The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Drink Packages: Is It Worth It? (2025 Edition)
Picture this: you're lounging on a sun-drenched pool deck, the sea breeze is perfect, and a bartender is handing you a frosty piña colada. It's the quintessential cruise moment. But a nagging question can sometimes creep in: "How much is this really going to cost me?" Multiply that by a week's worth of cocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled waters, and the fear of a shocking end-of-cruise bill becomes very real.
This is where the cruise ship drink package comes in. It's the cruise lines' answer to beverage-based budget anxiety, offering the promise of a nearly all-inclusive experience for one flat fee. This guide is designed to be the definitive, one-stop resource for anyone wondering how these packages work, what they cost, and which one—if any—is the right choice for their vacation.
A cruise drink package allows a passenger to order a wide variety of drinks for a single daily price paid for the entire duration of the voyage. Instead of paying for each beverage à la carte, the package covers them up to a certain limit. It sounds simple, but navigating the nuances is key to getting a good value. Before diving into the specifics for each cruise line, it's crucial to understand the three universal rules that govern almost every drink package at sea.
The Three Golden Rules of Drink Packages
Understanding these fundamental principles is the first step to becoming a savvy cruiser and avoiding any surprise charges.
- The Price Isn't the Final Price (Hello, Gratuities!)
Nearly every major cruise line automatically adds a service charge or gratuity to the total cost of the drink package at checkout. This fee is typically between 18% and 20% of the package price and is non-negotiable. For example, a package advertised at $80 per day with a 20% gratuity will actually cost $96 per day. This is a critical detail for accurate budgeting. - It's All or Nothing (The Stateroom Rule)
To prevent sharing, most cruise lines have a strict policy: if one adult in a stateroom purchases an alcoholic beverage package, all other adults (21 and over) in the same cabin must also purchase one. This is one of the most significant factors for couples or groups where drinking habits differ. Some lines, like Celebrity, will make exceptions, allowing the second guest to purchase a non-alcoholic package for documented medical reasons or pregnancy, but this often requires a phone call to the cruise line. - "Unlimited" Has Its Limits (Price Caps & Daily Counts)
The term "unlimited" comes with caveats. Most packages have a per-drink price limit, such as $15. If a guest orders a premium cocktail that costs $17, the package covers the first $15, and the passenger pays the $2 difference plus gratuity on that overage. Furthermore, some lines, like Carnival and MSC, impose a daily limit on the number of alcoholic drinks a person can consume on the package.
The Big Question: Is a Drink Package a Good Value?
The decision to buy a drink package boils down to a simple math problem: will the cost of your individual drinks exceed the daily price of the package? To figure this out, a traveler needs to honestly assess their vacation drinking habits.
Deconstructing Your Daily Drink Habits
First, it helps to know the typical à la carte prices for beverages on a cruise ship, which are often comparable to resort or city prices.
- Beer: Approximately $7 - $9
- Wine by the Glass: Approximately $9 - $14
- Standard Cocktails (e.g., Rum & Coke): Approximately $11 - $14
- Specialty/Craft Cocktails: Approximately $14 - $18
- Specialty Coffees (Latte, Cappuccino): Approximately $5 - $6
- Sodas: Approximately $3 - $4
- Bottled Water: Approximately $3 - $5
The most common mistake is underestimating the cost of non-alcoholic drinks. The top-tier packages don't just cover alcohol. They include premium coffees, teas, fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, energy drinks, and bottled water. A morning latte, a mid-day Red Bull, a fresh juice with breakfast, and a few bottles of water can easily add up to $20-$30 per day, significantly lowering the number of alcoholic drinks needed to make the package worthwhile.
Consider Your Itinerary
The value of a drink package is heavily influenced by the cruise itinerary. On a voyage with many sea days, guests are on the ship from morning to night, providing ample opportunity to use the package. Conversely, on a port-intensive itinerary where travelers are ashore for 8-10 hours a day, the window to use the package shrinks, making it harder to reach the break-even point.
The Ultimate Shortcut: The Global Gulls Calculator
Doing this mental math for every day of a vacation can be tedious. To simplify the decision, a dedicated tool can provide a clear, personalized recommendation based on a traveler's specific habits.
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The Definitive Guide to Drink Packages by Cruise Line
Each cruise line has a unique approach to its beverage offerings. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect from the major players.
Royal Caribbean International: The Crowd-Pleaser
Royal Caribbean is known for its massive, activity-packed ships that appeal to a wide range of travelers. Their beverage program is similarly broad, with clearly defined tiers to suit everyone from soda-only kids to sophisticated cocktail enthusiasts. Pricing is dynamic, meaning it can vary by ship and sail date, so booking early through the online Cruise Planner often locks in the best rate.
The Packages
- Deluxe Beverage Package
- Price: Typically ranges from $63 to $105 per person, per day, plus a mandatory 18% gratuity.
- Inclusions: This is the all-encompassing alcoholic package. It covers cocktails, spirits (like Tito's Handmade Vodka, Patron Silver, and Hennessy VS), beer, and wine by the glass up to a $14 value. It also includes the full range of non-alcoholic options: premium coffees and teas, fresh-squeezed juices, Johnny Rockets milkshakes, Coca-Cola Freestyle machine access with a souvenir cup, Red Bull, and bottled still and sparkling water. A valuable perk is the discount on wine: 40% off bottles under $100 and 20% off bottles over $100.
- Refreshment Package
- Price: Approximately $29 to $39 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity.
- Inclusions: This is the premium non-alcoholic option, covering everything in the Deluxe package except for alcohol. This includes mocktails, premium coffees, juices, sodas, and bottled water.
- Classic Soda Package
- Price: Approximately $12.99 to $15 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity.
- Inclusions: Unlimited fountain soda and refills from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines via a provided souvenir cup.
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- The $14 Cap: If a guest orders a drink priced at $16, their SeaPass card will be charged the $2 difference plus an 18% gratuity on that overage.
- Cabin Rule: All adults of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one person does.
- No Daily Limit: Royal Caribbean does not impose a daily cap on the number of drinks that can be ordered with a package.
- Private Destinations: A major advantage is that all packages are honored at the cruise line's popular private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee, Haiti.
- Exclusions: The packages do not cover purchases from the in-room minibar, room service, or drinks served in special souvenir glassware. Onboard licensed Starbucks stores are also excluded, though premium coffees from other venues like Café Promenade are included.
Sailing on an Oasis or Icon-class ship? Those sea days and your time at CocoCay can add up! See if the Deluxe package is right for your Royal Caribbean adventure.
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Carnival Cruise Line: The Fun Ship Fuel
Carnival's "Fun Ship" philosophy extends to its beverage program, which is straightforward and geared toward a social, lively atmosphere. The rules are among the strictest at sea, but the value can be excellent for the right type of cruiser.
The Packages
- CHEERS! Program
- Price: Booking pre-cruise is always cheaper, typically $69.95 per person, per day. The onboard price increases to $74.95 per person, per day. A mandatory 18% gratuity is added to the total purchase.
- Inclusions: The CHEERS! package is very generous, covering all spirits, cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass with a menu price up to $20—one of the highest caps at sea. It also includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, zero-proof cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, 500ml bottled water, and even milkshakes where available. For drinks over the $20 limit, the package provides a 25% discount.
- Bottomless Bubbles
- Price: $9.50 per adult and $6.95 per child (per day), plus 18% gratuity.
- Inclusions: This is a soda-and-juice-only package. It covers unlimited fountain sodas (Carnival is transitioning to Pepsi products) and juices like orange, cranberry, pineapple, and tomato.
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- The 15-Drink Limit: This is a hard cap. A guest with the CHEERS! package can order a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages within a 24-hour period (defined as 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM). Non-alcoholic drinks remain unlimited.
- The 5-Minute Rule: Bartenders must enforce a 5-minute wait time between serving alcoholic drinks to the same person.
- Cabin Rule: If one adult (21+) in a cabin purchases CHEERS!, every other adult in that same cabin must do so as well. Carnival is very strict about this with no exceptions.
- CRITICAL EXCLUSION: Private Destinations: The CHEERS! package is not valid for use at Carnival's private destinations, including Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. All drinks consumed ashore must be paid for separately.
- State Law Caveat: Due to local regulations, for cruises departing from home ports in Texas and New York, the CHEERS! package cannot be sold or activated until 6:00 AM on the second day of the cruise.
- Other Exclusions: The package does not apply to beverages sold in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, or items from the minibar or room service.
Planning to hit the RedFrog Pub and the Alchemy Bar? Carnival's CHEERS! program might be your ticket to fun. But will you drink enough to make it count, especially on port days?
Run the numbers to see if CHEERS! pays off for you!
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The "Free at Sea" Powerhouse
NCL has built its entire marketing strategy around its "Free at Sea" promotion, which allows guests to choose several value-added perks for their cruise fare, with the beverage package being the most popular selection. This creates phenomenal perceived value, but it's essential to understand the costs involved.
The "Free at Sea" Promotion
The key to understanding NCL is that most guests do not buy the drink package at its full retail price. Instead, they select the "Unlimited Open Bar" (the brand name for their Premium Beverage Package) as a "free" perk. However, it is not entirely free. Guests who select this perk must pre-pay a 20% gratuity based on the package's full retail value. With a retail price of $109 per day, this amounts to a mandatory, non-refundable charge of $21.80 per person, per day.
The Packages (Retail Value)
- Premium Beverage Package (The "Free at Sea" package)
- Price: Retails for $109 per person, per day, plus 20% gratuity.
- Inclusions: A wide variety of cocktails, spirits, beers, and wines by the glass up to a $15 value. This includes popular brands like Casamigos, Woodford Reserve, Tito's, and Grey Goose, as well as unlimited soft drinks and juices.
- Premium Plus Beverage Package
- Price: Retails for $138 per person, per day, plus 20% gratuity. Guests with the standard package can upgrade for an additional $29 per day.
- Inclusions: This is the top-shelf option. It includes everything in the lower tier plus ultra-premium spirits (like WhistlePig Rye and The Macallan Quest), premium wines by the glass (including Veuve Clicquot), unlimited bottled water, all Starbucks specialty coffees, and energy drinks. It also offers a 40% discount on other wine bottles and tastings.
- Unlimited Soda Package: Can be purchased separately for around $9.95 per day plus 20% gratuity.
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- Gratuity is Non-Negotiable: The most critical point is that the 20% gratuity on the "free" package is mandatory and must be paid. For a 7-day cruise for two people, this is over $300.
- Cabin Rule: All guests (21+) in a stateroom must have the package. Guests under 21 will receive the Soda Package.
- Private Destinations: The packages are valid on NCL's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. However, they are not valid on their other private destination in Belize, Harvest Caye.
- Two Drinks at a Time: A unique and convenient perk on NCL is that guests with a package can order two beverages per person per transaction.
Got the NCL "Free at Sea" offer? You're not paying the full $109/day, but you are paying the gratuities. Is it still a good deal for you? Let's compare it to paying as you go.
See if "Free at Sea" is really free with our calculator!
MSC Cruises: The European Touch
As a European-based cruise line, MSC brings a different flavor to its beverage program. A major advantage is that gratuities are built directly into the package price, offering excellent transparency. However, their rules regarding dining companions are the most restrictive in the industry. As of late 2024, the "Easy" and "Easy Plus" packages are being phased out for new bookings, but will be honored for those who have already purchased them.
The Packages
- Premium Extra Package
- Price: Approximately $70 per person, per day (gratuities included).
- Inclusions: Premium-brand spirits, liqueurs, and cordials; wine and Champagne by the glass (up to $16 USD value); high-end cocktails; draft and bottled beers; specialty coffee, tea, and hot chocolate; fruit juices and smoothies; soft drinks; still and sparkling water; and all non-alcoholic beverages including beers and cocktails.
- Key Features: Includes 25% discount on bottled wine and Champagne purchased on board. Valid at all bars and dining venues on board and at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Not applicable at signature venues Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, or the MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
- Beverage Limits: Maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages per day. All non-alcoholic beverages remain unlimited.
- Alcohol-Free Package
- Price: Approximately $23-$30 per person, per day (gratuities included).
- Inclusions: Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages including:
- Signature non-alcoholic cocktails and beers
- Soft drinks and energy drinks
- Coffee, tea, and other hot beverages
- Still and sparkling water
- Usage Locations: Valid at select bars and dining venues onboard and at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Not valid at specialty restaurants or signature venues (Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club).
- Minors Package
- Price: Approximately $20 per person, per day (gratuities included).
- Inclusions: For guests ages 20 and younger. All beverages listed below are included:
- Non-alcoholic beverages including beers and mocktails
- Fruit juices
- Soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Soft serve ice cream
- Still and Sparkling water
- Important Requirements: The Minors Package must be purchased for any minor in the same stateroom as an adult who has purchased the Premium Extra Package or Alcohol-Free Package.
- Usage Locations: Can be used at select bars and dining venues on board and at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and at specialty restaurants if accompanied by an adult who has purchased the Premium Extra Package. Not applicable at signature venues Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, or the MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- Gratuities Included: The advertised price is the final price, which is a refreshing change from most North American lines.
- The "Traveling Companions" Rule: This is MSC's most infamous rule. Not only must all guests in the same stateroom purchase the same package, but any other guests "traveling together and wishing to eat at the same table" must also book the identical package. This can create major logistical issues for groups booked in separate cabins who want to dine together.
- Daily Limit: MSC has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per person per day.
- Private Island: All packages are valid for use at MSC's private island, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
Love MSC's international flair and transparent pricing? Let's make sure you're picking the right package for your group, especially if you plan on dining together.
Discover your perfect package with transparent pricing!
Virgin Voyages: The Rebel with a Cause
In true Virgin fashion, this adult-only cruise line throws the traditional rulebook overboard. There are no restrictive drink packages. Instead, the system is built on fairness, flexibility, and transparency, with a huge amount of value already included in the cruise fare.
The System: The Bar Tab
Virgin Voyages does not offer an unlimited drink package. Their approach is entirely different.
- "Essential Drinks" are Included: A significant number of beverages are already included in the cruise fare for everyone. This includes still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, drip coffee, and a variety of teas, available at all bars and restaurants. This alone represents a substantial daily value.
- The Bar Tab: For all other premium beverages (alcohol, specialty coffees, fresh-pressed juices), guests can pre-purchase a "Bar Tab." This is a non-refundable onboard credit that can only be used for drinks. The incentive to pre-purchase is that Virgin adds free bonus money to the tab. The tiers are:
- Pay $200, get $225 to spend
- Pay $300, get $350 to spend
- Pay $500, get $600 to spend
- Pay $1000, get $1250 to spend
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- Tips are Included: All drink prices listed on menus already include the gratuity. The price on the menu is the final price paid.
- Reasonable On-Land Pricing: Drink prices are fair and comparable to what one might find in a major city, not inflated resort prices. Most beers are $7-9, basic cocktails are around $11, and 40% of their wines by the glass are under $11.
- Sharing is Encouraged: There is no "all adults in a cabin" rule. A Bar Tab can be used to buy drinks for anyone, and sailors can even link their accounts in the Virgin Voyages app to share a single tab.
- Use It or Lose It: The Bar Tab is non-refundable. Any remaining balance at the end of the voyage is forfeited, so it's wise to calculate usage carefully.
- Promotional Tabs: Virgin Voyages frequently runs booking promotions that include a complimentary Bar Tab (often $300 or $600), which is an enormous perk.
Ready to sail the Virgin way? With basic drinks and tips included, you're already saving. But how much Bar Tab should you buy to get the best bonus without leaving money on the table?
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Disney Cruise Line: The Family-Friendly Exception
Aligning with its family-focused brand, Disney Cruise Line de-emphasizes alcohol. They do not offer any form of unlimited alcoholic beverage package. Instead, they provide smaller bundles and feature one of the most generous bring-your-own alcohol policies at sea.
What's Included for Free
Similar to Virgin, Disney includes basic soft drinks, regular coffee, and tea from the self-serve beverage stations on the pool deck and in the buffet restaurant as part of the cruise fare.
The "Packages" (Drink Bundles)
- Wine Packages: Guests can save up to 25% by purchasing wine bundles for their cruise. These come in "Classic" and "Premium" tiers and can be bought for 3, 4, 5, or 7 bottles. A 3-bottle Classic package starts around $105. Servers can store unfinished bottles for the next evening's dinner.
- Beer Package: A simple deal offering a 6-pack of beer for the price of 5. A domestic 6-pack (like Budweiser or Corona) costs around $36.25.
- Beer Mug Savings: For a one-time purchase of a souvenir 21-ounce Disney Cruise Line beer mug (around $15.25), guests can get it refilled with draft beer for the price of a standard 16-ounce pour for the entire cruise.
- Bottled Water Packages: Various packages of still and smart water can be pre-ordered and delivered to the stateroom.
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- Bring Your Own Alcohol (The Best Perk): This is the most valuable money-saving tip for Disney. Each adult (21+) is permitted to bring two 750ml bottles of unopened wine or champagne OR six 12-ounce beers on board in their carry-on luggage at the beginning of the cruise. This allowance resets at each port of call, meaning guests can bring more on board throughout the trip. A $25 per-bottle corkage fee applies if the wine is consumed in a main dining room.
- Concierge Level Perk: A significant benefit for those in premium accommodations, guests staying in concierge-level staterooms have access to a private lounge that serves complimentary alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits) and snacks each evening.
- Daily Specials: All bars offer a discounted "Drink of the Day," and various happy hours can be found across the ship.
Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury, Bundled Value
Celebrity Cruises caters to an upscale market with a focus on premium dining, service, and beverages. Their approach has shifted heavily toward an "All Included" pricing model, where the drink package is bundled into the cruise fare along with Wi-Fi.
The "All Included" Fare
Most Celebrity bookings are now made with the "All Included" rate. This fare automatically includes the Classic Drink Package and a Basic Wi-Fi package for all guests in the stateroom. Guests can then choose to pay a daily fee to upgrade to the Premium Drink Package. This makes the value proposition about the entire bundle, not just the drinks.
The Packages (Retail Value)
- Classic Drink Package
- Price: Has a retail value of $89 per person, per day, plus a 20% gratuity.
- Inclusions: A wide selection of beers, spirits (Tito's, Beefeater, Johnnie Walker Red), cocktails, and wines by the glass up to a $10 value. It also includes basic non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, juices, premium coffees, and non-premium bottled water. A 15% discount is offered on bottles of wine.
- Premium Drink Package
- Price: Retails for $109 per person, per day, plus 20% gratuity. The upgrade from Classic costs a daily fee.
- Inclusions: Includes everything from the Classic tier, plus top-shelf spirits (Grey Goose, Hendrick's Gin, The Macallan), craft cocktails, and an expanded list of wines by the glass up to a $17 value. It also includes premium bottled water (Evian, San Pellegrino), Red Bull, and fresh juices from the Spa Café. The discount on wine bottles increases to 20%.
- Zero Proof Package: A comprehensive non-alcoholic package is available for those who do not drink alcohol.
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- 20% Gratuity: This service charge is always added to the retail price of the package.
- Cabin Rule: All guests of legal drinking age in a stateroom must have the same beverage package. If one guest upgrades to the Premium package, all others in the cabin must do so as well. Exceptions can be requested to substitute the Zero Proof package for non-drinkers.
- Exclusions: Packages are not valid for minibar items or room service orders.
Sailing with Celebrity's "All Included" fare? You already have the Classic Package! But is it worth upgrading to Premium for those top-shelf martinis and craft cocktails?
Compare Classic vs Premium to find your sweet spot!
Princess Cruises: The Package Within a Package
Princess has followed Celebrity's lead by moving to a bundled-fare model with its "Princess Plus" and "Princess Premier" packages. This simplifies choices but means guests must evaluate the value of the entire bundle—drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and more—not just the beverage component.
The Fare Tiers
- Princess Plus
- Price: An additional $65 per person, per day on top of the base cruise fare.
- Inclusions: This bundle includes the Plus Beverage Package, Wi-Fi for one device, crew appreciation (gratuities), and four casual dining meals per voyage, among other perks.
- Princess Premier
- Price: An additional $100 per person, per day.
- Inclusions: This top-tier bundle includes the Premier Beverage Package, Wi-Fi for four devices, crew appreciation, unlimited casual dining, two specialty dining meals, a photo package, a shore excursion credit, and more.
The Beverage Packages Themselves
- Plus Beverage Package
- Inclusions: Covers drinks up to a $15 value, including a wide range of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, specialty coffees, and fountain sodas.
- CRITICAL LIMIT: This package is limited to 15 total drinks per day. This limit includes all beverages covered by the package—from a morning cappuccino to a midday soda to an evening cocktail. This is a recent and very significant restriction.
- Premier Beverage Package
- Inclusions: Covers drinks up to a $20 value, including a more extensive selection of premium spirits and reserve wines by the glass.
- Limit: This package has no daily drink limit, making it the only truly "unlimited" option on Princess.
- Non-Alcoholic Packages: A Zero-Alcohol Package and a Classic Soda Package can also be purchased à la carte.
The Fine Print (What Sailors MUST Know)
- The 15 Total Drink Limit on Plus: This cannot be overstated. A guest who has two coffees, two sodas, and a bottled water has already used 5 of their 15 daily drinks, leaving only 10 for alcoholic beverages. This is a major factor for anyone considering the Plus package.
- Bundled Value is Key: It is impossible to purchase just the drink package. The value must be assessed on the entire bundle. Since crew gratuities (around $17 per day) are included, the "real" additional cost of the Plus package for drinks and Wi-Fi is closer to $48 per day.
- Fountain Soda Focus: The packages now primarily cover fountain sodas. Canned sodas are available for a 25% discount.
At-a-Glance: Cruise Line Drink Package Comparison
This comparison provides a high-level summary of the main alcoholic beverage package on each cruise line for easy comparison. Prices are approximate and can vary.
Royal Caribbean
Carnival
Norwegian (NCL)
MSC Cruises
Celebrity
Princess
Virgin Voyages
Disney Cruise Line
Cruise Line | Main Alcohol Package | Approx. Daily Price (Pre-Gratuity) | Gratuity % | Per-Drink Price Cap | Daily Drink Limit | "All Adults in Cabin" Rule? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | $63 - $105 | 18% | $14 | None | Yes |
Carnival | CHEERS! Program | $65 - $85 | 18% | $20 | 15 (Alcoholic) | Yes |
Norwegian (NCL) | Premium Beverage Package | ~$109 (Retail) | 20% (on retail value) | $15 | None | Yes |
MSC Cruises | Premium Extra Package | ~$80 - $90 | Included | $16 | 15 (Alcoholic) | Yes |
Celebrity | Classic Drink Package | ~$89 (Retail) | 20% | $10 | None | Yes |
Princess | Plus Beverage Package | (Bundled in $65/day fare) | Included in Fare | $15 | 15 (Total) | Yes |
Virgin Voyages | Uses Bar Tab System | N/A | Included in Drink Price | N/A | N/A | No |
Disney Cruise Line | No Unlimited Package | N/A | 18% (on purchases) | N/A | N/A | No |
The Final Pour
The decision to purchase a cruise drink package is a personal one, balancing the convenience and peace of mind of a fixed price against the potential for overpaying. The right choice depends entirely on a traveler's itinerary, drinking habits, and tolerance for tracking expenses.
To make the best decision, it is essential to look beyond the headline price. Always factor in the mandatory 18-20% gratuity. Understand the strict "all adults in the same cabin" rule. Pay close attention to the details of per-drink price caps and, especially, daily limits—like Princess's restrictive 15 total drink cap. And remember, the value isn't just in the alcohol; including daily specialty coffees, juices, and bottled water in the calculation can dramatically change the break-even point.
For lines like Virgin Voyages and Disney, the entire paradigm shifts. The value comes from what's already included for free and the freedom of generous bring-your-own policies, making their models often better for light to moderate drinkers.
Ultimately, a little pre-cruise planning goes a long way.
Ready to set sail without a single worry about your bar tab? The perfect cruise is just a click away. Get your personalized recommendation, find your perfect package, and let our team of Global Gulls experts handle the rest. Cheers to your next adventure!
Ready to Find Your Perfect Drink Package?
Now that you understand the ins and outs of cruise drink packages, let's find the perfect option for your next voyage. Our drink package calculator and cruise experts are ready to help you make the smartest choice for your budget and drinking style.