Cruise Drink Packages Explained: Are They Really Worth It?
- Marge Nellis
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Cruise drink packages are one of the most common upgrades travelers consider when booking a cruise. Some travelers love the convenience of paying one flat price for drinks, while others wonder if they will actually use enough beverages to make the package worthwhile.
The truth is that drink packages can be a great value for some travelers and a waste of money for others.
The key is understanding what is included, how much cruise lines charge, and how your personal travel habits fit into the equation.
If you are booking your first cruise, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the package options. Cruise lines now offer everything from soda packages and coffee packages to full alcohol plans that include cocktails, wine, beer, bottled water, premium coffee, energy drinks, and more.
This article pairs well with → The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Vacations because beverage packages are one of the biggest decisions travelers face after choosing their cruise line, itinerary, and cabin type.
What Cruise Drink Packages Usually Include
Most cruise lines offer several beverage package levels.
Soda Packages
These are usually the least expensive option and include unlimited fountain drinks, canned soda, and sometimes juice or mocktails.
Soda packages are often popular with families, teenagers, and travelers who do not drink alcohol.
Coffee Packages
Some cruise lines offer specialty coffee packages for travelers who love lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, or premium tea.
This can be worth considering if you usually buy several coffee drinks per day onboard.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Packages
These often include:
Soda
Bottled water
Specialty coffee
Mocktails
Fresh juice
Sports drinks
Milkshakes
Energy drinks
For travelers who do not drink alcohol, these packages can still provide good value, especially on longer cruises.
Alcohol Drink Packages
Alcohol packages are the most popular option and generally include:
Beer
Wine by the glass
Cocktails
Frozen drinks
Spirits
Soda
Bottled water
Coffee drinks
Some premium packages may also include upgraded wines, top-shelf liquor, premium bottled water, and minibar access.
Cruise lines often cap the maximum value of individual drinks included in the package. If you order a more expensive cocktail, wine, or liquor than your package covers, you may have to pay the difference.
When Cruise Drink Packages Are Worth It
Drink packages tend to be worth it for travelers who regularly enjoy multiple drinks throughout the day.
That may include:
Morning specialty coffee
Bottled water throughout the day
Soda at lunch
Cocktails by the pool
Wine with dinner
After-dinner drinks
On many cruise lines, alcoholic drink packages can cost between $70 and $110 per person per day.
That sounds expensive, but individual cruise drinks can add up quickly.
A cocktail may cost $14 to $18, a beer may cost $8 to $10, bottled water may cost $3 to $5, and specialty coffee may cost $6 to $8.
A traveler who enjoys several drinks per day may easily break even or save money.
Drink packages are especially popular on sea days because travelers tend to spend more time onboard relaxing, dining, and socializing.
If you enjoy poolside cocktails, frozen drinks, wine with dinner, and coffee in the morning, there is a good chance a beverage package could make sense.
This can be especially helpful for travelers taking longer sailings like those discussed in → Cruise Guide: Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries Explained because sea days can significantly increase onboard drink spending.
When Drink Packages May Not Be Worth It
Not every traveler needs a drink package.
You may want to skip it if:
You only drink occasionally
You spend most days off the ship in port
You prefer free drinks like coffee, tea, juice, and water
You are on a short cruise
You do not drink alcohol
Many travelers overestimate how much they will actually drink onboard.
For example, if you only drink one cocktail with dinner and one coffee each morning, you are probably better off paying individually.
Travelers should also remember that some cruise lines require both adults in the same cabin to purchase the alcohol package if one person does. That can make the cost much higher for couples where only one traveler drinks regularly.
If you are trying to keep your cruise affordable, you may find more value in spending that money on shore excursions, upgraded dining, or a better room category like those discussed in → The Best Cruise Cabin Types Explained: Interior vs Oceanview vs Balcony vs Suite.
Which Cruise Lines Offer the Best Drink Packages?
Different cruise lines handle drink packages very differently.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is often considered one of the best values because of its Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.
Rather than just including drinks, these packages often bundle:
Drinks
Wi-Fi
Gratuities
Casual dining
Fitness classes
Premium desserts
For many travelers, Princess Plus can deliver excellent value because it combines several major cruise expenses into one price.
This is one reason many travelers featured in → Cruise Review: Best First-Time Cruises for New Cruisers find Princess to be a beginner-friendly option.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers one of the largest selections of beverage packages.
Travelers can choose from soda packages, refreshment packages, or full alcohol packages.
Royal Caribbean frequently discounts its drink packages before sailing, so travelers should book early if they see a good deal.
This is especially useful on newer ships where drink prices tend to be higher, such as those covered in → Cruise Review: Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ships — What’s Worth the Hype?.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises often includes drink packages as part of its cruise fare promotions.
Celebrity’s premium feel and upscale cocktail menus can make beverage packages more worthwhile for travelers who enjoy wine, martinis, premium coffee, and craft cocktails.
Travelers comparing Celebrity to other cruise lines may also want to read → Cruise Review: Viking Ocean vs. Celebrity Cruises — Which Fits You?.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking includes many beverages in its standard fare, including beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.
That means travelers may not need to buy an upgraded package unless they want premium liquor or all-day drink access.
This is one reason Viking appeals to travelers who want a more inclusive experience.
Tips for Saving Money on Cruise Drink Packages
Buy Before You Sail
Cruise lines often offer discounted package prices before departure.
Once onboard, the same package may cost more.
Look for Bundled Promotions
Some cruise lines include drink packages as part of limited-time promotions.
Travelers should always compare package-inclusive fares versus standard fares.
Consider Your Itinerary
If you are spending most of your cruise in port, you may drink less onboard.
If you have several sea days, a package may provide much better value.
Do the Math
Estimate how many drinks you will realistically have each day.
If you only plan to have two or three drinks daily, the package may not make sense.
Share-Friendly Options
Some cruise lines offer water bottle packages, coffee cards, or soda packages that may be more practical than buying a full alcohol package.
Should You Buy a Cruise Drink Package?
The answer depends entirely on your travel style.
For some travelers, drink packages create a more relaxing experience because everything is prepaid. You do not have to worry about signing receipts or watching your onboard spending.
For other travelers, paying individually is the smarter option.
The best approach is to think honestly about your habits, your itinerary, and your budget.
At Travel With McNellis, we help travelers compare cruise lines, cabin types, promotions, drink packages, and onboard perks so they can book the best vacation possible.
Whether you are planning your first cruise or your tenth, we can help you decide which upgrades are actually worth the money.
Strong Finish: Let’s Build a Smarter Cruise Budget
Cruise drink packages can either save you money or add unnecessary costs to your vacation. The key is knowing your travel habits and choosing the package that fits your style.
Travel With McNellis can help you compare cruise lines, onboard promotions, bundled packages, and room types so you can maximize value without overspending.
Contact us today to start planning your next cruise.
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