Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Worth It in 2025?

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Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Worth It in 2025?

Setting sail on a cruise in 2025 often comes with the exciting choice of adding a drink package to your booking. But with prices rising and options varying widely between cruise lines, you might wonder: is a cruise drink package worth it? This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know—from what’s included, the costs, who benefits most, and insider tips on making the best decision for your trip.

Understanding Cruise Drink Packages: What Are They?

Cruise drink packages are prepaid offers allowing passengers to enjoy a fixed daily rate for unlimited beverages during the cruise. These packages commonly cover alcoholic drinks like cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic options such as sodas, specialty coffees, juices, and mocktails.

With most cruises charging for individual drinks—often between $6 to $15 or more per glass—a drink package helps many guests avoid unexpectedly high bar tabs. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy multiple drinks daily or premium beverages that could be otherwise costly.

However, drink packages are not uniform. Each cruise line sets its own rules and pricing schemes, including what brands are included, daily limits, and additional fees like gratuities. Understanding these details upfront will help you decide if the convenience and potential savings justify the initial expense.

2025 Drink Package Pricing and Inclusions Across Major Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line

Starting in 2025, Norwegian offers the revamped More at Sea drink package, which includes unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, wines, draft beers, juices, and sodas—with wider brand choices like Casamigos, Grey Goose, and Maker’s Mark. The $15-per-drink cap was removed, allowing access to higher-end drinks without extra cost.

However, the package comes with a mandatory gratuity fee of about $30 per day, making a 7-night cruise’s drink package cost around $210 just for gratuities, plus the base daily price which increased from about $21.80 to $30 per day. Guests booking prior to the program rollout automatically receive the upgraded package[1].

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean uses variable pricing based on ship and sailing date, with packages ranging from $28 to $115 per day. The popular Deluxe Beverage Package includes cocktails, beers, wines, specialty coffees, and soft drinks. An 18% gratuity fee is added on top of the package price. For lighter drinkers or those preferring non-alcoholic options, the Refreshment Package is available for roughly $40 per day, while soda-only and water packages are also options.

Their 2025 updates also added more non-alcoholic beers and mocktails in response to trends among younger passengers limiting alcohol intake, enhancing value for guests who don’t drink much but want variety[3][4].

Princess Cruises

Princess offers a tiered drink package system, ranging from the Plus Beverage Package at around $65 per day to the premium Premier Beverage Package at about $85-$90 per day with an 18% gratuity. The Premier package is quite comprehensive, including cocktails, wine by the glass (up to $20 value), specialty coffees, juices, smoothies, and non-alcoholic beverages.

A notable feature is a 15-drink daily limit on alcoholic beverages, and discounts on wine bottle purchases. For passengers who enjoy specialty dining and onboard Wi-Fi, Princess bundles drink packages with other perks in higher fare packages, adding more value[2][7].

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s well-known CHEERS! package costs about $70 per person per day when purchased pre-cruise and includes cocktails, beers, wines, specialty coffees, and sodas. Individual drinks on Carnival ships typically range from $6.50 for beer to over $10 for specialty cocktails, meaning frequent drinkers can quickly reach the breakeven point for the package.

However, CHEERS! must be purchased for the entire voyage by all adults in the same stateroom, and it is non-transferable. This restriction means travelers must carefully consider package necessity for everyone traveling in their cabin[10].

Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It? Factors to Consider

How Much Do You Plan to Drink?

The most critical factor in deciding whether a drink package is worth it is your drinking style. If you regularly enjoy multiple cocktails, beers, or wines per day, a package can easily save you money and eliminate surprise bar bills. For example, if a single cocktail costs $12 and you drink 3 a day, that’s $36 spent daily, surpassing many drink package prices.

For light or occasional drinkers, paying per drink may be more economical. Note that some packages also cover premium non-alcoholic drinks, so even those avoiding alcohol might find value if they enjoy specialty coffees, bottled water, or fresh juices.

Type of Drinks You Prefer

Many packages include brands and drink types up to a price cap (e.g., $15 or $20 per drink). If you want high-end liquors, rare wines, or specialty cocktails priced above the cap, you will pay extra on top of the package cost. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian, have eliminated drink caps, increasing package value for premium drinkers.

Understanding what’s included helps avoid unexpected extra charges. For example, Oceania’s Prestige Select Beverage Package excludes premier spirits and sake, while Princess limits cocktails to $20 maximum value per drink[2][7].

Gratuities and Hidden Fees

Gratuities (tips) on drink packages can add 15-20% to the total cost. Norwegian requires a gratuity of $30 per day on the More at Sea package, increasing the overall price significantly. Royal Caribbean and Princess also add gratuities automatically. These added fees mean you should calculate your total daily spend including tips before purchasing.

Some cruise lines bundle gratuities into the per-day package price, while others charge them separately at checkout or include them on your final bill, so always check the fine print[1][3][7].

Convenience and Experience

Besides cost savings, many cruise travelers buy drink packages for convenience. Ordering without worrying about individual prices and the freedom to sample various drinks can enhance your cruise experience. Packages also reduce the hassle of managing tabs and help you relax more fully.

However, some cruisers might feel encouraged to drink more than usual just because the package is prepaid, which isn’t ideal for everyone. Decide if unlimited drinks align with your travel goals and health considerations.

Tips to Maximize Value and Decide if a Drink Package Is Right for You

Estimate your average daily drink spend: Calculate how many and what kinds of drinks you typically enjoy per day, then compare that to the per-day package price plus gratuities.
Check package inclusions carefully: Look for exclusions, drink price caps, and brand availability. Some premium spirits or specialty beverages may not be included.
Book packages pre-cruise: Most cruise lines offer a discount for purchasing drink packages before sailing, which can save you 10–20% compared to onboard prices.
Consider your personal consumption habits: If you don’t drink or rarely drink alcoholic beverages, assess non-alcoholic beverage options or soda packages instead.
Share with cabin mates if possible: Some lines require all adults in one stateroom to buy the package if anyone does, so coordinate with travel companions to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Factor in cruise promotions: Sometimes airlines or travel agents bundle free or discounted drink packages with cruise bookings, improving the value proposition.

Key Takeaways

Cruise drink packages in 2025 vary widely in price, from about $28 to $115 per day depending on cruise line, ship, and package tier.
Packages typically include unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages but may have daily drink limits or price caps on included drinks.
If you plan to drink multiple cocktails, beers, or wines daily, packages often offer savings and added convenience over paying per drink.
Mandatory gratuities add 15-20% on top of package costs, so these fees should be included in your value calculation.
Non-drinkers or light drinkers should consider soda or non-alcoholic packages, which are usually less expensive.
Booking drink packages before your cruise can save money compared to onboard purchases.
The decision depends on your drinking habits, preferred drinks, budget, and desire for convenience during your cruise experience.

By understanding these factors and comparing offerings from your cruise line, you can confidently decide if a drink package is worth the investment on your next voyage in 2025.

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