Cruise Drink Package Calculator
See whether a drink package or paying per drink is the better deal for your cruise.
Step 1: Cruise details
Step 2: How many drinks will you have each day?
Enter the average number of each type of drink you expect to have per day.
Cruise Line Value Guide
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 are celebrating and do not want to monitor spending.
- You prefer an all-inclusive vacation experience.
You May Want to Skip It If...
- You are spending most of your day exploring ports.
- You only have an occasional drink.
- You are watching your vacation budget carefully.
- You rarely purchase premium beverages.
- You are unsure you will drink enough to break even.
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.
- Do not 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, and your personal preferences. Before spending hundreds of dollars on a beverage package, let Beach Chair Bookings Travel LLC help you determine whether it is the right value for your cruise.
Email: info@beachchairbookings.com
Phone: 866-402-SAIL (7245)
Disclaimer
Drink package pricing, inclusions, restrictions, gratuities, 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.