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Recently, I returned from my third European cruise. Having primarily sailed throughout the Caribbean as a child, I've become a more destination-focused cruiser in my adulthood. However, instead of exploring the sun-soaked Greek Isles or warm Mediterranean, my partner and I traded in our summer dresses and flip-flops for jeans and sneakers and headed north to Norway. 

Over the past 12 months, I’ve taken five cruises and spent $2,400 on drink packages — and I have no regrets.

Cruise drink packages are expensive, but they're not always a smart investment. Personally, though, I've found that cruising without a drink package feels more limiting. I hate constantly keeping an eye on my onboard statement when I'm supposed to be relaxing. 

In January, Laura Butler, a traveler in her mid-50s, left the "corporate grind" behind to live on cruise ships full-time for around $200 per week. 

"The first reason, and to me one of the biggest reasons [for this lifestyle change], is [the] cost," she said in her first YouTube video, "I have been able to figure out how to travel on cruise ships as [my] home base being less expensive than it is to live on land."

Cruise ship drink packages are pricey add-ons that make your onboard experience feel more inclusive. However, the convenience comes at a cost. Sometimes, paying $80 per day for drinks isn't economical, especially if you're a light drinker or on a port-intensive cruise. 

Having been on over 30 cruises, I've learned savvy ways to keep my onboard spending to a minimum while still indulging in fun cocktails — vacation is no fun if you're constantly stressing about every dollar!

Here are five things I always do to save money on drinks while on a cruise. 

Would you live on a cruise ship?

Some may dream of setting sail on an endless vacation, while others can't fathom being stuck at sea for more than a week or two.

However, for Laura, a traveler in her mid-50s, the idea of living full-time on a cruise ship wasn’t just a fantasy — it became her reality in January 2025 after she left the "corporate grind" behind. 

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work on a cruise ship?

From cabin stewards who keep staterooms tidy to bartenders serving up crafted cocktails, there's no denying that crew members help everything run smoothly.

That said, life at sea is vastly different than regular 9 to 5 jobs. It takes a special kind of dedication, adaptability, and resilience to thrive on a cruise ship. 

Whether you've sailed on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Disney, you've likely seen cabin doors decorated with fun magnets.

Door decorating has been a popular cruise tradition for years. It adds a personal touch to your stateroom, makes it easier to find your cabin, and is a fun way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. 

Within the past two years, I've sailed on 20 cruises, venturing to the Mexican Riviera, Western Mediterranean, Bahamas, Greek Isles, Caribbean, and Alaska. When I first began working as a full-time cruise writer, I tried to save money whenever possible. Now, I've learned a few experiences are always worth the extra cost, namely specialty dining.

Just five months into 2025, and I've eaten at over 7 specialty restaurants on 3 ships, including the Mason Jar on Wonder of the Seas, JWB Steakhouse on Margaritaville at Seas' Islander, and Izumi Hibachi on Icon of the Seas. 

Recently, I sailed with my friend on her first cruise. We made it through a 4-night sailing without incident until we were getting breakfast on disembarkation and heard, "Alpha, Alpha, Alpha" over the PA system. She looked at me confused, not knowing what the secret code meant.