Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It in 2027?
Quick answer: A drink package is usually worth it if you will have about six or more paid drinks a day, every day, including sodas and specialty coffees. If you have a couple of cocktails at dinner and a few by the pool, paying as you go is usually cheaper.
Drink packages are the most debated add-on in cruising. Some guests swear by them, others feel they wasted hundreds of dollars. Here is how to figure out which camp you are in.
What is free on a cruise?
Before you buy anything, know what is already included: water, iced tea, lemonade, basic juice at breakfast, and regular drip coffee and hot tea. Soda, specialty coffee, bottled water, beer, wine and cocktails cost extra.
Typical drink package prices
Prices are per person, per day, before the automatic service charge. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess use dynamic pricing, so your price depends on the ship and sailing.
Cruise line | Main alcohol package | Typical price per day | Service charge and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Carnival | CHEERS! | $69.95 | 20% (about $84 total); 15 alcoholic drinks per day limit |
Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | About $72 to $109 | 18%; often on sale before you sail |
Norwegian | Unlimited Open Bar | $109 | 20%; often bundled through Free at Sea promos |
Princess | Princess Plus (bundle) | Varies | Included; bundle also covers Wi-Fi and gratuities |
MSC | Premium Extra | About $80 to $95 | Varies; frequent discounts |
On most lines, if one adult in the cabin buys an alcohol package, every adult in that cabin must buy it too.
The break-even math
Divide the daily package cost (with the service charge) by your average drink price.
Carnival CHEERS! About $84 per day ÷ $12 per drink = 7 drinks a day to break even.
Royal Caribbean Deluxe at about $85 per day with gratuity ÷ $13 = about 6.5 drinks a day.
Norwegian Unlimited Open Bar at about $131 per day with gratuity ÷ $13 = about 10 drinks a day, which is why most Norwegian guests get it through a promotion instead.
Remember to count everything: a morning latte, a bottle of water for port day, a soda at lunch and wine at dinner all add up.
A drink package is probably worth it if you
Enjoy several cocktails or beers by the pool on sea days
Drink specialty coffee every morning and wine with dinner
Like the freedom of not watching your bill
Can get the package free or discounted through a promotion
Skip the package if you
Have one or two drinks a day
Spend long port days off the ship
Are on a short cruise with a lot of port stops
Are traveling with someone who barely drinks, since both adults usually must buy
Money-saving tips
Buy before you sail. Packages are usually cheaper online before the cruise than onboard.
Watch for sales. Royal Caribbean frequently discounts its packages, especially during wave season.
Look at non-alcohol packages for kids. Soda and refreshment packages cost much less and keep kids happy.
Ask your advisor about promos. Some fares include a drink package, which can be worth far more than a lower price.
Frequently asked questions
Do drink packages include gratuities? Usually not. Most lines add an 18% to 20% service charge on top of the package price. Princess Plus is an exception, since the bundle includes gratuities.
Can I share a drink package? No. Packages are for one person, and sharing can get the package canceled.
Is there a drink limit? Carnival CHEERS! limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. Most packages also cap the price per drink.
Are drinks included on a Disney cruise? Soda is included on Disney, but alcohol is not, and Disney does not sell an alcohol package.
Not sure if a drink package makes sense for your trip? I'll run the numbers for your group and look for sailings that include drinks as a perk. Get your free quote or call or text (618) 772-9206.
Glenn Sunnquist
Owner, SIX18 Travel LLC
Certified Travel Advisor
CLIA Member
Cruise & Resort Vacation Specialist
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