Cruise Drink Package Calculator
Estimate onboard beverage spending and compare it against typical cruise drink package ranges before you decide whether a package is worth buying.
Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It?
This calculator uses estimated beverage pricing and typical package ranges that vary by cruise line. Actual prices can change by ship, sailing, itinerary, and promotion, so use these estimates for planning purposes and confirm current pricing before purchasing.
Cruise Drink Package Calculator
Wondering whether a cruise drink package is actually worth the cost? This calculator estimates what you could spend on beverages during your cruise and compares that total to the typical price range of drink packages offered by major cruise lines.
Simply choose your cruise line, cruise length, number of adults, and your estimated average daily beverage consumption. The calculator includes beer, cocktails, wine, specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda to provide a personalized estimate based on your expected drinking habits.
While actual drink prices and package costs vary by ship, sailing, and current promotions, this calculator provides a realistic planning estimate to help you decide whether purchasing a beverage package may save money—or whether paying for drinks individually is likely the better value.
Average Daily Beverage Consumption Per Person
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| Bottled Water | |
| Soda |
My Experience: We've Saved Money Both With and Without a Drink Package
My own cruises are a good example of why I don't think there is one right answer to the drink package question. We've had cruises where buying the package saved us money and another where deliberately skipping it was the better choice.
Norwegian Encore: The Drink Package Saved Us About $600
I recently put this same calculation to the test on a seven-night Alaska cruise aboard Norwegian Encore. Before sailing, I compared what we were likely to spend on drinks individually with the value of having the beverage package. For us, the numbers strongly favored the package — and our actual experience onboard confirmed it.
Between alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda, and other drinks throughout the week, we easily saved about $600 compared with what we would have spent purchasing those drinks individually. On that particular cruise, the beverage package was an excellent value for us.
Adventure of the Seas: Paying À La Carte Saved Us About $300
We had the opposite experience on an Adventure of the Seas sailing a couple of years earlier. For that cruise, the numbers didn't justify buying Royal Caribbean's drink package, so we decided to purchase our drinks individually instead.
By the end of the sailing, that decision had saved us approximately $300 compared with what we would have paid for the drink package. We still bought the drinks we wanted; we simply didn't consume enough for the package price to make financial sense for us on that particular trip.
Those two cruises are why I recommend doing the math for each sailing instead of assuming a drink package is always a bargain — or always a waste of money. On Norwegian Encore, the package worked strongly in our favor. On Adventure of the Seas, paying à la carte did.
Your cruise length, package price, drinking habits, number of port days, and what you actually expect to order can change the answer. That's exactly why I built this calculator: estimate how you are likely to use the package and compare the numbers before you buy.
If you are sailing Norwegian, also review our Norwegian Free at Sea Guide to understand how the beverage benefit fits into Norwegian's broader package structure.
How This Cruise Drink Package Calculator Works
This calculator uses estimated beverage pricing that varies by cruise line. It multiplies your average daily drinks per person by the number of adults and cruise nights, then compares that estimate against a typical beverage package range.
Because cruise drink prices and package promotions change frequently, this tool should be used as a planning estimate rather than a final price quote. Always confirm current package pricing with the cruise line before purchasing.
Have onboard credit? Many cruisers use OBC to offset drink package costs. Learn more in our Cruise Onboard Credit Explained Guide.
Drink packages are only one part of your vacation budget. Use our Cruise Total Cost Calculator to estimate the full cost of your cruise including gratuities, excursions, transportation, and more.
When a Cruise Drink Package Usually Makes Sense
A drink package is more likely to make sense when you expect to buy several alcoholic beverages per day, regularly order specialty coffee, drink bottled water throughout the day, or spend multiple sea days onboard.
Drink packages can also be useful for travelers who value convenience. Some cruisers prefer knowing most beverage costs are handled before sailing, even if the savings are modest.
When Paying Per Drink May Be Cheaper
Paying individually may be cheaper if you drink lightly, spend long days in port, prefer included beverages, or are traveling with another adult who would also need to purchase the package but would not use it much.
Before buying a package, compare your estimated beverage value with the actual package price, required gratuities or service charges, and any restrictions on what drinks are included.
Calculating drink package value? Don't forget gratuities. Estimate them with our Cruise Gratuity Calculator.
Drink Packages vs Bundled Cruise Packages
Not every cruise package is a pure drink package. Carnival CHEERS! and Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package are beverage-focused products, while Princess Plus, Princess Premier, Holland America Have It All, and Have It All Plus are broader bundled packages.
Bundled packages should be evaluated differently because the value may include WiFi, gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, fitness classes, photos, or other perks depending on the cruise line and package.
Related Cruise Package Guides
Need Help Comparing Cruise Options?
A drink package is only one part of the total cruise cost. Cabin type, itinerary, gratuities, WiFi, excursions, transportation, and onboard spending can all affect the final price.
If you are comparing cruise lines, packages, or itineraries, request a personalized cruise quote so you can evaluate the full trip cost before booking.
Using the Calculator for Norwegian Free at Sea
Sailing with Norwegian? The calculator can help you estimate what you might otherwise spend on beverages, but Norwegian's package structure has its own rules and inclusions. Review our Norwegian Free at Sea Guide before comparing the beverage benefit with your expected onboard spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cruise drink packages worth it?
Cruise drink packages can be worth it for travelers who expect to buy enough beverages each day to exceed the package cost. Light drinkers often spend less by paying individually.
How many drinks per day make a cruise drink package worthwhile?
There is no universal number because package prices vary. As a rough planning rule, travelers who expect several alcoholic beverages per day plus bottled water, soda, or specialty coffee are more likely to find value.
Do all adults in a cabin have to buy the drink package?
Many cruise lines require eligible adults in the same cabin to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package. Rules vary by cruise line, package, and sailing.
Are gratuities included in cruise drink packages?
Some cruise lines include gratuities or service charges in the displayed package price, while others add them separately. Always confirm the total package cost before purchasing.
Can cruise drink package prices change?
Yes. Cruise drink package prices, promotions, inclusions, and restrictions can change by cruise line, ship, sailing, and purchase timing.
Should I buy a cruise drink package before sailing?
Buying before the cruise may offer better pricing or promotions, but the right choice depends on your estimated usage and the current package terms.
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