Cruise drink packages are among some of the popular add-ons. Rather than having to tally up each beverage you order, they allow you to take advantage of the cruise line's extensive offerings for a fixed price.
Whether you like to indulge in premium cocktails or simply want to enjoy a few more beers than usual while on vacation, there's a good chance you're considering purchasing a package for your upcoming cruise.
To get the most out of your package's value, there are some mistakes that you shouldn't make. Thankfully, if you're aware of them, it's easy to avoid them.
Sharing your drink package with other cruisers
Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make is sharing your package's benefits. If you're caught, the cruise line has the right to revoke your package without issuing a refund. On the last day, you might not be as bummed; however, if you're caught red-handed on the very first evening, that's going to be a huge downer!
Moreover, cruise lines have policies in place to prevent this from happening. On the majority of lines, if one purchase in a cabin wants a drink package, then everyone else over the legal drinking age has to get one, too.
Exceptions can be made, such as for pregnancies and recovering alcoholics. You'll have to call the cruise line directly, and, oftentimes, you'll have to purchase the non-alcoholic package for the cruiser instead.
Waiting to purchase a drink package until you're onboard
Leading up to any given voyage, most cruise lines offer pre-cruise sales. While the discounts vary, you can typically score anywhere from 10% to 40% off your drink package.
It pays to frequently check your cruise line's online planning portal, as this is where you can browse other add-ons, such as shore excursions, Wi-Fi packages, spa treatments, specialty dining, and more.
If you wait to purchase your package onboard the ship, you'll likely pay significantly more than if you were to do so in advance. Plus, the cost will be added to your onboard account, which you will have to settle after your cruise.
Buying packages in advance can help you budget for your vacation, so you know how much you have left to spend when you're physically onboard.
Not understanding your package's specific terms and conditions
Not all cruise line drink packages are built the same. Royal Caribbean, for instance, only has one alcoholic package that includes just about every drink you could want, whereas sister-brand Celebrity has two. The first includes drinks up to $10, with the second having a higher drink value limit, meaning it's more inclusive.
Moreover, while Royal and Celebrity's packages include an unlimited amount of daily drinks, Carnival's caps guests at 15. Once you've reached the limit, you won't be able to purchase anymore, either.
The last thing you want is to board the ship thinking that you can order hand-crafted cocktails just to find out your included options are limited. Additionally, even with a drink package, some specialty drinks, such as those served in souvenir cups, aren't usually included.
Not upgrading to a premium package
Some cruise lines have different tiers of drink packages. During certain promotional periods, you may be eligible to bundle drink packages, Wi-Fi, and other add-ons into your fare. If this happens, you're likely only being given the basic package. If you are hoping for a more inclusive drinking experience, you'll have to pay the difference to upgrade.
My finacée and I paid the difference to upgrade from the Classic to Premium Package for our upcoming cruise onboard Celebrity Ascent. In total, we paid $117.32 extra for the 7-night cruise and feel as though it's well worth it, as we want to try drinks from the infamous martini bar, as well as have a more extensive wine list to choose from.
If you're presented with a "free" drink package offer (or even a bundle) on lines like MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, or Princess Cruises, you may want to read into what that package will offer and debate whether paying the difference is worth it.
Read more: 19 Tips and Tricks About Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package (2024)
Assuming you need a drink package
Drink packages are meant to increase the value of your cruise vacation. To avoid feeling scammed, you will want to make sure that you drink a certain amount each day to at least break even. Otherwise, you are better off paying for each drink individually.
Carnival has a fixed price for their packages, regardless of whether you're sailing on their newest or oldest ships. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, prices theirs dynamically, meaning that the price will fluctuate based on your ship, sail date, and even itinerary.
Currently, Carnival charges $74.95 per person, per day on sailings that are 3, 4, or 5 nights long, while the price for a package on sailings that are 6+ nights is $64.95. You can save 10% by booking in advance.
Assuming that you strictly order cocktails, you'll need to average about 7 drinks per day on shorter sailings and 6 on longer ones to break even. If you are only wanting a drink or two in the evenings, you'll save money by paying for each a la carte.
Moreover, your answer may vary based on the itinerary. European cruises, for instance, tend to be more port-intensive, so you will have less time onboard than on a Caribbean sailing with more sea days. Likewise, you may find yourself wanting to drink more on a shorter cruise than a longer one. Either way, it's important to consider your drinking habits and what you're hoping to get out of each cruise, as your answer may change.
Additionally, you may be of a certain tier within the cruise line's loyalty program and receive free drinks! Diamond Crown & Anchor members, for instance, get four free drinks per day. At that point, paying extra for each individual drink might be cheaper than purchasing a package.
Some cruise lines even let you bring on a limited amount of alcohol on embarkation day. If you aren't a big drinker, a bottle of wine could last you a night or two of your 4-night cruise, allowing you to save on alcohol bought onboard.
Read more: Are cruise drink packages worth it?
Tipping for every drink
Did you know that when you purchase a drink package, the cruise line adds automatic gratuities to the total cost? Instead of, for instance, paying $374.75 for a package on a 5-night Carnival cruise, the actual cost will come out to be a little bit higher once the 18% gratuity is added.
This means that, unless you feel as though the service warrants it, you don't have to tip for each drink that you get while on your cruise.
Read more: 18 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Tips (2024)
Not specifying the liquor that you want
As someone who is still relatively young and trying to adjust their finances, I tend to stick to bottom-shelf liquor whenever I drink at home.
When I splurge on a drink package, however, I make sure to let the bartender know what my preference is. If I am paying a premium for a package, I am definitely going to be drinking higher-quality spirits! My go-to is Grey Goose for vodka sodas, while my finacée loves Patrón.
If you're ordering anything from a Miami Vice to a vodka soda, be sure to let them know what liquor you want. Otherwise, you might not be getting the maximum value that your package allows for.
Sticking to your tried-and-true drinks
As I mentioned above, I don't really branch out much at home when it comes to alcohol. In fact, my finacée and I don't even keep wine in the house during the week!
When I'm on a ship, I feel as though I have more freedom to try new things, especially with a drink package. Rather than thinking I'm paying for a drink I might not like, I know that I can simply order something else.
On my recent Carnival cruise onboard Carnival Conquest, despite not having a drink package on that specific sailing, I couldn't make up my mind one evening on what to order. The bartender asked me a few questions and whipped up something fruity based off of my answers.
If you have a drink package, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. I was a little skeptical since I knew I'd have to pay for the drink; however, I'm way more inclined to branch out. Plus, many ships (and even venues) have specialty cocktails that are worth trying at least once.
Only ordering alcoholic beverages
Did you know that with your alcoholic drink package, you'll also be able to order non-alcoholic drinks? This includes things like sodas, mocktails, specialty coffees, and more. Of course, as mentioned earlier, it is important to read the terms and conditions of your specific package.
If you like these types of drinks, you'll further maximize the value of the package. Rather than sticking to the hot complimentary coffee, you can start your day with a flavored iced latte. After a long day ashore, it can be a great pick-me-up before an exciting night of activities on the ship, too.
Not stocking up on bottled beverages like water and energy drinks
Speaking of non-alcoholic beverages, did you know that drink packages include things like bottled water and energy drinks? Each time you return to your cabin, you should make a point of stopping at a bar to pick one up to keep your mini-fridge stocked.
If thirst strikes in the middle of the night, you won't have to worry about shuffling to the nearest water station. Moreover, you won't have to carry around a refillable water bottle on the ship!
Since you'll be drinking, presumably, more than usual, you must stay hydrated during the cruise, and taking water to your room is one way to ensure you don't get stuck with a pesky headache.
Automatically thinking that you can use the drink package on a cruise line private island
Since private islands are owned by the cruise lines, it would make sense that you can use your package while ashore, right? Unfortunately, no. Not every line allows you to drink freely with a package while spending the day on the island.
Carnival, for instance, doesn't let you use the CHEERS! Package while on Half Moon Cay. Holland America Line has a similar policy for the island, too.
If you're looking to make the most of your package, look to lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, as their packages work at CocoCay and Labadee.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
