Cruise Drink Package Calculator: Are Drink Packages Worth It?

Is a cruise drink package worth the investment? It can be if you enjoy a variety of beverages and prefer the convenience of paying upfront. The value of a drink package depends on your personal drinking habits versus the package’s cost. This is where a Cruise Drink Package Calculator becomes invaluable, helping you compare the estimated cost of your daily beverage consumption against the package price to determine if it’s worth the value.

Beverage packages can lead to cost-effective savings, especially when offered as a booking incentive or with a discount, despite additional gratuities that should be factored into your decision.

However, it’s important to research the costs of the different drink packages on your chosen cruise line, as these can vary widely. A drink package can simplify your cruise experience, allowing unlimited enjoyment of drinks without worrying about the bill—provided it aligns with your budget and consumption preferences.

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Drink Package Cost by Cruise Line

Are drink packages on cruises worth it?

Based on our cruising experiences, we’ve made it a habit to evaluate if a beverage package offers value for our trips. This cruise drink package calculator will be super helpful for us with future cruises. The value of a drink package is subjective, depending on your drinking preferences and budget considerations. If your daily beverage intake is modest, say 1-2 cocktails a day, a package might be unnecessary unless you snag a promotional freebie.

For those with a thirst for more—be it alcoholic drinks, premium sparkling water, specialty coffee, or mocktails—the math changes. It’s about comparing the cost of a package against buying drinks à la carte to see if it leads to savings.

In our case, even with my husband’s preference for non-alcoholic options, we’ve found certain packages, like Celebrity’s Zero Proof Package, to be financially sensible. Securing a package or an upgrade before we sail, especially with pre-embarkation discounts, often seals the deal for us.

Buying a drinks package before your cruise is often cheaper

Many cruise lines offer pre-cruise discounts on drinks packages, which can save you money compared to purchasing onboard. While this is common, not all cruise lines follow the same pricing strategy, so it’s worth checking the details before you buy.

Cruise drink costs can vary widely depending on your habits

What you spend on drinks will depend on your preferences, cruise line, and trip length. If you stick to complimentary options like water, regular coffee, iced tea, and buffet juices, you might spend nothing. But without a drink package, things add up fast — cocktails often run $8–$15, wine $10–$15 per glass, and soft drinks or bottled water $2–$5 each.

Adding a drink package to your cruise is simple

Most cruise lines let you add a package through their website or mobile app by logging into your booking. You can also call customer service or have your travel agent take care of it. While you can wait and buy it onboard, you’ll likely miss out on pre-cruise discounts.

Ultimately, is the cruise drink package worth it? Let us know in the comments if you decide to purchase the beverage package.