Cruise Ship Drink Package Guide: What’s Included, How It Works, and Whether It’s Worth It

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Two people relaxing on pool deck lounge chairs with drinks, enjoying their cruise ship drink package without worrying about the bar tab. — Poolside drinks are even better with a cruise ship drink package, letting you relax on the loungers without thinking about the cost.

A cruise ship drink package can make your vacation feel easier and more relaxed. It gives you the freedom to order cocktails, mocktails, specialty coffee, soda, and bottled water without tracking every charge. The value depends on your drinking habits, your itinerary, and how you like to spend your time on board. A clear breakdown helps you decide if the upgrade fits your style.

What the Drink Packages Include

Cruise lines offer several tiers. The top tier usually includes cocktails, beer, wine, premium coffee, soda, bottled water, and fresh juices. Mid‑tier packages focus on non‑alcoholic drinks like smoothies, mocktails, and barista coffee. The lowest tier often covers soda only. The biggest benefit is freedom. You can order throughout the day without thinking about the price of each drink. You can also try new cocktails or coffees you might skip if paying à la carte.

How Pricing Works

Drink packages are sold per person, per day. You must buy the package for the full length of the cruise. Alcohol packages cost the most because cocktails and wine have higher individual prices. Non‑alcoholic packages cost less but still offer strong value if you enjoy specialty coffee or smoothies. Prices change often. Many cruise lines offer pre‑cruise discounts. Buying early usually gives you the best rate.

Where You Can Use the Package

Most packages work at bars, lounges, restaurants, and cafés across the ship. Many cruise lines also accept the package on their private islands. This adds major value because island drinks are usually expensive. There are exceptions. Royal Caribbean accepts the package at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It does not accept the package at the Royal Beach Club in Nassau. Checking your itinerary helps you understand where the package will stretch the farthest.

What’s Not Included

A cruise ship drink package covers most drinks, but not everything. Premium cocktails, top‑shelf spirits, and some specialty coffees may cost extra. Bottles of wine, souvenir drinks, and minibar items are usually excluded. Some bars or experiences may also charge a small surcharge. These details help you avoid surprises on your onboard account.

Family enjoying drinks on the Rising Tide Bar with a cruise ship drink package, relaxing without worrying about the bar tab. — Sipping cocktails on the Rising Tide Bar is even better with a cruise ship drink package, since you can enjoy the moment without thinking about the bill.

How to Maximize Value

Using the package throughout the day is the easiest way to get value. A fresh juice in the morning, a specialty coffee mid‑day, and a cocktail or mocktail in the afternoon help you reach the daily value without trying. Signature cocktails offer the best return. They use fresh ingredients and higher‑quality spirits. Smoothies, fresh juices, and barista drinks also add up fast. Bottled water and sparkling water help you stay hydrated and make the package feel even more useful. If your ship has a private island that accepts the package, plan to enjoy a few drinks there as well.

Sea Day vs. Port Day Strategy

Sea days are the best days to use your package. You are on the ship longer, and you have more chances to order drinks. Pool days, lounge days, and lazy afternoons make the package feel valuable. Port days are different. You may be off the ship for most of the day. If your itinerary has many long port days, you may not use the package enough to break even. If your private island accepts the package, the value increases. Island cocktails are expensive when purchased individually.

Hand holding a cocktail with the Bionic Bar in the background, highlighting the ease of using a cruise ship drink package. — A close‑up of a cocktail at the Bionic Bar — a fun reminder that your cruise ship drink package keeps every sip simple.

When the Drink Package Is Worth It

A drink package is a strong value if you enjoy cocktails, specialty coffee, or mocktails. It works well on warm‑weather itineraries and sea‑day‑heavy cruises. It also shines on ships with many bars and lounges. If you want the freedom to order without thinking about cost, the package adds peace of mind. It also helps if you like trying new drinks or visiting themed bars.

When It Might Not Be Worth It

The package may not be the best choice if you drink lightly or prefer water and tea. Port‑intensive itineraries reduce the value because you spend less time on the ship. Couples or groups with different drinking habits may find that one person gets value while another does not. In those cases, buying drinks à la carte can be cheaper.

Why Drink Packages Are Popular

Drink packages offer convenience and predictability. They remove the mental math from your vacation and let you explore the ship’s bars and cafés freely. Many cruisers enjoy the sense of indulgence and the chance to try drinks they might skip if paying individually. Used well, a cruise ship drink package can elevate your entire cruise and make each day feel more relaxed.