Cruise drink packages promise unlimited fun, but are they really a good value—or just clever marketing? The answer depends on your drinking habits, cruise line policies, and what’s included in the package. Before you add hundreds of dollars to your fare, it’s important to understand the fine print and calculate whether a drink package truly fits your needs.
What Do Drink Packages Include?
Most major cruise lines offer several tiers of beverage packages, ranging from soda-only to premium alcohol-inclusive options. These packages generally cover:
- Fountain sodas and soft drinks
- Specialty coffees and teas
- Bottled water
- Mocktails and juices
- Beer, wine, and spirits (for alcohol packages)
Some even include smoothies or milkshakes, depending on the cruise line.
For example:
- Royal Caribbean offers the Deluxe Beverage Package with alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, and more.
- Norwegian Cruise Line includes their Unlimited Open Bar with some fare promotions.
How Much Do Cruise Drink Packages Cost?
Pricing varies widely depending on the cruise line and sailing length. On average:
- Soda packages: $8–$13 per day
- Coffee/juice packages: $10–$15 per day
- Alcohol-inclusive packages: $60–$100 per day
Gratuity (typically 18–20%) is often added at purchase, so a $70/day alcohol package becomes closer to $83/day.
Who Should Get a Drink Package?
You’ll get your money’s worth if:
- You drink 5–7 alcoholic beverages per day, depending on package cost.
- You enjoy premium coffees, smoothies, or fresh juices regularly.
- You don’t want to track every drink purchase during your vacation.
Cruise lines often limit how many drinks you can order per day or per sitting. You also can’t typically share your package with others—doing so can result in cancellation without a refund.
Who Should Skip It?
You might want to pass if:
- You only drink occasionally (e.g., 1–2 drinks per day).
- You plan to spend lots of time off the ship on excursions.
- Your sailing includes port-heavy itineraries with fewer sea days.
Instead, consider paying à la carte for a couple of drinks and taking advantage of drink specials, happy hours, or welcome parties with complimentary beverages.
Can You Bring Your Own Drinks?
Many cruise lines allow a limited amount of alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages to be brought on board:
- Carnival permits one 750ml bottle of wine per adult.
- Royal Caribbean allows two bottles of wine per stateroom.
- Norwegian prohibits most outside beverages but sometimes allows sealed water bottles.
Always check your cruise line’s alcohol policy before sailing.
Are There Other Ways to Save on Drinks?
Yes. Look out for:
- Free drink events or captain’s receptions
- Loyalty program perks for returning guests
- Happy hour promotions at select bars
- “Drink of the day” specials
While this post doesn’t focus on cashback apps, know that in some cases you may also earn rewards with a cruise line gift card from platforms like Fluz. But the key savings here come from choosing the right package—or none at all.
The Bottom Line
Cruise drink packages can be a great value—if you use them enough. The smartest move is to review your habits, your itinerary, and each cruise line’s policy before you commit. With a little planning, you can stay refreshed without overpaying for that piña colada.
