Cruise Drink Packages – Should You Buy It?

Cruise drink packages come in different varieties on different cruise lines.  Here is the breakdown for the big 3.

Royal Caribbean Deluxe Package – Ranges from $63 – $70/PP (per person per day, gratuity included) depending on the ship and sailings.  It features unlimited beers, wine by the glass, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, premium coffee, tea, fountain soda, fresh squeezed juices, sparking and bottled still water.  You can potentially save some money on it by purchasing it prior to your sailing.

Carnival Cheers Package – $51.95/PP if purchased in advance, and $56.95/PP, if purchased once on-board (plus a 15 percent gratuity). The package allows cruisers to select from mixed drinks, beer (including Carnival’s own line of specialty craft beer), wine and spirits valued at $50 or less each, up to a 15-drink maximum per day.

Norwegian Corks and Caps Package costs $65/PP (plus 20 percent gratuity), and includes a selection of fountain soda and juices, beer (draft and bottles) and wines by the glass ($15 or less). A 20 percent discount applies toward the purchase of any bottle of wine.  They also have two other premium packages which are a bit pricey to consider for most cruises.

The key questions to consider are: Will it cost you more money Or Will it say you money?  So is it really worth it?

Average drink prices on most cruise ships after tax come out to the following, so you decide if you will be drinking at least the minimum amount to break even!

Beer – $8 (~7 Beers Daily)

Wine – $12 (~5 Wine Glasses Daily)

Cocktails – $12 (~5 Cocktails Daily)

Bottled Water – $4 (Throw in a few waters with all of the drinking ;))

Coffee – $5 (And a couple of coffee drinks)

Pros:

1. Its really convenient!
2. You know your bill ahead of time and don’t have to calculate the amount of money you are spending on drinks on your vacation!
3. Sometimes you can get it at a discounted price during special sales, so always keep a look out!
4. You get to try out variety of the different bars and drinks on the cruise ship
5. Sodas, specialty coffee drinks, juices and bottled water is included
6. If you are a big drinker, its a no-brainer!

Cons:

1. Every passenger over 21+ has to buy one even if they don’t drink much or at all
2. Exclusions apply – Room Service, Mini Bars, Starbucks etc.
3. Definitely not a good idea if you are a light drinker
4. You can’t get wine by the bottle
5. You are obligated to drink everyday of your cruise to get the most bang from your buck!
6. Drinks packages can potentially encourage binge drinking and bad behavior!