When planning a cruise, it can be tempting to buy the drink package. After all, the idea of unlimited beer, wine and frozen cocktails is tempting. However, drink packages can be pricey, and there are several reasons why they might not be for you.
Even among experienced cruisers, there’s a debate if these cruise line beverage packages are really worth it! The cost and other variables are worth considering before you add this to your cruise online shopping cart.
While there’s no absolute right or wrong answer, these are some reasons why you won’t want to purchase the drink package on your next cruise.
11 Reasons Not to Buy the Drink Package on a Cruise
1. Drink Packages Are Expensive
The average cost of an alcoholic drink package on a cruise ranges from $60 to 100 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and package inclusions. This price generally includes a variety of beverages such as beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits.
In addition many cruise lines also include non alcoholic drinks like soda, water, and specialty coffee.
Even if you do drink alcoholic beverages, you may prefer to pay as you go. For example, some cruise passengers prefer to order and pay for drink as they go on their cruise. In this way, they can keep to their budget and avoid the temptation to drink more than they want in order to get their “money’s worth.”
2. Port Intensive Cruise Itinerary
If you’ve booked a port-instance cruise itinerary with limited sea days, consider how much time you’ll spend off the ship. Also, note that you can’t use the beverage package when you’re in a cruise port of call unless you’re on a cruise line private island (that allows it).
If you’re on a port-intensive cruise, chances are the beverage package won’t be worth it. Cruisers often drink in port, and by the time they return to the cruise ship, they won’t consume enough beverage for the drink package to be worth the cost.
3. Restrictions on Sharing
Cruise line drink packages typically require everyone in the cabin to purchase the beverage package. It may be hard to justify the cost if your cabinmates are light drinkers or don’t drink at all.
That said, it’s still worth calculating the value of the package based on the cost of the drinks on your cruise. With cocktails averaging about $15 per drink, plus 18% gratuity, you can spend more on drinks than you expected.
4 . You Don’t Consume More Than 5 to 6 Drinks a Day
Since cruise line beverage packages cost between $60 and $100 per passenger per day, it’s important to do the cruise math to ensure a good value.
If each drink costs between $9-$14, you’ll have to drink at least 5 drinks per day to get your money’s worth. Although reaching 5 drinks per day may be easy to do on a sea day, that may not be the case when you’re off the cruise ship in port.
Another thing to consider is that you don’t want to be stuck feeling like you have to drink to get your “money’s worth.” If you’re a moderate drinker, chances are you won’t consume enough alcohol during your cruise to make it worth the price.
It’s worth noting that many cruisers don’t consume 5 to 6 alcoholic beverages per day. However, those who purchase the beverage package do enjoy the convenience of ordering when they want and trying new drinks and specialty coffees, juices, and smoothies.
5. You Have Cruise Line Loyalty Perks
Staying loyal to one specific cruise line certainly has its benefits!
A common benefit most cruise lines offer is cocktail parties for returning cruisers. These parties are a great opportunity to enjoy complimentary beverages. Other loyalty rewards can range from free onboard credit (which can be used towards drinks) to complimentary daily drinks.
When you’re planning your cruise, it’s a good idea to research which cruise lines loyalty program is best for you.
6. Free Beverages on a Cruise
Many new cruisers may not realize that there are many opportunities to get free drinks during the cruise. For instance, you can often get free champagne at the art auction, events in the onboard shops, or at the champagne waterfall.
Furthermore, if you participate in the different games and activities, you may receive a free drink or even a bottle of champagne.
So, if you’re interested in getting free beverages during your cruise vacation, look out for different onboard activities and events where you can enjoy a complimentary drink.
Related: 10 Things Rookie Cruisers Don’t Know are Included (FREE) on a Cruise
7. Preference For Top Shelf Liquors
Many new cruisers don’t realize that cruise line beverage packages come with a catch. Those who purchase the drink package can order unlimited beverages valued at a certain amount.
So, if you have expensive taste or are loyal to certain alcohol brands, this is something to consider.
Furthermore, some cruise lines don’t include specialty coffees, juices, and smoothies in their beverage package. If you enjoy those beverages, you may find it hard to purchase a drink package that only includes some drinks.
8. The Cruise Line Allows You to Bring Wine
Many cruise lines let you bring one bottle of wine onboard per passenger during the embarkation process, although a corkage fee will be applied. They may also allow cruise passengers to bring their own soft drinks, water, and juice.
It’s common for cruisers who don’t want to purchase the beverage package to bring their own soda, water, and wine bottles onboard. This way, they can enjoy their beverages without paying for the drink package.
Last year, we did a 4-day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. Instead of purchasing the beverage package, we all brought a bottle of wine onboard, which was more than enough for a shorter cruise.
9. You Spend a lot of Time in the Casino
Casinos on cruises function differently than cruises on land. For example, on a cruise, you won’t get unlimited drinks just by playing slots or table games.
However, most cruise lines will allow you to earn points as you gamble. You’ll be rewarded with free drinks once you reach a certain status by playing at the casino.
If you spend a lot of time in the casino while you’re at sea, then paying for a drink package won’t be worth the money.
10. You Book a Suite
Finding out what perks are included is a good idea if you booked a suite. For instance, many suites come with a fully stocked mini-bar and, in some cases, bottle service.
Furthermore, you’ll be invited to exclusive cocktail parties for suite guests when you’re staying in a suite. It’s common for complimentary cocktails and champagne to be served at these exclusive parties.
It’s worth noting that depending on the cruise line, the beverage package may be included when you book a suite. For instance, the beverage package is included when you book a suite in MSC Yacht Club.
11. You’re Focused on Health and Wellness
If you’re focused on your health and wellness, you’ll want to forgo the drink package. Since you’ll have to drink over 5 alcoholic beverages a day for the drink package to be worth it, it will be hard to maintain those healthy habits while drinking so much every day.
As someone who tries to take care of my health and wellness while I’m at sea, I know there are some cruises where I don’t purchase the drink package. I’ve found that when I have the beverage package, I tend to stay out later at night and sleep in the mornings, and I struggle with finding the motivation to go to the gym.
In contrast, when I don’t have the drink package, I go to bed earlier, work in the mornings, and eat better during the cruise. This is something to consider if you’re trying to maintain healthy habits while cruising.
Related: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on a Cruise and Stay Healthy
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Final Thoughts on Reasons Not to Buy the Drink Package on a Cruise
While cruise line drink packages may seem convenient for enjoying for enjoying unlimited beverages onboard, they often become more costly than they are worth. The high upfront price, combined with the pressure to drink excessively to “get your money’s worth,” makes them not worth the price for many cruise passengers.
Do you purchase the beverage package when you’re on a cruise? Please let me know your questions and tips in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.
Really good tips! My question – what about Princess Cruises? Their package seems to be inclusive of drinks (including specialty coffee), specialty dinging and Wi-Fi.
Really good tips! My question – what about Princess Cruises? Their package seems to be inclusive of drinks (including specialty coffee), specialty dining and Wi-Fi.
Princess Plus and Premiere are bundle type packages, in contrast to purchasing only a drink package. Good value if it suits you