Cruise Drink Packages 2025

What Is a Cruise Drink Package?

A cruise drink package (or beverage package) is a prepaid add-on that covers drinks during your sailing — typically alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Instead of paying per drink, you pay a flat daily rate and drink as much as the package covers.

Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It?

The break-even math is simple. If a package costs $80/day and a cocktail averages $14, you need to drink about 6 cocktails per day to break even. Add coffee, water, and sodas and the number drops. Most moderate-to-social drinkers find packages break even around 4–5 drinks per day — highly achievable on a vacation with pool time, sea days, and evening shows.

Best Cruise Drink Packages by Line

Royal Caribbean — Deluxe Beverage Package

Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package covers cocktails, beer, wine by the glass (up to $14/drink), specialty coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages. Priced at $65–$110/day depending on ship and sailing. Book before boarding — it's always cheaper pre-cruise than onboard.

Carnival — CHEERS! Beverage Program

Carnival's CHEERS! program covers cocktails, beer, wine by the glass (up to $20/drink), specialty coffees, and non-alcoholic drinks. Priced at approximately $57–$72/day depending on sailing. Must be purchased for all guests 21+ in the cabin — a policy designed to prevent sharing.

Norwegian — Free at Sea (Drinks Included)

NCL's "Free at Sea" promotion includes a Premium Beverage Package for free on select sailings. When offered, this is extraordinary value — a package worth $100+/day included in the fare. Always ask our agents if Free at Sea is active for your sailing date.

Celebrity — Always Included Drinks

Celebrity's "Always Included" fare tier bundles a Classic Beverage Package (covering wines, beers, spirits, and specialty coffees up to $10/drink) into the base fare — along with Wi-Fi and gratuities. A transparent all-in pricing approach that eliminates calculation anxiety.

Tips for Maximum Value

• Buy pre-cruise: Drink packages are always 10–20% cheaper when purchased before boarding vs. onboard
• Watch for sales: Cruise lines offer Black Friday, Wave Season, and flash sale discounts on drink packages — sometimes 20–30% off
• Consider non-alcoholic packages: If you don't drink much alcohol, a coffee/soda/water package at $20–$30/day covers premium coffees and specialty beverages at solid value
• Ask our agents: We know which sailings currently include drinks in a bundle promotion and which ships have the best onboard bar selections