Cruise Drink Package?
Get the drink package on your next cruise, or skip it? It’s the million dollar question!
We’re here to lay out all the details to help you decide if the beverage package is right for you on your next ocean cruise.
What is a Drink/Beverage Package?
A drink or beverage package allows you to pay one flat price (usually priced per day, per person) for all you can drink for the entirety of your cruise. Generally speaking, there are tow main types of drink packages: non-alcoholic and alcoholic.
Non-alcoholic packages include things like soda, bottled water, specialty juices and coffees, and sometimes milk-shakes, etc.
The alcoholic variety obviously includes alcohol plus everything that the non-alcoholic packages include. Usually you’ll see beer, wine, and specialty cocktails included in the adult beverage packages. Be aware that bottles of wine and some top shelf items may not be included, or may be available at an additional charge (lesser than if you didn’t have the drink package). Some alcoholic drink packages are unlimited, while other enforce a limit of up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
Typically, all beverage packages are cheaper when you purchase them pre-cruise. If you think you will end up purchasing a drink package anyway, I would definitely do it before you get on the ship! The cruise lines will be happy to sell you beverage packages once you’re onboard (usually during the first couple days of your cruise) , for an upcharge. But just know, the packages won’t work retroactively to cover any drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) that you have already enjoyed.
Each cruise line has it’s own nuances when it comes to drink packages. Be sure to check the fine print for your cruise line to learn all the specific details.
Do All Cruise Lines Offer Beverage Packages?
Yes, for the most part. All the major players in the ocean cruise industry have some form of beverage packages. Many even have bundles where beverage packages are paired with specialty dining, excursion credits, internet, etc. A couple examples of these bundles are Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea, and Princess’s Princess Plus and Princess Premier.
There is one major outlier when we are talking about drink packages. And that is Virgin Voyages. They have something called the Bar Tab. This is basically just a prepaid amount that you can use however you like while onboard. You can order multiple drinks at one time, and even buy one for a partner or friend. Typically, Bar Tab credits can be added in increments of $300. However that can change. Additionally, Virgin Voyages will sometimes run specials that include free Bar Tab credit with your booking.
Why You SHOULD Purchase the Drink Package
Here are few reasons why a drink package might be right for you:
It helps you budget. You will know exactly how much your drink bill will be before you even get onboard. They even add on gratuities automatically when you purchase a drink package. This help immensely when you’re planning and trying to stretch your vacation dollars.
You can be adventurous and try new things. You might just find your new favorite cocktail! But if you don’t care for it, no big deal. Discard that drink and order up a new one.
You know you will be drinking a lot! Wine, beer, cocktails, sodas, and/or coffee, if you plan on having a drink in your hand throughout the day, the beverage package is a perfect fit for you!
Why You Should NOT Purchase the Drink Package
Here are some reasons that signal that a beverage package might not be a good idea for you:
The house always wins. Cruise lines wouldn’t offer the drink packages unless they were making money on them.
If you’ll be tempted to over-consume. I get it, you’re competitive. And you think you can beat the house. You have to get your money’s worth, after all. This will likely leave you feeling crummy on your vacation, if you overindulge too many days in a row. Moderation is always a good rule!
Beverage packages can’t be shared. Furthermore, if one person in the stateroom gets a drink package, everyone in the cabin MUST also purchase it. There’s really no other way for them to enforce the no sharing policy. This can get tough if you’re in a cabin with someone who drinks much more or less than you. Or if you’re in a cabin with several people. The cost can add up quickly for a family!
Remember, there are port days. If you purchase a beverage package, you are still paying for it while you’re at port. Like I mentioned previously, most drink packages are priced per person, per day.
Should You Purchase a Beverage Package?
Ultimately that is up to you. You are the only person that knows how much and what you drink. If your go to is a frozen concoction, the drink package may be great!
Here’s another resource to help you decide if the drink package is right for you. This Drink Calculator has estimated beverage package pricing plus gratuities. It also show typical cruise line drink pricing to help you determine your break even point.
No matter what you decide, here’s our number one tip. Bring your own straw! Cruise lines love to be eco-friendly and no longer serve plastic straw.
Ready to start planning your embarkation toast by getting your next cruise on the books? Schedule your Complimentary Consultation!
