Cruising is one of the most popular ways to travel, with millions of passengers embarking on a journey every year. With the vast array of food, entertainment, and destinations on offer, it is no wonder that cruising has become so popular. However, one aspect of cruising that often catches passengers off guard is the cost of drinks onboard. A drink package is an all-inclusive solution to this issue. In this article, we will explore what a drinks package is, how much they cost, and if they are worth it for your next cruise.
What is a drinks package on a cruise ship?
A drinks package on a cruise ship is an all-inclusive plan that lets you order as many drinks as you want while onboard for a flat fee. Rather than paying for drinks one at a time, you pay a single fee upfront for the duration of your cruise. The package includes a range of drinks from alcoholic beverages to non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, juices, and bottled water. All major mass-market cruise lines offer drinks packages, and some even have multiple tiers of packages, offering more options depending on your budget.
How much do drinks packages cost on cruise ships?
The cost of drinks packages on cruise ships varies significantly by line, package inclusions, and cruise duration. On average, a basic drinks package costs around $10 to $15 per person per day, while premium packages can cost upwards of $100 per person per day. The more elaborate the package, the more expensive it is likely to be. For example, a premium drinks package on Norwegian Cruise Line can cost up to $138 per person per day, while a soda package can be as low as $10 per person per day. Some lines offer discounts on drinks packages if purchased in advance or run promotions for free drinks packages, so it’s always a good idea to research beforehand.
Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it?
Whether or not a drinks package is worth it on a cruise depends on your drinking habits and preferences. If you typically drink more than a few alcoholic beverages a day, then a drinks package may be worth it. However, if you are more of a casual drinker and prefer the occasional soda or juice, then it is likely not worth the investment. One rule of thumb is to calculate how much you would typically spend on drinks during your cruise and compare it to the cost of the package. If the package costs less than what you would usually spend, it may be worth it.
It’s also essential to consider the limitations of drinks packages. Some cruise lines have restrictions on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order per day, and some packages cannot be used for premium drinks that cost more than a certain amount. Additionally, some packages only allow you to order drinks in certain areas of the ship or exclude minibars in cabins. Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a drinks package.
Can you buy drinks on a cruise without a drinks package?
Yes, you can buy drinks on a cruise without a drinks package. All major cruise lines let you purchase drinks on an a la carte basis when onboard. If you prefer to keep your options open, it may be better to forego a drinks package and pay as you go. Keep in mind that drinks purchased without a package can add up quickly, so it’s essential to monitor your spending and set a budget.
Can you share a drinks package on a cruise ship?
In most cases, no. Several major cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America, and MSC Cruises, have a rule that if one adult in a cabin orders a drinks package, all adults in the cabin must order the package. This rule prevents two or more people in a cabin from sharing a single drinks package.
Two lines that notably do not have this rule are Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises. However, technically, you are not supposed to use your package to buy drinks for other people.
Are drinks packages on cruise ships really unlimited?
It depends. Some cruise lines, such as Carnival, limit the number of alcoholic drinks that any one person can order using a drinks package to 15 in a day. That is, of course, an enormous number — more than most people will ever want to order.
Where can you use a cruise line drinks package?
Cruise line drinks packages generally are honored anywhere you can order a drink on a ship — think bars, lounges, and eateries. However, you usually can’t use them when ordering room service. They also generally don’t apply to drinks taken out of cabin minibars. Be sure to check the fine print in your particular line’s drinks package before placing an order for a drink to your room. Some cruise lines also let you use your packages when visiting their private islands.
Navigating Cruise Line Drink Packages: Your Complete Line-by-Line Guide
Below is a line-by-line look at available drinks packages at the major lines that offer them. Note that the pricing listed is per person per day. In cases where a line offers more than one drinks package, we’ve highlighted the most inclusive package in detail while also noting other packages cruisers can consider.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers the Cheers! Beverage Program. Cost per day: $64.95 when purchased on board, not including an 18% automatic gratuity charge; $59.95 plus the gratuity charge when purchased in advance of sailing. Available on: All ships except those sailing in Europe or Australia. What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and most bottled water. The package also features a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases. The drink package cannot be used for drinks priced over $20. More expensive drinks are available at a 25% discount. If one adult in a cabin purchases the package, all adults in the same cabin also must purchase it. There’s a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person in a 24-hour period.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine, spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and premium bottled water. The package also includes a 40% discount on wine bottle purchases for bottles priced up to $100. More expensive bottles come with a 20% discount. However, it cannot be used for drinks priced over $13.
The cost of the Deluxe Beverage Package varies by ship and itinerary, ranging from $63 to $89 per day, not including an 18% gratuity charge. If one adult of legal drinking age in a cabin or traveling under the same booking number purchases a package, all adults of legal drinking age in the same cabin also must purchase it. Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or those ordered through room service. Drinks served in souvenir glassware and specialty beers are not covered by the package, nor are beverages served inside licensed Starbucks stores on ships.
If you’re a wine lover, the Deluxe Beverage Package might be a good choice for you, as it includes a generous discount on wine bottles. However, if you don’t plan to drink much wine or prefer other types of beverages, it might not be the best value for your money.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers the Premium Drink Package, which includes a large selection of beers, including craft beers, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, Coca-Cola products, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and premium bottled water. The package also offers a 20% discount on wine bottle purchases, and the cost per day is $109, not including a 20% automatic gratuity charge for passengers who have purchased a cruise-only rate.
Passengers staying in the premium Retreat areas on Celebrity ships receive the Premium Drink Package for free. However, the package cannot be used for drinks priced over $17, and packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars. Drinks ordered through room service also aren’t included. Celebrity Cruises also offers a less inclusive “classic” drinks package that is included in the fare for its sailings as part of its new Always Included fare structure. When purchased separately, it costs $89 per person per day, not including a 20% automatic gratuity charge.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers two drink packages, the Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package and the Premium Plus Beverage Package. The Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package is less expensive, but it only includes spirits and cocktails priced up to $15. The Premium Plus Beverage Package, on the other hand, includes all beverages by the glass (top-shelf spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine) and select premium bottles of Champagne and wine. It also includes unlimited Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks, bottled water, soda, juices, and energy drinks. The package has no limitations related to drink cost.
The Premium Plus Beverage Package costs $138 per day, not including a 20% gratuity charge. The Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package costs $109 per day. If one passenger in a cabin purchases a package, everyone in the same cabin as well as other cabins tied to the same method of payment must purchase the package, too. Children are charged for a less expensive, nonalcoholic package.
Holland America
Holland America offers the Elite Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. The cost per day is $59.99, not including an 18% gratuity charge. However, the package cannot be used for drinks priced over $15, and if one adult in a cabin purchases a package, all adults in the same cabin must purchase it. Holland America also offers the slightly less expensive Signature Beverage Package, which only includes drinks costing up to $11. It costs $54.95 per day. Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or ordered through room service. The package is not valid on Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers three drink packages, ranging from the more limited Easy package to the more inclusive Premium Extra Package. The Easy package is the least expensive, but it only includes a limited number of drinks and is not valid in extra-charge specialty restaurants. The Premium Extra Package, on the other hand, includes drinks by the glass including draft, craft, and bottled beer; a selection of wine and Champagne by the glass; premium-brand spirits, liqueurs, and cordials; a variety of frozen and classic cocktails; soda; juices; nonalcoholic cocktails; energy drinks; hot chocolate drinks; specialty coffees; teas; and bottled water. The package also brings a 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottle purchases. However, the Premium Extra Package cannot be used for drinks priced over $16.
The Premium Extra Package costs $85 per day for sailings of seven nights or more if booked in advance, while the Easy package costs $46 to $60 per day depending on when it’s booked and the length of the sailing. MSC Cruises does not add service charges to drink package purchases, in contrast to the policy at most lines.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises offers two drink packages, the House Select+ package and the Prestige Select Beverage Package. The House Select+ package is less expensive, but it only includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner. The Prestige Select Beverage Package, on the other hand, includes beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails. It also brings a 20% discount to wine-pairing dinners on Oceania’s Marina and Riviera.
The Prestige Select Beverage Package costs $69.95 per day, including gratuities, while the House Select+ package costs $39.95 per day. Soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees are already included in the fare on Oceania sailings. A wine bottle package is also available.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers the Premier Beverage Package, which includes a wide variety of drinks, including beer, wine, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. The package also includes a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases. However, it cannot be used for drinks priced over $20.
The Premier Beverage Package costs $84.99 per day, not including an 18% gratuity charge. On Australia cruises, the package costs 113.99 Australian dollars (about $75) per day, and there is no service charge on the Australian package. Princess Cruises also offers a less pricey Plus Beverage package that can be used for drinks priced up to $15. It’s priced at $64.99.
There’s a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day, and the package is not available for Australia-based itineraries shorter than seven nights or voyages shorter than two nights in all other regions. So, if you’re planning to drink heavily during your cruise, the Premier Beverage Package might be a good choice. However, if you’re a lighter drinker or don’t plan to drink much at all, it might not be worth the cost.
So is a cruise drinks package worth it for me?
Overall, whether a drinks package is worth it on a cruise largely depends on your drinking habits and preferences. If you’re someone who regularly enjoys several drinks a day while on a cruise, a drinks package can save you money and provide added convenience. However, if you only drink occasionally or prefer to stick to non-alcoholic beverages, it may not be worth the additional cost.
Before purchasing a drinks package, be sure to do your research and carefully review the package inclusions, limitations, and pricing for your specific cruise line. Many lines offer discounts for purchasing packages in advance, and periodic sales can also provide additional savings. Additionally, keep in mind that while some lines allow sharing of drinks packages between cabin mates, others require all adults in a cabin to purchase a package, so be sure to factor this in when considering the cost.
One way to determine if a drinks package is worth it is to do the math. Take into account the cost of individual drinks you would typically consume over the course of the day, and compare it to the cost of the drinks package. If the package cost is more than what you would typically spend on drinks, it may not be worth it for you.
In conclusion, a drinks package can be a great value for those who enjoy several alcoholic drinks a day while cruising, but it’s important to carefully consider the cost and inclusions before making a purchase. With a little bit of research and planning, you can ensure that you’re getting the most value out of your cruise vacation.