Updated for 2026 cruise drink package pricing and bundle programs.
A cruise drink package is a daily beverage plan that allows passengers to order unlimited drinks such as cocktails, soda, coffee, or bottled water for a fixed price per day.
Introduction
Planning a cruise often reveals an unexpected reality. The cruise fare may be only the beginning of your vacation budget. Drink packages have become one of the most debated add-ons in cruise travel, and the pricing structures can be confusing even for experienced travelers.
As a cruise advisor at Mouse One Travel, I spend a lot of time helping families and first-time cruisers evaluate whether drink packages actually make financial sense.
My perspective may be a little different from many cruise guides. My traveling companions and I generally do not drink alcohol. Because of that, we evaluate soda packages, specialty coffee, bottled water, and non-alcoholic drink tiers just as carefully as others evaluate cocktail packages.
After sailing on multiple cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Princess, I’ve found that drink packages are rarely worth it for light drinkers but can be valuable when bundled with perks like Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Whether you enjoy poolside margaritas or simply want unlimited sparkling water and cappuccinos, understanding how cruise drink packages work can save you hundreds of dollars.
Quick Answer: Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?
Most cruise drink packages are worth it only if you expect to drink around six to eight alcoholic beverages per day or five to eight premium non-alcoholic drinks daily. Travelers who drink less than that usually save money paying per drink. However, bundled fares like Princess Plus or Holland America Have It All can change the math by including drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities in one package. Ultimately, assessing whether are cruise drink packages worth it depends on your personal consumption habits.
Quick Rule of Thumb
- 6–8 alcoholic drinks per day usually justifies a premium drink package
- 5–8 premium non-alcoholic drinks per day justifies a soda or refreshment package
- bundle fares like Princess Plus often provide better value than drink packages alone
How Cruise Drink Packages Work
Before evaluating value, it helps to understand the rules most cruise lines follow.
Mandatory Gratuities
Most drink packages add 18 percent to 20 percent gratuity automatically. A package advertised at $70 per day may actually cost about $83 once service charges are added.
The Cabin Rule
Many cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to purchase the alcoholic package if one person buys it. This rule exists on lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
This can dramatically change the math for couples when only one person drinks alcohol.
Packages Must Be Purchased for the Entire Cruise
You generally cannot purchase a drink package for just sea days. It must cover the entire sailing.
Dynamic Pricing
Most cruise lines now use dynamic pricing. That means beverage packages often fluctuate in price before sailing. Buying during a pre-cruise sale can sometimes save 20 to 40 percent.
Cruise Drink Prices on Major Cruise Lines (Without a Package)
If you skip the drink package, you will pay for beverages individually. Typical onboard prices are roughly:
Cocktails: $12–$15
Beer: $7–$9
Wine by the glass: $9–$12
Soda: $3–$4
Bottled water: $3–$4
Specialty coffee: $5–$7
Mocktails: $7–$9
Energy drinks: $4–$6
These prices vary slightly by cruise line but provide a good estimate for evaluating whether a drink package makes sense.
Cruise Drink Package Comparison by Cruise Line (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, NCL)
Royal Caribbean offers the Deluxe Beverage Package for alcohol, the Royal Refreshment Package for non-alcoholic beverages, and a soda-only package.
Celebrity Cruises offers three tiers: Zero Proof, Classic, and Premium beverage packages.
Norwegian Cruise Line frequently includes the Unlimited Open Bar package through its Free at Sea promotion, though bottled water and energy drinks are not included in the base version.
Princess Cruises focuses on bundled fares such as Princess Plus and Princess Premier, which include beverages along with Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Carnival offers the CHEERS! package for alcohol, CHEERS! Zero Proof for non-alcoholic drinks, and Bottomless Bubbles for soda.
Holland America provides the Quench non-alcoholic package and alcoholic packages bundled into the popular Have It All promotion.
Disney Cruise Line does not offer a traditional unlimited drink package. Instead, soda and several beverages are included in the cruise fare.
| Cruise Line | Main Drink Packages | Typical Price Range | What Is Included | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage, Royal Refreshment, Soda Package | $12–$120 per day | Alcohol, soda, coffee, bottled water depending on tier | Alcohol package often required for both adults in cabin |
| Celebrity Cruises | Zero Proof, Classic, Premium | $45–$105 per day | Specialty coffee, bottled water, cocktails depending on tier | 20% gratuity added |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Unlimited Open Bar, Soda, Starbucks | Often bundled via Free at Sea | Alcohol, soda, juices | Bottled water and energy drinks excluded from base package |
| Princess Cruises | Plus Beverage, Premier Beverage | Included in Princess Plus or Premier | Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water | Bundled into fare rather than standalone |
| Carnival Cruise Line | CHEERS!, Zero Proof, Bottomless Bubbles | $9–$82 per day | Alcohol, soda, coffee, energy drinks depending on tier | Alcohol package required for all adults in cabin |
| Holland America | Signature, Elite, Quench | $17–$65 per day | Coffee, sodas, cocktails depending on tier | 15 drink daily limit on alcohol |
| Disney Cruise Line | No full package | N/A | Soda included in some locations | Specialty drinks extra |
As the table shows, drink packages vary widely between cruise lines, with some focusing on standalone packages while others bundle drinks with Wi-Fi, gratuities, and dining perks.
The Break-Even Math
The most important question is simple.
How many drinks per day justify the cost?
Below is a simplified example using typical onboard pricing.
| Drink Type | Typical Price | Drinks Needed for $70 Package |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail | $12–$15 | 5–6 |
| Beer | $8–$9 | 7–8 |
| Specialty Coffee | $5–$7 | 10–12 |
| Soda | $3–$4 | 18–20 |
| Bottled Water | $3–$4 | 18–20 |
| Energy Drink | $5–$6 | 11–12 |
For most travelers, a realistic mix might look like:
- 2 coffees
- 3 cocktails
- 2 bottled waters
That combination often lands near the break-even point.
Decision Tree: Should You Buy a Cruise Drink Package?
This quick decision table can help determine whether a package is worth considering.
| Question | If Yes | If No |
|---|---|---|
| Will you drink 6+ alcoholic beverages daily? | Alcohol package may be worth it | Consider paying per drink |
| Do you drink specialty coffee daily? | Non-alcoholic package may help | Skip package |
| Do you buy bottled water frequently? | Package may break even faster | Bring refillable bottle |
| Is a bundle like Princess Plus available? | Bundle may offer better value | Compare standalone pricing |
| Are you on a port-heavy itinerary? | Package less useful | Sea-day cruises increase value |
Best Cruise Drink Packages for Non-Drinkers
Many cruise guides assume every traveler wants unlimited cocktails. That is not always true.
For travelers like me who don’t drink alcohol, beverage programs still matter because they affect everyday comfort onboard.
Non-drinkers can still benefit from beverage packages depending on their habits.
Soda packages can be worthwhile for travelers who drink multiple soft drinks per day. Premium non-alcoholic packages can also include specialty coffee, mocktails, smoothies, bottled water, and energy drinks.
When sailing on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, I often purchase soda or non-alcoholic packages when they are discounted before the cruise. On Norwegian Cruise Line, we usually accept the beverage package included with Free at Sea, though bottled water is not included in the base package.
On Princess Cruises, we often choose Princess Plus because the bundle includes beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, which can make the overall value worthwhile even for non-drinkers.
Soda Packages
Soda plans can make sense for families or travelers who enjoy soft drinks throughout the day.
For example:
- Royal Caribbean Soda Package
- Carnival Bottomless Bubbles
- Holland America Coca-Cola Package
These typically cost $8 to $18 per day.
Non-Alcoholic Packages
Premium non-alcoholic packages often include:
- specialty coffee
- mocktails
- bottled water
- smoothies
- energy drinks
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Refreshment package and Carnival’s CHEERS! Zero Proof package are two good examples.
Break-even usually occurs around 6 to 8 premium drinks daily. Cruise Drink Packages 2025–2026…
A Personal Strategy
When sailing on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, my travel companions and I often purchase the non-alcoholic or soda packages when they go on sale before the cruise.
On Norwegian Cruise Line, we typically accept the beverage package included with Free at Sea, but we always remind clients that bottled water and energy drinks are not included in the base package.
On Princess, we often choose Princess Plus, which bundles drinks with Wi-Fi and gratuities. Even as non-drinkers, the bundled benefits can make the package worthwhile.
Bundle Programs That Can Make Drink Packages Worth It
Bundle pricing has become one of the biggest trends in cruising.
These bundles combine drink packages with other amenities such as Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Princess Plus Premier
Princess increasingly promotes two bundles, though I focus on Plus here.
Princess Plus typically includes:
- beverage package
- Wi-Fi
- gratuities
- casual dining
- room service delivery
The bundle is often around $65 per day, significantly less than buying each item separately.
For many travelers, this makes Princess Plus one of the easiest beverage decisions in cruising.
Holland America’s Have It All Bundle
For many travelers, Have It All can be one of the easiest bundle decisions in cruising.
The bundle often makes sense if you plan to use:
• Wi-Fi during the cruise
• at least one specialty dining experience
• a shore excursion
• several beverages each day
Even moderate drinkers who average three to five alcoholic beverages per day may find the bundle worthwhile once the value of Wi-Fi, dining, and excursion credits are included.
For non-drinkers, the math can still work if you regularly order specialty coffees, bottled water, and mocktails, though the value depends heavily on how much you use the other included perks.
Celebrity All Included
Celebrity sometimes bundles the Classic beverage package with Wi-Fi for a modest fare increase. In some cases, the effective price of the beverage package becomes much lower than purchasing it separately.
Norwegian Free at Sea
Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion often includes the Unlimited Open Bar package.
However, it is important to understand the fine print.
Guests still pay the daily gratuity of roughly $28.50 per person, and bottled water and energy drinks are not included unless upgrading to Free at Sea Plus.
Because these bundles include multiple amenities, they can sometimes offer better value than purchasing drink packages separately.
The Disney Difference
Disney Cruise Line handles beverages very differently.
There is no traditional unlimited drink package.
Instead, Disney includes:
- soda at self-service beverage stations
- coffee and tea
- milk and basic juices
For families and non-drinkers, this can actually make Disney one of the best cruise lines because there is no pressure to buy an expensive beverage package.
5 Situations When a Cruise Drink Package Is NOT Worth It
Even though drink packages are heavily marketed, they are not always the best value.
1. Port-Intensive Itineraries
Mediterranean, Japan, and some Alaska cruises involve long days in port. That limits how many drinks you will have onboard.
2. Light Drinkers
Travelers who average two drinks per day almost never break even.
3. One Person Drinks, One Does Not
Cabin purchase rules can double the cost.
4. Luxury Cruise Lines
Many luxury cruise lines already include beverages in the fare. If you want to see how luxury lines compare with mainstream cruise brands, this guide explains the different cruise line tiers from mainstream to ultra-luxury.
5. You Feel Pressure to “Drink Your Money’s Worth”
Some travelers feel obligated to order drinks simply because they already paid for them. That rarely improves the cruise experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Drink Packages
Are cruise drink packages cheaper before sailing?
Yes. Cruise lines frequently offer discounts before departure. Buying early can save 20 to 40 percent.
How many drinks per day make a package worth it?
Most alcoholic packages break even around 6 to 8 drinks daily.
Are soda packages worth it?
They can be worthwhile for frequent soda drinkers, especially on longer cruises.
Can two people share a drink package?
No. Sharing packages is prohibited and cruise lines monitor usage.
Do drink packages include bottled water?
Some do and some do not. Always check the fine print.
Do non-alcoholic packages include specialty coffee?
Most premium non-alcoholic packages do include coffee drinks.
Do drink packages work on private islands?
Usually yes for cruise-line-owned islands such as CocoCay, though Norwegian has some where the drink packages do not work.
Are gratuities included in drink packages?
Some lines include them in the price while others add them at checkout.
Are mocktails included in drink packages?
Premium non-alcoholic packages typically include mocktails.
Are drink packages worth it on short cruises?
Often not. Short cruises tend to be port-heavy.
Final Thoughts
Cruise drink packages are one of the most misunderstood aspects of cruise pricing.
For some travelers they provide convenience and predictable costs. For others, especially light drinkers or travelers who spend long days exploring ports, paying per drink is often the better option.
The key is understanding your own habits before you board the ship.
If you would like help comparing cruise lines, drink packages, and bundled fares such as Princess Plus or Celebrity All Included, Mouse One Travel would be happy to help you plan your next cruise.
