Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It? Here's How I Help Clients Decide
One of the most common questions I get from cruise clients is:
"Should I buy the drink package?"
And honestly?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
If you've spent any time in cruise Facebook groups, you've probably noticed that people have very strong opinions about drink packages. Some cruisers insist they're the best value onboard. Others think they're a complete waste of money.
The truth is that neither side is wrong.
Whether a drink package is worth it depends entirely on your travel style, your habits, and what kind of vacation experience you're hoping to have.
As a travel advisor, helping clients answer questions like this is one of the ways I help them avoid unnecessary expenses and make more informed decisions before they sail.
What Is a Cruise Drink Package?
Most major cruise lines offer beverage packages that allow guests to pay a fixed daily rate in exchange for a variety of included drinks throughout the cruise.
Depending on the cruise line and package selected, this may include:
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Specialty coffees
Soda
Bottled water
Energy drinks
Mocktails
Fresh juices
The specific inclusions vary by cruise line, but the overall concept is similar across the industry.
Instead of paying for each drink individually, you pay one upfront price for unlimited qualifying beverages.
Why Some Cruisers Love Drink Packages
For some travelers, drink packages provide convenience and peace of mind.
Rather than constantly monitoring onboard spending, they know exactly what they've budgeted for beverages before they even board the ship.
Drink packages can also make sense for travelers who enjoy:
Specialty coffee every morning
Multiple cocktails throughout the day
Wine with dinner
Bottled water
Soda or energy drinks
When all of those purchases are added together, the package may provide meaningful savings.
For some people, the package allows them to relax and enjoy their vacation without worrying about every individual purchase.
Why Drink Packages Aren't Right for Everyone
This is where I sometimes see travelers spend money they don't actually need to spend.
Many first-time cruisers assume they automatically need the drink package because social media makes it seem like everyone buys one.
That simply isn't true.
Many cruisers are perfectly happy paying for beverages individually.
If you:
Rarely drink alcohol
Prefer water and tea
Spend a lot of time in port
Don't enjoy specialty coffees
Or simply don't drink enough beverages to justify the cost
A drink package may not be the best value for you.
In some cases, travelers spend hundreds of dollars on a package they never fully use.
The Question I Always Ask My Clients
When clients ask whether they should purchase a drink package, I don't start by talking about prices.
I start by asking about their vacation style.
Are you someone who enjoys a few drinks here and there?
Or are you planning to spend your sea days relaxing by the pool with cocktails throughout the afternoon?
Do you drink specialty coffee every morning?
Will you be spending most of your time exploring ports?
The answers to those questions tell me far more than simply looking at package pricing.
Because the goal isn't to buy everything available.
The goal is to spend money on the things that will genuinely improve your vacation.
Common Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make
One of the biggest mistakes I see is travelers making decisions based on what other people do.
The reality is that every cruiser is different.
A package that makes perfect sense for one traveler may make absolutely no sense for another.
I always encourage people to avoid comparing their vacation habits to someone else's.
The best cruise decisions are based on your own preferences, budget, and travel goals.
Sometimes the Best Value Isn't Financial
This might surprise some people.
Sometimes a drink package isn't technically the cheapest option, but clients still choose it.
Why?
Because they value convenience.
Some travelers simply like knowing everything is paid for in advance. They enjoy the simplicity of ordering what they want without thinking about individual charges throughout the week.
For those travelers, the value comes from convenience and peace of mind rather than strict math.
And that's perfectly okay.
My Professional Recommendation
Whenever clients ask me whether they should buy the drink package, my answer is always the same:
Let's look at your specific situation.
There is no universal right answer.
The best choice depends on:
Your budget
Your drinking habits
Your travel style
Your cruise itinerary
And what kind of experience you want onboard
That's one of the reasons I love working with cruise clients. Every vacation is different, and helping people make informed decisions is part of creating a better overall travel experience.
Final Thoughts
Cruise drink packages can be an excellent value for some travelers and a poor value for others.
The key is understanding your own habits and making decisions based on your vacation—not someone else's.
Before purchasing any cruise add-on, ask yourself one simple question:
Will this make my vacation better?
If the answer is yes, it may be worth every penny.
If the answer is no, you can often save that money for excursions, future cruises, or other experiences you'll enjoy more.
And that's exactly why personalized cruise planning matters.
Need Help Planning Your Cruise?
I help travelers compare cruise lines, choose cabins, understand pricing, and make informed decisions about everything from drink packages to shore excursions.
