Cruise Drink Packages Offer Savings for Frequent Drinkers

Cruise ship drink packages offer a cost-saving solution for passengers who regularly consume alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer, and mixed drinks, by allowing them to pay a single, flat fee for unlimited drinks over the course of their voyage. This model replaces the traditional method of paying for each drink individually, which can quickly accumulate significant costs, especially for cocktails that are often priced at a premium on board.

Nearly all major mass-market cruise lines provide these flat-fee drink packages, with notable exceptions including Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages. While these two lines do not offer traditional drink packages, they do provide alternative methods for passengers to manage and potentially reduce their beverage expenses. The specifics of what is included in a drink package and how they function can vary considerably between cruise lines. Some packages are tiered, with basic options often limited to sodas and bottled water, while more comprehensive and expensive tiers extend to alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, a selection of wines and beers, and specialty coffee drinks. Some cruise lines also offer specialized packages, such as coffee cards for discounted specialty coffees or wine-specific packages.

The cost of these alcoholic drink packages fluctuates significantly across different cruise brands. Major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Holland America all feature primary drink packages that include a wide array of beverages. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line's "Cheers!" program, as of recent information, costs $59.95 per person, per day, plus a 18% gratuity, totaling $70.74 per day. This package typically covers a wide range of alcoholic beverages up to $20 per serving, including spirits, cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, and non-alcoholic options like sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water. However, it excludes certain items such as bottled wine, mini-bar purchases, and drinks from souvenir cups. Norwegian Cruise Line's "Cheers!" package, priced at $109 per person, per day, plus a 20% gratuity, offers a similar breadth of inclusions, covering most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to $15 per drink. MSC Cruises' "All-Inclusive Easy" package, often around $60-$70 per person, per day, includes a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, while Holland America Line's "Signature Beverage Package" costs $64 per person, per day, plus a 18% gratuity, and includes a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to $11 per serving.

These packages are designed to offer value for passengers who anticipate consuming multiple drinks daily. For example, if a passenger plans to have four to five alcoholic drinks per day, the cost of purchasing them individually could easily exceed the daily price of a drink package, especially when factoring in gratuities. The decision to purchase a drink package should therefore be based on an individual's expected consumption patterns and the specific pricing and inclusions offered by the cruise line. Passengers should carefully review the terms and conditions of each package, including any daily limits, excluded beverages, and geographical restrictions, to ensure it aligns with their vacation plans and budget. The fine print often details limitations on the number of drinks per order and the time intervals between orders, which are important considerations for maximizing the value of the package.