Are cruise drink packages worth it? This clear, honest guide explains what’s included, what’s not, and when a drink package actually makes sense.
Cruise drink packages are one of the most debated add‑ons at sea.
Some travellers swear by them, others insist they’re a waste of money, and many first‑timers simply don’t know what’s included, what’s not, or how to decide. And because drink package prices change every year — and vary wildly between cruise lines — the real question isn’t how much they cost, but whether they make sense for your style of cruising.
This guide breaks down the truth in a simple, practical way. No complicated math, no outdated price lists — just clear answers to the questions people actually ask before they book.
Cruise Drink Package Overview
This table shows the major cruise lines and whether drinks are included or sold separately.
Please check the website of a specific cruise line or ask your travel agent for more detailed and updated info before you book.
For an independent cruise drink package guide, Cruise Critic has a solid breakdown you can check out.
| Cruise Line | Drinks Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | No | Drink packages always extra |
| Norwegian (NCL) | No | “Free at Sea” only covers limited drinks if you pay the service fee |
| Carnival | No | À la carte or drink package |
| Princess | No | Packages optional |
| Holland America | No | Packages optional |
| Disney Cruise Line | No | Cocktails, wine, beer all extra |
| MSC Cruises | No (except tiers) | Included only in Aurea or Yacht Club |
| Celebrity Cruises | No (except bundles) | Included only with All Included promos |
| Azamara | Partially | Basic drinks included; premium packages extra |
| Oceania Cruises | Partially | Soft drinks included; alcohol packages extra |
| Virgin Voyages | Partially | No drink package; many basics included, alcohol extra |
| Margaritaville at Sea | Partially | Some drinks included; not fully all‑inclusive |
| Hurtigruten | Partially | Coffee/tea included; alcohol extra |
| Ponant | Often | Varies by sailing; not ultra‑luxury category |
Q&A: The Most Common Questions About Cruise Drink Packages
1. What exactly is a cruise drink package?
A drink package is a prepaid bundle that lets you order drinks onboard without paying for each one individually. Depending on the package type, this can include:
- alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, spirits)
- non‑alcoholic drinks (mocktails, sodas, juices)
- specialty coffees
- bottled water
- smoothies or fresh juices
Most cruise lines offer several tiers — from soft‑drink‑only packages to premium alcohol packages.
2. Are cruise drink packages worth it?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on:
- how many drinks you realistically have per day
- whether you enjoy cocktails or prefer simple wine/beer
- how many sea days your itinerary has
- whether you want the convenience of not thinking about the bill
- whether you also drink specialty coffees, bottled water, or mocktails
A drink package is usually worth it if you enjoy several drinks a day and want a carefree, all‑inclusive feeling. It’s usually not worth it if you’re a light drinker or have many long port days.
3. How do I know if I’ll “break even”?
You don’t need exact prices to understand the logic.
Most travellers break even when they drink:
- several alcoholic drinks per day or
- a mix of alcoholic drinks + specialty coffees + bottled water
If you only drink one or two alcoholic drinks per day, you’ll rarely get your money’s worth.
4. What’s included in most drink packages?
While every cruise line is different, most packages include:
- beer, wine, and cocktails up to a certain price limit
- mocktails and soft drinks
- specialty coffees (sometimes only in higher‑tier packages)
- bottled water (still or sparkling)
- juices and smoothies
Some packages also include drinks at private islands or beach clubs, but not all.
5. What’s not included?
This is where people get caught out. Common exclusions include:
- premium spirits or top‑shelf cocktails
- high‑end wines by the glass
- bottles of wine
- minibar items
- room‑service drinks
- souvenir cups or novelty drinks
- certain specialty venues
Even with a package, you may still pay extra for premium items.
6. Do all adults in the same cabin have to buy the drink package?
On many cruise lines, yes.
This rule exists to prevent sharing. If one adult buys a package, the cruise line may require all adults in the cabin to purchase the same one.
This is one of the biggest “hidden rules” people don’t realise until checkout.
No.
Cruise lines monitor this closely. Sharing is against the rules, and staff are trained to spot it.
8. Do drink packages work on private islands?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Some cruise lines treat their private islands as an extension of the ship, so your package works there. Others treat them like ports, meaning drinks are extra.
Always check the fine print.
9. Do drink packages work in port?
No.
Cruise drink packages always apply onboard only, not in bars or restaurants ashore or in port.
10. Are gratuities included in the drink package price?
Some cruise lines add gratuities on top of the package price, some do not.
This can be a surprise for first‑timers. Even if the package is “$X per day,” the final amount may be higher once service charges are added.
For more context on how drinks work in real life, you can check our most recent Holland America Line review.
11. Are drink packages cheaper if I buy them before the cruise?
Most of the time, yes.
Cruise lines often offer pre‑cruise discounts, and onboard prices are rarely lower. If you know you want a package, buying it before sailing is usually the best deal.
12. Is a drink package worth it on a port‑heavy itinerary?
Usually not.
If you’re off the ship all day exploring, hiking, or doing excursions, you simply won’t drink enough onboard to justify the package.
Mediterranean cruises, Norwegian fjords, and island‑hopping itineraries often fall into this category.
13. Is a drink package worth it on a sea‑day‑heavy itinerary?
Often yes.
Sea days mean more time by the pool, more leisurely lunches, more coffees, more cocktails — and more opportunities to use the package.
Transatlantic crossings, Caribbean itineraries, and repositioning cruises are classic examples.
14. What if I only drink wine at dinner?
Then a drink package is rarely worth it.
If you typically have one or two glasses of wine per evening, paying per drink is usually cheaper.
15. What about non‑alcoholic drink packages?
These can be excellent value if you enjoy:
- specialty coffees
- bottled water
- mocktails
- fresh juices
- sodas
Families often find these packages worthwhile, especially with teenagers who love mocktails and smoothies.
16. Can I upgrade my drink package once onboard?
Yes — most cruise lines allow upgrades.
If you start with a basic package and realise you want premium cocktails or specialty coffees, you can usually pay the difference.
17. What’s the biggest mistake people make with drink packages?
Buying one “just in case.”
If you’re unsure, it’s better to pay per drink on day one and see how much you actually consume. You can often buy the package later if it makes sense.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Cruise Drink Package?
So are cruise drink packages worth it?
The key is to be honest about your drinking habits and your itinerary. If you love cocktails, specialty coffees, and the feeling of not thinking about the bill, a package can make your cruise feel more relaxed and all‑inclusive. If you’re a light drinker or have many long port days, paying as you go is usually the smarter choice.
Either way, check the rules of the cruise line you are traveling with, to understand the inclusions and fine print to help you make the right decision for your style of travel.