Cruise drink packages can cost from $60 a day at Carnival to $138 at Norwegian. This shows the big range of prices. It’s key to think about if these packages match what you like to drink. They let you have unlimited drinks, from alcohol to soda, for a set daily price. But, it’s worth checking if you’ll actually drink enough to make it a good deal. Knowing what different cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, offer can help you manage your vacation costs and have more fun.

Key Takeaways

• Cruise drink packages range from $60 to $138 per day, varying by cruise line and package inclusions.
• Carnival’s Cheers! package costs $59.95 per person, per day if booked in advance, making it one of the more affordable options.
• Royal Caribbean’s drink packages can cost up to $89 per day, with dynamic pricing based on ship and itinerary.
• To make the package worthwhile, passengers generally need to consume drinks exceeding the daily package cost.
• Drink packages can offer value for wine and specialty coffee drinkers but may not be cost-effective for beer drinkers.

Many people like cruise drink packages because they help you know your drink spending upfront. It makes budgeting easier. But, the worth of these packages changes for each person. It depends on your drink likes, what the package includes, and how much you will drink. Think it through, and you might have a great time on your cruise.

Introduction to Cruise Drink Packages

Cruise drink packages let travelers enjoy unlimited drinks on their cruise. These plans can include alcohol, specialty coffee, and soda. By getting a package upfront, passengers can drink freely without a big cost surprise.

What Are Cruise Drink Packages?

Cruise drink packages are a way to pay for all the drinks you want in advance. Prices vary, from $60 per day on Carnival to $138 per day on Norwegian Cruise Line. These deals cover different drinks, from alcohol to coffee and soda.

Why Consider a Drink Package?

Drink packages on cruises can save money, especially if you like to have a lot of drinks. They make paying simple and can save you cash, especially on pricier drinks. For example, if you plan to have five wines at $15 each on Carnival, the package is a good deal.

They also include unlimited non-alcoholic drinks for those who prefer them. Some cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America, and MSC Cruises, require everyone in a room to get a package if one person does. Be aware that if you get a free cruise drink package, you’ll likely pay a 15% to 20% tip.

It’s important to think about how much you typically drink when deciding on a package. Also, it helps to consider if you’ll be at sea a lot. People often drink more on sea days, so your itinerary matters too. This thought process ensures the drink package is a value for your money.

The Types of Cruise Drink Packages

Cruise lines offer various drink packages for different tastes. These include alcohol, soda, and coffee packages. Each option varies in price and benefits. It’s important for travelers to compare offerings to make the best choice.

Alcohol Packages

Many cruise travelers like alcohol packages for the wide drink selection. On Carnival, the Cheers! package costs $59.95 per day. Royal Caribbean offers similar plans up to $89 daily. Norwegian Cruise Line’s deals are as high as $138 a day. They usually cover both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Some also include unlimited soft drinks in their offers.

Soda Packages

Plus, there are soda packages for fans of soft drinks. For instance, Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles costs $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults each day. These packages let guests enjoy unlimited sodas. They’re especially useful for families or those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

Specialty Coffee Packages

Then, there’s coffee for those who can’t live without it. Packages range from $10 to $15 daily. They provide access to premium coffees and teas, sometimes from Starbucks. For coffee fans, an cruise coffee packages is a great deal. It offers freedom to enjoy coffee without extra charges.

Looking at cruise drink package pricing and details is crucial. Checking terms helps to make a smart choice. It ensures the package fits your needs and offers good value.

Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

Are cruise drink packages a good buy? It depends on a few things. Think about how much you drink, how long your cruise is, and if you spend more time on the ship or on land. Prices for these packages vary a lot. For example, Carnival Cruise Line charges about $60 a day. But at Norwegian Cruise Line, you might pay up to $138 daily. It’s important to know the cost to see if it’s a good deal for you.

Mixing up fancy cocktails can cost upwards of $15 on certain ships. A glass of wine might be priced similarly. Yet, beer is a bit cheaper, going for around $7 to $7.95 each. At this rate, you’d need to drink over 7 beers a day to save money. For wine lovers, a $10 to $15 glass means you’d need to drink 5 or more each day to beat the cost.

Drink packages often include unlimited coffee and soda. This can be a real bonus for some guests. But there’s a hitch if the package you buy is for the whole cruise, not just a daily deal. You pay the daily rate for every day you’re onboard. And, be wary of snags like not including premium drinks or limits on the cost per drink.

Also, think about if everyone in your cabin needs to buy a package. Sometimes, booking perks offer free drinks, but with a 15% to 20% tip. It’s key to look into these details. Taking the time to consider these points will help you decide if a drink package fits your holiday style.

The Cost of Cruise Drink Plans

Drink packages on cruises range widely in price, from about $60 a day on Carnival to $138 a day on Norwegian. Looking at cruise drink package reviews helps us see what each line offers. Carnival has a Cheers! deal for $59.95, which goes up to $64.95 onboard. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s packages can go up to $89 a day.

Price Ranges by Cruise Line

On Carnival, drinking 7 to 8 beers a day means you’re getting your money’s worth from the Cheers! package. Norwegian’s plan, at $138 daily, includes fancy drinks. Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas offered a $78 deal, which went up to $98 onboard for more expensive drinks.

Factors Influencing Pricing

The cost of drink plans changes based on what they include and extra charges like tips. Some packages have unlimited coffee and sodas. When trying to figure out how much you’ll spend on drinks in total, consider the whole cruise length. The rule where everyone in a cabin buys a package if one person does can add to costs. Even free drink deals might have extra costs, like tip amounts based on the regular package price.

Deciding if a drink package is a good deal is all about how much you drink and what the package includes. By looking at your own drinking habits and comparing them to the package prices, you can make a smart choice. This ensures you get the most out of your money and your cruise experience.

Comparing A La Carte vs. Drink Packages

It can be hard to choose between a la carte drinks and cruise packages. Knowing the cost of individual drinks helps. This way, you can tell if a drink package will save you money.

Day-to-Day Drink Costs

First, look at how much drinks cost without a package. On Royal Caribbean, the deluxe package is $78 a day. This includes all drinks up to $14. But, it costs $98 if you buy it onboard. Deciding if it’s a good deal depends on your daily drink needs.

For those who don’t drink alcohol, the classic soda package is $13 per day. The refreshment package for more drink choices is $20 daily. If you don’t buy a package, think about how many drinks you’ll have each day.

Predicting Your Daily Consumption

Estimating how much you’ll drink each day is key. One reviewer spent $331 on drinks over a week. They saved $215 by not getting the drink package early, and $355 by not buying it on the ship. This shows drink packages might not be for everyone.

Consider your usual drink choices. Carriers like Carnival and Celebrity offer various packages. They range from $65 to $109 a day and include different drinks types. Holland America’s package is $59.99 a day and includes drinks up to $15.

Think about your time on the cruise. If you’ll be off the ship a lot, a package might not be as good a deal. Also, factor in how much you usually drink. This will help you decide if a package is right for you.

Benefits of Cruise Drink Packages

Cruise drink packages are a big hit with travelers. They like the idea of paying upfront for their drinks. This way, they don’t have to worry about costs adding up. Prices for these packages vary between cruise lines. For instance, at Carnival, you could pay as little as $60 a day. At Norwegian, you might pay $138 a day. But no matter the cost, it’s all about having a worry-free trip.

Convenience

The best part is not having to keep tabs on how much you spend on drinks. Imagine enjoying a soda, coffee, or cocktail without the bill shock. You’ve already paid for it up front. This really lets you relax and focus on the fun of your vacation.

Predictable Budgeting

Knowing the cost of drinks in advance is a huge plus for some. It makes budgeting for the trip much easier. Take Carnival’s Cheers! package at $59.95 daily, if booked early. Or Royal Caribbean’s deal at up to $89 daily. With these prices set, it’s a breeze to plan your spending around ship drinks.

Added Perks

Drink packages can often involve more than just drinks. You might get discounts on wines, chances for premium brands, and more. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America sometimes offer free drink deals as part of their promos.

But, picking the right package comes down to how much you usually drink. It shows in a situation where a single reviewer saved a ton by not choosing unlimited drinks. This might be the case if you prefer non-alcoholic drinks or specific premium options. There’s a package out there for everyone that can make your cruise better.

Drawbacks of Cruise Drink Packages

Cruise drink packages sound great, but they have their downsides too. A major flaw is on port days. These days, passengers are mostly off the ship. This makes it hard to get your money’s worth from your drink package. If you’re off the ship a lot, you probably won’t drink enough to make the package worth it.

Port Day Limitations

On port days, you’ll really notice the limits of your drink package. Most people are out exploring. This means they’re not drinking on the ship as much. The cost of a deluxe drink package on Royal Caribbean might go up to $98. But, if you’re not on the ship much, it might not be a good deal for you.

Restrictions and Exclusions

Drink package rules also play a big part. Cruise lines have strict policies. These might include not covering drinks on private islands. They might also set a max price for each drink, like $14 for Royal Caribbean. If you’re on a Carnival cruise, their drinks can’t be more than $20. For the Carnival Cheers! package at $59.95 per day, you’d need 15 drinks a day to break even on a 5-night trip.

Some cruise lines also say everyone in a cabin has to buy a package if one person does. This is tough if everyone in the room doesn’t drink the same amount. Knowing these limits is key. It helps you avoid surprise costs and get the most out of your package.

Using Drink Packages for Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Cruise drink packages offer varied selections for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic preferences. They are tailored to enhance the onboard experience for all guests.

Alcoholic Drink Options

These packages usually include a broad range of premium liquors, wines, and beers. Examples include the Cheers! package from Carnival Cruise Line. This package is $59.95 per person, per day, if booked in advance. It features many alcoholic drinks each day for the guest.

On Norwegian Cruise Line, you might find a more premium offer at $138 per day. This includes a wide selection of top-shelf liquors. It’s important to think about how much you’ll drink. For instance, on Carnival ships, certain beers cost between $7 and $7.95. This means buying them individually might be cheaper for light drinkers. Also, with wines by the glass ranging from $10 to $15, you’d need to drink five glasses a day for the package to be cost-effective.

Non-Alcoholic Drink Options

Non-alcoholic beverages are a big part of many cruise drink packages. You often get unlimited sodas, specialty coffees, and juices. This is great for those who don’t drink alcohol. Royal Caribbean, for example, has the Classic soda package at $13 per day or the Refreshment package at $20 daily. These are good alternatives to the alcoholic options.

Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults. This package is for people who only want non-alcoholic drinks. It’s especially useful for families or those who love specialty coffees. Unlimited access to specialty coffees can make the cruise even more enjoyable.

It’s crucial to understand what’s included in each drink package. This knowledge helps you pick the right one, adding value to your cruise experience.

How to Maximize the Value of Your Drink Package

To get the most from your cruise drink package, you need to plan well. Think about when to buy the package and how to use it wisely. We’ll share tips to help you make the most of your drink choices and your money.

Planning Ahead

Understanding your drink package details before you buy is important. Carnival offers the Cheers! package for $59.95 per person per day if booked early. But, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian can cost more, up to $138 a day. Knowing this can help you save money. Purchases onboard are often pricey.

Think about your trip’s schedule. On days in port, you might be off the ship a lot. This could mean you drink less onboard and the package isn’t as valuable. In one writer’s experience, avoiding the package saved over $200 during a Symphony of the Seas cruise. They drank less on days they were in port.

It’s key to note if everyone in your cabin has to buy a package if one person does. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, Holland America, and MSC, have this rule. If your friends or family you’re traveling with don’t drink as much, it could affect your decision.

Optimizing Drink Choices

After you board, choose your drinks wisely to get the best value. Pick drinks that cost more – like certain beers or wine – and are covered by your package. This way, you’ll get more bang for your buck. For instance, five glasses of wine a day would make the package worth it for wine lovers.

Don’t forget about specialty coffees and sodas. Many packages let you have unlimited nonalcoholic drinks. This is great news if you love coffee or soda. Royal Caribbean even includes Coca-Cola Freestyle with their soft drinks package at $12.99 a day. Their deluxe package offers top-shelf drinks for between $56 and $105 daily.

Watching out for promotions is another good tip. Royal Caribbean changes their package prices based on demand and other factors. So, keep an eye out for special offers. Buying early can save you a lot. The deluxe package price jumped from $78 to $98 onboard. This shows the advantage of planning ahead.

By planning carefully and choosing your drinks wisely, you can make the most of your drink package. This will help you have a great time on your cruise.

Free Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Really Free?

Cruise promotions often mention “free” drink deals to attract vacationers. But, it’s smart to look into any hidden costs to prevent unplanned spending.

Promotional Offers

Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line are two big companies known for this. They offer special packages, including free drinks, to encourage more bookings. Remember, these free offers might still rack up extra charges that you should keep in mind.

Gratuity and Additional Fees

Gratuity fees are a big deal. They range from 15% to 20% of the original package cost, even if it’s described as free. Royal Caribbean, for example, could charge $78 or more, just in tips, for a deluxe package.

Some cruise lines also make it a rule that everyone in your cabin buys the package if one person does. This policy can sharply increase spending.

Moreover, watch out for hidden fees. Included drinks might not cover all brands or could exclude beverages over a certain price. For example, some lines might not cover cocktails over $15. So, always check the fine print to avoid surprises about what’s truly included in the “free” drink package.

Real User Reviews of Cruise Drink Packages

Highly valuable insight into cruise drink packages comes from real users. They share their experiences which vary a lot based on what they expected and how much they drink.

Positive Experiences

Many cruise lovers love the convenience that drink packages bring. For example, Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers! package costs $59.95 a day. It starts being worth it after you drink more than seven to eight beers daily. Users enjoy not worrying about money with prepaid drinks.

Royal Caribbean’s priced packages are also praised. Their drinks go up to $89 a day, but they include a wide range. For example, they cover beers priced at $7 to $7.95 and wines at $10 to $15 per glass.

Negative Experiences

On the flip side, some travelers weren’t happy with their packages. They felt they didn’t get enough value. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line’s package costs about $138 a day. If you don’t drink eight beers a day, it might not seem worth it. There are also extra costs like 15% to 20% for tips, even on so-called “free” packages, which can make them feel less valuable.

Overall Satisfaction

What people think about drink packages depends a lot on their drinking habits and what the package offers. Some like the fixed price and variety of drinks. Others feel limited either because they don’t drink much or because of the package’s rules.

In one study of more than 50 cruises, it showed that not getting a drink package and buying drinks as you go could save a lot. People saved $331 over a week this way, where some drink packages cost more than $1,000. Ultimately, the worth of a drink package comes down to how much you plan to drink and how much you value the convenience and predictability for your budget.

Conclusion

Looking into cruise drink packages is crucial for smart travelers. It’s about knowing your drinking habits and what the cruise offers. Carnival’s Cheers package, for example, has lots of drinks. But, you can only have 15 alcoholic drinks a day and can’t share with others. It’s important to pick what suits you best.

Prices can change a lot. For example, Carnival’s daily fee is $69.95 for short trips if you pre-buy it. This price drops to $59.95 for longer trips. Other lines like Celebrity and MSC have different deals. Celebrity’s Classic Package is $55.00 a night, but MSC’s Easy alcohol package is about $35 for US trips. You have to compare to see which is the best deal for you.

There’s more to think about than just the price. Some packages give you deals on wines or access to special events. But, watch out for things you can’t do, like using it on private islands. Doing your research helps you make the most of your money. It can make your cruise even better. So, think carefully and plan well before choosing a drink package for your trip.