A drink package can be the ultimate cruise perk—or an expensive regret if you’re not careful. The most common mistake is not fully understanding what your cruise beverage package includes. You could pay too much for individual drinks and get a whopping bill. Or fail to use the number of drinks per day and waste money on an expensive premium package.
Are you planning a cruise soon? If so, you probably dream of lazy days at the pool, cocktail in hand, letting your cares and worries slip away. How can you maximize your cruise experience and avoid the worst drink package mistakes? This article has you covered.
I will share my experience of costly blunders from my first cruise. I’ve also scoured dozens of cruise blogs, websites, and forum discussions to learn from other experienced cruisers. By the end of the article, you should know the best drink package for your cruise.
What is a Cruise Line Drink Package?
Some novice travelers believe the myth that cruises are all-inclusive. However, you must pay extra for some drinks. Cruise lines offer the chance to buy beverage packages in advance. For a flat prepaid fee, you can order as many drinks as you like, which are included in the package. Basic drinks like water, coffee, tea, and juice are included in your fare, but you can choose to buy other drinks individually or go for a drink package.
The most basic beverage packages may only include sodas and bottled water. Other packages can consist of selected alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees and teas, and energy drinks. Deluxe beverage packages may have top-shelf liquors and spirits, specialty cocktails, and a discount on buying bottles of wine or champagne.
Do You Really Need a Beverage Package?
Now, before you rush to purchase a cruise drink package, think carefully if you need one. I’ve found that comparing drinks packages between cruise lines is confusing. Each line has varying tiers of drinks included in the package. So, it’s vital to calculate the cost of buying drinks individually compared to what the all-inclusive package offers.
Here are some questions to consider to determine if a drink package is for you:
- How much do I plan to drink onboard?
- Do I want to worry about the cost of each drink or enjoy a carefree cruise?
- Does the package include cocktails, premium spirits, or just house brands?
- Are there restrictions on drink types, venues, or brands?
- Are gratuities included in the price?
It’s important to remember that cruise drink packages are non-transferable and can only be used by the person who purchased them. Therefore, you cannot share the drink package benefits with your partner, traveling companions, or other cruise guests.
Advantages of a Drink Package on a Cruise
The biggest advantage I’ve found in buying a cruise drink package is convenience. One of my mistakes as a newbie cruiser was not realizing how much I’d save. It lets me enjoy cocktails and drinks I’d usually skip. As a top tip, I’d recommend avoiding buying one if you’re planning several shore excursions—otherwise, you may not get the benefits.
Understanding Drink Packages on Your Cruise
Understanding what each drink package includes is key to avoiding the biggest mistakes on a cruise. Typically, cruise beverage packages fall into the following categories:
- Soda packages with unlimited refills, including popular brands.
- Nonalcoholic beverage packages usually include sodas, specialty teas and coffees, bottled water, and zero-proof cocktails.
- Basic alcoholic drink packages have a selection of beers, wines, certain cocktails, and lower-end spirits.
- Deluxe beverage packages usually include a wider selection of alcoholic drinks, including high-end spirits.
- Specialty drink packages have a more diverse range of branded drinks. You may find craft beers, Starbucks coffee, and premium wines.
14 Big Drink Package Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next Cruise
I’ve compiled a list of the top 14 mistakes to avoid when booking your next cruise vacation. I hope the list helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and frustration and maximizes the cruise experience.
Not calculating if the drink package will save you money
Don’t rush into buying a beverage package without considering whether it’s worth the price. Getting the all-inclusive drinks package on a first cruise can be tempting. But if you’re not a heavy drinker, the amount you consume may not justify the cost. Sometimes, paying for individual drinks is more cost-effective than the all-inclusive alcohol drink package.
One experienced cruiser advised about determining if a drink package is worth it. They advised first-time cruisers to buy drinks individually. After the vacation, calculate whether or not you would have saved money. This strategy can help you decide what to do for your next cruise.
However, if you don’t want to risk paying too much, calculate how many drinks you’re likely to consume per day. Then, compare it to the daily price of the package. Also, remember to factor in specialty coffees and gratuities. Then determining the most cost-effective way to enjoy your cruise should be easy.
Underestimating your drinking habits on vacation
People tend to underestimate how much more they drink on vacation. And in a cruise ship’s laid-back, party atmosphere and under the hot sun, the temptation to consume more alcohol is greater. Poolside lounging, evening entertainment, wine with dinner, and a final drink before bed can all add up. Not to mention specialty coffees, bottled water, and sodas.
My advice is to realistically estimate all the scenarios on your cruise where you’re likely to drink. And remember, we’re talking about coffees, sodas, smoothies, and other nonalcoholic beverages. This strategy should help you avoid a shocking bill at the end of your voyage.
Waiting until you’re on board to buy your cruise line drink package
It’s a common mistake to wait until you’re onboard to purchase the beverage package, as you can save between 10% and 40% on pre-cruise sales packages. Therefore, setting up notifications for deals on cruise add-ons makes sense. Otherwise, you may end up paying significantly more on board.
Buying a beverage package before boarding can help you budget for your trip. At the same time, you can check out pre-cruise deals on WiFi packages, spa treatments, and specialty dining options.
Failing to understand how beverage packages work
Before purchasing a cruise ship drink package, don’t make the mistake of ignoring the fine print. Apart from the most expensive all-inclusive drinks packages, your package will have varying exclusions, limits, and restrictions. Some packages only cover standard drinks, while others may include premium spirits, wine, or specialty coffees.
It’s also worth remembering that cruise ships don’t serve “free” beverages. Cruise lines are in business to make money, not to offer savings to passengers. Therefore, you will pay for drinks one way or another.
Not ordering the nonalcoholic beverages included in the package
Don’t make the common error of forgetting to get the nonalcoholic drinks included in the basic or deluxe package. Missing out on freshly squeezed fruit juice, or specialty coffees would be a shame. Many packages also include premium sparkling water like Pellegrino, which makes a nice change from standard bottled water.
Other nonalcoholic drinks can include milkshakes, smoothies, iced coffees, and mocktails.
Not stocking your cabin with water bottles
One of the best tips I got about buying a drinks package was to grab a bottle or two of water from the bar. Many cruisers make the oversight of not stocking their minibar with bottles of water. I’ve found these useful if I get thirsty at night or to pack in my backpack on shore days.
Not considering the time spent off the ship
A typical miscalculation I’ve made with drinks packages is forgetting days ashore. I’ve discovered that they are most cost-effective when I spend several days at sea or stay on board during port days. So, if you plan on disembarking at every port of call, you are less likely to use the drink package, making it less worthwhile. This is one of the strongest reasons not to buy the drink package on your next cruise.
Remember: Beverage packages generally don’t cover drinks bought on shore excursions.
Tipping when you don’t need to
Cruise line gratuities can be a contentious issue on ships, so it’s no surprise that tipping for prepaid drinks can be confusing. However, gratuities for drink packages are generally included in the package price or automatically added when you purchase the package. This means you don’t have to worry about tipping for each drink you order—it’s all taken care of upfront.
Of course, you can tip the bartender for excellent service. But you don’t have to tip for every drink. So, unless you feel strongly about giving a little more for exceptional service, you can relax knowing that the tipping is already covered.
Assuming your drink package covers private islands
Don’t miscalculate the cost-effectiveness of a beverage package by forgetting to check if it covers private islands. You could end up with an unexpected whopping bill if you don’t examine the fine print about time on shore. On some islands, like Half Moon Cay, you must pay for drinks separately or buy an island drinks package.
After doing some research, I found that drinks package benefits apply to private islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean), Princess Cays (Princess Cruises), and Ocean Cay (MSC Cruise Line).
Failing to read the terms and conditions of the drinks package
One of the biggest cruise mistakes when buying a beverage package is ignoring the terms and conditions. If you are caught breaking these, the cruise line may revoke your drink package benefits—leaving you out of pocket and paying for individual drinks.
What are some of the standard T&Cs to know about? Here is what I’ve discovered from cruise discussion boards:
- Minimum purchase requirements: All adults in a single cabin must have the same drinks package.
- No sharing allowed
- Age restrictions: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase alcoholic drinks on some cruise lines.
- Activation times: On some cruises, you must wait until the ship leaves port on the first day to order the drinks.
- ID requirements: Depending on your age, you may need to show a photo ID every time you order an alcoholic drink.
- Consuming your own alcohol: Most cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard, but spirits, beer, and other alcohol are usually not permitted. Even if you bring wine or champagne, you’re often restricted to drinking it in your cabin unless you pay a corkage fee. Any alcohol bought in duty-free shops or at ports will be held by the cruise line and returned at the end of the cruise, so you can’t consume it during the cruise.
Not trying signature cocktails at specialty restaurants
Although you may have a favorite tipple, don’t forget to try new drinks and signature cocktails. Most cruise ships have expert bartenders who can create the perfect cocktail. They may tailor-mix the cocktail to your requirements or your meal. So, I recommend checking your drinks package and discovering exciting ways to enjoy your cruise.
Not realizing you may be able to bring drinks onboard
Many cruisers mistakenly think that you cannot bring any alcohol on board. But some cruise lines allow you to bring a limited number of beverages. However, you must check the cruise terms and conditions.
Here’s what I’ve been able to discover about bringing alcohol on board on some of the most popular cruise lines:
- Carnival Cruise Line: One bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on. You must be 21 years old and older.
- Celebrity Cruises: Bring two bottles of wine or champagne per cabin on embarkation day. Beer and spirits are not permitted.
- Disney Cruise Line: Two bottles of wine or champagne or six beers per adult on embarkation and every port of call.
- Royal Caribbean: One bottle of wine or champagne per passenger is allowed in carry-on.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Passengers can bring unlimited wine and champagne on board. However, a corkage fee applies to every bottle, regardless of where you consume it. No beer, spirits, or boxed wine.
- MSC Cruises: No own-bought alcohol can be brought on board. Alcohol bought at ports or duty-free will be stored until the end of the cruise.
- Holland America Line: No restrictions to a reasonable amount of wine or champagne brought onboard. Corkage fees apply to all your own alcohol consumed, even if it’s in your cabin.
It’s vital to note that a corkage fee between $15 and $30 applies to drink your own bottle of wine in dining venues. Also, wine and champagne bottles are restricted to standard 750 ml sizes. Additionally, any alcohol bought in duty-free stores or on shore excursions is kept until the final day of the cruise.
Failing to understand limits on quantity and price
New cruisers commonly make the mistake of thinking a drink package means unlimited drinks without any restrictions. However, these packages come with certain limits. For example, the package may only cover drinks up to $12 to $15, and anything more expensive will be charged to your bill. Additionally, some cruise lines, like Carnival with their Cheers! package, cap the number of alcoholic drinks to 15 per 24-hour period. It’s important to be aware of these limits to avoid any surprises on your bill.
Overindulging to maximize your drink package instead of enjoying it wisely
Remember to avoid the blunder of thinking that a drinks package limit is a challenge. Some cruisers overindulge in alcohol to get their “money’s worth” and maximize the package. However, excessive drinking typically leaves you feeling tired, unwell, and sluggish. Even worse, you may miss out on a highly-anticipated shore excursion if you’ve got a hangover.
The best advice is to enjoy drinking responsibly. Use the package to savor new cocktails, relax at the pool, and enjoy evening entertainment. But don’t forget the wisdom of balancing alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic ones. Pace yourself to enjoy a memorable cruise experience.
Remember to check out “healthier” drinks like smoothies, freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juices, or other non-alcoholic drinks.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Cruise Line Drink Package
Whether purchasing a drinks package on a cruise is worth it depends on several factors. For example, I rarely buy a package if I plan to spend several days ashore. In other cases, a beverage package has saved me money when I’ve spent longer at sea.
Here are some of the pros and cons of a cruise ship beverage package:
Pros:
- The convenience of not worrying about individual drink prices
- Potential cost savings if you drink frequently
- Access to a wide variety of drinks
- Possibility to try new beverages that might otherwise be expensive
Cons:
- High upfront costs, and you may not utilize the package
- Not all premium spirits, wines, and champagnes are included
- Not valid on shore excursions and some private islands
- It may encourage the overconsumption of alcohol
- It’s a costly cruise add-on if only one cabin guest drinks
How Much Do Cruise Line Drinks Packages Cost?
The cost of drink packages on cruise ships varies from line to line, including the types of drinks. The cheapest packages are soda packages costing between $10 and $20 per person per day. More expensive alcohol drink packages range between $65 and $150 per pay. Also, some cruise lines only show package prices once you are in the booking process.
Conclusion
By avoiding common drink package mistakes, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise without breaking the bank. Always compare your projected spend with the cost of the package. Additionally, consider the number of shore days, the terms of the package, and what is included in the price. This way, you can enjoy your favorite drinks while maximizing the cruise experience. Here’s “cheers” to a great cruise. For a deeper dive into this topic, make sure to check out my article on why you should not buy the drink package on your next cruise.
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