Cruise Drink Package Worth It? Complete Cost Analysis 2025

Are you debating whether to purchase a drink package for your upcoming cruise? With costs ranging from $50-100 per person per day, it's a significant investment...

ByMike Kwak|Published on September 8, 2025

Staring at that $60-per-day drink package and wondering if it's worth it? You're not alone.

With costs ranging from $50-100 per person per day, it's a significant investment. Let's crunch the numbers to see if a cruise beverage package makes sense for your vacation style and budget.

Quick Answer

Is a cruise drink package worth it? Here's the breakdown:

Worth it if you typically drink 5-7 alcoholic beverages per day (averaging $10-12 each)
Soda packages ($8-10/day) are cheaper than buying individual drinks ($2.50-3.50 each)
Specialty coffee drinkers can break even with 3-4 premium coffees per day ($4-5 each)
Not worth it if you primarily drink water, iced tea, regular coffee—these are free
Some cruise lines allow sharing packages (some don't)
Watch for drink package promotions that save 20-30% off listed prices

Comparing Drink Package Costs

Let's start with the numbers. Here's what drink packages typically cost across major cruise lines. Note that rates vary by cruise line, ship, season, and promotions.

Cruise Line	Package Name	Price Per Day	Inclusions
Carnival	Cheers!	$51.95 - $59.95	Unlimited drinks up to $20 each
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage	$63 - $89	Unlimited drinks up to $12 each
Norwegian	Premium Plus	$99 - $128	Unlimited drinks, select wine bottles
Princess	Premier Beverage	$59.99 - $79.99	Unlimited drinks up to $16 each
Celebrity	Premium	$69 - $89	Unlimited drinks up to $15 each

*Prices as of 2023, subject to change. Gratuities may be additional.

So you're looking at $50-100 per person per day. But what does that really mean for your onboard budget? Let's do the math.

What Individual Drinks Actually Cost

To determine if a beverage package makes sense, you need to know typical drink prices on cruise ships. Here are average price ranges:

Beer: $6 - $8
Wine: $9 - $14
Cocktails: $10 - $15
Soda: $2.50 - $3.50
Bottled water: $2 - $3.50
Specialty coffee: $4 - $5.50

Premium brands, craft beers, or top-shelf liquors cost more. Drinks at specialty restaurants or exclusive bars may also command higher prices.

So how many drinks would you need to break even? Let's crunch some numbers.

Doing the Math

To calculate your break-even point, divide the daily package cost by the average price of your preferred drink type. For example:

$60 package / $12 cocktails = 5 drinks per day to break even
$60 package / $3 sodas = 20 drinks per day to break even
$60 package / $5 coffees = 12 drinks per day to break even

In general, you'd need to drink about 5-7 alcoholic beverages per day to get your money's worth. That's a significant amount of daily drinking, even on vacation.

However, if you mostly stick to soda, premium coffee, or bottled water, the numbers work out better. Soda and water packages are much cheaper ($8-10 per day). You could break even with just 3-4 drinks.

Specialty coffee drinkers could also come out ahead with 3-4 premium brews a day. That's much more reasonable than 5-7 alcoholic drinks.

Beyond Pure Math: Other Factors

Price comparisons tell part of the story. Here are other considerations when deciding if a cruise drink package is right for you.

Convenience Factor

With a package, you don't worry about signing slips or tracking expenses. Just flash your card and enjoy. For some cruisers, that peace of mind is worth something.

Trying New Drinks

A package encourages sampling new cocktails, wines, or craft beers you might not otherwise order a la carte. You might discover new favorites.

Flexibility Matters

Some cruise lines let you share a package or buy individual day passes. Others require each adult in a cabin to purchase the package for the full cruise. That policy can make or break the value.

Ports and Excursions

Will you be off the ship most days? If so, you won't get as much value from your package. You're paying for days you're barely using it.

Alternatives Exist

Some cruise lines offer onboard credit promotions that can be used for drinks. Certain loyalty tiers also include complimentary drinks. Check what you already have before buying a package.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal drinking habits and vacation style. If you're a "drink to try everything" cruiser who loves convenience, a package could be perfect. If you're more of a "couple drinks at dinner" type, paying a la carte likely makes more sense.

Real-World Scenarios

Let's look at how this plays out in practice.

The Party Couple:

7-day cruise with drink package at $60 per person per day
Total package cost for couple: $840
Average of 6 drinks per person per day (4 cocktails, 2 beers) at $12 each
A la carte cost: $1,008
Result: The package saves them $168

The Occasional Drinkers:

7-day cruise, no drink package
Average of 2 glasses of wine per person per day at dinner, $10 each
1 specialty coffee per person per day, $5 each
Total a la carte cost: $490
Package cost would have been: $840
Result: Paying as they go saves $350

The Soda and Sun Duo:

7-day cruise with soda package at $9 per person per day
Total soda package cost: $126
Average of 4 sodas per person per day, $3 each a la carte
A la carte soda cost: $168
Result: Soda package saves them $42

As you can see, the value of a cruise drink package really depends on your specific drinking preferences and habits. What's worth it for one cruiser may not be for another.

Cruise Line Drink Package Policies

When considering a drink package, understand the specific policies of your cruise line. Here are a few key differences:

Carnival: Allows sharing a package, 15 drink maximum per day
Royal Caribbean: All adults in a cabin must purchase a package, no sharing allowed
Norwegian: 2 drink maximum per order, 20% discount on wine bottles
Princess: No drink limit per day, includes specialty coffees and smoothies
Celebrity: Package includes premium spirits, $1 discount on other drinks

Read the fine print for your specific cruise line and package tier. Policies can change, and there may be additional rules or restrictions.

Maximizing Drink Package Value

If you decide a drink package makes sense for your cruise, here are tips to get the most bang for your buck:

Take advantage of all inclusions. Many packages cover more than just alcohol. Enjoy the specialty coffees, smoothies, bottled water, and other perks.

Don't forget about in-room options. Most packages allow you to order room service drinks or grab beverages from your mini-bar.

Experiment with new drinks. A package is the perfect opportunity to sample that craft IPA, colorful cocktail, or unfamiliar wine varietal you've been curious about.

Alternate with water. Stay hydrated by alternating alcoholic drinks with good old H2O. It's better for your body and your wallet.

Watch for package promotions. Cruise lines often run pre-cruise deals that can save 20-30% off listed package prices. Book early if you see a great offer.

By following these tips and being mindful of your consumption, you can ensure you're getting the best possible value from your cruise beverage package.

Plan Your Accessible Cruise with PurpleMangos

Deciding on a drink package is just one aspect of planning the perfect accessible cruise. At PurpleMangos, we're here to help with every step.

Our Cruise Weather Planner and Port Explorer tools make it easy to find the ideal accessible cruise for your needs and interests. Explore our in-depth destination guides, packing tips, and insider advice.

With PurpleMangos, cruising is more accessible than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cruise drink packages unlimited?

Most packages have some limits, such as a maximum number of drinks per day (15-20 on average) or a dollar limit per drink ($12-15 is typical). Ultra-premium liquors, expensive wines, and some specialty drinks may not be included, even with the highest package tiers.

Can you share a drink package on a cruise?

Policies vary by cruise line. Carnival allows sharing, while Royal Caribbean requires each adult in a stateroom to purchase the package. Norwegian and Celebrity allow package holders to purchase drinks for others at a 20% discount. Always check the specific terms for your cruise line and package.

Do cruise drink packages include gratuities?

Most cruise lines charge an additional 18-20% gratuity on drink packages, though some promotions may include gratuities. Factor in this extra cost when budgeting and calculating the value of a package.

Are there non-alcoholic drink packages?

Yes, most cruise lines offer soda packages ($8-10 per day) that include unlimited fountain sodas, juices, and sometimes specialty coffees or smoothies. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian also have non-alcoholic versions of their premium packages.

Can you buy a drink package for just part of the cruise?

In general, no. Cruise lines require you to purchase the package for the entire duration of your sailing. However, some lines like Royal Caribbean offer prorated packages if you decide to add one after the cruise departs.

Are there any age restrictions for drink packages?

Alcoholic drink packages are only available to guests 21 years and older (18 on some international itineraries). Non-alcoholic packages can typically be purchased for children and teens. Age limits are strictly enforced.

Do cruise lines ever offer free drink packages?

Occasionally, cruise lines will run promotions that include a free or discounted drink package as a booking perk. These offers are most common during "wave season" (January to March) and may require booking a certain cabin category or cruise length.

About the Author: Mike Kwak is the founder of PurpleMangos and a cruise accessibility expert. He's passionate about helping all cruisers—especially those with disabilities—plan smooth sailing vacations. Explore more cruise tips and destination guides on PurpleMangos.