Photo: Jolly Janner / Wikimedia Commons / Public DomainIs the Cruise Drink Package Worth It?
Real 2026 prices for every major cruise line, plus a free calculator to find your own break-even point.
Every cruise line will happily sell you an unlimited drink package before you even board — and for plenty of cruisers, it's genuinely a good deal. For plenty of others, it's $500-800 per cabin spent on drinks they never got around to finishing. The difference comes down to simple math that most people never actually do. This guide gives you real, current pricing for every major line and a calculator that does the math for you.
Drink Package Calculator
Is the Drink Package Worth It on Your Cruise?
Pick your cruise line, estimate how much you’ll actually drink per day, and see whether paying as you go or buying the package comes out cheaper.
Total: 8 drinks/day
2026 Drink Package Prices by Cruise Line
Prices are typical figures gathered from published cruise line rates — most lines use dynamic pricing, so your exact quote will vary by ship, sail date, and promotions.
| Cruise Line | Package | Price/Day (pre-cruise) | Gratuity | Drink Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | $71.99 | +18% | Beer, wine, cocktails & spirits up to $14 each |
| Carnival | Cheers! | $83.94 | Included | Up to 15 alcoholic drinks/day, $20 or less each |
| Norwegian | Premium Beverage Package | $109.00 | +20% | Drinks up to $15 each |
| Celebrity | Premium Package | $109.00 | +20% | Most spirits, cocktails & wine by the glass |
| Princess | Princess Plus | $65.00 | Included | Drinks up to $15 each (Princess Plus); higher on Princess Premier |
| MSC Cruises | Premium Extra Package | $85.00 | +15% | Most cocktails, spirits, wine & beer |
| Holland America | Elite Beverage Package | $55.95 | +20% | Up to 15 alcoholic drinks/day, $16 or less each |
| Virgin Voyages | No unlimited package — prepaid Bar Tab | No package sold | Included | N/A — pay-as-you-go against a prepaid credit balance |
| Disney Cruise Line | No unlimited package — pay as you go | No package sold | +18% | N/A — every alcoholic drink is billed individually |
How the Break-Even Math Actually Works
Every drink package decision comes down to one comparison: package price per day vs. what you'd actually spend paying as you go. The trick is doing that math honestly, with gratuity included on both sides.
A Worked Example
Factors That Change the Answer
Most major lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian) require every adult in a cabin to buy the package if one does. If you drink 8/day and your partner drinks 2/day, you're often forced to buy two packages — which changes the math completely for the lighter drinker.
You'll drink far more on sea days lounging by the pool than on packed port days spent ashore. Estimate a realistic average across your whole itinerary, not just your best sea day.
Every package caps the price per drink (typically $14-20). Order a $22 top-shelf cocktail or a premium wine above the cap and you'll pay the difference out of pocket, even with a package.
Norwegian's Free at Sea and Celebrity's Always Included fares can bundle a drink package into the cruise fare for free or near-free. If your fare already includes one, the entire pay-as-you-go comparison is moot — check your booking confirmation first.
Alternatives to the Full Package
If you're a light drinker
- A soda/water-only package is far cheaper if alcohol isn't the point
- A refillable soda cup or wine-by-the-bottle package can beat the full package cost
- Check your line's carry-on drink policy — several allow a bottle of wine per cabin (see our provisioning rules guide)
If you're a heavy drinker
- Book the package pre-cruise — it's always cheaper than buying onboard
- Watch for wave-season (Jan-Mar) promotions that include the package free
- Confirm the per-drink price cap before you sail so there are no surprise upcharges
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drinks per day do I need to break even on a cruise drink package?▾
Do both people in a cabin have to buy the drink package?▾
Is gratuity included in cruise drink package prices?▾
Which cruise line has the cheapest drink package?▾
Do Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages sell drink packages?▾
Should I buy the drink package before my cruise or wait until I board?▾
Related Guides
Find today's best cruise deals
Some fares already include a drink package for free — check current promotions before you buy one separately.