Which Cruise Line Has the Best Drink Package Revealed

Carnival Cruise Line takes the crown for the best drink package at sea, offering the most value and flexibility with its CHEERS! program. Covering cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate—often under $60—it outshines competitors in both price and variety, especially for budget-conscious cruisers. With minimal restrictions and widespread availability across its fleet, Carnival delivers unmatched convenience and savings.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival’s Cheers! offers the best value with unlimited drinks under $20.
• Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe: includes premium brands but costs more daily.
• NCL’s Premium Plus: best for wine lovers with extensive cellar access.
• Disney’s Alcohol-Inclusive: rare perk for families, but limited selection.
• Virgin Voyages’ All-Inclusive: no extra cost, but only on select sailings.
• Compare daily rates: shorter trips favor pricier, longer favor flat-fee packages.

The Ultimate Cruise Conundrum: Which Cruise Line Has the Best Drink Package?

Ah, the allure of the open sea, the gentle sway of the ocean, and the clink of glasses as you toast to another breathtaking sunset. For many cruise enthusiasts, a vacation isn’t complete without a refreshing cocktail, a crisp beer, or a glass of fine wine to accompany the journey. But with so many cruise lines vying for your attention, each offering their own version of a drink package, the question arises: which cruise line has the best drink package?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Cruise lines have evolved their beverage offerings to cater to a wide range of tastes, budgets, and drinking habits. From unlimited premium cocktails to budget-friendly soda packages, the options are vast and often confusing. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated connoisseur, choosing the right drink package can significantly impact your onboard experience and overall vacation value. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the nuances of each major cruise line’s drink package, comparing pricing, inclusions, restrictions, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

1. Understanding Cruise Drink Packages: What’s Included and What’s Not

Before we compare specific cruise lines, it’s essential to understand what a “drink package” typically includes and what you should watch out for. Most packages are designed to provide convenience and cost savings, but not all are created equal. Let’s break down the core components.

Standard Inclusions Across Most Packages

Most cruise drink packages cover the following:

• Alcoholic beverages: Beer, wine by the glass, cocktails (often up to a price cap), and spirits.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Sodas, bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, and mocktails.
• Premium options: Some packages include premium liquors, top-shelf wines, or craft cocktails for an additional fee or within a higher-tier plan.

For example, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package includes drinks up to $15, while Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles covers only non-alcoholic drinks and basic beer/wine.

Common Exclusions and Fine Print

Here’s where the devil is in the details. Watch out for:

• Price caps: Many packages exclude drinks priced above a certain amount (e.g., $15, $18, or $20).
• Bottled wines: Most packages only cover wine by the glass; bottles are excluded or require a surcharge.
• Room service and minibar: Drinks delivered to your cabin or in the minibar are often not included.
• Shore excursions: Beverages consumed during port visits are typically not covered.
• Service charges: A 15–20% gratuity is usually automatically added to the package price.

Pro Tip: Always check the cruise line’s official website for the most up-to-date terms. Some lines, like Norwegian, now offer “premium” add-ons that let you bypass price caps for an extra fee.

How to Calculate Value: The Break-Even Point

To determine if a drink package is worth it, calculate your break-even point—the number of drinks you need to consume daily to offset the package cost. For instance:

• If a package costs $70/day and your average drink costs $12, you’d need to drink 6 drinks per day to break even.
• If you’re a light drinker (2–3 drinks/day), the package may not be cost-effective.

Use this formula: Break-even = Package Price ÷ Average Drink Cost. This helps you decide whether to buy the package, pay as you go, or opt for a lower-tier option.

2. Royal Caribbean: The Deluxe Beverage Package – Premium Perks and Limitations

Royal Caribbean is a favorite among cruise-goers for its innovative ships and extensive amenities, and its Deluxe Beverage Package (DBP) is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. But is it the best?

What’s Included in the DBP?

The DBP covers:

• Drinks up to $15 (including premium cocktails, craft beers, and top-shelf spirits).
• All non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, juices, bottled water, specialty coffees).
• Unlimited wine by the glass (up to $15 per glass).
• 20% discount on wine bottles, champagne, and premium drinks over $15.

This package is ideal for guests who enjoy a mix of cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options throughout the day.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High price cap ($15) allows access to most drinks without surcharges.
• Includes specialty coffees and bottled water—great for families.
• 20% discount on excluded items adds value for wine lovers.

Cons:

• Pricey: $70–$85/day (varies by sailing).
• No coverage for minibar or room service drinks.
• Gratuities add ~$14/day (20% of package price).

Real-World Example: A 7-Day Cruise

On a 7-night Caribbean cruise, the DBP costs approximately $560 (before gratuities). If you consume:

• 1 specialty coffee ($5)
• 2 cocktails ($14 each)
• 1 glass of wine ($12)
• 1 soda ($3)

That’s $49/day—just under the break-even point. But if you add a premium cocktail ($16) and pay the $1 surcharge, you’re now at $50/day. Over 7 days, you’re spending ~$350 out of pocket vs. $672 with the package. Only if you drink 6–7 drinks/day does the package make financial sense.

Tip: Royal Caribbean often offers pre-cruise purchase discounts (up to 20% off). Buy early to save!

3. Norwegian Cruise Line: The Ultimate Beverage Package – Flexibility and Add-Ons

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out with its Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP), known for its flexibility and tiered pricing. It’s a top contender for the title of “best drink package.”

UBP Tiers: Choose Your Level

NCL offers three tiers:

• Basic UBP: Drinks up to $15 (beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic).
• Premium UBP: Drinks up to $25 (includes premium liquors, craft cocktails, and higher-end wines).
• Premium Plus UBP: Unlimited drinks (no price cap, includes top-shelf brands like Grey Goose, Patron, and Veuve Clicquot).

This tiered system allows guests to customize their package based on drinking preferences and budget.

Unique Features and Benefits

• No price cap in Premium Plus: A rare perk—no surcharges on high-end drinks.
• Includes specialty coffees and bottled water: Great for families and non-drinkers.
• 20% discount on excluded items (except Premium Plus): Adds value for wine enthusiasts.
• Free for some suites: Guests in The Haven or certain suite categories often receive the Premium UBP at no extra cost.

Cost and Value Analysis

Prices (before gratuities):

• Basic: $60–$70/day
• Premium: $80–$90/day
• Premium Plus: $100–$110/day

Example: On a 10-day Alaska cruise, Premium Plus costs ~$1,100. If you enjoy a $25 craft cocktail daily, you’d spend $250 out of pocket vs. $1,100 with the package. But if you drink 4–5 premium drinks/day, the package pays off quickly. The Premium Plus is ideal for serious drinkers or those who want to indulge without worrying about price caps.

Pro Tip: NCL often bundles the UBP with other perks (e.g., specialty dining credits) during promotions. Look for these “Free at Sea” deals to maximize value.

4. Carnival Cruise Line: Bottomless Bubbles and Cheers! – Budget-Friendly Options

Carnival is known for its fun, casual atmosphere, and its drink packages reflect that vibe. While not as extensive as Royal Caribbean or NCL, Carnival offers affordable options that cater to different drinking habits.

Bottomless Bubbles vs. Cheers! Package

Carnival offers two primary packages:

• Bottomless Bubbles: $9.95/day for unlimited sodas, juices, and bottled water. No alcohol.
• Cheers! Beverage Program: $59.95–$69.95/day for drinks up to $20 (alcohol and non-alcoholic).

The Cheers! package includes:

• Beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and spirits (up to $20).
• All non-alcoholic drinks (same as Bottomless Bubbles).
• 15% discount on bottles of wine, champagne, and premium drinks over $20.

Value for Families and Casual Drinkers

Bottomless Bubbles: Perfect for families with kids or non-drinkers. At $10/day, it’s a steal if you consume multiple sodas/juices daily.

Cheers!: The $20 price cap is generous—most drinks on Carnival are under $15. However, if you prefer premium cocktails (e.g., $18 mojitos), you’ll still pay the difference. The 15% discount on bottles helps offset this.

Real-World Scenario: 5-Day Bahamas Cruise

• Bottomless Bubbles: $50 total for unlimited sodas and water.
• Cheers!: $350 total. If you drink 4 cocktails/day at $14 each, you’d spend $280 out of pocket—saving $70 with the package.

Tip: Carnival’s Cheers! package is often discounted to $49.95/day during promotions. Buy early to lock in the lowest rate.

5. Celebrity Cruises & Princess Cruises: Premium Focus and Inclusive Perks

For travelers seeking a more refined experience, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises offer drink packages that emphasize quality over quantity, often bundled with other luxury perks.

Celebrity Cruises: Classic and Premium Beverage Packages

Celebrity offers two tiers:

• Classic Beverage Package: $65/day for drinks up to $12 (beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic).

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• Premium Beverage Package: $95/day for drinks up to $18 (includes premium liquors and wines).

Key Perk: Celebrity’s packages are inclusive of gratuities—no extra 15–20% charge. This adds ~$10–$19/day in value compared to other lines.

Princess Cruises: Princess Plus and Premier Packages

Princess has shifted to an all-inclusive model with its Princess Plus and Premier packages:

• Princess Plus: $60/day (drinks up to $15, gratuities included, plus free Wi-Fi and crew appreciation).
• Princess Premier: $90/day (drinks up to $20, premium cocktails, 20% off bottles, plus all Plus perks).

The inclusion of Wi-Fi and gratuities makes these packages highly competitive. For example, Princess Plus saves you ~$30/day compared to buying drinks and internet separately.

Which Is Better for Luxury Travelers?

• Celebrity: Better for wine lovers (higher price cap, no gratuities).
• Princess: Better for all-inclusive seekers (Wi-Fi, crew tips, and drinks bundled).

Example: On a 14-day European cruise, Princess Plus costs $840—but includes $280 in Wi-Fi and gratuities. If you’d pay $20/day for internet, the drink package is effectively $40/day.

6. Comparison Table: Side-by-Side Drink Package Breakdown

Cruise Line	Package Name	Price/Day	Price Cap	Gratuities	Unique Perks	Best For
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage	$70–$85	$15	+20%	20% off bottles	Families, moderate drinkers
Norwegian	Premium Plus UBP	$100–$110	None	+20%	No price cap, suite discounts	Serious drinkers, suites
Carnival	Cheers!	$59.95–$69.95	$20	+15%	15% off bottles	Budget travelers, casual drinkers
Celebrity	Premium Beverage	$95	$18	Included	No gratuities	Luxury seekers, wine lovers
Princess	Princess Premier	$90	$20	Included	Wi-Fi + tips included	All-inclusive enthusiasts

Conclusion: So, Which Cruise Line Has the Best Drink Package?

After analyzing inclusions, pricing, restrictions, and real-world value, the answer depends on your drinking habits, budget, and cruise style. Here’s the final verdict:

• Best Overall Value: Norwegian’s Premium Plus UBP – No price cap, tiered options, and suite perks make it ideal for serious drinkers and luxury travelers.
• Best for Families: Royal Caribbean’s DBP – Covers specialty coffees, bottled water, and has a reasonable $15 cap.
• Best Budget Option: Carnival’s Cheers! – At ~$60/day, it’s affordable and covers most drinks without excessive surcharges.
• Best All-Inclusive: Princess Premier – Bundled Wi-Fi and gratuities offer unmatched convenience.
• Best for Luxury: Celebrity’s Premium Package – No gratuities and a higher price cap cater to discerning palates.

Remember, the “best” package isn’t always the most expensive. Calculate your break-even point, check for promotions, and consider whether you’ll actually use the inclusions. Whether you’re sipping a mojito by the pool or enjoying a quiet glass of wine at sunset, the right drink package can turn your cruise into a truly unforgettable experience. Cheers to that! 🍹

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line has the best drink package for unlimited alcohol?

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean often rank highest for unlimited alcohol packages, offering premium cocktails, wine, and beer for a flat daily rate. Their packages include top-shelf options and have fewer restrictions compared to competitors.

Are there any cruise lines with free drink packages included?

Yes, luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea include unlimited drinks in their base fares, covering premium spirits, champagne, and wine. Mainstream lines like Norwegian Cruise Line occasionally offer free packages as promotions.

Which cruise line has the best drink package for non-alcoholic options?

Carnival Cruise Line’s “Bottomless Bubbles” and Princess Cruises’ “Refresh Package” are standout choices for unlimited sodas, mocktails, and specialty coffees. These are ideal for families or non-drinkers.

What is the most affordable drink package on a cruise?

Holland America and Princess Cruises offer mid-tier packages at lower price points, often under $60/day, with a decent selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Norwegian’s “Premium Plus” package is also competitively priced.

Do any cruise lines limit the number of drinks per day with their packages?

Yes, most lines (e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean) cap daily drinks at 15, but this is rarely enforced for casual drinkers. Luxury lines like Seabourn typically have no limits.

Which cruise line has the best drink package for wine lovers?

Oceania Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises excel with complimentary wine pairings at meals and extensive wine-by-the-glass options. Their packages cater to connoisseurs with premium vintages.