Planning a cruise vacation often involves considering the cost of drinks. Many cruisers wonder if they’ll constantly be reaching for their wallets or if a cruise line conveniently includes alcohol. This post will help you navigate the world of cruise line drink packages, clarifying which lines include alcohol and the specifics of their offerings. You’ll learn about various drink packages, pricing, and policies, enabling you to make an informed decision that fits your budget and preferences when choosing a cruise and selecting a which cruise line includes alcohol.
Cruise Lines with Inclusive Alcohol Packages
Several cruise lines offer drink packages that include alcoholic beverages. This section will explore popular options and their pros and cons, helping you decide if an inclusive package is right for you. We’ll examine the specific types of drinks typically covered, any limitations, and the overall value proposition of these packages.
Royal Caribbean International
- Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This package is a comprehensive option covering most drinks, but you’ll need to pay extra for certain premium liquors and wines. Expect to pay a significant upfront fee, but you may save money over individual drink purchases.
- The package often excludes specialty coffees, bottled water, and certain high-end spirits. Always check the fine print before purchasing to avoid surprises. The cost varies based on the length of the cruise and the specific type of package purchased.
Carnival Cruise Line
- Carnival’s “Cheers!” package provides access to a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. It’s generally a more affordable option than some competitors. This package can save you money if you plan on drinking several drinks a day. However, it doesn’t include every drink, such as premium brands.
- The program’s limitations often include premium wines, high-end spirits, and certain specialty drinks. The cost is dependent on the length of the cruise and the specific deal available at the time of booking. Read the full terms and conditions to understand potential restrictions.
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Norwegian offers a “Premium Beverage Package” which includes many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This is often considered a great value if you regularly consume a fair amount of drinks on a cruise. The cost will vary, however, based on your cruise’s length and time of purchase.
- Be mindful of exclusions, which frequently include the most expensive or specialty spirits. Read the package details carefully before purchasing, as rules around specific brands might change. A comparison chart highlighting the various packages offered by this cruise line would be helpful.
Factors Affecting Alcohol Inclusion
The inclusion of alcohol in cruise prices or packages isn’t solely determined by the cruise line itself. This section delves into the various factors that influence what you can and can’t expect to receive when it comes to your cruise drinks. We will explore external factors as well as the overall value proposition of inclusive alcohol packages.
Cruise Length and Package Deals
- Longer cruises usually lead to a slightly higher overall price for drink packages. This is to account for the greater volume of potential drink consumption. Sometimes discounts are offered for booking drink packages at the time of booking your cruise. Check the current deals for better pricing.
- Seasonal variations and promotions can impact drink package pricing. The cruise lines often offer different deals at certain times of year, making it imperative to review current promotional offers. Look for package deals to minimize your expenses and potentially get the best rates for your drinks.
Specific Drinks Included and Excluded
- Most cruise lines exclude premium liquors, specialty cocktails, high-end wines, and certain other beverages. It is important to carefully review the details of your chosen drink package to understand what is included and what might cost you extra. Budget accordingly based on your anticipated drinking preferences.
- Some packages may offer different levels of inclusion, for example, a “basic” package that includes most standard beers, wines, and cocktails, versus a “premium” package that includes additional high-end options. Consider how much you value premium drinks when selecting your package.
Terms and Conditions
- Always read the fine print! Unexpected restrictions or surcharges can significantly impact the package’s overall value. The terms and conditions might vary between different itineraries or cruise durations. Review the details diligently before you commit.
- Understanding the rules on gratuity is crucial. Many cruise lines add gratuity to drink packages, while others don’t. This can impact the overall cost, so remember to factor this in.
Choosing the Right Alcohol Package
This section provides practical advice on selecting the appropriate alcohol package for your needs, taking into account your personal preferences and financial considerations. We’ll discuss strategies for maximizing value and avoiding unexpected costs.
Estimating Your Alcohol Consumption
Before purchasing a drink package, honestly assess how much alcohol you anticipate consuming during your cruise. An overly expensive package would be wasted if you don’t end up using many drinks. Equally, you may end up paying more for individual drinks if you underestimate your consumption.
Comparing Package Prices and Benefits
Carefully compare the offerings from different cruise lines, considering both the included drinks and the overall price. Factor in the possibility of purchasing individual drinks versus buying an inclusive package. A detailed comparison chart of alcohol package prices and inclusions across various cruise lines would be very beneficial here.
Considering Alternatives to Drink Packages
For infrequent drinkers, purchasing individual drinks might prove cheaper than committing to a full drink package. Alternatively, if you plan on only consuming beer, you might discover that purchasing drinks by the bottle or glass offers better value than an all-inclusive package.
Mythbusting: Common Misconceptions About Cruise Line Alcohol Packages
Myth 1: All-inclusive drink packages include everything.
This is false. Many packages exclude premium brands, specialty cocktails, and other high-end beverages. Always check the fine print before making a purchase.
Myth 2: Drink packages automatically save you money.
This isn’t always true. If you don’t plan on consuming many alcoholic drinks, individual purchases might be a better option.
Myth 3: All cruise lines offer comparable drink packages.
Incorrect. The types of alcohol, number of options, and overall costs vary dramatically between cruise lines. It’s critical to compare packages before deciding.
Cruise Lines That Don’t Typically Include Alcohol (But Offer Packages)
While many lines offer comprehensive packages, some lines don’t typically include alcohol in their base fares. Understanding this distinction is crucial to managing your cruise budget effectively. This section will highlight some lines that work with drink packages instead.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line doesn’t include alcohol in its standard fares. However, they have a separate drink package available for purchase. Their focus is more on family-friendly entertainment, so alcoholic beverage options are secondary.
Princess Cruises
Similar to Disney, Princess Cruises doesn’t automatically include alcohol. However, they offer beverage packages that enhance the cruise experience, catering to those who enjoy alcoholic drinks during their vacation.
FAQ
What are the most common types of alcohol included in cruise line packages?
Most packages usually include beer, wine (by the glass), and various cocktails. However, premium liquors and specialty drinks often require extra payment.
Can I share my drink package with another passenger?
Generally, no. Drink packages are usually non-transferable and tied to a specific passenger’s Sail & Sign card. Attempting to share one can lead to extra charges.
What happens if I don’t finish all my drinks before the cruise ends?
Typically, you can’t get a refund for unused drinks. Consider your daily consumption rate before purchasing a package.
Are there age restrictions for purchasing alcohol packages?
Yes, similar to bars and restaurants, you must be of legal drinking age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. The specific age may differ slightly based on the cruise line’s policies and the countries visited.
Can I purchase a drink package after the cruise starts?
While some lines allow this, it often comes at a higher price compared to booking at the time of cruise reservations. It’s best to purchase before the cruise.
What happens if I lose my Sail & Sign card?
You’ll need to immediately report the loss to guest services to prevent unauthorized use of your drink package and other onboard services.
Can I change my drink package once I’ve bought it?
Most cruise lines allow modifications, but there might be fees or limitations. Check with customer support before your cruise if you need to make changes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cruise line and alcohol package requires careful planning and consideration. By understanding which cruise lines offer inclusive alcohol options, reviewing the specific terms and conditions of each package, and estimating your alcohol consumption, you can make an informed decision. Don’t hesitate to contact the cruise line directly with any questions or concerns. Happy cruising!