“Are drink packages worth it on a cruise?”
This is a great question. It does not have a single answer for everyone. I wish I could just say “yes” or “no”! The truth is, it depends on you. It depends on what you like, what you usually do, and even your trip plan. At Gallivanters Vacations, we help you plan the perfect trip. Understanding drink packages is a key part of this. So, let’s explore if a drink package will make your next ocean adventure better.
What is a Drink Package?
First, what is a drink package? It is money you pay upfront. This payment covers many types of drinks during your cruise. These drinks can include soft drinks and special coffees. They also include bottled water, fresh juices, and many alcoholic drinks. You can get beers, wine by the glass, spirits, and cocktails. Each cruise line offers different things. What is included can change a lot.
The main reason to get a package is to have unlimited drinks. You will not constantly pull out your wallet. You also will not worry about your onboard spending. Imagine relaxing by the pool with a cold piña colada. Or, enjoy a glass of wine before dinner. You could also savor a craft beer while watching the sunset. All of this is without thinking about the cost. Many of our clients love this peace of mind. It stops the feeling of small, extra charges. This allows for a truly carefree vacation.
Is a Drink Package Right for You?
However, we need to think carefully here. To decide if a drink package is worth it, we need to do some math. We also need to think about your own habits.
Consider how many drinks you usually have each day. Do you drink a few sodas during the day? Maybe a couple of special coffees? Then, do you have a few alcoholic drinks in the evening? Or, do you only have one cocktail a day? Think about what you usually do at home or on a typical vacation. If you drink many non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water or specialty coffees, a package covering those might still be a good value, even without much alcohol.
Also, think about your trip plan. Will you have many days in port? You might get off the ship and enjoy drinks on land. Or, are you going on a cruise with more days at sea? You will spend more time on the ship and likely drink more. The more time you expect to spend on the ship, the more likely a drink package will be worth the cost.
Cost and Break-Even Point
Now, let’s talk about the price. If not part of a special deal, cruise line drink packages can cost from $50 to over $100 per person, per day. This depends on the cruise line and the package you pick. This cost can add up fast. So, it is important to compare that daily cost to how much you expect to drink each day.
Let’s do a quick example. A standard beer costs about $7-$9. A glass of wine is around $10-$15. A cocktail costs between $12-$18. You can see how quickly individual drink costs add up. If a drink package costs $75 per person per day, you would need to drink about 5-7 alcoholic drinks. Or, you could have a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to break even. For many people, this is easy to do. For others, it might be too much.
Keep in mind that most cruise lines require all adults in the same room to buy a drink package if one person gets it. This stops people from sharing drinks. This is an important point to consider. It matters especially if one person in your group drinks much less than the other. Yet, some cruise lines are starting to offer more flexible choices. Therefore, it is always good to ask us at Gallivanters Vacations about the rules for your chosen cruise line.
Your Cruise, Your Choice
At Gallivanters Vacations, we know planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. That is why we are here! We can help you understand the cost of single drinks on your chosen cruise line and compare it to the package price. We can even look for any current deals that might include a drink package as a bonus. Sometimes, booking a certain type of cabin or traveling at specific times of the year can unlock great “free at sea” offers. These make drink packages a clear choice.
Ultimately, the goal is to make your vacation better. You should not stress about your bar bill. If unlimited drinks bring you joy and relaxation, and you think your drinking habits will cover the cost, then a drink package is definitely worth it. It is an investment in ease and fun. It lets you truly enjoy the carefree spirit of a cruise.
So, are drink packages worth it? For many of our happy Gallivanters, the answer is a big “yes!” But for others, paying for each drink might save money. The key is to be informed. Make the choice that best fits your travel style and budget.
Ready to set sail and find the perfect cruise experience, with or without a drink package? Contact Gallivanters Vacations today! We are here to help you understand all your choices. We will make sure your next cruise is nothing short of amazing. Give us a call or visit our website to start planning your dream getaway! Follow us on Facebook for expert tips & incredible deals. Let’s make your travel dreams come true!