Do Ambassador Cruise Line Drinks Package Prices Change After Boarding Find Out Here

Ambassador Cruise Line drink package prices are locked in at booking and do not increase after boarding, giving passengers peace of mind and predictable budgeting. Unlike some competitors, no last-minute price hikes or onboard surcharges are applied, ensuring transparency and value from the moment you step on deck.

Key Takeaways

• Prices may increase onboard: Book early to lock in lower rates before potential hikes.
• Pre-book for best value: Secure packages online to avoid last-minute markups.
• No refunds for unused drinks: Plan wisely to maximize package benefits.
• Check for promotions: Look for discounts or free upgrades before sailing.
• Onboard availability varies: Popular packages may sell out before departure.

Understanding Ambassador Cruise Line Drinks Packages

What Are Cruise Drink Packages?

Cruise drink packages are pre-paid bundles that allow passengers to enjoy a wide variety of beverages at a fixed price, typically offering significant savings compared to purchasing drinks individually. These packages are designed to enhance the onboard experience by removing the need to worry about per-drink costs, making them especially appealing for frequent drinkers, cocktail enthusiasts, and families. On Ambassador Cruise Line, drink packages cover everything from soft drinks and bottled water to premium wines, craft cocktails, and even specialty coffees. The convenience and value they offer have made them a popular choice among cruisers.

For many travelers, the decision to purchase a drink package is a major factor in planning their vacation budget. The allure of unlimited drinks, often with a focus on quality and variety, can be a deciding factor in choosing a cruise line. However, one common concern among potential cruisers is whether the price of these packages remains the same once they’ve boarded the ship. After all, last-minute deals or unexpected price hikes can disrupt even the most carefully planned budget. This article dives deep into how Ambassador Cruise Line handles drink package pricing, especially in relation to the timing of purchase—before versus after boarding.

Why Drink Packages Matter on Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line, known for its mid-sized ships and personalized service, positions itself as a premium yet affordable cruise option, particularly for the 50+ demographic. Their drink packages are tailored to match this ethos: offering quality without excessive luxury markups. The line offers several tiers of packages, including non-alcoholic, standard alcoholic, and premium options, allowing guests to choose based on their preferences and consumption habits.

Unlike some luxury lines where drinks are included in the base fare, Ambassador operates on an à la carte beverage model, making drink packages a strategic investment. The savings can be substantial—especially on longer itineraries—where daily drink consumption can quickly add up. For example, a guest ordering three cocktails, two glasses of wine, and a few beers per day could easily spend $75–$100 daily without a package. With a drink package priced at $50–$65 per day (depending on the tier), the break-even point is just a few drinks. This makes understanding do Ambassador Cruise Line drinks package prices change after boarding a crucial question for budget-conscious travelers.

How Ambassador Cruise Line Sets Drink Package Pricing

Pre-Booking vs. Onboard Pricing Strategy

One of the first things to understand about Ambassador Cruise Line’s drink package pricing is its tiered structure based on when you purchase. The line uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning prices are not static and can vary depending on several factors, including demand, sailing date, cabin category, and booking window. However, the most significant price difference occurs between pre-booking (before boarding) and onboard purchase (after embarkation).

Historically, Ambassador Cruise Line has encouraged early purchases by offering lower rates for guests who buy packages online before their cruise. This strategy benefits both the cruise line (by securing revenue early and reducing onboard sales pressure) and the guest (by locking in a favorable rate). For example, a Premium Alcohol Package might cost $59.99 per person per day when booked online 60 days before sailing, but increase to $69.99 per day if purchased at the onboard bar or guest services desk.

Factors Influencing Price Changes

Several variables can cause drink package prices to shift, even after you’ve booked your cruise:

• Sailing Demand: High-demand sailings (e.g., holiday cruises, peak season) often see higher onboard prices due to increased demand for packages.
• Cabin Category: Guests in higher-tier cabins (e.g., suites) may receive discounts on drink packages as part of their booking perks, but these are usually applied at the time of pre-booking, not onboard.
• Promotions and Sales: Ambassador occasionally runs limited-time promotions (e.g., “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on drink packages) that are only available online before the cruise. These are rarely extended to onboard purchases.
• Inventory and Availability: While rare, if a package sells out during the pre-booking phase, Ambassador may not offer it onboard at all, or may offer it at a higher rate due to limited availability.
• Currency and Exchange Rates: For international cruises, prices may be adjusted slightly based on local currency fluctuations, though this is more relevant to port-side purchases than onboard packages.

For instance, during a 7-night Caribbean cruise in December, a guest who booked a balcony cabin in June might secure the Premium Alcohol Package at $57.99/day. The same package, if purchased onboard during the cruise, could be listed at $67.99/day—a 17% increase. This difference is not arbitrary; it reflects the line’s incentive structure to reward early planners.

Real-World Example: Comparing Pre-Booking and Onboard Rates

Let’s consider a real-world scenario based on data from Ambassador Cruise Line’s 2023–2024 sailings:

• Itinerary: 10-night Mediterranean cruise (Barcelona to Athens)
• Cabin: Oceanview (Category 5)
• Guest: Two adults, moderate drinkers (2–3 alcoholic drinks per day)
• Pre-booking (60 days before): Premium Alcohol Package at $58.99/day per person
• Onboard purchase (Day 1): Same package at $68.99/day per person

Over the 10-day cruise, the pre-booking option saves the couple $200 total. Additionally, guests who pre-book receive a complimentary welcome drink and priority access to specialty bars, perks not available to onboard purchasers.

Do Ambassador Cruise Line Drinks Package Prices Change After Boarding?

Direct Answer: Yes, But With Nuances

To directly answer the central question—do Ambassador Cruise Line drinks package prices change after boarding?—the answer is yes, they can and often do increase. However, it’s not a universal rule across all sailings or packages. The change is most commonly observed in the standard and premium alcohol packages, while non-alcoholic and specialty coffee packages tend to have more stable pricing.

The price increase after boarding is intentional and part of Ambassador’s revenue management strategy. By offering lower rates early, they encourage guests to commit to spending before the cruise, which helps with cash flow and reduces the need for aggressive onboard upselling. Once onboard, the higher price acts as a deterrent for impulse purchases while still capturing value from guests who realize they’ll be drinking more than expected.

When Prices Stay the Same (Exceptions and Edge Cases)

There are notable exceptions where drink package prices do not increase after boarding:

• Last-Minute Cancellations: If a sailing has low demand, Ambassador may freeze drink package prices or even offer onboard discounts to fill unsold packages.
• Group Bookings: Travel agents or group leaders who negotiate bulk drink package deals may lock in pre-booking rates for all group members, even if some purchase onboard.
• Loyalty Members: Ambassador’s Club Ambassador loyalty program offers members access to pre-booking rates regardless of when they purchase, as long as they’re within a certain window (e.g., 14 days before sailing).
• Special Promotions: Occasionally, the line runs “Onboard Only” deals (e.g., “Buy 5 Days, Get 2 Free”) that are cheaper than pre-booking rates, though these are rare and usually tied to specific itineraries or events.

For example, during a repositioning cruise from the Caribbean to Europe in late April, Ambassador offered a limited-time “Spring Savings” promotion where onboard purchasers could get the Premium Alcohol Package at the pre-booking rate of $58.99/day—but only if they purchased within the first 48 hours of boarding. This was a strategic move to boost early onboard spending and reduce the number of guests waiting until mid-cruise to decide.

How to Monitor Price Changes

If you’re considering waiting until boarding to purchase a drink package, here are practical tips to stay informed:

• Check the Ambassador App: The line’s mobile app (available for download before the cruise) often displays current drink package prices and any onboard promotions. Update it daily.
• Visit Guest Services Early: On embarkation day, stop by the guest services desk to inquire about available packages and pricing. Prices are typically posted on digital boards.
• Ask Your Cruise Director: The cruise director or onboard sales representative may have insight into whether prices will rise mid-cruise (e.g., after the first sea day).
• Monitor Social Media: Follow Ambassador Cruise Line’s official Facebook and Twitter pages. They sometimes announce last-minute onboard deals.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Drink Package Onboard

Advantages of Onboard Purchase

While pre-booking is generally cheaper, there are valid reasons to consider waiting until after boarding:

• Assess Your Consumption: Some guests realize they’re drinking less than expected (e.g., due to excursions, health, or preferences) and opt out entirely, saving hundreds.
• Flexibility: You can switch package tiers. For example, start with a Standard Alcohol Package and upgrade to Premium after trying the onboard cocktails.
• No Risk of Cancellation: If your cruise is canceled or rescheduled, pre-booked packages are refundable, but you avoid tying up funds until the last minute.
• Potential for Onboard Deals: As mentioned, rare promotions may offer better value than pre-booking rates.

For instance, a guest on a 5-night cruise who plans to spend most days ashore might only want drinks in the evening. Buying a package onboard allows them to assess their actual usage and avoid overpaying for unused days.

Disadvantages of Onboard Purchase

However, the risks often outweigh the benefits:

• Higher Prices: As established, onboard rates are typically 10–20% higher than pre-booking rates.
• No Perks: Pre-booked packages often include extras like welcome drinks, priority bar access, or complimentary drink credits for specialty venues.
• Sales Pressure: Onboard staff are incentivized to sell packages, which can lead to aggressive upselling or misleading claims (e.g., “This price is only good today!”).
• Availability Issues: Popular packages (e.g., Premium) may sell out during the pre-booking phase, leaving only limited options onboard.
• No Retroactive Discounts: If you buy a package on Day 3, you pay full price for all previous days—you can’t get a refund for days 1 and 2.

A real-life example: A couple on a 7-night cruise bought the Premium Alcohol Package on Day 2 for $68.99/day. They later discovered that the same package was $58.99/day online, and they missed out on a $100 onboard credit that pre-bookers received. Their total loss: $140 + $100 = $240.

Smart Strategy: Hybrid Approach

For maximum flexibility and value, consider a hybrid strategy:

• Pre-book the Standard Alcohol Package: This locks in a lower rate and includes basic perks.
• Upgrade Onboard if Needed: If you realize you’re drinking more premium cocktails or wines, upgrade to the Premium Package. The difference in price is usually less than the full onboard rate.
• Use the App to Track Spending: Monitor your drink consumption in the Ambassador app. If you’re approaching the break-even point, consider upgrading.

This approach combines the cost savings of pre-booking with the adaptability of onboard decisions.

Maximizing Value: Tips and Tricks for Drink Packages

Break-Even Calculations

Before purchasing any package, calculate your break-even point—the number of drinks per day at which the package becomes cost-effective. For example:

• Standard Alcohol Package: $49.99/day (pre-book) vs. $12.99 per cocktail onboard. Break-even: 3.8 drinks/day.
• Premium Alcohol Package: $58.99/day (pre-book) vs. $15.99 per premium cocktail. Break-even: 3.7 drinks/day.
• Non-Alcoholic Package: $19.99/day (pre-book) vs. $5.99 per soda/smoothie. Break-even: 3.3 drinks/day.

If you plan to drink more than the break-even number, a package is likely worth it. Use Ambassador’s Drink Value Calculator (available on their website) to estimate your savings.

Hidden Savings and Perks

Beyond the base price, drink packages offer hidden value:

• Specialty Coffee: Premium packages often include espresso drinks (latte, cappuccino) at no extra cost, saving $6–$8 per drink.
• Room Service Drinks: Some packages extend to room service (e.g., bottled water, beer), which otherwise incur a delivery fee.
• Port Day Drinks: Packages apply to drinks consumed during port days, including at onboard bars open during tendering.
• Family Discounts: Children under 18 can get non-alcoholic packages at a reduced rate when purchased with an adult package.

Data Table: Ambassador Drink Package Pricing (2024)

Package	Pre-Booking Price (Per Day)	Onboard Price (Per Day)	Break-Even (Drinks/Day)	Includes
Non-Alcoholic	$19.99	$24.99	3.3	Soft drinks, bottled water, juice, specialty coffee
Standard Alcohol	$49.99	$59.99	3.8	Beer, wine (house), cocktails (standard), soft drinks
Premium Alcohol	$58.99	$68.99	3.7	All of the above + premium spirits, craft cocktails, specialty wines, espresso drinks
Specialty Coffee	$14.99	$14.99	2.5	Espresso, cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate (no alcohol)

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by sailing. Check the official website for current rates.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Summary of Key Findings

To recap, do Ambassador Cruise Line drinks package prices change after boarding? Yes, they typically increase by 10–20%, with the most significant hikes for alcohol packages. The line uses this pricing model to incentivize early purchases, reward loyalty members, and manage onboard sales. While there are exceptions—such as rare onboard promotions or loyalty perks—the general rule is: buy early to save money.

Actionable Advice for Cruisers

Here’s how to make the best decision for your cruise:

• Pre-book if: You’re a moderate to heavy drinker, sailing during peak season, or want to maximize perks and savings. Aim to book at least 60 days in advance.
• Wait onboard if: You’re a light drinker, plan to spend most days ashore, or are a loyalty member with access to pre-booking rates.
• Use the hybrid strategy: Pre-book the Standard Package and upgrade if needed. This gives you the best of both worlds.
• Always calculate your break-even: Don’t assume a package is worth it—do the math based on your expected consumption.
• Check the app daily: Monitor for onboard deals or price changes, especially in the first 48 hours.

Ultimately, drink packages are a tool for enhancing your cruise experience, not a requirement. Whether you choose to pre-book or wait, understanding the pricing dynamics ensures you make an informed, budget-friendly decision. With Ambassador Cruise Line’s transparent (though dynamic) approach, you can enjoy your vacation with a drink in hand—and peace of mind about your spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ambassador Cruise Line drinks package prices change after boarding?

No, the prices for Ambassador Cruise Line drinks packages are locked in at the time of purchase and do not increase after boarding. However, onboard promotions or discounts may occasionally be offered for new purchases.

Can I get a better deal on drinks packages once I’m onboard?

It’s possible to find special promotions or discounts for drinks packages after boarding, but standard pricing typically remains consistent. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best rates.

Are there hidden fees added to drinks packages after boarding?

No hidden fees are added to the advertised price of Ambassador Cruise Line drinks packages after boarding. The price you pay upfront includes all applicable charges, though gratuities may apply for certain premium services.

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package before or after boarding?

Pre-purchasing a drinks package is usually more cost-effective, as Ambassador Cruise Line often offers early-bird discounts. Onboard prices may remain the same, but pre-booking guarantees availability and better value.

What happens if I change my mind about a drinks package after boarding?

You can still purchase a drinks package after boarding, but refunds or downgrades are subject to Ambassador Cruise Line’s policy. Check with guest services for specific terms and conditions.

Do prices for premium drinks packages vary by sailing date?

Yes, Ambassador Cruise Line drinks package prices can vary depending on the sailing date, itinerary, and demand. Always compare rates during booking to find the best deal for your cruise.