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Drinks on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line are surprisingly affordable, with beer starting at $5.95 and cocktails averaging $8–$12. While the cruise doesn’t include free alcohol, their all-inclusive drink packages—ranging from $50–$75 per day—offer great value for frequent imbibers, covering top-shelf liquor, wine, and non-alcoholic options.
Key Takeaways
- Drink prices vary by type, with cocktails averaging $8–$14 onboard.
- Alcohol packages save money if you plan to drink more than 3 drinks daily.
- Non-alcoholic drinks cost $2–$5, including soda, coffee, and bottled water.
- Happy hour deals offer 2-for-1 cocktails at select times—ask daily.
- Kids’ drink packages provide unlimited soft drinks for a flat daily rate.
- Bring your own wine to avoid $15–$25 corkage fees per bottle.
📑 Table of Contents
- How Much Are Drinks on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line? A Complete Breakdown
- What’s Included in Your Cruise Fare (And What’s Not)
- Drink Pricing: What You’ll Actually Pay
- Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
- How to Save Money on Drinks (Smart Strategies That Work)
- Comparing Bahamas Paradise to Other Cruise Lines
- Final Thoughts: How Much Will You Really Spend?
How Much Are Drinks on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line? A Complete Breakdown
So, you’ve booked your dream cruise with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line—congratulations! Whether you’re sailing on the Grand Classica or the Freedom of the Seas (just kidding, that’s another line), you’re in for sun, sand, and a whole lot of relaxation. But before you kick back with a frozen cocktail by the pool, there’s one question that keeps popping up in your mind: how much are drinks on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line?
Let’s be real—drinks are a big part of the cruise experience. From that first piña colada to the celebratory champagne toast at dinner, the cost of your beverages can quietly add up. And unlike some luxury lines where drinks are included, Bahamas Paradise operates more like a traditional cruise: you pay as you go. But don’t panic! The good news is that the pricing is generally fair, especially compared to other major cruise lines. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about drink prices, what’s included, what’s not, and how to save money without sacrificing fun. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense insider’s look at the bar scene on your upcoming two- or three-night getaway.
What’s Included in Your Cruise Fare (And What’s Not)
Before we dive into the price tags, let’s clear up a common confusion: what drinks come free on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. The short answer? Not many. But don’t worry—there are still some complimentary options to keep you hydrated and happy.
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Complimentary Beverages: The Basics
When you board, you’ll have access to a few free drinks. These are available at most bars, dining rooms, and self-service stations:
- Water: Tap water is always free and safe to drink. You can also request bottled water, but that comes with a charge (more on that later).
- Coffee and tea: Available in the buffet and main dining room. Think regular brewed coffee, decaf, and basic tea bags.
- Lemonade, iced tea, and juice: These are served during lunch and dinner. The lemonade is usually homemade and refreshing—great for hot days.
- Milk and chocolate milk: Offered at breakfast and lunch, especially in the buffet area.
Pro tip: If you’re someone who drinks a lot of water, bring a reusable bottle. Refill it at the water stations or ask your server for tap water at meals. This saves you from buying expensive bottled water and helps the planet.
What’s Not Included (And What to Expect to Pay)
Here’s where things get real. Anything beyond the basics—alcohol, soda, specialty coffee, bottled water, and premium juices—is considered a premium drink and comes with a price tag. Let’s break it down:
- Alcohol: Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, and mixed drinks all cost extra. No surprise here.
- Soda: A can of Coke, Sprite, or Diet Pepsi runs about $2.50–$3.00. That’s more than double what you’d pay on land.
- Bottled water: A 16.9 oz bottle costs around $3.50. Again, bring your own bottle and refill it!
- Specialty coffee: Fancy lattes, cappuccinos, or espresso drinks from the onboard café cost $3.50–$5.00. The regular coffee is free, but the barista-made stuff isn’t.
- Fresh-squeezed juice: Want an orange juice that wasn’t from concentrate? That’ll be $4.50–$6.00 per glass.
Real-life example: On my last cruise, I skipped the $4.50 fresh juice and stuck with the free orange juice at breakfast. I saved $13.50 over three days—enough to buy a nice cocktail later!
Why This Model Works for Bahamas Paradise
Bahamas Paradise is a short-haul, budget-friendly line. They keep base fares low by not including drinks in the price. This lets travelers choose how much they want to spend. If you’re a light drinker or prefer water and soda, you can cruise without a huge bar tab. But if you love cocktails and wine, you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Drink Pricing: What You’ll Actually Pay
Now, let’s get into the meat of the matter: how much are drinks on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line? I’ve gathered pricing data from recent cruises (2023–2024) to give you a realistic picture. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly by season, ship, and special promotions, but these are solid averages.
Alcohol: Cocktails, Beer, and Wine
Alcohol is where most people spend the bulk of their drink money. Here’s what you can expect:
- Domestic beer (Bud, Miller, Coors): $7.00–$8.00 per bottle or draft
- Import beer (Corona, Heineken): $8.00–$9.00
- House wine (red or white, by the glass): $8.50–$9.50
- Premium wine (by the glass): $11.00–$15.00
- Classic cocktails (mojito, margarita, rum punch): $10.00–$12.00
- Premium cocktails (top-shelf liquor, craft mixers): $13.00–$16.00
- Shots (standard liquor): $9.00–$10.00
- Champagne (by the glass): $12.00–$18.00
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Personal story: I ordered a mojito poolside and loved it—but I also noticed that the bartender used a standard rum, not top-shelf. If you’re a rum snob, you might want to splurge on a premium version. Otherwise, the house cocktail is perfectly tasty.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Soda, Juice, and More
Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, you’ll likely spend a little on non-alcoholic options:
- Soda (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.): $2.75–$3.25 per can
- Bottled water (500ml): $3.50–$4.00
- Fresh-squeezed juice (orange, grapefruit, pineapple): $4.50–$6.00 per glass
- Specialty coffee drinks (latte, cappuccino): $4.00–$5.50
- Milkshakes or smoothies (from café): $5.50–$7.00
Fun fact: The soda price includes a small service charge. So even if you just want a Coke, you’re paying a bit more than retail. But it’s still cheaper than buying a drink package (more on that in the next section).
Specialty Drinks and Promotions
Bahamas Paradise often runs drink specials to encourage spending. Keep an eye out for:
- Happy Hour: Usually from 4–6 PM. You might get $1 off cocktails or 2-for-1 beer deals.
- Buy-One-Get-One-Free (BOGO) cocktails: Common on sea days or during port arrivals.
- Champagne toast at dinner: Free during special events (like anniversaries or birthdays), but regular glasses are $12+.
- Drink of the Day: A featured cocktail (e.g., Bahama Mama) for $8.99—a $2–$3 discount.
Tip: Ask your server or bartender about daily specials. They’re usually happy to tell you what’s on sale.
Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
If you plan to drink more than a few beverages, you might consider a drink package. Bahamas Paradise offers a few options, and whether they’re worth it depends on your drinking habits.
The “Soda and More” Package
This one’s for non-alcohol drinkers or light consumers. It includes:
- Unlimited soda
- Bottled water
- Specialty coffee drinks
- Fresh-squeezed juice
Cost: Around $25–$30 per person, per day (varies by cruise length).
Break-even point: You’d need to consume about 8–10 sodas, or 5–6 specialty drinks, to make it worth it. If you’re a soda fanatic or love lattes, this could save you money.
The “Unlimited Alcoholic Beverages” Package
This is the big one. It includes:
- All cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)
- Unlimited soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee
- 15% discount on drinks over $15
Cost: $55–$65 per person, per day (depending on season and promotions).
Break-even point: You’d need to drink about 6–7 cocktails per day to make it pay off. If you’re a social drinker who enjoys a cocktail with lunch, dinner, and poolside, this could be a good deal. But if you only have one or two drinks per day, it’s likely overkill.
Real example: My friend Mark bought the package for a 3-night cruise. He drank 3 cocktails per day, plus 2 sodas and a coffee. Total retail value: ~$180. He paid $180 for the package (at $60/day). He broke even, but didn’t save. He said he liked the convenience, though.
Important Fine Print
- Drink packages must be purchased for all days of the cruise—no partial days.
- Only one package per person, per cruise.
- You can’t share drinks with others.
- Drinks over $15 (e.g., premium champagne) require the 15% discount, not full coverage.
- Some bars or events may not honor the package (rare, but check the terms).
Pro tip: Buy the package online before your cruise. It’s often $5–$10 cheaper per day than buying onboard. Plus, you avoid the pressure of sales reps at the bar.
How to Save Money on Drinks (Smart Strategies That Work)
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy great drinks. With a little planning, you can sip smart and still have fun. Here are my top money-saving tips:
Bring Your Own (Within Limits)
Bahamas Paradise allows you to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard:
- 1 bottle of wine or champagne per person (21+)—no corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom.
- No beer or spirits—these are confiscated at embarkation.
So bring a nice bottle of wine for a romantic dinner. Just don’t expect to smuggle in a 12-pack of beer. (And no, hiding it in your suitcase won’t work—security checks are thorough.)
Stick to Happy Hour and Specials
As mentioned earlier, happy hour and daily drink specials can save you $1–$3 per drink. If you plan to have 2 cocktails per day, that’s $4–$6 saved. Over a 3-night cruise, that’s $12–$18 back in your pocket.
Bonus: Happy hour is often less crowded, so you get better service!
Use the Free Drinks Strategically
- Drink water, lemonade, and iced tea during meals and pool time.
- Use free coffee in the morning instead of buying a latte.
- Ask for tap water at bars—bartenders will give it to you in a cocktail glass if you ask nicely.
I once watched a couple order a $14 cocktail and then ask for a glass of water on the side. The bartender poured tap water into a fancy glass with ice and a lemon slice. They looked like they were drinking something expensive—but it was free!
Limit Premium Upgrades
When you order a cocktail, you’ll often be asked: “Would you like to upgrade to top-shelf rum?” That’s another $3–$5. Stick with the house liquor unless you really care about the brand.
Same with wine: the house red or white is perfectly fine for most people. Save the premium bottles for special occasions.
Buy a Package Only If It Fits Your Habits
Don’t buy a drink package just because it “seems like a good deal.” Do the math:
- Estimate your daily drink consumption.
- Multiply by the cruise length.
- Compare to the package price.
If you’re not close to breaking even, skip it. You’ll feel less pressure to “get your money’s worth” by overdrinking.
Comparing Bahamas Paradise to Other Cruise Lines
How does Bahamas Paradise stack up against other popular cruise lines when it comes to drink prices? Let’s compare.
Price Comparison Table
| Cruise Line | Beer (Domestic) | Cocktail (Standard) | Soda | Bottled Water | Drink Package (Alcohol) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahamas Paradise | $7.50 | $11.00 | $3.00 | $3.75 | $60/day |
| Carnival | $7.00 | $10.50 | $2.75 | $3.50 | $55–$65/day |
| Royal Caribbean | $7.50 | $11.50 | $3.25 | $3.75 | $65–$75/day |
| Norwegian | $7.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $3.50 | $60–$70/day |
| Celebrity | $8.00 | $12.00 | $3.50 | $4.00 | $70–$80/day |
As you can see, Bahamas Paradise is very competitive—especially for a shorter, budget-focused cruise. Their drink prices are on par with Carnival and Norwegian, and slightly lower than Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
What Sets Bahamas Paradise Apart
- Shorter itineraries: Most cruises are 2–3 nights, so your total drink spend is naturally lower.
- Less pressure to buy packages: Since the cruise is short, you’re not “locked in” for 7+ days.
- More relaxed bar scene: The bars aren’t as crowded or pushy as on larger ships, so you can enjoy drinks at your own pace.
One downside: fewer specialty bars (like wine bars or craft beer lounges) compared to bigger lines. But for a quick getaway, it’s not a dealbreaker.
Final Thoughts: How Much Will You Really Spend?
So, how much are drinks on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line? The answer depends on you.
If you’re a casual drinker—say, one cocktail at dinner and a soda or two—you might spend $30–$50 for a 2-night cruise. That’s totally manageable.
If you love cocktails, beer, and wine, and plan to drink 3–4 drinks per day, you could spend $150–$250 for the same cruise. That’s where a drink package might start to make sense.
But remember: you control the cost. Bring a wine bottle, stick to happy hour, use free drinks, and skip the upgrades. You can still have a fantastic time without breaking the bank.
And here’s a final tip: set a daily drink budget before you board. Tell yourself, “I’ll spend $25 per day on drinks.” That way, you’ll enjoy your beverages guilt-free—and avoid a shocking bill at the end.
Bahamas Paradise is all about fun, relaxation, and value. With a little planning, your drink experience can be part of that. Cheers to a great cruise—and even better savings!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are drinks on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line?
Drink prices on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line vary by type and venue, but expect to pay $5–$15 for beer, $8–$18 for cocktails, and $2–$5 for soft drinks. Premium liquors and specialty drinks may cost more, especially at upscale bars.
Does Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line include drinks in the cruise fare?
No, most drinks are not included in the base fare—only water, tea, coffee, and select juices at meals. You’ll need to purchase a drink package or pay à la carte for alcohol, soda, and bottled beverages.
What is the average cost of a drink package on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line?
Drink packages typically range from $50–$80 per person per day, depending on the plan (e.g., soda-only or premium alcohol-inclusive). These can be a good value if you plan to consume multiple drinks daily.
Are there any free drinks available on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line?
Yes, basic complimentary options include tap water, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and select juices at breakfast. Specialty drinks, alcohol, and bottled beverages are always charged separately.
How much are cocktails on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line compared to other cruise lines?
Cocktails on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line are competitively priced, averaging $10–$14, similar to mid-tier cruise lines. Happy hour discounts and daily specials can make prices even more affordable.
Can I bring my own drinks on a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line cruise?
No, guests cannot bring alcohol onboard due to safety and revenue policies. However, you may bring one bottle of wine per person (with a corkage fee), but other drinks must be purchased through the cruise line.