How Much Are Cruise Line Drink Packages A Complete Guide

Cruise line drink packages typically cost between $50 and $120 per person, per day, with pricing varying by cruise line, destination, and included beverage types. Premium options cover cocktails, wine, and top-shelf liquor, while basic plans focus on beer, soda, and house drinks, helping you choose based on your drinking preferences and budget. Always check for promotions—many lines offer early-booking discounts or free packages as part of special deals.

Key Takeaways

• Compare prices: Packages range from $50–$120/day; check inclusions.
• Evaluate usage: Break-even point is 4–5 drinks daily.
• Check restrictions: Some exclude premium brands or specialty venues.
• Share packages: Couples can split costs on select lines.
• Pre-book discounts: Save up to 20% by booking early.
• Review policies: Refunds and guest requirements vary by cruise line.

Why Drink Packages Are a Hot Topic on Cruises

Let’s be honest—cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to travel. You wake up in a new destination every few days, your room is cleaned daily, and the food is endless. But one thing that can quickly turn your dream vacation into a budget headache? The cost of drinks. Whether it’s a $12 cocktail by the pool or a $20 bottle of wine with dinner, those little purchases add up fast. That’s why cruise line drink packages are such a big deal. They promise unlimited or discounted drinks for a flat daily rate, and for many cruisers, they’re a game-changer.

But here’s the catch: how much are cruise line drink packages really? And are they worth it? The answer isn’t always simple. Prices vary widely, and not all packages are created equal. Some are all-inclusive, while others exclude premium brands. Some have daily limits, and others are only available on certain ships or itineraries. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from pricing and inclusions to smart tips for deciding if a drink package is right for you. Think of this as your honest, no-nonsense friend giving you the real scoop, not a glossy brochure.

How Much Are Cruise Line Drink Packages: A Price Breakdown

If you’ve ever searched online for drink package prices, you’ve probably seen a dizzying range of numbers. One cruise line might charge $60 per day, another $85, and a luxury line could top $150. So what’s behind these prices? Let’s dive in.

Standard vs. Premium Packages

Most cruise lines offer at least two levels of drink packages: standard and premium. The standard package typically covers:

• Soft drinks (soda, iced tea, lemonade)
• Juices and bottled water
• Beer and house wines
• Well drinks (basic cocktails with common spirits)
• Specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos)

These usually range from $50 to $70 per person per day. For example, Carnival’s Cheers! package is $59.95/day, while Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package starts at $63/day (prices may vary by sailing).

Premium packages, on the other hand, add:

• Premium wines (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay)
• Top-shelf spirits (e.g., Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Black)
• Imported beers and craft cocktails
• Sparkling wines and champagne (in some cases)
• Non-alcoholic premium drinks (e.g., craft sodas, kombucha)

These can cost $75 to $120 per day. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Premium Plus Beverage Package is $99/day, while Celebrity Cruises’ Classic Beverage Package starts at $70/day but their Premium version goes up to $95/day.

Daily vs. Per-Cruise Pricing

Some lines charge daily, while others offer a flat rate for the entire cruise. For example:

• Carnival: $59.95/day (must be purchased for all days of the cruise)
• Princess Cruises: $70/day, but they sometimes offer a “buy 4 days, get 2 free” deal on 6+ day cruises
• MSC Cruises: $79/day, but discounts are common for early bookings

Here’s a pro tip: Always check for promotions. Cruise lines frequently offer “free” drink packages as part of booking deals, especially during off-peak seasons. For example, Royal Caribbean often includes a free Deluxe Beverage Package with certain promotions—but read the fine print. These are usually for the standard version and may not include premium drinks.

Kids and Non-Drinkers: Are There Options?

Good news: most lines offer non-alcoholic packages for kids and adults who don’t drink. These cover:

• Unlimited sodas and juices
• Specialty coffees
• Bottled water
• Milkshakes and smoothies (on some lines)

Prices range from $25 to $40 per day. For example, Disney Cruise Line’s Soda Package is $28/day, and it’s a lifesaver for families with kids. Norwegian’s Premium Coffee & Soda Package is $34/day and includes espresso drinks—great for coffee lovers.

What’s Actually Included (and What’s Not) in Drink Packages

Here’s where things get tricky. Not all drinks are covered, even in premium packages. And the fine print can make a big difference.

The “Fine Print” You Can’t Ignore

Let’s start with the exclusions. Most packages do not include:

• Bottles of wine (unless part of a specific wine package)
• Room service drinks (though some lines allow a limited number)
• Mini-bar items
• Drinks at private islands (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay)
• Tips and gratuities (usually 15-18% added automatically to drink purchases)

For example, if you order a $150 bottle of Dom Pérignon, it won’t be covered—even on a $100/day package. You’ll pay full price. And if you’re sipping a cocktail on CocoCay, you’ll need to pay out of pocket unless you’re on a line with a private island inclusion (rare).

Per-Drink Limits: The Hidden Catch

Some packages have limits per transaction. For instance:

• Carnival’s Cheers! allows 15 drinks per day. After that, you pay full price.
• Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Package has a $15 per-drink limit. If your cocktail costs more (e.g., a $18 craft cocktail), you pay the difference.

Let’s say you’re on a 7-day cruise. With Carnival’s 15-drink cap, that’s 105 drinks total. If you’re a moderate drinker (2-3 drinks/day), you’re fine. But if you’re a social drinker (5+ drinks/day), you’ll hit the limit fast. Suddenly, that $59.95/day package isn’t such a bargain.

Specialty Venues and Premium Brands

Want a drink at the ship’s speakeasy or rooftop bar? Check the rules. Some venues don’t accept drink packages at all. For example:

• MSC Cruises: Their Aurea Experience (luxury suite) includes a premium drink package, but it doesn’t work at their high-end wine bar.
• Celebrity Cruises: The Retreat Lounge (for suite guests) has exclusive drinks not covered by standard packages.

And if you’re a wine lover, note that “premium” doesn’t mean “top-shelf.” A $70/day package might cover a $20 bottle of Cabernet, but not a $50 reserve. Always check the list of included brands before buying.

Are Drink Packages Worth It? A Realistic Look

Let’s cut to the chase: drink packages are only worth it if you drink enough to offset the cost. But “enough” depends on your habits, the cruise line, and even the itinerary.

When a Package Saves You Money

Let’s do the math. Assume:

• Average drink cost: $12 (cocktail), $10 (beer), $15 (glass of wine)
• Daily drink package price: $65

If you drink:

• 3 cocktails/day: 3 x $12 = $36 → Not worth it
• 5 cocktails/day: 5 x $12 = $60 → Break-even
• 6 cocktails/day: 6 x $12 = $72 → Saves $7/day

But wait—what about non-alcoholic drinks? If you also drink 2 sodas ($4 each) and a latte ($5), that’s an extra $13. Now you’re at $85 in drinks, and the package saves you $20/day. Suddenly, it’s a no-brainer.

When You’re Better Off Paying Per Drink

Here are scenarios where skipping the package makes sense:

• You’re a light drinker. If you have 1-2 drinks/day, the package will cost more than paying as you go.
• You prefer non-alcoholic drinks. A soda package ($30/day) is cheaper than a full drink package ($65/day).
• You’re on a short cruise. On a 3-day cruise, even heavy drinkers might not break even.
• You’re sailing with a promotion. If your cruise includes a free drink package, great! But if it’s a “buy one, get one half off” deal, calculate carefully.

One cruiser I know, Sarah, bought a $70/day package on a 4-day cruise. She drank 3 cocktails/day and saved $20 total. “I felt pressured to drink more to ‘get my money’s worth,’” she said. “I ended up overindulging and feeling lousy.”

The “Social Pressure” Factor

Here’s a less obvious downside: drink packages can encourage overconsumption. When drinks are “free,” it’s easy to say yes to another round, even if you don’t really want it. And if you’re with a group, there’s often pressure to keep up. Ask yourself: will I drink more just because it’s covered? If yes, that’s a red flag.

How Different Cruise Lines Compare: A Data Table

Let’s compare the major lines side by side. Prices are approximate and vary by sailing, but this gives you a baseline.

Cruise Line	Standard Package (Daily)	Premium Package (Daily)	Non-Alcoholic (Daily)	Key Notes
Carnival	$59.95	$69.95	$34.95	15-drink limit per day; no premium spirits
Royal Caribbean	$63	$89	$30	$15 per-drink limit; includes craft cocktails
Norwegian	$79	$99	$34	No drink limits; includes premium wines
Princess	$70	$95	$28	“Buy 4, get 2 free” on 6+ day cruises
MSC	$79	$119	$34	Discounts for early booking; no mini-bar
Disney	N/A	N/A	$28	Alcohol not sold; soda package only
Holland America	$60	$90	$30	Includes premium wines; no room service

Note: Prices are for 2024 and subject to change. Check each line’s website for current offers.

Smart Tips to Maximize Your Drink Package (Or Skip It)

Whether you buy a package or not, here’s how to make the most of your cruise drinks—without blowing your budget.

Tip 1: Calculate Your Break-Even Point

Before booking, estimate how many drinks you’ll have per day. Use this formula:

• Daily drink cost = (Cocktails x price) + (Beers x price) + (Wines x price) + (Sodas x price)
• Break-even = When your daily cost > package price

Example: If your daily cost is $70 and the package is $65, you’ll save $5/day. On a 7-day cruise, that’s $35 saved.

Tip 2: Look for Promotions (But Read the Fine Print)

Cruise lines love to offer “free” drink packages, but they’re not always as good as they sound. Watch for:

• “Buy one, get one free”: Only worth it if you’re traveling with someone who drinks as much as you.
• “Free for suite guests”: Often limited to standard packages.
• “Early booking discounts”: MSC and Royal Caribbean offer up to 30% off if you book 6+ months ahead.

One trick: book a refundable deposit early to lock in a promotion, then cancel and rebook if a better deal appears.

Tip 3: Share a Package (If Allowed)

Some lines let couples share a drink package—but only if they’re in the same cabin and both purchase it. Carnival and Royal Caribbean allow this, but Norwegian does not. If you’re with a non-drinker, they can buy a soda package instead.

Tip 4: Skip the Package and Save in Other Ways

If you’re not sure, skip the package and use these hacks:

• Buy a drink card: Some lines offer 10-15 drink cards for a discount (e.g., 10% off). Great for light drinkers.
• Stick to happy hour: Many bars offer 2-for-1 drinks from 4-6 PM.
• Bring your own wine: Most lines let you bring 1-2 bottles onboard (with a corkage fee of $15-25).
• Use loyalty perks: If you’re a repeat cruiser, ask for drink credits or discounts.

One cruiser, Mark, skipped the package on a 10-day cruise and saved $700. “I drank 2 cocktails/day and used happy hour,” he said. “I still had fun—and didn’t feel pressured to drink more.”

Tip 5: Know the Cancellation Policy

Most lines let you cancel a drink package within 24-72 hours of purchase. If you buy it early and later get a better deal, cancel and rebook. But don’t wait too long—some lines require cancellation before the cruise starts.

Final Thoughts: Is a Drink Package Right for You?

So, how much are cruise line drink packages? The answer is: it depends. For heavy drinkers, they can save hundreds. For light drinkers, they’re often a waste of money. The key is to be honest with yourself about your habits and read the fine print.

Remember: a drink package isn’t just about saving money—it’s about convenience. If you hate signing for every drink or worrying about the bill, a package can make your cruise more relaxing. But if you’d rather sip slowly and pay as you go, that’s okay too.

At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that fits your vacation style. Whether you buy a package or not, the goal is to enjoy your cruise—without any post-trip financial regrets. So grab that cocktail (or soda), raise a glass, and cheers to a stress-free trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are cruise line drink packages on average?

Cruise line drink packages typically range from $50 to $100+ per person, per day, depending on the cruise line, destination, and package tier (e.g., soda-only vs. premium cocktails). Luxury lines often charge more, while budget-friendly options may offer lower base prices.

Do all cruise lines offer the same drink package prices?

No, drink package costs vary widely across cruise lines. For example, Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer mid-range options, while Norwegian Cruise Line’s packages may cost more due to higher premium inclusions. Always compare packages before booking.

Are cruise line drink packages worth the cost?

It depends on your drinking habits. If you consume multiple alcoholic drinks daily, a package can save money, but occasional drinkers may find à la carte pricing more cost-effective. Check the fine print for exclusions like gratuities or premium brands.

Can I buy a drink package after boarding the cruise?

Yes, most cruise lines allow you to purchase drink packages onboard, but prices may be higher than pre-cruise rates. It’s often cheaper to buy online before your trip, and some lines offer early-bird discounts.

Do cruise drink packages include non-alcoholic drinks?

Many do! Most standard packages include soda, coffee, tea, and juice, while premium tiers add bottled water, mocktails, or energy drinks. Check your chosen package’s terms to avoid surprises.

Are there any hidden fees with cruise drink packages?

Yes, most packages add a 15–20% gratuity fee automatically, which can significantly increase the total cost. Also, some high-end liquors or specialty coffees may be excluded and charged separately.