Are You Confused by the Cruise Lines Beverage Packages Here Is the Truth

Choosing the right cruise beverage package can save you hundreds—but only if you understand the fine print. Many packages appear cost-effective but exclude premium drinks, have time restrictions, or require shared purchases, leading to unexpected charges. Knowing the differences between lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian helps you avoid confusion and pick the best value for your drinking habits.

Key Takeaways

• Compare packages carefully: Not all drinks are included—check fine print for exclusions.
• Pre-purchase wisely: Buy online early to save up to 30% on drink packages.
• Track your consumption: Calculate if daily drink costs justify the package price.
• Understand sharing rules: Most packages are non-transferable and ID-locked per guest.
• Ask about promotions: Free upgrades or discounts may apply during booking windows.
• Check port limitations: Some packages don’t cover drinks ashore or in specialty venues.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Beverage Packages

What Are Cruise Beverage Packages?

When you step onto a cruise ship, you’re entering a floating resort where nearly every amenity is designed to enhance your vacation experience—except perhaps the beverage options. Cruise beverage packages are prepaid plans that allow passengers to enjoy unlimited drinks, often with a fixed daily rate. These packages are marketed as a way to simplify budgeting and enhance convenience, but they can also be a source of confusion. The truth is, not all packages are created equal, and understanding the nuances is key to making the right choice.

From unlimited soda and juice to premium cocktails and specialty coffees, the range of options can feel overwhelming. Some packages are inclusive of all non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, while others restrict you to a certain price range or type of beverage. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package covers drinks up to $15, while Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles is strictly for soda. The lack of standardization across cruise lines means that what works on one ship might not apply to another.

Why Do Cruise Lines Offer Beverage Packages?

The primary reason cruise lines offer beverage packages is to generate additional revenue. Alcohol, in particular, carries a high markup, and packages encourage guests to drink more than they might if paying per drink. However, these plans also provide value for certain types of travelers. For instance, if you’re a cocktail enthusiast or plan to spend most of your time at the bar, a package can save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying drinks individually.

Beyond profitability, beverage packages also serve as a marketing tool. They’re often advertised prominently in pre-cruise communications, enticing guests with the promise of “unlimited drinks.” Yet, the fine print can be riddled with exceptions—like excluding premium brands or requiring an extra fee for drinks above a certain price point. The key takeaway? Always read the terms carefully before purchasing.

The Different Types of Beverage Packages

Non-Alcoholic Packages

For families, designated drivers, or those who prefer to avoid alcohol, non-alcoholic packages are a practical choice. These plans typically cover:

• Soda and bottled water
• Juices and smoothies
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Fountain drinks and mocktails

For example, Disney Cruise Line’s Bottomless Bubbles package ($10.95/day) includes unlimited soda, while Norwegian Cruise Line’s Premium Plus Beverage Package extends coverage to bottled water and energy drinks. However, some lines, like Carnival, offer a free Bottomless Bubbles package for kids under 12, making it a budget-friendly perk for families.

Alcoholic Beverage Packages

Alcoholic packages are where the real variety—and confusion—lies. Here are the most common categories:

• Basic Alcohol Packages: Cover beer, wine by the glass, and standard cocktails (e.g., Carnival’s Cheers! at $59.95/day).
• Premium Alcohol Packages: Include top-shelf spirits, imported wines, and specialty cocktails (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package at $70–$95/day).
• All-Inclusive Packages: Rare but valuable, these cover everything from soda to premium liquors (e.g., Virgin Voyages’ All-Inclusive Drinks included in the base fare).

Pro tip: If you’re a wine lover, check if the package includes bottles of wine or just by-the-glass options. Many premium packages exclude bottles unless you pay a corkage fee.

Specialty and Add-On Packages

Some cruise lines offer niche packages tailored to specific tastes:

• Specialty Coffee Packages: Covers lattes, cappuccinos, and other barista-made drinks (e.g., Norwegian’s Coffee Card for $30 for 15 drinks).
• Beer Tasting Packages: Includes craft beer samplers or brewery tours (common on Princess and Holland America).
• Spa Beverage Packages: Offers infused waters, smoothies, and detox drinks at the onboard spa (available on select lines like Celebrity).

These add-ons can be a great value if you’re a frequent visitor to the venue, but they’re easy to overlook if you’re focused on broader alcohol plans.

Hidden Costs and Restrictions You Need to Know

Price Caps and Drink Limits

One of the biggest misconceptions about beverage packages is that they’re truly “unlimited.” In reality, most lines impose a price cap on drinks covered under the package. For instance:

• Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Package covers drinks up to $15. A $20 cocktail would require you to pay the difference.
• Carnival’s Cheers! package excludes drinks over $15, including some premium wines and top-shelf liquors.

Additionally, some packages limit the number of drinks per hour (usually 15–20), which can be restrictive if you’re at a lively bar or party.

Gratuities and Service Fees

Don’t forget the hidden cost of gratuities! Most cruise lines automatically add an 18–20% service charge to beverage package purchases. For a $60/day package, that’s an extra $10–12 daily. This fee is often non-refundable, even if you don’t use the package to its full extent.

Restrictions on Sharing and Off-Ship Use

Beverage packages are typically non-transferable and non-shareable. This means:

• You can’t buy a package for your spouse or friend unless they’re in the same stateroom (and sometimes, both must purchase it).
• Drinks are only valid onboard—no taking bottles back to your cabin or off the ship in port (except for wine purchased at onboard shops).

Some lines, like Princess Cruises, allow you to bring one bottle of wine to dinner without a corkage fee, but this is an exception, not the rule.

Which Cruise Line Offers the Best Beverage Package?

Comparison of Major Cruise Lines

To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of the top beverage packages across popular cruise lines:

Cruise Line	Package Name	Daily Price	Coverage	Key Restrictions
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage Package	$70–$95	All drinks up to $15, including cocktails, wine, beer, soda, and specialty coffee.	Excludes bottles of wine; 15% gratuity added.
Carnival	Cheers!	$59.95	Beer, wine, cocktails up to $15, soda, and bottled water.	No premium liquors or bottles; 18% gratuity.
Norwegian	Premium Plus Beverage Package	$109	Unlimited drinks up to $15, including premium cocktails and wine.	Excludes bottles; 20% gratuity.
Disney	Adult Beverage Package	$70	Cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.	Limited to 15 drinks/day; 18% gratuity.
Virgin Voyages	All-Inclusive Drinks	Included in base fare	All drinks, including premium spirits and wine.	None—truly all-inclusive.

Which Package Is Right for You?

The “best” package depends on your drinking habits and cruise style:

• Budget-conscious travelers: Carnival’s Cheers! offers the best value if you stick to standard drinks.
• Wine and cocktail lovers: Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Package provides broad coverage at a mid-range price.
• Luxury seekers: Norwegian’s Premium Plus is pricey but covers most premium drinks.
• All-inclusive fans: Virgin Voyages stands out by including drinks in the base fare—no extra cost or confusion.

Pro tip: Use a drink calculator (available on cruise forums) to estimate how much you’d need to drink daily to “break even” on a package.

When a Beverage Package Is Worth It (And When It’s Not)

Scenarios Where a Package Pays Off

A beverage package is worth it if:

• You plan to drink 5+ alcoholic drinks per day. For example, five $12 cocktails = $60, matching Carnival’s daily rate.
• You’ll be at the bar during happy hour (when drinks are often half-price—package holders still get full value).
• You’re a coffee addict (specialty lattes at $6 each add up quickly).
• You’re on a short cruise (3–4 days) where you’ll maximize usage.

Example: On a 7-day cruise, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Package ($85/day) costs $595 + $90 (15% gratuity) = $685. If you’d otherwise spend $100/day on drinks, you’d save $15.

When to Skip the Package

Avoid a package if:

• You’re a light drinker (e.g., 1–2 drinks/day).
• You prefer non-alcoholic drinks (opt for a soda package or pay per drink).
• You’ll be in port most days (drinks aren’t valid off-ship).
• You’re traveling with a group where only one person drinks (most lines require all adults in a cabin to purchase it).

Alternative strategy: Use onboard promotions. Many lines offer package discounts if purchased pre-cruise (e.g., Carnival’s 10% off Cheers!). Or, wait for a “buy one, get one half off” sale at the onboard bar.

How to Maximize Your Package

If you do buy a package, use these tips to get the most value:

• Order drinks with the highest markup (e.g., cocktails vs. beer).
• Visit bars during peak hours (when non-package guests might be waiting longer for service).
• Ask about “package-only” specials (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s $15 cocktails included in the Deluxe Package).
• Bring your own wine to dinner (check corkage fees first).

Final Verdict: The Truth About Cruise Beverage Packages

After dissecting the options, restrictions, and fine print, here’s the bottom line: Cruise beverage packages aren’t one-size-fits-all. They can be a fantastic value for heavy drinkers or those who prioritize convenience, but they’re often overpriced for casual consumers. The key is to approach them with a clear understanding of your habits and the cruise line’s policies.

To recap:

• Do: Calculate your potential savings using a drink calculator.
• Don’t: Assume “unlimited” means “no restrictions.”
• Do: Compare packages across lines if you’re flexible with your cruise choice.
• Don’t: Forget to factor in gratuities and price caps.

Ultimately, the best beverage package is the one that aligns with your vacation style—whether that’s sipping premium cocktails by the pool, enjoying a quiet glass of wine at dinner, or skipping alcohol altogether. With this guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision and avoid the confusion that plagues so many cruisers. Cheers to that! 🍸

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cruise lines beverage packages and how do they work?

Cruise lines beverage packages are prepaid plans that allow passengers to enjoy a variety of drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—for a flat daily or trip-long fee. These packages typically cover cocktails, wine, beer, soda, specialty coffee, and bottled water, depending on the tier selected.

Are cruise lines beverage packages worth the cost?

Whether a beverage package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and the cruise line’s pricing. If you plan to consume more than 5-6 drinks per day, the package often pays for itself, but casual drinkers may find it less cost-effective.

Do all cruise lines beverage packages include premium drinks?

No, most cruise lines offer tiered packages where premium spirits, top-shelf wines, and specialty cocktails are only included in higher-priced plans. Always check the specific inclusions to avoid surprises at the bar.

Can I share my cruise beverage package with family or friends?

Generally, beverage packages are non-transferable and must be used by the named passenger only. Some lines allow sharing if all adults in a stateroom purchase the same package, but policies vary widely between cruise lines.

Are there any hidden restrictions on cruise beverage packages?

Yes, common restrictions include drink price caps (e.g., only covering drinks under $15), limited availability at certain venues, or exclusions on mini-bar items and room service. Always read the fine print before purchasing.

What happens if I don’t use all my drinks in a cruise beverage package?

Unused drinks don’t roll over or refund—most packages are all-or-nothing. However, some lines offer flexible plans with credits or allow you to pause usage if you’re ashore or not drinking on a given day.