Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It? First-Time Cruiser Guide
If you’re wondering is a cruise drink package worth it, the answer depends on how you actually cruise — not just on the sales pitch before embarkation. This guide helps first-time cruisers decide whether a drink package makes sense, when it is probably not worth it, and what to do instead.
Save this cruise drink package guide so you can compare costs before you buy.
If you are still planning your full trip, start with our
Cruise Checklist for First-Time Cruisers
and then use this post to decide whether a beverage package belongs in your budget.
Cruise Drink Package Worth It? Start With These Questions
Before you buy anything, ask yourself:
- Do you usually order several paid drinks every day?
- Will you actually use the package on port days?
- Do you want specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, mocktails, or just alcohol?
- Will you drink enough every day to justify the cost?
- Would you rather keep your cruise spending flexible?
Many first-time cruisers assume a package automatically saves money, but that is not always true. Sometimes paying as you go is the better move.
When a Cruise Drink Package Is More Likely to Be Worth It
A drink package is more likely to make sense if:
- You regularly buy multiple cocktails, beers, wines, coffees, sodas, or bottled waters each day
- You like the convenience of not thinking about drink prices onboard
- You plan to spend a lot of time on the ship rather than off on long port days
- You prefer an all-in-one vacation feel instead of tracking each purchase
- You already know your drink habits are consistent enough to use it daily
If your trip is already budget-sensitive, compare package costs with your full vacation spending using the
Cruise Budget Planner.
When a Cruise Drink Package Is Probably NOT Worth It
A package is often not worth it if:
- You are a light drinker
- You mainly drink complimentary options
- You expect to be off the ship for much of the day in port
- You only want one or two specialty drinks now and then
- You are buying it just because it feels like the “vacation” thing to do
This is especially true if you are also paying for excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and gratuities. The package can quietly become one more expensive add-on.
If your goal is saving money onboard, also read
15 Things You Should NEVER Buy on a Cruise Ship.
What Counts Toward the Value of a Drink Package?
Do not think only about cocktails. Depending on the cruise line and package, value can also come from:
- Specialty coffee
- Soda
- Bottled water
- Mocktails
- Fresh juice or premium nonalcoholic drinks
- Beer and wine by the glass
For some cruisers, the nonalcoholic extras are what make the package more attractive. For others, those extras do not matter much and the math gets worse fast.
How to Decide If the Package Math Works for You
The simplest approach is to estimate what you would really drink on an average sea day and on an average port day. Then compare that total with the package price.
- Estimate how many paid drinks you would actually order each day
- Separate sea days from port days instead of assuming they are the same
- Include coffee, soda, water, and mocktails only if you truly buy them
- Compare the total against the package cost for your full sailing
- Decide whether convenience matters enough to pay a little extra
If you want help thinking through drink types and onboard options, use the
Cruise Drink Guide.
First-Time Cruiser Mistakes With Drink Packages
These are the most common mistakes:
- Buying the package before estimating actual drink habits
- Ignoring how much time will be spent off the ship
- Forgetting other high-cost extras are already in the trip budget
- Choosing the package because it feels “included” even when it is not needed
- Not checking the cruise line’s current beverage rules before sailing
Planning mistakes like these can add up quickly. That is one reason many first-time cruisers underestimate the total cost of their vacation.
Better Alternatives If You Skip the Drink Package
If you decide not to buy the package, you still have good options:
- Pay as you go for the drinks you really want
- Choose a smaller beverage package if your line offers one
- Focus on complimentary drinks most of the day
- Set a simple daily drink budget before boarding
- Use your saved money on excursions, Wi-Fi, or specialty dining instead
Get our Downloadable Drink Guide Here
If you want a better handle on where your money should go, pair this with
Cruise Deals and Excursions
and your
Cruise Budget Planner.
What First-Time Cruisers Should Buy Before the Cruise Instead
Sometimes the smarter pre-cruise spend is not a drink package at all. It may be better to buy practical essentials before sailing, such as:
- Waterproof phone lanyard
- Portable charger
- Magnetic cabin hooks
- Motion sickness prep
- Reusable water bottle
Everything you need can be found in the Cruise Essentials Store
or Browse those on the
Cruise Shop
starting with our
Cruise Essentials Checklist. for must have items.
Printable Planning Tools for Drink Budgets
If you want to keep drink spending organized without guessing, use printable tools before you sail.
- Cruise Budget Planner for full-trip cost tracking
- Cruise Printable Bundle if you want multiple planning pages together
- Cruise Drink Guide for onboard drink ideas and better ordering confidence
These work especially well for first-time cruisers who want a plan instead of making every decision onboard.
Official and Helpful Resources
For cruise line beverage-package overviews and comparisons, read
Cruise Critic’s drink package guide.
If you want a simple reference for what counts as a standard drink in the U.S., review
CDC standard drink sizes.
For more general cruise questions before sailing, check the
Cruise FAQ.
Final Thoughts
So, is a cruise drink package worth it? Sometimes yes — but only when your real habits match the cost.
If you know you will use it every day and value the convenience, it can make sense. If you are a lighter drinker or already stretching your budget, paying as you go is often the smarter choice.
The best answer is not what cruise marketing says. It is what your actual trip plan and spending style say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cruise drink package worth it for first-time cruisers?
It can be, but only if you will consistently use it enough to justify the cost. First-time cruisers should estimate real daily drink habits instead of buying the package automatically.
What if I mostly drink coffee, soda, or bottled water?
In that case, a full alcohol package may not make sense. A smaller beverage option or paying as you go may be the better value.
Should I buy the drink package before the cruise?
If you already know the package fits your habits and budget, buying before the cruise can make planning easier. But compare the cost against your likely usage first.
What is the best alternative to a drink package?
For many cruisers, the best alternative is setting a daily drink budget and paying only for the beverages they actually want.