The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Ship Drink Packages: Costs, Comparisons, and How to Choose the Right One (As of 9/2/2025)
- Jetsetter
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Cruising offers endless opportunities to relax, explore, and indulge — and for many travelers, that includes enjoying a perfectly mixed cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine at dinner, or a specialty coffee in the morning. But with drink prices at sea often higher than on land, cruise drink packages have become a popular way to bundle beverages for convenience and potential savings.
If you’re wondering whether a drink package is worth it — and which cruise line offers the best value — this guide breaks down current pricing, inclusions, and key considerations so you can sip smarter on your next voyage.
🚢 Which Cruise Lines Offer Drink Packages?
Nearly all major cruise lines now offer drink packages across their fleets, though the names, inclusions, and pricing vary. Here’s an overview of the most comprehensive alcoholic packages available as of September 2, 2025.
Cruise Line | Package Name | Base Price (per person/day) | Service Charge | Total Daily Cost | Alcoholic Drink Limit | Key Inclusions |
Carnival | CHEERS! | $59.95 (pre‑cruise) | 18% | $70.74 | 15/day | Spirits, cocktails, beer, wine ≤ $20, soda, energy drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water |
Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | $63–$89* | 18% | $74.34–$105.02 | None | Cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by glass, soda, juices, still/sparkling water, coffee, 40% off wine bottles ≤ $100 |
Norwegian | Premium Plus Beverage | $138 | 20% | $165.60 | None | All cocktails/spirits (incl. top‑shelf), beer, champagne, wine by glass, select premium bottles at dinner, soda, juices, bottled water, Starbucks coffee, energy drinks |
MSC Cruises | Premium Extra | $85 | Included | $85.00 | None | All drinks ≤ €13/$15, cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, soda, juices, bottled water, gelato, specialty coffee |
Princess | Premier Beverage | $84.99 | 18% | $100.29 | 15/Day | Cocktails, spirits, beer, wine ≤ $16, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, smoothies, milkshakes |
Celebrity | Premium | $109 | 20% | $130.80 | None | Drinks ≤ $17, premium spirits/wines, cocktails, beer, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, juices |
\*Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, so rates vary by ship, itinerary, and booking date.
💵 Understanding the True Cost
When evaluating a drink package, it’s important to look beyond the base price. Here’s what to factor in:
Service Charges: Most lines add 18–20% gratuity at purchase.
Dynamic Pricing: Some cruise lines adjust rates based on demand, ship, and itinerary.
Pre‑Cruise Discounts: Buying before embarkation can save 10–30%.
Taxes in Port: U.S. state taxes may apply until the ship reaches international waters.
📜 Fine Print & Restrictions
Before you commit, read the terms carefully:
Per‑Cabin Rules: Many cruise lines require all adults in the same stateroom to purchase the same alcoholic package.
Daily Drink Limits: Some lines (like Carnival and Princess) cap alcoholic drinks at 15 per day.
Exclusions: Certain premium wines, bottled champagnes, or branded coffee shops may not be covered.
Specialty Venues: Onboard Starbucks, wine bars, or gelato counters may have partial or no coverage.
🌍 Itinerary Matters
Your cruise route can impact the value of a drink package:
Sea Days vs. Port Days: More time onboard means more opportunities to use your package.
Port‑Heavy Itineraries: If you’re off the ship most days, you may not get full value.
Local Laws: Some ports restrict alcohol service until the ship is in international waters.
🥤 Beverage Variety & Quality
Not all packages are created equal — some focus on alcoholic drinks, while others include a wide range of non‑alcoholic options:
Non‑Alcoholic Inclusions: Bottled water, specialty coffee, smoothies, fresh juice, mocktails.
Premium Spirits & Wines: Check the per‑drink price limit to ensure your favorites are covered.
Specialty Dining Pairings: Some packages include wine or cocktails with specialty restaurant meals.
👥 Matching the Package to Your Travel Style
Ask yourself:
Do you enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks daily, or just a glass of wine at dinner?
Will you take advantage of specialty coffees, bottled water, and mocktails?
Are you cruising with friends or family who have similar drinking habits?
📊 Is a Drink Package Worth It?
As a rule of thumb, if you average 5–7 drinks per day (including non‑alcoholic beverages), a package often pays for itself. But if you’re a light drinker or plan to spend most days ashore, buying drinks à la carte may be more cost‑effective. Use our patented Cruise Drink Package Value Calculator!!
🧮 Cruise Drink Package Value Calculator (As of 9/2/2025)
One of the most common questions cruisers ask is: “Will I actually save money with a drink package?” The answer depends entirely on your drinking habits — and not just alcohol. Specialty coffees, bottled water, and mocktails can tip the scales in favor of a package.
Use our Cruise Drink Package Value Calculator below to estimate whether a package will pay for itself on your next voyage. This tool factors in your average daily consumption, the cruise line’s per‑drink pricing, and the package’s daily cost (including service charges).
How to Use the Calculator
Enter your average daily drinks in each category.
Adjust the average price per drink to match your cruise line’s menu.
Enter the daily package cost (with gratuities included).
See your break‑even point instantly.
Pro Tip: Some cruise lines allow you to upgrade to a package within the first day or two of your cruise, charging only for the remaining days — so you can test your actual consumption before committing.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Cruise drink packages can be a great way to simplify your onboard experience, avoid surprise bar bills, and indulge without hesitation. But the best choice depends on your drinking habits, itinerary, and budget.
By comparing current pricing, inclusions, and restrictions — and factoring in your personal travel style — you can choose the package that delivers the most value for your voyage.
As of 9/2/2025, these are the most up‑to‑date details available. Cruise lines frequently adjust pricing and inclusions, so always check with your cruise line before booking.
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