Understanding Cruise Beverage Packages

Drink Packages Comparison Chart 

This chart shows a comparison of several similar drink packages on popular cruise lines. The choice is yours whether to go with a package or a la carte pricing.  This post will discuss some of the factors that will weigh into your decision.  Your travel professional can offer some additional guidance.

Before we get into the pros & cons, you need to understand that not all beverage packages are alike. You will want to ask for the current package pricing options. Sometimes there are discounts available if you purchase them prior to your cruise. But, the most important question will undoubtedly be "Is a Package Right For You on This Cruise?"

Common Considerations

Most packages have a maximum number of drinks allowed each day of your cruise. In most cases, that's around 15 drinks. That sounds like a lot of drinks, and for some people it would be, but keep in mind it may include soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

Your beverage consumption habits will dictate the value you will get on a daily basis. Soda will be around $1.50 while some cocktails and wine will be $13 or more. There is also a maximum drink price which varies by cruise line, so you could still end up with a bar tab over and above the package depending on your drink selection and the number of drinks you order on a given day.

Let's Do Some Math

You can see from the chart that most packages average around $60.  Figuring 15 drinks per day, that gives us a $4 per drink cost.  The more drinks that you purchase priced over $4, the larger the value you receive by selecting the package over pay as you go pricing.

Cruise Length & Itinerary Impact

If you are on  a cruise with several sea days, you'll get more value with a beverage package, since you'll be spending more time onboard the ship. On the other hand, a port intensive cruise, like a Mediterranean cruise, might not offer sufficient time onboard to take advantage of a package.  The destination may also factor into the benefit realized from any beverage package.  You'll drink a lot more in hot and humid Caribbean than in Alaska.

Consider All Your Options

We've only compared the deluxe beverage options here.  Sometimes, a cheaper package may be the right choice for your cruise if you don't plan on consuming the higher end beverages.  If you drink beer, but don't think you want to consume 15 drinks a day, you might just purchase a bucket of beer or similar offer as you go.

Keep in mind that in most cases, if one passenger in the cabin purchases a package, all others in the cabin must have one as well.   Norwegian Cruise Line takes that a step further, your children, that you hid away across the hallway in an inside cabin, will also need a soda package.

Opportunity to Experiment

You are sitting poolside when you spot an exotic cocktail walking by you on its way to another passenger.   The waiter asks you if you want to try one.   If you have a beverage package, you say, sure why not.   Without a package, you might not be willing to experiment; you'd stay with your old faithful choice instead.

Hopefully we've given you a better understanding of cruise beverage packages.   We suggest keeping watch on your emails prior to your cruise because you may find an offer you just can't refuse.  Regardless of whether you purchase a package or individual drinks on your next cruise, please drink responsibly so that you and your traveling companions can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Follow Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

Understanding Cruise Beverage Packages

Drink Packages Comparison Chart 

This chart shows a comparison of several similar drink packages on popular cruise lines. The choice is yours whether to go with a package or a la carte pricing.  This post will discuss some of the factors that will weigh into your decision.  Your travel professional can offer some additional guidance.

Before we get into the pros & cons, you need to understand that not all beverage packages are alike. You will want to ask for the current package pricing options. Sometimes there are discounts available if you purchase them prior to your cruise. But, the most important question will undoubtedly be "Is a Package Right For You on This Cruise?"

Common Considerations

Most packages have a maximum number of drinks allowed each day of your cruise. In most cases, that's around 15 drinks. That sounds like a lot of drinks, and for some people it would be, but keep in mind it may include soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

Your beverage consumption habits will dictate the value you will get on a daily basis. Soda will be around $1.50 while some cocktails and wine will be $13 or more. There is also a maximum drink price which varies by cruise line, so you could still end up with a bar tab over and above the package depending on your drink selection and the number of drinks you order on a given day.

Let's Do Some Math

You can see from the chart that most packages average around $60.  Figuring 15 drinks per day, that gives us a $4 per drink cost.  The more drinks that you purchase priced over $4, the larger the value you receive by selecting the package over pay as you go pricing.

Cruise Length & Itinerary Impact

If you are on  a cruise with several sea days, you'll get more value with a beverage package, since you'll be spending more time onboard the ship. On the other hand, a port intensive cruise, like a Mediterranean cruise, might not offer sufficient time onboard to take advantage of a package.  The destination may also factor into the benefit realized from any beverage package.  You'll drink a lot more in hot and humid Caribbean than in Alaska.

Consider All Your Options

We've only compared the deluxe beverage options here.  Sometimes, a cheaper package may be the right choice for your cruise if you don't plan on consuming the higher end beverages.  If you drink beer, but don't think you want to consume 15 drinks a day, you might just purchase a bucket of beer or similar offer as you go.

Keep in mind that in most cases, if one passenger in the cabin purchases a package, all others in the cabin must have one as well.   Norwegian Cruise Line takes that a step further, your children, that you hid away across the hallway in an inside cabin, will also need a soda package.

Opportunity to Experiment

You are sitting poolside when you spot an exotic cocktail walking by you on its way to another passenger.   The waiter asks you if you want to try one.   If you have a beverage package, you say, sure why not.   Without a package, you might not be willing to experiment; you'd stay with your old faithful choice instead.

Hopefully we've given you a better understanding of cruise beverage packages.   We suggest keeping watch on your emails prior to your cruise because you may find an offer you just can't refuse.  Regardless of whether you purchase a package or individual drinks on your next cruise, please drink responsibly so that you and your traveling companions can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Follow Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

So You've Just Gotten Onboard - What to Do

 You Just Boarded 

Allure of the Seas^SM

So What Do You Do?

Well, if you are like us, you probably got to the pier around mid-day so the cabins aren't ready for occupancy yet.  We had a light breakfast at the hotel because we knew that once we got onboard, there would be several venues open for us to grab a snack.

Boardwalk Dog House, Sorrento's Pizza

The gangway of Allure of the Seas is on Deck 5 which is the Royal Promenade.   Here you'll find Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade which have extended hours and offer snacks.   A slice of pizza at Sorrento's was our choice for something quick.  After pizza we stayed awhile people watching, one of our favorite things to do onboard the ship.

Unlimited Coca Cola 

For those that like to drink Coca Cola products with their meals or while lounging by the pool, you may want to consider purchasing the "Coke Fountain Sticker" which entitles you to as many fountain drinks as you like throughout the cruise.  The cost is $6.90 per person per day plus tip and includes a limited edition Royal Caribbean Coke bottle which can be refilled at any bar or restaurant on the ship or on Labadee, the private island.  These can be purchased on the first day of the cruise on the Royal Promenade.

On the Boardwalk

We stopped for a sausage at Boardwalk Dog House before heading to our cabin.  Passengers were getting their first glimpse of all that the Allure of the Seas has to offer on the Boardwalk.   Go for a ride on the carrousel or enjoy some refreshments in one of the dining venues.  

We would reassemble here before we sailed for the mandatory safety drill.  It is not necessary to bring life jackets with you to the drill.   In a real emergency, life jackets would be provided by the crew at the muster stations.