Which Cruise Line Has the Best Drink Packages Revealed

Carnival Cruise Line takes the crown for the best drink packages with its flexible, value-packed Cheers! Beverage Program, offering unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, and soda at a flat daily rate—significantly lower than competitors. With transparent pricing, widespread availability across most bars and lounges, and no hidden gratuities, it outshines Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess for both variety and affordability. For budget-savvy cruisers who love a good pour, Carnival delivers unmatched bang for your buck.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival offers affordability: Best budget-friendly drink packages with wide alcohol inclusions.
• Royal Caribbean excels in flexibility: Premium packages cover top-shelf brands and specialty venues.
• Norwegian prioritizes value: Unlimited open bar perks for suite guests and promotions.
• Disney includes family options: Non-alcoholic and kid-friendly packages with adult upgrades.
• Luxury lines lead in quality: Silversea and Regent include premium drinks in base fares.
• Compare daily limits: Some lines cap drinks per day—check before booking.

Which Cruise Line Has the Best Drink Packages Revealed

When planning a cruise, one of the most exciting—and often confusing—aspects for travelers is navigating the world of drink packages. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a wine lover, or someone who enjoys an occasional soda or bottled water, cruise lines offer a wide variety of beverage packages designed to enhance your vacation experience. But with so many options, which cruise line has the best drink packages? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your drinking habits, budget, preferred destinations, and the type of cruise you’re taking. Some lines offer all-inclusive packages that cover premium spirits, while others focus on value with daily limits and lower price points. The key is knowing what you want and matching it to the right provider.

The cruise industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with beverage programs becoming a major selling point. Major players like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises have all revamped their offerings to include more flexibility, higher-quality brands, and even non-alcoholic options. Meanwhile, luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises are redefining “all-inclusive” by offering premium drinks at no extra cost. This comprehensive guide will break down the top cruise lines with the best drink packages, compare their value, highlight hidden perks, and help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, understanding these packages can save you hundreds of dollars and elevate your onboard experience.

Understanding Cruise Drink Packages: What to Look For

Types of Drink Packages Offered

Before diving into which cruise line has the best drink packages, it’s essential to understand the different types available. Most mainstream cruise lines offer tiered options, while luxury lines often include drinks in the base fare. Here are the most common categories:

• Unlimited Alcohol Packages: These cover beer, wine, cocktails, and sometimes premium spirits. Popular examples include Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package and Carnival’s Cheers! Program.
• Limited Alcohol Packages: Some lines cap the number of drinks per day (e.g., 15 drinks), which can be cost-effective for moderate drinkers.
• Non-Alcoholic Packages: Ideal for families, designated drivers, or health-conscious travelers. These often include soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, smoothies, and mocktails. NCL’s Premium Plus Beverage Package includes this, while others sell it separately.
• Specialty Coffee & Tea Packages: Lines like Princess and Holland America offer add-ons for espresso lovers.
• All-Inclusive (Luxury Lines): Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea include premium drinks, fine wines, and top-shelf spirits in their base fare—no extra cost.

Key Factors to Consider

When evaluating which cruise line has the best drink packages, consider these critical factors:

• Daily Cost: Most packages range from $40 to $90 per person, per day. Calculate your expected daily consumption to determine value.
• Drink Limits: Check if there’s a daily cap (e.g., 15 drinks). Exceeding it incurs extra charges, which can be steep.
• Brand Quality: Does the package include premium brands like Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Blue, or Dom Pérignon? Some lines use house brands to cut costs.
• Exclusions: High-end bottles, minibar items, and specialty bars (e.g., wine cellars, cigar lounges) are often excluded.
• Sharing Rules: Most packages are non-transferable. Sharing drinks with non-package guests is usually prohibited.
• Pre-Purchase Discounts: Booking online before your cruise often saves 10–25%. For example, Carnival offers a $10/day discount if you buy Cheers! early.
• Refundability: Some lines offer partial refunds if you don’t use the package, but others don’t.

Practical Tip: Calculate Your Break-Even Point

To determine if a package is worth it, calculate your break-even point. For instance, if a package costs $60/day and a cocktail averages $15, you’d need to drink 4 cocktails daily to break even. If you’re a wine lover, a $20 glass of premium wine would mean just 3 glasses. Use this formula:

Break-Even Point = Package Cost ÷ Average Drink Price

For example, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package costs $70/day. If your average drink is $14, you’d need 5 drinks/day to justify the cost. Tip: Track your drink spending on a short cruise to estimate your habits for longer voyages.

Top Mainstream Cruise Lines with Competitive Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean: Deluxe Beverage Package (Best for Variety & Value)

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is widely regarded as one of the best in the mainstream category. Priced at $70–$90 per person, per day (with early booking discounts), it covers:

• Unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits (up to $15 per drink).
• Premium brands like Absolut, Bacardi, and Jack Daniel’s.
• Specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
• 15% gratuity automatically added.

Why it stands out: The $15 drink cap is generous compared to competitors. You can order a $14 cocktail and a $1 beer without hitting the limit. It also includes most bar items, including frozen drinks and martinis. However, high-end bottles (e.g., Dom Pérignon) and minibar items are excluded.

Tip: Royal Caribbean often runs “buy one, get one free” promotions for drink packages on select sailings. Check their website or work with a travel agent to find deals.

Carnival Cruise Line: Cheers! Beverage Program (Best Budget Option)

Carnival’s Cheers! Program is the most affordable unlimited alcohol package, priced at $59.95/day (with $10/day early booking discount). It includes:

• All drinks up to $20 each (higher cap than Royal Caribbean).
• Beer, wine, cocktails, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee.
• 15% gratuity added.

Why it stands out: The $20 drink cap allows you to order premium cocktails without worrying about limits. Carnival also includes all bars in the package, including poolside and specialty lounges. However, the package has a 15-drink daily limit. Exceeding it costs $15 per drink—steep, but still cheaper than paying full price.

Tip: Carnival offers a “Pay as You Go” option for non-alcoholic drinks ($25/day), which is great if you only want soda and coffee.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Premium Plus Beverage Package (Best for Flexibility)

NCL’s Premium Plus Beverage Package ($89/day, with early booking discounts) is a standout for its flexibility and inclusions:

• All drinks up to $15 each.
• Premium spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Unlimited specialty coffee, smoothies, and bottled water.
• 18% gratuity added.

Why it stands out: NCL includes all non-alcoholic drinks in the package—no separate add-ons needed. It also covers drinks at the ship’s wine bar and cigar lounge (unlike competitors). The $15 cap is standard, but the package’s breadth makes it ideal for families or mixed-drink groups.

Tip: NCL often bundles drink packages with free airfare or onboard credit in promotions. Look for “Free at Sea” deals.

Princess Cruises: Premier Beverage Package (Best for Wine Lovers)

Princess’ Premier Beverage Package ($79.99/day) is tailored for wine enthusiasts:

• All drinks up to $15 each.
• Premium wine list (e.g., Kim Crawford, Decoy).
• Beer, cocktails, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee.
• 18% gratuity added.

Why it stands out: Princess curates a higher-quality wine selection than most mainstream lines. The package also includes a “Wine Tasting” experience on select sailings. However, the $15 cap is lower than Carnival’s, which can be limiting for premium cocktails.

Tip: Princess offers a “Wine & Spirits” add-on for $25/day, which includes premium brands like Patron and Macallan.

Luxury Cruise Lines: All-Inclusive Excellence

Regent Seven Seas: Truly All-Inclusive (Best Premium Experience)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises redefines “all-inclusive.” Their all-inclusive fare covers:

• Premium spirits, fine wines, and champagne (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot).
• Top-shelf cocktails (e.g., Grey Goose, Hennessy).
• Specialty coffee, bottled water, and soft drinks.
• No drink limits or caps.

Why it stands out: There’s no extra cost for drinks—ever. You can order a $200 bottle of wine or a $50 cocktail without blinking. The service is also exceptional, with sommeliers curating pairings for dinners. However, Regent’s base fares are significantly higher than mainstream lines (starting at $3,000/person for a 7-night cruise).

Tip: Regent’s all-inclusivity extends to shore excursions and gratuities, making it a hassle-free luxury experience.

Seabourn & Silversea: Premium All-Inclusive (Best for Discerning Travelers)

Seabourn and Silversea offer similarly all-inclusive models:

• Seabourn: Includes premium cocktails, wine, and champagne. No daily limits. Prices start at $2,500/person.
• Silversea: Offers a “Silver Spirit” package with top-shelf brands and a curated wine list. Base fares start at $2,800/person.

Why they stand out: Both lines emphasize personalized service. Seabourn’s “Caviar in the Surf” and Silversea’s “Butler Service” elevate the experience. The lack of drink caps or exclusions makes them ideal for heavy drinkers or those who value premium brands.

Tip: Luxury lines often include free shore excursions and Wi-Fi, offsetting the higher base fare.

Non-Alcoholic & Family-Friendly Drink Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line: Premium Plus for Non-Drinkers

NCL’s Premium Plus Beverage Package is the best value for non-alcoholic drinks. For $89/day, it includes:

• Unlimited soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, smoothies, and mocktails.
• Access to all bars (including wine bars).

Why it stands out: Most lines charge extra for non-alcoholic packages (e.g., Carnival’s $25/day “Pay as You Go”). NCL’s inclusion of smoothies and mocktails makes it ideal for families or health-conscious travelers.

Royal Caribbean: Refreshment Package (Best Standalone Non-Alcoholic Option)

Royal Caribbean’s Refreshment Package ($39/day) is a budget-friendly alternative:

• Unlimited soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and mocktails.
• No alcohol included.

Why it stands out: At $39/day, it’s cheaper than NCL’s Premium Plus. However, it doesn’t include smoothies or access to all bars.

Practical Tip: Kids’ Drink Packages

For families, look for lines that offer free kids’ drink packages. Carnival and Royal Caribbean provide free soda and juice for children under 12. NCL includes free non-alcoholic drinks for all ages in their Premium Plus package.

Data Comparison: Top Drink Packages at a Glance

Cruise Line	Package Name	Daily Cost (Early Booking)	Drink Cap	Non-Alcoholic Drinks Included?	Daily Limit	Best For
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage Package	$60–$70	$15	Yes	Unlimited	Variety, premium brands
Carnival	Cheers! Program	$49.95	$20	Yes	15 drinks	Budget, high drink cap
NCL	Premium Plus Beverage Package	$70–$75	$15	Yes	Unlimited	Flexibility, families
Princess	Premier Beverage Package	$65–$70	$15	Yes	Unlimited	Wine lovers
Regent Seven Seas	All-Inclusive	Included	None	Yes	Unlimited	Luxury, premium brands
Seabourn	All-Inclusive	Included	None	Yes	Unlimited	Discerning travelers

Final Verdict: Which Cruise Line Has the Best Drink Packages?

After analyzing the options, the answer to “which cruise line has the best drink packages” depends on your priorities:

• Best Overall Value: Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package offers the best balance of cost, brand quality, and flexibility.
• Best Budget Option: Carnival’s Cheers! Program wins with its $20 drink cap and low daily rate.
• Best for Families & Non-Drinkers: NCL’s Premium Plus Beverage Package includes everything without extra fees.
• Best Luxury Experience: Regent Seven Seas’ all-inclusive model is unmatched for premium brands and service.
• Best for Wine Lovers: Princess Cruises’ Premier Package curates an exceptional wine list.

Ultimately, the “best” package is the one that aligns with your drinking habits, budget, and cruise style. Use the break-even calculator, research early booking discounts, and don’t overlook luxury lines—they often provide more value when you factor in free excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Whether you’re sipping a $15 cocktail by the pool or enjoying a complimentary bottle of champagne at dinner, the right drink package can transform your cruise into a truly indulgent experience. Bon voyage and cheers to finding your perfect pour!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line has the best drink packages for 2024?

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises consistently rank among the best for 2024, offering premium drink packages with extensive inclusions like cocktails, wine, and top-shelf spirits. Their tiered options and transparent pricing make them ideal for budget-conscious and luxury travelers alike.

Are all-inclusive cruise lines better for unlimited drinks?

Yes, lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Virgin Voyages include unlimited drinks in their base fare or offer robust packages at lower effective costs. This can save money compared to à la carte pricing on non-inclusive lines.

Which cruise line has the best drink packages for specialty cocktails?

Celebrity Cruises’ “Premium Beverage Package” stands out for its specialty cocktail coverage, including craft and premium mixology options. Princess Cruises’ “Premier Beverage Package” also includes high-end mixers and bartender’s choice creations.

Do any cruise lines offer free drink packages?

Occasionally, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and NCL run promotions with free drink packages for select sailings. These are time-limited and often require booking specific cabin categories or itineraries.

What’s the most affordable cruise drink package?

Carnival Cruise Line’s “Bottomless Bubbles” (soda/juice) and “Cheers!” package (alcohol) are among the most affordable, with the latter costing around $59/day. Look for early-booking discounts to reduce the daily rate.

Do luxury cruise lines include drinks in their pricing?

Yes, luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Seabourn include premium drinks (wine, spirits, champagne) in their base fare. This eliminates the need for a separate package and adds significant value for high-end travelers.