What Is a Cruise Drink Package?

What is a cruise drink package?

A cruise drink package is a prepaid beverage plan sold by the cruise line that allows you to have drinks for a set daily price, rather than paying individually for each drink you order. Since drinks aboard cruise ships are generally not included in the base fare and are charged individually, which adds up quickly, a drink package bundles them for a flat rate, so you can order covered beverages freely without worrying about the per-drink cost. Packages are typically purchased per person for the entire length of the cruise and cover drinks up to certain conditions. They come in different tiers, from non-alcoholic options to comprehensive alcohol packages. A drink package can simplify your spending and, for those who drink enough, save money, but it only pays off if your consumption justifies the daily price.

What types of drink packages are there?

Cruise lines offer several types of drink packages to suit different drinkers. Non-alcoholic packages cover beverages like sodas, specialty coffees, teas, juices, and sometimes bottled water, ideal for guests who do not drink alcohol but want unlimited soft drinks and coffee. Some lines offer narrower plans, such as a soda-only package or a water or coffee package. Alcoholic or all-inclusive beverage packages are the most comprehensive, covering cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, and spirits up to a per-drink price limit, along with the non-alcoholic drinks, for a higher daily rate. There may also be wine packages or mid-tier options. Each package has its own price and coverage, so you choose based on what you drink. Reviewing exactly which beverages and venues each package covers helps you pick the right tier for your preferences.

How do cruise drink packages work?

Cruise drink packages work by charging a fixed price per person per day, often required for the whole duration of the cruise, and letting you order covered drinks at bars and restaurants across the ship using your cruise card. Important conditions usually apply: alcoholic packages typically cover drinks only up to a certain per-drink price cap, with pricier drinks costing the difference, and many cruise lines require that all adults sharing a cabin purchase the package if one does, to prevent sharing. A gratuity is often added to the package price. Packages generally must be bought in advance or at the start of the cruise. You simply present your cruise card when ordering, and covered drinks are provided at no additional charge. Understanding these rules, the daily rate, price caps, all-adults requirement, and gratuities, is essential to knowing what you are actually buying.

Is a cruise drink package worth it?

Whether a cruise drink package is worth it comes down to how much you will drink, so it pays to do the math. Divide the daily package price by the typical cost of the drinks you enjoy to find how many you would need each day to break even, often several drinks daily for an alcohol package, then honestly estimate your consumption. If you drink enough coffees, sodas, or cocktails each day to exceed the daily rate, the package saves money and adds convenience; if you drink little, paying per drink is cheaper. Consider that on port days you may spend hours ashore, drinking fewer onboard beverages, which lowers the value. Also weigh the all-adults requirement, which can force a partner to buy it too. Running these numbers against your habits, rather than assuming, tells you whether the package is a good deal for you.