Did you know that the average cruise ship guest drinks between 5 and 7 alcoholic beverages per day, but many cruise travelers debate whether the drinks package is truly a good value? Picking the right beverage package—or deciding to skip one altogether—can be as daunting as selecting your ideal cruise itinerary. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the world of ocean voyages, the question of “should I get the drinks package or not?” is one that deserves a closer look, as it can make a significant difference to both your onboard experience and your budget.

The drinks package decision matters because cruise lines have meticulously tailored their offerings to different types of travelers, and the cruise industry itself is more diverse than ever. With over 31 million passengers cruising each year—ranging in age from toddlers to retirees—there's no single answer. Your vacation style, the demographic of your travel companions, and the brand of ship you choose all play a role in deciding whether unlimited mojitos or a la carte cappuccinos make sense for your next sailing.

What Is a Drinks Package?

Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s clarify what a cruise ship beverage package actually includes. These packages are prepaid plans offered by cruise lines that allow guests access to a range of drinks—alcoholic or non-alcoholic—during their entire voyage. Options typically include:

  • Soda Packages: Unlimited soft drinks and sometimes specialty coffees or juices.
  • Alcohol Packages: A set number (or unlimited) beers, wines, cocktails, and often specialty coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water.
  • Specialty Packages: Sometimes wine-only or coffee-only, tailored to specific preferences.

Cruise lines adjust prices based on their guest demographics and what’s included, meaning packages can range from roughly $12 per person per day (for soft drinks) to $90 or more (for premium all-inclusive alcoholic options).

Why Consider a Drinks Package?

  • Budget Predictability: No surprise bar bills. You know exactly how much you’ll spend upfront, allowing you to better plan your holiday finances.
  • Convenience: No need to sign for every drink, keep track of tabs, or settle up at the end of your cruise.
  • Encourages Indulgence: You might try new cocktails, wines, or specialty coffees you wouldn’t otherwise splurge on.
  • Social Factor: Particularly great for groups, as nobody has to fret over picking up the next round.

Reasons to Skip the Package

  • Light Drinkers: If you only drink a glass or two of wine with dinner, or you plan lots of port excursions, buying drinks à la carte is almost certainly less expensive.
  • Storage and Restrictions: Some packages have daily drink limits or exclude certain premium brands and bottles.
  • Itinerary-Heavy Cruises: If you're port-intensive (think Mediterranean or expedition cruises) you’ll be on shore much of the time, meaning less opportunity to use your package.
  • Demographic Fit: If you’re cruising with family or multi-generational groups, not everyone may want or need a drinks package, especially on lines where all adults in a cabin must purchase the package if one does.

Drinks Packages by Cruise Line Demographics

Every cruise brand targets a unique mix of ages, nationalities, and lifestyles, impacting the value of their drinks packages:

Cruise Line Typical Guest Age Package Highlights Good Value For
Carnival 30–45; families, budget-focused Cocktails, beer, wine, unlimited soft drinks; Cheers! and Bottomless Bubbles packages Social groups, party lovers
Royal Caribbean 35–55; diverse, families Deluxe offers specialty coffees, cocktails, bottled water Active cruisers, younger adults, large families
Celebrity 50–65; couples, mature travelers Classic & Premium—fine wines, cocktails, coffees Wine enthusiasts, foodies, cocktail lovers
Holland America 55+; enrichment-focused, mature Signature & Elite, includes specialty teas and coffees Long, slow cruises, connoisseurs
Norwegian (NCL) 35–55; young professionals, solo travelers Wide range; part of "Free at Sea" promotions Freestyle fans, diverse groups
Disney Cruise Line Families, under 50 Non-alcoholic packages, flexible wine/beer by bottle deals Parents with children, casual wine and beer drinkers
Luxury Lines (Silversea, Regent, Seabourn) 55+, retirees, luxury seekers All beverages typically included in cruise fare Guests wanting true all-inclusive, no hassle

Questions To Ask Before You Buy a Drinks Package

  • How many sea days does your cruise have versus port days?
  • Will all adults in your cabin be required to buy the package?
  • Are specialty coffees, bottled water, and juices included?
  • Is there a daily drink limit, and does the package include gratuities?
  • Are there special deals for wine lovers or cocktail connoisseurs?
  • Will you be traveling with children who need their own non-alcoholic package?

Who Should Get the Drinks Package?

You should seriously consider a drinks package if you:

  • Love to sample a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines throughout the day.
  • Plan to spend many hours onboard—poolside, at restaurants, at evening shows.
  • Crave the convenience and peace of mind of a fixed beverage cost.
  • Travel in social groups where shared experiences and rounds of drinks add to the fun.
  • Love specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water in addition to alcohol (these are sometimes only included at the top tier).

You might skip the package if you:

  • Don’t drink much alcohol or stick to a specific drink.
  • Will be on land for much of the cruise or have lots of early excursions.
  • Are cruising luxury, all-inclusive lines where drinks come with your fare.
  • Have strict dietary restrictions, health concerns, or prefer to bring your own wine (where corkage policies allow).

Maximizing Value: Insider Tips

  • Promotions: Look for cruise promotions that bundle drinks packages as booking perks—sometimes available at a fraction of on-board pricing, or even free.
  • Daily Drink Math: Check the per-drink price menu. Packages often require 5–8 drinks per day for “break even.”
  • Partial Packages: Some lines offer wine/beer only or soda-only options, ideal for more moderate drinkers.
  • Prepay Before Sailing: Purchasing ahead online can save up to 20% versus onboard rates.
  • Sharing Isn't Allowed: Packages are non-transferable—don’t risk having your benefits revoked!

The Demographics Factor

Cruise lines appeal to all ages and interests. For families on Carnival or Disney, soft drink packages for kids and flexible adult options make sense. Young groups and multi-generational travelers often enjoy the convenience and social perks of unlimited options, especially on cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. Mature travelers, especially those favoring Holland America, Celebrity, or luxury lines, may prefer select packages with premium wines or may find all beverages included in their fare, streamlining the experience. Meanwhile, solo travelers or those on port-intensive itineraries (like Mediterranean sailings) may find a la carte ordering is easier on the wallet—and calories!

Ultimately, asking yourself about your drinking habits, travel style, and the demographic make-up of your group will help you answer the question: is a drinks package the key to a carefree cruise, or just an unnecessary extra?

No matter your answer, Eva Natasha Gouws can help you plan your perfect cruise—whether you want a worry-free, all-inclusive experience or a tailor-made adventure suited just to you.