Cruise Drink Package: Is it Worth it?

Sip, Savor, and Sail: Discover the Best Drink Packages for Your Next Cruise

When setting sail on a dream cruise, one of the most exciting perks for many travelers is indulging in the onboard drinks—whether that’s a refreshing cocktail by the pool, a glass of fine wine at dinner, or an energizing coffee for your early morning excursions. However, drink prices can add up quickly if you’re paying as you go. That’s where cruise drink packages come in!

In this post, we’ll break down why opting for a cruise drink package can be the best decision you make, how to choose the right package for your needs, and the top options offered by major cruise lines. Ready to sip and sail without worrying about the bill? Let’s dive in!

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Why Should You Get a Cruise Drink Package?

If you’re planning to enjoy multiple beverages a day during your cruise, a drink package can save you money and provide peace of mind. Instead of worrying about the cost of each cocktail, coffee, or soda, you pay a set price upfront and enjoy unlimited or a fixed number of drinks throughout the voyage. 

Here are the top three reasons to consider a drink package:

• Cost Savings: On average, cocktails on a cruise can range from $8 to $15, while specialty coffees and juices can add up to $5-$7 each. If you plan to have several drinks a day, the total cost might surprise you. A drink package helps you budget more efficiently.
• Convenience: With a drink package, there’s no need to carry cash or track receipts. Just show your card, enjoy your drink, and move on with your vacation.
• Variety: Many drink packages cover a wide range of beverages, from soft drinks and juices to cocktails, beer, wine, and even premium liquors or specialty coffees.

Types of Cruise Drink Packages

Different cruise lines offer various drink package options to fit all types of travelers—from those who prefer to sip on soft drinks and coffee to those ready to indulge in fine wines and cocktails. Below are some common categories of packages you might find:

1. Non-Alcoholic Packages: Perfect for families, kids, or anyone who wants unlimited access to sodas, juices, and specialty coffees
2. Deluxe Drinking Packages: Includes a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, juices, and coffees. This is a great option for casual drinkers who plan to enjoy a couple of drinks a day.
3. Specialty Packages: Some cruise lines offer packages focused on specific types of drinks, like wine packages for dinner, coffee cards for café lovers, or even beer-tasting packages for the craft brew enthusiast.

How to Choose the Right Drink Package for You

When selecting the perfect drink package for your cruise, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Your Drinking Habits: Be realistic about how many drinks you plan to have each day. Most packages require you to consume 5-7 drinks daily to break even, so think about your typical routine on vacation. If you’re a coffee-lover in the morning and enjoy cocktails or wine in the evening, paying for this package could be a smart move. If you plan to cruise with Royal Caribbean you can take advantage of using your drinking package while visiting CocoCay Royal Caribbean’s private island. 
• Cruise Length: For shorter cruises (3-4 days), drink packages can provide immediate value as you enjoy more drinks during the brief time. For longer cruises, you’ll need to assess if your consumption rate will be steady throughout. Drink packages are often a per day rate for the entirety of the cruise.
• Special Occasions: Are you celebrating a special event like an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon? If so, a deluxe package might add an extra level of indulgence to your celebration.
• Ports of Call: If your itinerary includes several days at port with lots of excursions, you may spend less time on the ship and, consequently, consume fewer drinks. Consider this when deciding if a full package is worth the investment.

Popular Cruise Drink Packages by Cruise Line

Most major cruise lines offer a variety of drink packages, each with its own perks and pricing. Here’s an overview at some of the most popular options:

1. Royal Caribbean – Deluxe Beverage Package: Includes unlimited cocktails, premium coffee, fresh juices, and bottled water, as well as beer and wine. It covers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
2. Carnival Cruise Line – Cheers! Package: Includes a wide selection of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, energy drinks, and specialty coffees.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line – Unlimited Open Bar: Offers a selection of cocktails, spirits, draft beer, wines by the glass, and specialty coffees.
4. Celebrity Cruises – Classic and Premium Packages: The Classic Package includes beer, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, while the Premium Package adds top-shelf liquors and a wider variety of specialty cocktails and wines.
5. Princess Cruises – Premier Beverage Package: Covers a selection of cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water.Unlike many other major cruise lines,
6. Disney Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line does not offer an unlimited drink package for alcoholic beverages. However, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a variety of drinks during your voyage. Here’s an overview of how alcoholic and specialty drinks works on a Disney Cruise and the options available to make your cruise experience even more magical.

Alcohol on Disney Cruises: What to Expect

While there isn’t a traditional all-you-can-drink alcohol package, Disney Cruise Line offers several options for those looking to enjoy beverages onboard. Here’s how you can indulge:

A La Carte Purchases

Disney operates on a pay-as-you-go model for alcohol. Drinks are reasonably priced, and you’ll find a wide selection of cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages available throughout the ship in restaurants, bars, and lounges. Some of the themed bars on Disney Cruise Line include:

• Skyline Lounge: Famous for its constantly changing cityscape views. Onboard Disney Dream and Fantasy 
• O’Gills Pub: A lively pub offering a range of beer and cocktails. Onboard Disney Magic and Fantasy 
• Pink:  Wine and Champagne Bar: Specializing in champagne cocktails and bubbly. Onboard the Disney Dream

Each drink purchase comes with an automatic 15% gratuity added to the bill.

Beer Packages

For beer lovers, Disney offers a Beer Mug Package, which allows you to purchase a refillable souvenir beer mug. Here’s how it works:

• You purchase a 21-ounce Disney Cruise Line-branded beer mug.
• When you refill the mug, you pay the price of a 16-ounce beer, effectively giving you 5 extra ounces for free.
• You don’t need to carry the mug everywhere. You’ll be given a token to exchange for a fresh mug each time you want a refill.

This option is a good way to save a bit of money if you plan to enjoy several beers throughout your cruise.

Wine Packages

Disney offers Wine Packages for those who plan to enjoy wine with their meals in the main dining rooms. You can purchase these packages for either 3, 4, 5, or 7 nights, depending on the length of your cruise. Here’s what you need to know:

• The packages include a variety of red, white, sparkling, and rosé wines.
• You select your wine from a predetermined list, and the bottle will be served at your dinner table each night.
• If you don’t finish a bottle, it can be saved and served the following night, or you can take it back to your stateroom.

The wine package is ideal for wine lovers who want to enhance their dining experience and save a bit of money on individual bottles.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package

• Watch for Discounts: Many cruise lines offer discounts on drink packages if you book them in advance, either online or as part of a promotion. Be on the lookout for deals that can save you money.
• Know the Fine Print: Some packages come with limitations like drink maximums per day, certain drinks being excluded (like mini-bar or room service beverages), or restrictions on premium brands. Make sure you understand the details before purchasing.
• Drink Responsibly: Cruise lines take responsible drinking seriously. Most packages include an automatic 15-20% gratuity, and some have daily limits on how many alcoholic beverages you can order.

Cruise drink packages can be a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their vacation experience. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a coffee lover, there’s a package designed to enhance your journey and let you sip, savor, and sail without a care. Make the most of your trip by choosing the package that fits your needs, and get ready to toast to the adventure of a lifetime!

Ready to enjoy endless sips and stress-free relaxation on your cruise? Book your next cruise to start your voyage in style!