Drink packages are divisive among cruisers. Some love their convenience, while others think they're a waste of money and encourage unruly behavior.
Growing up, drink packages were non-negotiable for my family — I can't tell you how many virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris my sister and I sipped on while sailing through the Caribbean! Because of my childhood experiences, having unlimited access to beverages on vacation quickly became one of my favorite parts about a cruise.
As an adult, I've continued to appreciate their convenience. Whether I'm in the mood for a poolside cocktail, glass of wine, specialty latte, or crisp soda, I don't have to worry about keeping track of my onboard spending.
I've enjoyed drink packages on lines ranging from Royal Caribbean to Princess, Celebrity, and Margaritaville. Though they aren't created equally, they offer the same convenience that helps make my vacation more relaxing.
While many argue that drink packages are too expensive, the freedom to order whatever I want helps put me in a vacation mindset — the last thing I want to worry about on a cruise is finances! Here are 4 reasons drink packages remain a must-have for me.
Budget in advance
One of the biggest advantages of a drink package is that you can set your drink budget in advance. On a cruise, it’s easier than you think to lose track of your spending when ordering drinks. $14 here and $14 there adds up quickly, especially on a 7-night Caribbean cruise or lively getaway to the Bahamas.
For example, when my partner and I skipped buying a drink package on a spring break cruise aboard Carnival Elation, we didn't pay much attention to the cost of each individual drink at the time and racked up a hefty bar tab before we knew it.
However, with a drink package, you know exactly how much you'll spend before the trip starts. For example, we purchased a Deluxe Beverage Package for our weeklong cruise aboard Icon of the Seas for roughly $495 each or $70 per person, per night.
After the mandatory gratuity, one cocktail on Royal Caribbean comes out to around $16, so knowing we're likely to consume at least four cocktails per day, it was a no-brainer. Now, we don't have to worry about sticking to a budget of $70 or so per day and overthinking each drink.
Read more: Are cruise drink packages worth it?
Tips are included
Speaking of the mandatory gratuity, tips are automatically included with drink packages. Comparatively, if you buy each drink automatically, you'll need to factor in the service charge, which is typically around 18%.
As such, you don't have to worry as much about tips with a drink package. For example, if you order a Pirate Punch aboard a Carnival cruise that costs $12.00, you'll actually pay over $14.00.
While many frequent sailors know this, the automatic gratuity could come as a shock to first-time cruisers. It's not uncommon to hear stories of new cruisers tipping extra on top of the service charge for each beverage and spending more than intended.
Read more: Is a Celebrity drink package worth it? I tried it to see whether it was worth the money
Freedom to try new drinks
Cruises are one of the few places I push myself to step outside my comfort zone. While I'm not a picky eater, some dishes aren't something I'd regularly order. However, on a cruise when multiple appetizers, entrées, and desserts are included, I can comfortably order something without worrying about whether I'm wasting $20.
The same goes for drinks. I know my tried-and-true favorites, so I'm likely to stick with what I know when I'm out on the town. But, I can try drinks I'd otherwise glance over with a drink package.
For example, when cruising aboard Margaritaville at Sea's Islander, I tried a Mexican Martini at the Flip Flop Bar before dinner.
Tequila-based drinks aren't my favorite unless it's a well-made margarita. However, I was intrigued by the pepper-stuffed olive. Was the olive worth the $13 that the drink cost? Absolutely not, but it was fun to try something different.
Plus, since the drinks are already paid for, I don't feel like I'm wasting money by leaving a beverage I don't love. In other words, I can be adventurous without feeling like I'm being financially irresponsible. I'm more likely to force myself to finish a drink if I'm paying for it à la carte since I spent money on it at that moment.
Non-alcoholic beverages are also included
Drink packages make cruises feel more inclusive. While there's no denying you get a lot for your money, the drink selections are limited compared to what you'll find at traditional all-inclusive resorts. Outside of mediocre drip coffee, water, tea, lemonade, and iced tea, most drinks cost extra.
Thankfully, alcoholic drink packages also include a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. As such, I can start my day with an iced latte from the onboard coffee shop or grab a bottle of water to take to my cabin without worrying about spending more money.
Many lines also have a range of package options, so if you're okay with a cocktail or two but want a more inclusive non-alcoholic experience, you can choose a zero-proof option, such as Royal Caribbean's Royal Refreshment Package or MSC Cruises' Alcohol-Free Package.
That way, you can order specialty coffees, soda, energy drinks, and more without feeling like you're overspending onboard.
Read more: I tried the Royal Caribbean drink package nobody knows about. Why it's worth the money
How much do drink packages cost?
Cruise lines charge different prices for their drink packages.
Carnival's, for example, starts at $82 per day when purchased in advance, while Princess Plus, which includes the line's basic drink package, Wi-Fi, and other add-ons, costs $60 per day.
Here's a breakdown of some popular cruise line drink packages and their prices:
- Carnival Cruise Line's CHEERS: $82.54/day (advance), $88.44/day (onboard)
- Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package: $56 to $115/day
- MSC Cruises' Premium Extra Package: $51/day (advance), $70/day (onboard)
- Princess Cruises' Princess Plus: $60/day
- Celebrity Cruises' All Included: $85/day
One of the easiest ways to save money on cruise drink packages is to purchase them before your sailing. Most of the time, lines charge more once onboard.
Plus, they will be billed to your account to be settled at the end of the cruise, whereas if you buy your drink package months before, you can have it fully paid off your credit card by embarkation.
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 traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
