One of the most popular cruise add-ons is drink packages. For a set price, you can indulge in either a fixed number or unlimited premium non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages each day of your sailing.
While they aren't required to have a great time, drink packages ensure you will have that all-inclusive feeling throughout your cruise.
Of course, this luxury is not cheap, and buying a drink package can cost up to $140 a day depending on the cruise line. On average, however, you can expect to spend $60-$80 per day for everyone in your travel party who is of drinking age.
Depending on how much you paid for your drink package, you will need to drink around 5-6 alcoholic drinks each day of your cruise to get your money’s worth.
That doesn't include non-alcoholic drinks, though! If you splurge on some specialty coffees and sodas, your breakeven point for alcoholic drinks is lower.
Although this might be obvious, you should focus on ordering the most expensive cocktails and drinks so you don't lose money on the drink package.
Also, make sure you know how much you can spend on each drink that’s included in your purchased package. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line only covers up to $15 while Royal Caribbean’s package only covers up to $13. Carnival Cruise Line is more generous with their package, with a $20 limit on each drink.
Also, be sure to request top-shelf liquor when ordering your drink. Why drink Tito's when you can enjoy Belvedere?
We've compiled the best drinks for you to order during your cruise that are equally as delicious as they are cost-effective!
Here are 25 fun drinks to order at the bar with your cruise drink package!
1. Piña Colada
What could be more classic than a piña colada on your cruise vacation?! Simply nothing is better. This classic frozen cocktail is a creamy pineapple and coconut drink, complete with plenty of rum blended throughout.
If your package allows, try adding a dark rum floater to top it off, along with plenty of cherries!
2. Mojito
This one is my personal favorite; I actually love having a mojito at least once a day during any of my cruises.
Made with club soda, fresh mint, lime, simple syrup, and rum, this minty goodness of a cocktail is a great cruise drink because it's so refreshing and light.
Spice it up by adding some fun flavors to your mojito as well! Strawberry, for instance, allows for a sweet kick.
If you are cruising onboard a Norwegian ship, see if they have the Sugarcane Mojito Bar onboard, where you can find unique drinks like the spicy passion mojito, raspberry guava mojito, and more.
3. Strawberry Daiquiri
Another cruise classic is the strawberry daiquiri. A few of these will help you quickly make up the cost of your cruise drink package!
A strawberry daiquiri is typically made with strawberries, sugar, lime, and, of course, lots of rum. Served frozen, a strawberry daiquiri is one of those quintessential cruise drinks-- the perfect poolside or beachside cocktail.
4. Miami Vice
Can’t decide between a strawberry daiquiri or piña colada? Lucky for you, someone else was in the same predicament and decided to solve this problem by creating the Miami Vice.
Rather than choosing between the two, you can order a Miami Vice and enjoy a frozen cocktail that’s half of a piña colada and half of a strawberry daiquiri. You can’t go wrong on a cruise with a Miami Vice.
5. Caribbean Rum Punch
Rum and vacation just go hand in hand-- it’s a concrete fact. Try ordering a Caribbean Rum Punch off the menu on your next cruise if you're looking to get the best value from your cruise drink package.
Most cruise lines will have their own variation of rum punch, so be on the lookout! It's always fun to try drinks unique to each cruise line.
Typically, Rum Punch is served on the rocks and made with orange juice, lime juice, pineapple juice, dark and light rum, and a splash of grenadine.
6. Bahama Mama
Another favorite cocktail of mine on a cruise is a poolside Bahama Mama-- it’s fresh and sweet with the perfect combination of white rum and dark rum. Add a splash of lemon, pineapple juice, and grenadine, and you have a Bahama Mama.
You can try it blended too for a fun, frozen twist on this poolside classic.
7. Mudslide
Are you sensing the frozen cocktail theme yet? You are on a cruise, after all! Try ordering a mudslide when you can’t decide which cocktail you want to try next. It’s like the grown-up milkshake of your dreams!
Made with a combination of vodka, Kahlúa, and Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur, the bartender will add a splash of cream and a drizzle of chocolate before serving you a milky, creamy mudslide cocktail.
8. Mai Tai
You’ll find Mai Tais in the dictionary right next to the definition of "Vacation Drink." Often garnished with edible flowers or something else extraordinary, Mai Tais are a great cocktail choice on a cruise.
With a combination of white and dark rum, Mai Tais also include orange curaçao, lime juice, and simple syrup.
9. Blue Hawaiian
Want to impress (or surprise) your dinner waiter with a blue tongue? Try ordering a Blue Hawaiian right before you head to the dining room for dinner!
Blue Hawaiians are made with white rum, pineapple juice, creme de coconut, and lemon juice - oh, and of course, blue curaçao!
10. Dirty Monkey
We love a milky frozen cocktail on a cruise and ordering a Dirty Monkey will not disappoint!
With a delectable combination of Kahlúa, dark rum, and rum cream liqueur, this one will hit just right on the beach.
Your cocktail will be topped with a banana and chocolate syrup and blended with a hearty pour of milk.
11. Lava Flow
Are you sick of frozen drinks yet? Well, you better not be because you still need to try a Lava Flow, which is like a Miami Vice but elevated with bananas and strawberries.
Made with coconut rum and light rum, your bartender will add bananas and strawberries before blending the cocktail with coconut cream and pineapple juice. This is the perfect drink for a day on the beach!
12. Pain Killer
If you’re in the mood for something creamy and you've exhausted the piña colada, try ordering a pain killer with your cruise drink package!
Made with pineapple juice and orange juice, along with splashes of rum and coconut, this is a great drink option for your cruise.
13. Superman
Remember that ice cream with blue, red, and white/yellow colors that you used to love as a kid? Well, there’s an adult cocktail version that you absolutely will want to try! This is a great drink for when the Caribbean sun is out in full force.
This frozen cocktail is made with one-third frozen Blue Curacao, one-third blended strawberry daiquiri, and one-third frozen piña colada. The final product is a brightly colored, frozen cocktail that your inner child will go totally nuts for!
14. Sex on the Beach
No cruise vacation is complete without ordering the deliciously fruity Sex on the Beach cocktail, which will certainly get your money’s worth from the cruise drink package.
Served on the rocks, a Sex on the Beach is made with a combination of vodka and peach schnapps, along with splashes of pineapple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice. It’s the perfect poolside cocktail for your sea days and great for those who are getting a little tired of frozen drinks.
15. Frozen Margarita
If you’re cruising to Mexico, it’s a cardinal sin to NOT have at least one margarita on your cruise.
Take it to the next level by opting for a blended cocktail instead of one on the rocks - it will taste even more refreshing on your cruise. You can even add fun flavors, like strawberry, watermelon, and blackberry.
Margaritas are mixed together with silver tequila, Cointreau liquor, fresh lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. It’s a classic that you can’t go wrong with!
Some ships even have bars that specialize in margaritas and serve up different flavored options.
16. Bay Breeze
If you prefer a simple and sweet drink on the rocks, consider ordering a Bay Breeze!
A Bay Breeze is made with a combination of cranberry juice and pineapple juice, as well as a big ‘ol splash of vodka.
17. Amaretto Sour
This is one of my husband’s favorite cocktails when we go cruising, so it had to be included in this list. Amaretto sour (or even a whisky sour) is a sweet and tangy drink that will definitely help you get your money’s worth from your cruise drink package.
Made with amaretto liqueur and bourbon, an amaretto sour is mixed with lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with whipped egg white. Most of the time, you’ll receive your cocktail garnished with brandished cherries and a lemon twist.
18. Paloma
If you love grapefruit, then you need to order a Paloma with your cruise drink package. This is another simple and classic drink option, but this one won’t be overly sweet thanks to the grapefruit juice.
Served on the rocks, Palomas are made with a combination of grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and club soda. Don’t forget the big serving of tequila as well!
19. Bushwacker
As a Florida resident, no list would be complete without this Florida beach favorite: the Bushwacker! Even my grandma loves this one, so you know it’s a winner!
This frozen milkshake blends together rum, Kahlúa, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, and milk for this deliciously creamy cocktail.
20. Tom Collins
While onboard Symphony of the Seas, I had a Tom Collins for the first time and loved it!
It's a straightforward yet refreshing drink good for anyone who isn't in the mood for something overly sweet. You can think of it like a spiked lemonade in a way!
This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda!
21. Cosmopolitan
If you have ever watched Sex and the City, it is likely that you have at least heard of a Cosmopolitan, or "Cosmo" for short.
This famous drink is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime.
Just be careful when you're moving about the ship with one in hand, as the martini glass makes it prone to spilling.
22. Mimosa
What better way to start your day than with a mimosa during breakfast? It isn't too heavy and pairs perfectly with anything from savory eggs benedict to sweet and fluffy pancakes!
Made with orange juice and champagne, it is a simple drink that can truly be enjoyed at any point during the day.
23. Bloody Mary
Another popular breakfast drink is the Bloody Mary. This classic cocktail is made with vodka and tomato juice, as well as other spices and flavoring such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, celery, and more.
24. Aperol Spritz
Those looking for a refreshing beverage but want something a little bit more elevated than a glass of champagne or Prosecco will enjoy an Aperol Spritz. This bubbly cocktail is truly the drink of the summer, especially in Italy!
It's made with Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda, and then garnished with an orange slice or peel.
25. Espresso Martini
Is there ever a bad time for an espresso martini? Nope-- there isn’t unless you are caffeine-sensitive like me. If so, you want to avoid this drink closer to bedtime.
After a big dinner in the dining room, sometimes a jolt of espresso is the energy you need to get through the night. Espresso martinis are made with vodka, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and simple syrup.
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a tiny toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. Allie's been on nearly 30 cruises all over the world. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
