Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?
- Jen "Travel Girl"
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Short answer? It depends.
If you enjoy alcoholic beverages like margaritas, wine, beer, or mixed cocktails—and you plan on having a few every day—then a drink package can absolutely be worth it. On the other hand, if you’re a light drinker and perfectly happy with what’s already included in your cruise fare, you may want to skip it and save that money for excursions or onboard experiences.
In my experience, whether a drink package is worth it also depends heavily on the cruise line and the type of package they offer.
Today, drink packages are no longer just about alcohol. Many cruise lines bundle drinks with specialty coffees, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, gratuities, and even excursion credits. When you look at the value as a whole, some of these packages deserve a second look—because buying everything separately can easily cost more.
Let’s break it down.
Drink Package Comparisons by Cruise Line
Here’s a high-level comparison of drink packages from some of the most popular cruise lines:
Cruise Line | Drink Package Name(s) | What’s Included | Best For |
Carnival Cruise Line | CHEERS! | Alcoholic drinks (up to ~15/day), sodas, specialty coffees, bottled water | Social drinkers who want a straightforward alcohol package |
Royal Caribbean | Deluxe, Refreshment, Soda | Alcohol (Deluxe), mocktails, specialty coffee, bottled water | Travelers who want tiered options |
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Free at Sea | Includes alcohol package, Wi-Fi minutes, specialty dining, $50-$100 shore excursion credits | Value seekers who like bundled perks |
Celebrity Cruises | Classic / Premium Drinks (often part of “Always Included” bundles) | Drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities (with some bundles) | Modern cruisers with a premium taste |
Princess Cruises | Princess Plus / Premier | Drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining, fitness classes | Solo travelers & value-focused cruisers (my favorite!) |
Virgin Voyages | No traditional drink package | Pay-as-you-go bar tab (often includes bonus bar credit) | Casual drinkers who want flexibility |
MSC Cruises | Premium Beverage Package | Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, specialty coffees, select juices | Travelers who want all-around drink flexibility at sea |
My Personal Take 💬
From my own cruising experience, Princess Cruises offers one of the most complete packages out there. I almost always choose Princess Plus, especially when traveling solo. It works perfectly for me because it bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into one predictable daily cost—no surprise charges at the end of the cruise.
That said, not every cruise (or cruiser) needs a package.
Some packages can cost as much—or more—than the cruise fare itself, so it’s important to factor that into your vacation budget. While you can usually add a drink package later, it’s almost always cheaper to purchase it pre-cruise, as prices tend to increase once you’re onboard.
The good news? Many cruise lines now offer flexible payment plans, even on beverage packages.
Other Ways to Save on Drinks 🍷
If you’re on the fence, here are a few money-saving alternatives:
Many cruise lines allow you to bring your own wine onboard (some may charge a corkage fee).
You can enjoy that wine in your stateroom—or even take your glass anywhere on the ship.
Several cruise lines allow guests to bring a 12-pack of soda cans per person.
Paying à la carte for the occasional cocktail or glass of wine can be cheaper for light drinkers.
Personally, I’ve tried several drink packages and have found that I’m often just fine with what’s included in the cruise fare. If I want a cocktail or wine with dinner, I simply pay as I go—and that works perfectly for my travel style.
So… Are Drink Packages Worth It?
For some cruisers: Absolutely.For others: Not necessarily.
It all comes down to:
How much you drink
What’s included in the package
Your budget
Your cruising style
💬 What about you?
Are drink packages worth it for you, or are you happy with what’s included in the cruise fare? Drop a comment or question below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
See you in the next blog! 🚢✨
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