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Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

An Honest Guide for Cruisers

 

If you’ve ever looked at the price of a cruise drink package and thought, “That seems like a lot… but is it actually worth it?” - you’re definitely not alone. This is one of the most common cruise questions out there, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

 

Short answer: A cruise drink package is worth it for some cruisers and not worth it for others. The key is understanding your cruising style before you decide.

 

Let’s break it down in a way that’s practical, realistic, and won’t make you feel like you need a calculator on vacation.

 

The Quick Answer: Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

A cruise drink package is worth it if you regularly enjoy multiple drinks per day and like having a predictable vacation budget. If you drink lightly or spend most of your time off the ship in port, it may not be worth the cost.

 

Still not sure? Keep reading - this is where things usually click.

 

What’s Included in a Cruise Drink Package?

Drink packages vary by cruise line, but most typically include:

• Cocktails, beer, and wine (up to a set dollar amount per drink)
   
• Specialty coffees and teas
   
• Soda
   
• Bottled water
   
• Mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages
   

What surprises many cruisers:

• Most cruise lines have a daily drink limit
   
• Premium or ultra-top-shelf drinks may not be fully included
   
• Drink packages usually don’t work in ports
   
• Sharing drinks isn’t allowed - and yes, cruise lines do monitor this
   

Always check the fine print for your specific cruise line, but these rules are more common than many people expect.

 

When a Cruise Drink Package Is Worth It 🍹

A cruise drink package may be a great choice if:

• You enjoy a few cocktails spread throughout the day
   
• Specialty coffee is part of your daily routine
   
• You regularly drink bottled water or soda
   
• Your itinerary includes several sea days
   
• You prefer prepaid, predictable expenses
   
• You don’t want to think about drink prices while relaxing
   

For many cruisers, the biggest value isn’t just the drinks -  it’s the freedom to order what you want without second-guessing yourself.

 

When a Cruise Drink Package Is Not Worth It 🚫

You may want to skip the drink package if:

• You drink little or no alcohol
   
• You spend most days off the ship in port
   
• You’re happy with included beverages like water, iced tea, or basic coffee
   
• You feel pressure to “drink more” just to justify the cost
   

A drink package should make your cruise feel easier, not turn it into a math problem.

 

How Many Drinks Make a Cruise Drink Package Worth It?

Let’s talk break-even, without making it painful.

On most cruise ships:

• Cocktails average around $12–$15
   
• Specialty coffee, soda, and bottled water add up faster than people realize
   

Depending on the price of the package, many cruisers need about 5–7 drinks per day to break even. That includes all drinks, not just alcohol.

 

For some people, that’s no problem at all.

For others, that’s more than they’d ever want in a day.

 

Common Cruise Drink Package Mistakes

These are some of the biggest issues cruisers run into:

• Buying a package “just in case”
   
• Forgetting how many port days are on the itinerary
   
• Not accounting for early mornings or long excursions
   
• Assuming every drink is covered everywhere
   
• Feeling obligated to drink more than they want
   

If a drink package adds pressure instead of peace, it’s probably not the right fit.

So… Should You Buy a Cruise Drink Package?

 

There’s no universally correct answer and that’s perfectly okay.

 

The right decision depends on:

• Your drinking habits
   
• Your itinerary
   
• How you like to vacation
   
• Whether convenience or flexibility matters more to you
   

Sometimes a drink package is a fantastic value. Other times, paying as you go makes much more sense.

 

Final Thoughts

Cruising is about relaxing, not tracking every sip. Whether you choose a drink package or decide to skip it, the goal is the same: enjoying your vacation without stress or surprises.

 

If you’re unsure whether a cruise drink package makes sense for your specific sailing, I’m always happy to help you think it through before you book.