Planning a cruise vacation is exciting, but navigating the complexities of onboard costs can be a little overwhelming. One common question many prospective cruisers have is about alcoholic beverages. Do you have to pay extra for every drink? This post answers your questions about which cruise lines include alcohol in their packages, and helps you plan your cruise budget accordingly. We’ll break down the different pricing models, helping you choose the perfect cruise that fits your drinking preferences and budget.
Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Alcohol Packages
Several cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that include alcoholic beverages. This means that most alcoholic drinks are included in your upfront fare, saving you money and the hassle of constantly calculating drink costs. This section details some popular choices and the specifics of their drink packages.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival often offers drink packages as add-ons, rather than including them in the base fare. However, their pricing is competitive, and various packages cater to different drinking habits.
- Cheapest Choice: Carnival’s “Cheers!” package often covers beer, wine, and cocktails. It usually offers a good value for frequent drinkers, but the price increases depending on the length of the cruise.
- Variety Package: They sometimes offer a more premium package for those who prefer higher-quality brands or specialty cocktails. This increases the cost but provides access to a wider selection.
- Per-Drink: Of course, you can always choose to purchase drinks individually at the bars, but the package prices often prove more economical if you are consuming alcohol frequently during your cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
NCL also offers beverage packages as add-ons. Their “Premium Beverage Package” is a popular option.
- Premium Package: This typically includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s worth checking the terms as some high-end spirits or limited-edition beverages may have additional charges. Consider how often you consume alcohol to figure out if this investment is valuable for your situation.
- Unlimited Drinks: The package is essentially unlimited, but there are still some restrictions which may impact the value you receive compared to paying for drinks individually.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean often has a similar approach to NCL and Carnival, offering drink packages rather than automatically including alcohol in the price.
- Deluxe Beverage Package: Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package frequently covers many alcoholic drinks but may not cover every single item. Check the detailed inclusion list before purchasing.
- Additional Costs: Remember to check for additional costs, such as gratuities on drink purchases, which are often added separately.
Cruise Lines with Limited or No Included Alcohol
Many cruise lines do not include alcohol in their base fare. This means you will pay for each drink separately. While this may seem expensive, it can work out to be cheaper for light drinkers. This section discusses cruise lines that generally follow this model.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line’s pricing tends to focus more on the family-friendly experience, and alcoholic beverages are purchased separately. Their offerings will cover your needs but expect to pay for your drinks in full.
- Family Focus: The overall atmosphere is designed for families, so while alcohol is available, it’s not a central focus.
- Separate Cost: Expect that purchasing alcohol will be an extra expense not bundled with your main cruise package.
Princess Cruises
Similar to several other lines, Princess Cruises typically presents beverage packages as an add-on to the base fare, rather than including alcohol within the standard price.
- Beverage Package Options: The available packages offer various tiers, catering to different consumption levels and budgets.
- Detailed Information: Always examine the detailed descriptions of any package you consider, confirming which drinks are included and which might have additional charges.
Factors Affecting Alcohol Prices on Cruises
The cost of alcoholic beverages on cruises isn’t solely determined by whether the cruise line includes them in the base fare. Several other factors significantly influence the price you’ll pay.
Type of Drink
The type of alcoholic beverage significantly impacts its cost. A simple beer will generally be cheaper than a premium cocktail, and a glass of house wine will typically be cheaper than a bottle of imported wine. Expect a wide range of price points within the alcoholic beverage menu.
- Domestic vs. Imported: Domestic liquors are typically less expensive than imported ones.
- Brand Recognition: Well-known brands usually command higher prices than lesser-known brands.
- Complexity: More complex cocktails, those requiring multiple ingredients or specific techniques, may have higher prices.
Location on the Ship
The location of the bar or lounge where you purchase your drinks can also influence the price. Bars in more exclusive areas of the ship might charge more for the same drink than a more casual setting. Be aware of price differences in more upscale locations on the ship.
Time of Year and Demand
Seasonal fluctuations and demand can impact drink prices. During peak seasons or popular events, prices might slightly increase.
Common Myths About Cruise Ship Alcohol
Myth 1: All-inclusive cruises automatically include unlimited premium alcohol.
This is often false. While many all-inclusive packages include alcoholic beverages, the definition of “all-inclusive” varies between cruise lines. It rarely covers every single possible drink, and often excludes high-end brands or very niche options. Read the fine print!
Myth 2: Buying drinks individually is always cheaper than a beverage package.
This is untrue for heavier drinkers. While it can be true for light to moderate drinkers who might only have a couple of drinks over the whole cruise, the package deals will be much better value if you plan to drink regularly.
Myth 3: Gratuities are always included in the price of drinks.
It is important to check, as many cruise lines add gratuities separately to drink bills. Even if a drink package is included, gratuities could be an added cost on top of that package.
Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Drinking Habits
Consider your drinking habits when choosing a cruise. If you’re a heavy drinker, an all-inclusive option or a drink package is almost always more cost-effective. For light drinkers, purchasing drinks individually could prove more economical. Insert a comparison chart here showing the estimated cost of a week-long cruise for light, moderate and heavy drinkers under different scenarios (all-inclusive vs. a la carte).
FAQ
What is a beverage package?
A beverage package is a pre-purchased plan that provides access to a selection of alcoholic and sometimes non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed price throughout your cruise. It can be a more economical option if you plan on consuming several drinks during your trip.
Are there any restrictions on beverage packages?
Yes, most beverage packages have restrictions. These may include exclusions of specific brands, limitations on certain drinks (like super-premium spirits), and restrictions on the time and place you can use the package. Always review the terms and conditions before purchasing.
Can I change my beverage package during the cruise?
Changing your beverage package during the cruise is usually possible, but policies vary between cruise lines. Contact the cruise line’s customer service or guest services onboard for more information on the process and any potential fees involved.
What if I only want to drink wine?
Several lines offer wine-specific packages. Alternatively, you can usually order wine by the glass or bottle a la carte.
How much does alcohol cost on a cruise without a package?
Prices vary dramatically by drink type and location on the ship. Expect to pay at least $8-$12 USD for cocktails and $6-$10 USD for beer and wine.
Are there any non-alcoholic options included in beverage packages?
Some, but not all, beverage packages include non-alcoholic options. It is crucial to review the specific package details before purchase. Many packages include soft drinks, juices and other non-alcoholic beverages.
What should I do if I have any issues with my drink package?
Contact the guest services desk on the ship immediately. Explain your situation and they should be able to help resolve any issue you have.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a cruise that fits your budget and drinking preferences requires careful consideration. Understanding which cruise lines include alcohol, either as part of their packages or a la carte, is crucial for planning. By carefully evaluating your drinking habits, researching different cruise lines, and understanding the various pricing models, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise vacation, without any surprises in your final bill. Remember to read the fine print before purchasing any beverage package to avoid any potential disappointment.