Cruise Ship Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It?
Embarking on a cruise vacation is an exciting experience filled with the promise of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. As you plan your voyage, one of the first decisions you’ll encounter is whether or not to purchase a beverage package. These packages offer a convenient way to enjoy a variety of drinks throughout your cruise without the worry of individual charges. However, determining if a beverage package is truly worth the investment requires careful consideration of your drinking habits, the cruise line’s policies, and the overall cost.
Understanding Cruise Ship Beverage Packages
Cruise ship beverage packages are designed to provide passengers with unlimited access to a wide range of drinks for a fixed daily price. These packages typically cover alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options such as soda, juice, specialty coffee, and bottled water. The specific inclusions and restrictions vary depending on the cruise line and the package level.
Types of Beverage Packages
Most cruise lines offer several tiers of beverage packages, each with different inclusions and price points. Here’s a general overview of the types of packages you might encounter:
Basic Beverage Packages
These are the most affordable options, typically covering non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, and specialty coffee. They may also include a limited selection of alcoholic drinks, such as domestic beer or house wine.
Premium Beverage Packages
Premium packages offer a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, including premium beers, wines by the glass, and cocktails made with top-shelf liquors. They often include bottled water, specialty coffee, and other non-alcoholic options.
Ultimate Beverage Packages
These are the most comprehensive and expensive packages, offering unlimited access to virtually all beverages onboard, including premium alcohol, specialty coffee, bottled water, and even some specialty drinks like milkshakes or energy drinks. They may also include discounts on bottled wine or alcoholic beverages not included in the package.
What’s Typically Included?
The specific inclusions of a beverage package will vary by cruise line, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
- Alcoholic Beverages: Beer (domestic, imported, and craft), wine by the glass, cocktails (made with standard or premium liquors depending on the package level).
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Soda (Coca-Cola products, Pepsi products, etc.), juice (orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, etc.), specialty coffee (lattes, cappuccinos, espressos), bottled water, mocktails, and sometimes energy drinks or smoothies.
- Discounts: Some packages may offer discounts on bottled wine or alcoholic beverages that are not included in the package.
What’s Typically Excluded?
While beverage packages offer extensive coverage, there are some exclusions to be aware of:
- Bottled Wine: Generally, beverage packages only cover wine by the glass, not full bottles. However, some packages may offer discounts on bottled wine.
- High-End Liquors: The most expensive and rare liquors may not be included, even in the top-tier packages.
- Drinks in Souvenir Glasses: Drinks served in souvenir glasses are often excluded.
- Room Service Drinks: Beverages ordered through room service may not be included.
- Drinks at Specialty Restaurants: While some packages may cover drinks at specialty restaurants, others may not. It’s important to check the specific terms and conditions.
- Mini-Bar Drinks: Drinks consumed from the mini-bar in your stateroom are typically not included.
- Taxes and Gratuities: In some cases, taxes and gratuities may not be included in the package price and will be added to each drink.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Beverage Package
Deciding whether or not to purchase a cruise ship beverage package is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences and circumstances. Here are some key factors to consider:
Your Drinking Habits
The most important factor is your drinking habits. How much alcohol do you typically consume on a daily basis? Do you enjoy cocktails, wine, or beer? If you only have a drink or two per day, a beverage package may not be worth the cost. However, if you enjoy several drinks throughout the day, especially cocktails or premium beverages, a package could save you money.
Consider both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Do you drink a lot of soda, juice, or specialty coffee? If so, the cost of these drinks can add up quickly, and a beverage package could be a good value.
The Length of Your Cruise
The length of your cruise is another important factor. On a shorter cruise (3-4 days), it may be more difficult to consume enough drinks to justify the cost of a beverage package. However, on a longer cruise (7 days or more), a package is more likely to be a good value, especially if you enjoy several drinks per day.
The Cruise Line’s Policies
Each cruise line has its own policies regarding beverage packages. Some cruise lines require all adults in a stateroom to purchase a beverage package if one person does. This can significantly increase the cost, especially if one person doesn’t drink much alcohol. Other cruise lines offer more flexibility and allow individuals to purchase packages separately.
Be sure to carefully review the cruise line’s beverage package policies before making a decision.
The Cost of Individual Drinks
Before purchasing a beverage package, research the cost of individual drinks onboard the ship. This will give you a better idea of how much you would spend if you didn’t have a package. Most cruise lines publish drink menus online or in their cruise documents. Alternatively, you can find this information on cruise forums or blogs.
Compare the cost of individual drinks to the daily cost of the beverage package. If you would spend more on individual drinks than the daily package price, then the package is likely a good value.
Your Onboard Activities
Consider your planned onboard activities. Will you be spending a lot of time by the pool, where you’re likely to order drinks frequently? Or will you be participating in shore excursions or other activities that will keep you away from the ship for extended periods? If you’ll be spending a lot of time off the ship, you may not have as much opportunity to use the beverage package.
Alternative Options
Explore alternative options for saving money on drinks. Some cruise lines allow you to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as soda or bottled water. This can help reduce your overall spending. Also, look for happy hour specials or drink discounts that may be offered throughout the cruise.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
To determine if a beverage package is worth the cost, calculate the break-even point. This is the number of drinks you need to consume each day to justify the daily package price.
Here’s how to calculate the break-even point:
- Determine the daily cost of the beverage package: This is usually listed as a per-person, per-day price.
- Estimate the average cost of a drink: Research the cost of drinks onboard the ship and estimate the average price you would pay for each drink. Consider the types of drinks you typically order.
- Divide the daily package cost by the average drink cost: This will give you the number of drinks you need to consume each day to break even.
For example, let’s say the daily cost of a beverage package is $80 and the average cost of a drink is $10. The break-even point would be 8 drinks per day ($80 / $10 = 8). If you think you’ll consume at least 8 drinks per day, then the beverage package is likely worth the cost.
Remember to factor in taxes and gratuities when calculating the break-even point. If these are not included in the package price, you’ll need to add them to the cost of each drink.
Tips for Maximizing the Value of a Beverage Package
If you decide to purchase a beverage package, here are some tips for maximizing its value:
- Start drinking early: Begin using your beverage package as soon as it becomes active, usually on the first day of the cruise.
- Try new drinks: Take advantage of the wide variety of drinks available and try something new.
- Share with others (if allowed): Some cruise lines allow you to share drinks with other passengers who don’t have a beverage package, but be sure to check the specific rules. Generally sharing is not permitted.
- Utilize specialty coffee: If you enjoy specialty coffee, take advantage of the unlimited access to lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Be mindful of exclusions: Be aware of any exclusions in the beverage package, such as high-end liquors or drinks in souvenir glasses.
Alternatives to Beverage Packages
If you decide that a beverage package is not right for you, there are several alternative options for saving money on drinks:
Pay as You Go
The simplest alternative is to pay for each drink individually. This allows you to control your spending and only pay for what you consume. However, it can be easy to lose track of your spending, and the cost of individual drinks can add up quickly.
Bring Your Own Beverages
Some cruise lines allow you to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as soda, juice, or bottled water. This can significantly reduce your spending, especially if you consume a lot of these drinks. Check the cruise line’s policy on bringing beverages onboard before your cruise.
Look for Happy Hour Specials
Many cruise ships offer happy hour specials or drink discounts at certain times of the day. Take advantage of these specials to save money on your favorite drinks.
Purchase a Wine Package
If you primarily drink wine, consider purchasing a wine package. These packages typically offer a discount on multiple bottles of wine, which can be a good value if you plan to consume several bottles throughout the cruise.
Use Onboard Credit
If you have onboard credit, you can use it to pay for drinks. This can help offset the cost of individual drinks and make them more affordable.
Loyalty Program Benefits
Some cruise lines offer complimentary drinks or discounts to members of their loyalty programs. Check the benefits of your loyalty program to see if you’re eligible for any drink perks.
Specific Cruise Line Beverage Package Information
To provide more detailed information, here’s a brief overview of beverage packages offered by some popular cruise lines. Keep in mind that prices and inclusions can change, so it’s always best to check the cruise line’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Carnival Cruise Line Beverage Packages
Carnival offers two main beverage packages: “Cheers!” and “Bottomless Bubbles.”
Cheers!
This package includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, soda, juice, and specialty coffee. There’s a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages. All adults in the same stateroom must purchase the “Cheers!” package if one person does.
Bottomless Bubbles
This package includes unlimited soda and juice. It’s a good option for those who don’t drink alcohol.
Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages
Royal Caribbean offers several beverage packages, including the “Classic Soda Package,” the “Refreshment Package,” and the “Deluxe Beverage Package.”
Classic Soda Package
This package includes unlimited soda refills at any venue onboard.
Refreshment Package
This package includes everything in the “Classic Soda Package” plus non-alcoholic cocktails, specialty coffee, and premium teas.
Deluxe Beverage Package
This is the most comprehensive package and includes everything in the “Refreshment Package” plus alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails.
Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages
Norwegian Cruise Line offers the “Unlimited Open Bar Package” as part of its “Free at Sea” promotion. This package includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Princess Cruises Beverage Packages
Princess Cruises offers the “Premier Beverage Package” and the “Classic Soda Package.”
Premier Beverage Package
This package includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Classic Soda Package
This package includes unlimited soda refills.
Disney Cruise Line Beverage Packages
Disney Cruise Line does not offer traditional beverage packages in the same way as other cruise lines. Instead, they offer a la carte pricing for beverages. However, they do offer refillable mugs for soda and a few other drink packages that may be available for purchase.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to purchase a cruise ship beverage package is a complex decision that depends on your individual circumstances. Consider your drinking habits, the length of your cruise, the cruise line’s policies, and the cost of individual drinks. Calculate the break-even point to determine if a package is likely to save you money. If you decide that a beverage package is not right for you, explore alternative options for saving money on drinks.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether or not a cruise ship beverage package is worth it for you. Enjoy your cruise!
