Which Cruise Line Has the Cheapest Drink Package Revealed

Carnival Cruise Line offers the cheapest drink package in the industry, with its “Bottomless Bubbles” soda package starting at just $8.95 per day—significantly lower than competitors. Budget-conscious cruisers can also snag discounted pre-paid packages and frequent promotions, making Carnival the top pick for affordable onboard beverages.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Cruise Line offers the cheapest drink package at $59.95 per day.
• Royal Caribbean provides value with premium options starting at $70 daily.
• NCL’s package includes top-shelf drinks but costs more—budget accordingly.
• Always compare daily rates and included beverages before booking.
• Look for promotions—many lines offer pre-cruise discounts on packages.
• Check limits—some cheap packages exclude cocktails or premium brands.

The Quest for the Cheapest Drink Package: A Cruise Enthusiast’s Guide

When it comes to cruising, the allure of sun-kissed decks, exotic destinations, and gourmet meals is undeniable. But for many travelers, the hidden cost of drinks can quickly turn a dream vacation into a budgetary nightmare. From specialty cocktails to premium wines and even bottled water, the price of staying hydrated and entertained can add up faster than you might expect. This is where cruise line drink packages come into play—offering a way to pre-pay for your beverages and enjoy a more predictable, often discounted, experience. But with so many options, which cruise line truly offers the cheapest drink package?

Whether you’re a casual drinker, a cocktail connoisseur, or someone who just wants to enjoy a cold beer without sticker shock, understanding the nuances of drink packages is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of cruise beverage plans, comparing prices, inclusions, and value across major cruise lines. We’ll reveal which brands offer the most affordable options, highlight hidden perks, and share insider tips to help you save big—without sacrificing your onboard enjoyment. So grab your favorite drink (on us, for now), and let’s explore the ultimate question: Which cruise line has the cheapest drink package?

Understanding Cruise Drink Packages: What You’re Really Paying For

Before comparing prices, it’s essential to understand what a cruise drink package actually includes—and what it doesn’t. These packages are designed to simplify your spending, but they vary widely in scope, restrictions, and value. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Drink Packages

Most cruise lines offer tiered beverage plans, categorized by price and inclusion:

• Basic/Alcohol-Inclusive Packages: Cover non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, bottled water) and select alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails under a certain price).
• Premium/All-Inclusive Packages: Include higher-end drinks like top-shelf liquors, premium wines, specialty coffees, and sometimes even spa beverages.
• Non-Alcoholic-Only Packages: For non-drinkers or families, these cover soft drinks, juices, smoothies, and mocktails.

For example, Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles is a non-alcoholic option, while their Cheers! plan includes alcohol up to $20 per drink.

Key Restrictions and Limitations

Not all packages are created equal. Watch out for:

• Daily Caps: Some plans limit the number of drinks per day (e.g., 15 drinks/day on Norwegian’s Premium Plus Beverage Package).
• Price Thresholds: Drinks above a certain price (e.g., $15 or $20) may not be covered, requiring a surcharge.
• Exclusions: Mini-bar items, bottled spirits, and specialty drinks (e.g., Starbucks, spa juices) are often excluded.
• Booking Rules: Many lines require all adult cabin occupants to purchase the package if one does—a rule that can inflate costs for couples with differing drinking habits.

When a Package Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)

A drink package only pays off if you’ll use enough drinks to offset the upfront cost. For instance, if a package costs $60/day and your average drink costs $12, you’d need to consume 5 drinks per day to break even. If you’re a light drinker, à la carte might be cheaper. Use this formula:
Package Cost ÷ Average Drink Price = Minimum Drinks Needed to Break Even

Tip: Track your drinking habits on past trips or estimate based on your vacation vibe (e.g., poolside cocktails vs. formal dinners).

Cheapest Drink Packages by Cruise Line: A Price Comparison

Let’s cut to the chase: which cruise lines offer the most affordable beverage plans? We’ve analyzed pricing for 7-day Caribbean cruises (the most common itinerary) across major brands, focusing on mid-tier alcohol-inclusive packages—the sweet spot for most travelers.

1. Carnival Cruise Line: The Budget King

• Package Name: Cheers! Beverage Program
• Price: $59.95/day ($419.65/week)
• Includes: Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soda, juice, bottled water (up to $20/drink)
• Exclusions: Drinks over $20 (e.g., premium bottles, specialty cocktails)
• Perks: 25% off drinks over $20, 50% off wine bottles (10+ oz)

Why it’s cheap: Carnival’s no-frills approach keeps costs low. Their Cheers! package is the lowest-priced alcohol-inclusive option among mainstream lines.

2. Royal Caribbean: Mid-Range with Flexibility

• Package Name: Deluxe Beverage Package
• Price: $89/day ($623/week)
• Includes: Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soda, juice, bottled water, premium coffee (up to $15/drink)
• Exclusions: Drinks over $15 (e.g., top-shelf liquor, specialty wines)
• Perks: 40% off wine bottles, access to specialty coffee shops

Note: Royal Caribbean’s package is pricier but includes more premium drinks than Carnival’s.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line: Premium Pricing, Premium Perks

• Package Name: Premium Plus Beverage Package
• Price: $128/day ($896/week)
• Includes: All drinks up to $15, including premium liquors, specialty cocktails, and wine
• Exclusions: Drinks over $15 (e.g., champagne, rare wines)
• Perks: 40% off drinks over $15, unlimited premium coffee, 15 drinks/day limit

Value Tip: Norwegian’s package is the most expensive but includes higher-end drinks at no extra cost compared to competitors.

4. MSC Cruises: Affordable with a Catch

• Package Name: Easy Plus Drink Package
• Price: $44/day ($308/week)
• Includes: Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soda, juice, bottled water (up to $15/drink)
• Exclusions: Drinks over $15, specialty coffees, mini-bar items
• Perks: 20% off wine bottles, valid on MSC’s private island

Hidden Cost: MSC’s package is cheap but requires all adults in a cabin to buy it—a dealbreaker for non-drinkers.

5. Costa Cruises: Europe’s Budget Option

• Package Name: Premium Drink Package
• Price: €45/day (~$49/day, $343/week)
• Includes: Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soda, juice, bottled water (up to €12/drink)
• Exclusions: Drinks over €12, premium coffees, spa drinks
• Perks: 20% off wine bottles, free access to specialty coffee

Best For: European itineraries—Costa’s prices are lower due to regional alcohol taxes.

6. Carnival’s “Free” Package: A Game-Changer

In 2023, Carnival launched a limited-time “Free Cheers!” promotion on select sailings. While not a permanent offering, it’s a sign of competitive pricing pressure. Watch for similar deals during off-peak seasons.

Hidden Costs and Fine Print: What the Brochures Don’t Tell You

Even the cheapest drink package can become costly if you don’t read the fine print. Here are the sneaky fees and restrictions to watch for:

Gratuities and Service Charges

Most cruise lines add a 15–20% gratuity to drink package purchases. For Carnival’s $419.65/week package, that’s an extra $63–$84. Always check if gratuities are included in the advertised price.

“All Adults Must Purchase” Rule

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC require all adults in a cabin to buy the package if one does. If you’re traveling with a non-drinker, this can double your cost. Carnival and Costa are more flexible, allowing individual purchases.

Port Day Restrictions

Some packages (e.g., Norwegian’s) are only valid at sea, meaning you’ll pay extra for drinks in ports. Carnival’s Cheers! works in ports, giving it an edge for shore excursion-heavy itineraries.

Time Limits and Expiry

Drink packages often have strict start/end times (e.g., 5 PM–5 AM). If you’re an early riser or night owl, you might miss out. Also, unused drinks don’t roll over—so don’t buy a package for a 3-day cruise if you’re only drinking 4 days.

Alcohol-Free Cabinmates: A Costly Dilemma

If you’re traveling with kids or non-drinkers, consider a non-alcoholic package (e.g., Carnival’s $11.95/day Bottomless Bubbles) or à la carte drinks. For a couple where one drinks and one doesn’t, splitting the cost of a shared package is rarely worth it.

Insider Tips to Save on Cruise Drink Packages

Want to stretch your dollar further? These pro strategies can help you save big—even on the cheapest package.

Book Early or Last-Minute

• Early Booking: Lines often offer discounts of 10–20% for drink packages purchased at booking (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s “Buy Now, Save 20%” deal).
• Last-Minute: If a ship isn’t full, cruise lines may offer onboard upgrades at a discount. Wait until day 1–2 of your cruise to buy.

Look for “Buy One, Get One” Deals

During sales events (e.g., Carnival’s “Fun Select” promotions), you might find BOGO free or BOGO 50% off deals on drink packages. These are rare but worth watching for.

Use Loyalty Program Perks

Cruise line loyalty programs (e.g., Carnival’s VIFP Club, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor) offer:

• Discounts on drink packages (5–15% off)
• Free drink packages on milestone sailings (e.g., 10th cruise with Carnival)
• Complimentary drink credits (e.g., $50–$200)

Tip: Join the program even if it’s your first cruise—you’ll start earning points immediately.

Skip the Package and Drink Smart

For light drinkers, à la carte can be cheaper. Try these tactics:

• Happy Hours: Most lines offer 2-for-1 drinks at bars (e.g., Carnival’s 5–6 PM “Sail Away” specials).
• Free Drinks: Attend onboard events (e.g., trivia, dance classes) for complimentary cocktails.
• Bring Your Own: Carnival and MSC allow one bottle of wine per passenger (no corkage fee). Use it for dinners!

Negotiate Onboard

On day 1, visit the guest services desk and ask: “Are there any drink package discounts available?” If the ship isn’t full, you might score a 10–15% discount.

Data Table: Drink Package Comparison (7-Day Caribbean Cruise)

Cruise Line	Package Name	Price/Day	Price/Week	Drinks Covered	Exclusions	Gratuity	All Adults Must Buy?
Carnival	Cheers!	$59.95	$419.65	Up to $20	Drinks >$20	18%	No
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe	$89	$623	Up to $15	Drinks >$15	18%	Yes
Norwegian	Premium Plus	$128	$896	Up to $15	Drinks >$15	18%	Yes
MSC	Easy Plus	$44	$308	Up to $15	Drinks >$15	15%	Yes
Costa	Premium	~$49	$343	Up to €12	Drinks >€12	15%	No
Carnival (Non-Alc.)	Bottomless Bubbles	$11.95	$83.65	Soda, juice, water	Alcohol	18%	No

Note: Prices are based on 2023–2024 Caribbean sailings. Gratuities are added post-purchase unless otherwise stated.

Conclusion: The Cheapest Drink Package Winner (and How to Save More)

After crunching the numbers, the answer is clear: Carnival Cruise Line offers the cheapest alcohol-inclusive drink package at $59.95/day ($419.65/week). For non-alcoholic options, Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles ($11.95/day) and MSC’s Easy Plus ($44/day) are the most affordable. But price isn’t everything—here’s how to choose the right package for your needs:

• For Budget-Conscious Drinkers: Carnival’s Cheers! wins with its low price, flexible rules, and port-day validity.
• For Premium Drink Lovers: Norwegian’s Premium Plus includes higher-end drinks at no extra cost (though it’s pricier).
• For Non-Drinkers: Skip the package and use happy hours, free events, or bring your own wine.

Remember, the cheapest package isn’t always the best value. Factor in your drinking habits, cabinmates, and itinerary. With smart planning—early booking, loyalty perks, and onboard deals—you can enjoy your favorite drinks without breaking the bank. So next time you set sail, raise a glass (responsibly) to a vacation that’s as affordable as it is unforgettable. Cheers! 🍹

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line has the cheapest drink package for budget travelers?

Carnival Cruise Line often offers the most affordable drink packages, with their “Bottomless Bubbles” soda package starting under $10/day and alcoholic options like the “Cheers!” package priced competitively. Keep an eye on pre-cruise discounts for even better deals.

Are there cruise lines with all-inclusive drink packages included in the fare?

Yes! Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Virgin Voyages include select drink packages in their base fares during promotions, offering significant savings. These often cover basic cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options.

How do I find the cheapest drink package for my cruise without overspending?

Compare daily rates, inclusions (e.g., gratuities, premium drinks), and restrictions. Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” and Carnival’s “Cheers!” are often the cheapest for full-alcohol access, but check for seasonal discounts or loyalty perks.

Do any cruise lines offer free drink packages as a booking perk?

Yes, many lines like Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises frequently run “free drink package” promotions when booking a suite or during special sales. These can match the value of the cheapest drink packages if timed right.

Which budget cruise line has the cheapest drink package for families?

MSC Cruises stands out with family-friendly pricing, offering discounted drink packages for teens and free soda for kids. Their “Easy Plus” package is often the cheapest for families wanting both alcohol and non-alcohol options.

Are there hidden costs with the cheapest drink packages on cruises?

Some lines add 15–18% gratuity automatically or exclude premium brands. Always check the fine print—Carnival’s “Cheers!” and NCL’s “Premium Plus” disclose fees upfront, making them transparent choices for the cheapest drink package seekers.