One of the biggest decisions you'll make before your cruise has nothing to do with your cabin or itinerary. It's whether to buy a drink package. On a 7-night sailing, a drink package can add $500 to $1,500 per person to your total cost. That's a significant chunk of your vacation budget, and the answer to "is it worth it?" depends entirely on how you cruise.
We've analyzed drink package pricing across every major cruise line, calculated exact break-even points based on current onboard bar prices, and put together this guide to help you make the right call. If you're a cocktail-at-sunset person or a specialty-coffee-every-morning type, you'll know exactly what makes financial sense by the end of this article.
Want to crunch the numbers for your specific trip? Try our drink package calculator to see your personalized break-even point.
Ready to book a cruise? Browse 12,000+ live cruise deals on Cruisebound — filter by destination, length, cabin type, and departure port to see today's pricing before you keep reading.
What's Included in a Cruise Drink Package?
Before comparing prices, you need to understand what you're actually buying. Cruise lines offer two main categories of drink packages, and the inclusions vary more than you might expect.
Alcoholic (Premium) Beverage Packages
The premium package is the all-you-can-drink option for adults 21 and older. On most cruise lines, it includes:
Cocktails and mixed drinks up to a per-drink price limit (typically $12-15 on mainstream lines, $17-20 on premium lines)
Beer including draft, bottled, and craft options
Wine by the glass including house and mid-range selections
Premium spirits such as Grey Goose, Hendrick's, and Maker's Mark (varies by cruise line)
Specialty coffee including lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, and frozen coffee drinks
Fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies
Soda, bottled water, and energy drinks
Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
What's typically NOT included even with a premium package:
Bottles of wine (only by-the-glass pours)
Top-shelf spirits priced above the package limit
Mini-bar items in your cabin
Room service beverages (on some lines)
Drinks purchased at independent ports of call
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packages
If you don't drink alcohol but love specialty coffee, fresh juice, and soda, non-alcoholic packages can still deliver solid value. These typically include:
Specialty coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, espresso)
Fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies
Bottled water
Soda and fountain drinks
Premium teas and hot chocolate
Non-alcoholic cocktails
Non-alcoholic packages range from $20-40 per person per day depending on the cruise line, making them much easier to justify financially. If you drink two specialty coffees and a couple of sodas each day, you've already broken even.
Drink Package Prices by Cruise Line (2026)
Drink package pricing changes frequently, and the pre-cruise online price is almost always lower than the onboard price. The figures below reflect typical 2026 pre-cruise pricing. Always check your cruise line's website for the most current rates.
Cruise Line | Alcoholic Package | Per-Day Cost | Non-Alcoholic Package | Per-Day Cost | Per-Drink Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deluxe Beverage | ~$79/day | Refreshment Package | ~$29/day | $14 | |
CHEERS! | ~$69/day | Bottomless Bubbles (soda only) | ~$12/day | $20 | |
Premium Beverage | ~$109/day | Soda Package | ~$12/day | $15 | |
MSC Cruises | Premium Extra | ~$69/day | Non-Alcoholic | ~$25/day | $13 |
Celebrity Cruises | Premium Beverage | ~$89/day | Classic Non-Alcoholic | ~$30/day | $17 |
Princess Cruises | Premier Beverage | ~$75/day | Coffee & Soda | ~$22/day | $15 |
Holland America | Elite Beverage | ~$72/day | Quench Soda | ~$11/day | $15 |
Disney Cruise Line | No package offered | N/A | Soda refill mug | ~$8/day | N/A |
Key notes on this table:
Norwegian's higher price reflects their Free at Sea promotion, which bundles the drink package with other perks. When purchased separately outside a promo, it's even pricier. However, Norwegian frequently runs sales where Free at Sea is included in the cruise fare on select sailings.
Carnival's CHEERS! package has the highest per-drink price cap at $20, meaning more premium spirits are included without upcharges.
Disney does not sell drink packages. You pay per drink on Disney cruises, which can actually save lighter drinkers money.
Celebrity's package includes premium brands and drinks up to $17 each, making it one of the more generous packages for spirit quality.
For the latest pricing and current promotions, check our deals page where we track active drink package sales across all cruise lines.
How to Calculate Your Break-Even Point
This is where most guides get vague. Let's do actual math. To figure out if a drink package is worth it, you need two numbers: the daily package price and the average price of drinks you'd order onboard.
Average Onboard Drink Prices (2026)
Here's what individual drinks typically cost when purchased without a package:
Drink | Average Price |
|---|---|
Draft beer (domestic) | $7-9 |
Draft beer (craft/import) | $9-12 |
House wine (glass) | $10-14 |
Premium wine (glass) | $14-22 |
Well cocktail | $10-13 |
Premium cocktail | $13-17 |
Specialty frozen drink | $14-18 |
Specialty coffee (latte/cappuccino) | $5-7 |
Fresh-squeezed juice | $5-7 |
Smoothie | $6-8 |
Bottled water | $3-5 |
Soda (individual) | $3-4 |
Energy drink | $5-6 |
The Break-Even Formula
Daily package cost / Average drink price = Drinks needed per day to break even
Let's run this for each major cruise line:
Royal Caribbean ($79/day):
At $12 per cocktail: 79 / 12 = 6.6 cocktails per day
Mixed drinks + coffee: 4 cocktails ($48) + 2 specialty coffees ($12) + 2 sodas ($7) = $67. Still short by $12.
Realistic break-even: 5 alcoholic drinks + 2 coffees + 2 sodas per day
Carnival ($69/day):
At $11 per cocktail: 69 / 11 = 6.3 cocktails per day
Realistic break-even: 5 alcoholic drinks + 2 coffees per day
Norwegian ($109/day):
At $14 per cocktail: 109 / 14 = 7.8 cocktails per day
This is the hardest package to justify purely on drink count
Realistic break-even: 7 alcoholic drinks + 2 coffees + 1 smoothie per day
MSC ($69/day):
At $11 per cocktail: 69 / 11 = 6.3 cocktails per day
Realistic break-even: 5 alcoholic drinks + 2 coffees per day
Celebrity ($89/day):
At $14 per cocktail: 89 / 14 = 6.4 cocktails per day
Realistic break-even: 5 alcoholic drinks + 2 coffees + 1 juice per day
Use our drink package calculator to input your own drinking habits and get a personalized break-even analysis for your specific sailing.
Don't Forget: It's Per Day, Every Day
The package cost is charged for every day of your cruise, including embarkation day and port days when you might be off the ship for 6-10 hours. On a 7-night cruise with 3 port days, you realistically have 4 full sea days and 3 partial days to use the package. Your sea-day consumption needs to be higher to compensate for lower port-day usage.
Adjusted calculation for a 7-night cruise with 3 port days:
If you drink 8 drinks on sea days and only 3 drinks on port days, your total is:
Sea days: 4 days x 8 drinks = 32 drinks
Port days: 3 days x 3 drinks = 9 drinks
Total: 41 drinks over 7 days
At $12 average per drink, that's $492 in value for a package that costs $553 (Royal Caribbean, 7 x $79). You'd be losing $61 in that scenario.
To break even on Royal Caribbean with 3 port days, you'd need closer to 9 drinks on sea days and 4 on port days. This is why itinerary matters enormously.
Types of Drink Packages Compared
Premium (Alcoholic) Package: Best For
Adults who drink 5+ alcoholic beverages daily
Guests who also enjoy specialty coffee, juice, and soda
Couples where both partners drink regularly (remember: both adults in a cabin must buy the same package)
Travelers who want zero-surprise billing at disembarkation
Non-Alcoholic Package: Best For
Families with teens who love soda and smoothies
Specialty coffee addicts (2+ lattes per day easily justifies the cost)
Guests who prefer mocktails and fresh juices
Anyone who doesn't drink alcohol but hates paying $5 per bottled water
Soda-Only Package: Best For
Guests who primarily want unlimited soda and nothing else
Families looking for the cheapest option for kids
At $8-12/day, you break even at about 3 sodas per day
No Package at All: Best For
Light drinkers (1-2 drinks per day)
Guests on port-intensive itineraries (4+ port days on a 7-night cruise)
Budget travelers who want full control over spending
Guests sailing Disney (no packages available anyway)
When a Drink Package IS Worth It
Based on our analysis, a drink package makes financial sense in these scenarios:
You're a Consistent Drinker on Vacation
If you reliably consume 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day on vacation, the math works in your favor on almost every cruise line. This means a couple of drinks at the pool, wine with lunch, a cocktail at the bar before dinner, wine with dinner, and an after-dinner drink. That pattern alone hits 5-6 drinks without trying very hard.
You Love Specialty Coffee
This is the sleeper value of drink packages. A single latte at the onboard coffee bar costs $5-7. If you drink two specialty coffees per day, that's $10-14 in daily value that chips away at the break-even point significantly. Two coffees plus three cocktails might be all you need to come out ahead on Carnival or MSC.
Your Itinerary Has Mostly Sea Days
A transatlantic crossing, a Panama Canal transit, or any itinerary with 5+ sea days is ideal for drink package value. You'll be on the ship all day with easy access to bars, pool decks, and lounges. Sea-day drinking naturally runs higher because there's simply more time and opportunity.
You Hate Tracking Expenses on Vacation
There's a real psychological benefit to pre-paying. When you have a drink package, you never think twice about ordering that second glass of wine or grabbing a cappuccino after breakfast. No running tab, no bill anxiety, no awkward "should I order another?" calculations. For many cruisers, the peace of mind alone is worth a slight premium over the break-even price.
You're Sailing on a Premium or Luxury Line
On Celebrity, the premium package includes drinks up to $17 per pour, which means higher-quality spirits and wines are covered. The value per drink is simply better on premium lines. If your alternative is paying $15-17 per cocktail a la carte, reaching break-even takes fewer drinks.
Both Adults in Your Cabin Drink Regularly
Since both adults must buy the same package, a couple where both partners enjoy 4-5 drinks per day will absolutely come out ahead. The policy hurts mixed couples (one drinker, one non-drinker) because the non-drinker is forced into a package they won't fully use.
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View on AmazonWhen a Drink Package is NOT Worth It
You're a Light or Moderate Drinker
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View on AmazonIf your typical vacation pattern is a glass of wine with dinner and maybe one poolside cocktail, you're looking at 2-3 drinks per day. At $12 per drink, that's $24-36 in daily consumption against a $69-109 package cost. You'd be overpaying by $33-85 per day. Over a 7-night cruise, that's $230-$600 wasted per person.
Your Itinerary is Port-Heavy
Caribbean island-hopping itineraries with 5+ port stops mean you'll be off the ship most days. If you're exploring ports from 8am to 5pm, that leaves only the evening hours for onboard drinking. You'd need to drink very aggressively in those evening hours to break even, which isn't most people's idea of a relaxing vacation.
One Partner Drinks and the Other Doesn't
The mandatory both-adults-must-buy policy is the biggest deal-breaker for mixed couples. If one person would break even but the other would only use $20/day of the package, you're paying double the package cost for single-person value. In this scenario, paying a la carte is almost always cheaper.
You're on a Short Cruise (3-4 Nights)
Short cruises amplify the port-day problem. A 3-night Bahamas cruise might have 2 port days and only 1 sea day. You'd pay for 3 full days of the package but only get real use out of 1.5 days. The math rarely works on sailings under 5 nights unless you drink heavily even in port.
You're on a Tight Budget
If an extra $500-1,000 per person would strain your vacation budget, skip the package and pay as you go. You'll have full control over spending and can set a daily drink budget of $30-40 that still allows a couple of cocktails without the commitment of a full package. Put the savings toward a shore excursion or cabin upgrade instead.
7 Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package
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View on AmazonIf you do decide to buy a package, these strategies ensure you get every dollar of value:
1. Pre-Purchase Online Before Your Cruise
Every cruise line offers a discount when you buy the drink package through their website or app before embarkation day. Savings typically range from 10-20% off the onboard price. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian all run flash sales where packages drop to their lowest prices. Set up price alerts and buy during a sale.
2. Start Drinking Early (Coffee Counts)
Your package is active from the moment you board until the last night of your cruise. Hit the specialty coffee bar as soon as you get on the ship. Grab a latte with breakfast, a fresh juice at the pool, and a smoothie in the afternoon. These non-alcoholic drinks add up fast and push you past the break-even point before you even open a bar tab.
3. Skip the Free Drinks at Dinner
This might sound counterintuitive, but hear us out. The main dining room on most cruise lines offers free iced tea, lemonade, and basic coffee. With a drink package, order the premium options instead: a glass of wine, a craft cocktail, or a specialty coffee with dessert. You're paying for the package regardless, so use it in places where you'd otherwise pay a premium.
4. Try Expensive Drinks You Wouldn't Normally Order
A drink package is your chance to explore. Order the $16 espresso martini, the $14 craft IPA, or the $13 glass of Sauvignon Blanc you'd normally skip because of the price. You're paying a flat rate, so maximize it by choosing drinks at or near the per-drink cap limit. That $7 domestic draft is wasted value when a $15 craft cocktail is covered by the same package.
5. Use It on Private Islands and Pool Decks
Your drink package works at cruise line-owned private islands and destinations. Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, and MSC's Ocean Cay all honor your onboard drink package. These are hot beach days where you'll naturally want more cold drinks, so take full advantage.
6. Hydrate with Bottled Water
Bottled water costs $3-5 on most cruise ships. With a drink package, grab a bottle every time you pass a bar. Keep one in your cabin, take one to the pool, bring one on tender rides to port. This small habit adds $10-20 in daily value that most people forget to count.
7. Don't Waste Sea Days in Your Cabin
Sea days are your highest-value package days. Plan to be out and about on the ship: pool deck in the morning, cocktails at the sports bar during afternoon trivia, pre-dinner drinks at the martini bar, wine with dinner, and a nightcap at the jazz lounge. A well-planned sea day can easily yield 8-10 drinks worth of value.
Cruise Line Drink Package Comparison
Here's a complete side-by-side comparison to help you evaluate packages across cruise lines:
Feature | Royal Caribbean | Carnival | Norwegian | MSC | Celebrity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Package Name | Deluxe Beverage | CHEERS! | Premium Beverage | Premium Extra | Premium Beverage |
Daily Cost | ~$79 | ~$69 | ~$109 | ~$69 | ~$89 |
7-Night Total | ~$553 | ~$483 | ~$763 | ~$483 | ~$623 |
Per-Drink Cap | $14 | $20 | $15 | $13 | $17 |
Specialty Coffee | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Bottled Water | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Fresh Juice | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Smoothies | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Room Service Drinks | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included |
Both Adults Must Buy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pre-Cruise Discount | 10-15% | 10-20% | Via Free at Sea | 10-15% | 10-15% |
Best Value For | Moderate-heavy drinkers | Budget-conscious drinkers | Sea-day-heavy itineraries | Mediterranean sailings | Premium spirit lovers |
Our verdict by cruise line:
Best overall value: Carnival CHEERS! -- lowest price with the highest per-drink cap means more premium spirits are included
Best for premium spirits: Celebrity Premium -- the $17 cap covers genuinely premium pours
Hardest to justify: Norwegian Premium -- at $109/day, you need to drink heavily to break even unless it's bundled via Free at Sea
Best budget option: MSC Premium Extra -- competitive pricing with solid inclusions, especially on Mediterranean sailings
The Non-Alcoholic Package: An Underrated Choice
Non-alcoholic packages deserve more attention than they typically get. At $20-30 per day, the break-even math is far more forgiving:
2 specialty coffees ($12 value) + 1 fresh juice ($6) + 1 smoothie ($7) + 1 bottled water ($4) = $29/day in value
That's break-even territory on most cruise lines with just five non-alcoholic drinks. If you add a couple of mocktails or premium teas, you're solidly in the green.
Who should seriously consider the non-alcoholic package:
Anyone who drinks 2+ specialty coffees per day (this alone might justify it)
Families where adults don't drink but want premium beverages
Health-conscious cruisers who love fresh juice and smoothies
Guests in recovery who still want the full beverage experience without alcohol
Pregnant travelers who want specialty drinks without the per-drink cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy a Drink Package for Just a Few Days?
No. Every major cruise line requires you to purchase the drink package for the entire duration of your cruise. You cannot buy it for sea days only or skip port days. This is the single biggest complaint about drink packages and the main reason port-heavy itineraries make packages harder to justify.
What Happens If I Get a Drink That's Over the Price Limit?
You pay the difference. If your package covers drinks up to $14 and you order a $18 cocktail, you'll be charged $4 plus gratuity. This is most common with top-shelf spirits and premium wines by the glass. To avoid surprises, ask your bartender to recommend drinks within your package limit.
Do Gratuities Apply on Top of the Drink Package?
Yes, on most cruise lines. An automatic 18-20% gratuity is added to the package price (not per drink). This is charged at the time of purchase, so a $79/day package on Royal Caribbean actually costs about $93-95/day with gratuity included. Make sure to factor this into your break-even calculations.
Are Drink Packages Refundable If I Change My Mind?
Most cruise lines allow you to cancel a pre-purchased drink package up to 48 hours before embarkation for a full refund. Once you board the ship, the package is non-refundable. If you buy it onboard (usually only available on embarkation day), it's final at the time of purchase.
What About Drink Package Promotions and Sales?
Cruise lines run drink package sales frequently, especially during wave season (January-March) and before major holiday sailings. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both offer flash sales where packages drop 20-30% below standard pricing. Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion often bundles the drink package with Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursion credits at a combined discount. Monitor our deals page for current promotions across all cruise lines.
The Bottom Line
A drink package is worth it if you consistently consume 5-6 or more drinks per day (including specialty coffee and non-alcoholic beverages), your itinerary has more sea days than port days, and both adults in your cabin are regular drinkers. For everyone else, paying per drink gives you more control and usually costs less.
The sweet spot for most cruisers is to pre-purchase during a sale on an itinerary with 4+ sea days. That combination gives you the lowest package price and the most days to extract full value.
Not sure where your drinking habits fall? Use our drink package calculator to plug in your numbers and get a definitive answer. And if you're still in the planning stages, browse our cruise line pages to compare what's included in base fares before you add any packages.
Whichever way you go, the best drink on a cruise is the one you enjoy without worrying about what it costs. Whether that means a package or a well-planned a la carte budget, you're on vacation. Make it count.
