How to Calculate Whether a Cruise Drink Package Fits Your Habits

Cruise drink packages promise unlimited sips for one price. For some travelers they are a bargain, and for others they are money wasted. A short calculation based on your own habits gives you a clear answer before you buy.

This guide helps you with this topic: how to Calculate Whether a Cruise Drink Package Fits Your Habits. You will work through it one step at a time. As you plan your days ashore, look at food and drink tours at cruise ports on Viator to see what is offered at the ports you will visit.

Know What a Drink Package Is (1-5)

• 1. Understand the basic idea. A drink package lets you pay one price for drinks instead of paying for each one. Packages differ by cruise line and by type. Read the details on your own booking.
• 2. Know the common types. Many lines offer a soda package, a coffee package, and an alcohol package. Some bundle them together. Check what each one includes.

• 3. Know that rules vary. Some lines require every adult in a cabin to buy the same package. Others have drink limits per day. Check the rules before you decide.
• 4. Know that prices change. Package prices can differ by sailing and by when you buy. Pre-cruise prices may differ from onboard prices. Check the current price for your cruise.
• 5. Start with the basics. Read cruise hacks for saving money onboard for general ideas. Then use the steps below to work out your own drink math. Keep your notes in one place.

Count Your Usual Drinks (6-10)

“A drink package is a bargain only when it matches the way you actually drink.”

• 6. Think about a normal day. Count how many drinks you usually have at home. Include coffee, tea, soda, and other drinks. Be honest, because the math depends on it.
• 7. Think about vacation habits. You may drink more or less on vacation. Think about past trips. Use a realistic number.
• 8. Compare places to stay before the cruise. Browse hotels near the cruise port for a night before sailing on Booking.com and note any drinks you may buy before boarding. Count those separately from the ship.
• 9. Count by type. Separate your drinks into groups, such as coffee, soda, and alcohol. Packages often treat each type differently. Count each group on its own.
• 10. Think about who is in your cabin. Each person may drink differently. One may drink a lot, and another very little. Count each traveler.

Find the Price of Each Drink (11-15)

• 11. Look at the drink menu prices. Check the price of a typical drink on your ship. Look at coffee, soda, beer, wine, and cocktails. Add the usual service charge if the menu shows it.
• 12. Include gratuity. Many lines add a service charge to each drink. Packages may also add one. Include it on both sides of the math.

• 13. Use an average price. Pick an average for your usual mix of drinks. Do not use only the cheapest or most expensive one, since that skews the result. A fair average gives a fair answer, and it takes only a minute.
• 14. Check for drink price limits. Packages may cap the price of each drink, so a premium cocktail may not be fully covered. Read the limit and think about whether you would order drinks above it. Count those as extra costs.
• 15. Read about getting value from deals. See judging whether a cruise offer is real value to judge offers. It helps with packages and bundles too. Apply the same method.

Find Your Break-Even Point (16-20)

• 16. Divide the package price by the average drink price. The result is how many drinks you need per package day to break even. It is a simple estimate. Write it down.
• 17. Compare to your daily count. If you drink more than the break-even number, the package may pay off. If you drink less, it may not. Be honest with yourself.
• 18. Think about the cost of a trip like this. Flights, hotels, and onboard spending all add up on a cruise, and drinks are one more piece. See ways travel rewards can ease the cost of onboard extras and use a card with good travel rewards. Then compare the package with paying as you go.
• 19. Include the whole cabin. If every adult must buy the package, multiply by the number of adults. The math changes quickly. Check the rule first.
• 20. Count the days you will actually use it. Port days and sea days can differ. You may drink less on a busy shore day. Count only the days you will use it.

Read the Fine Print (21-25)

• 21. Check what is included. Some packages cover coffee shops, specialty drinks, and bottled water. Others do not. Read the list of included items.
• 22. Check what is excluded. Premium brands, bottles of wine, and certain venues may be excluded. Read the exclusions. Look at the example list.

• 23. Check the daily limit. Some packages limit drinks per day. If you hit the limit, you pay as you go. Know the number.
• 24. Check the age and ID rules. Alcohol packages require legal drinking age. Read the rules for younger guests. Ask about soda packages for children.
• 25. Check refund and change rules. Ask what happens if you change your mind or skip a day. Read the terms. Keep the confirmation.

Think About Alternatives (26-30)

• 26. Pay as you go. If you drink little, paying per drink may cost less. You also keep full control. Keep an eye on your account.
• 27. Buy a coffee or soda package only. A smaller package can fit a light drinker. It costs less than a full package. Compare it with your habits.
• 28. Use a shore day to enjoy local drinks. A tasting on land can replace some onboard drinks. Check food and drink tastings at cruise ports on Viator and read the details. Pair it with a lighter plan onboard.
• 29. Bring a refillable bottle. Water is often free or low cost in many places on a ship. Check the rules for bringing items aboard. Read your cruise line’s policy.
• 30. Skip drinks on some days. A package does not require you to drink every day. You can enjoy a quiet day. It is your choice.

Think About Health and Habits (31-35)

• 31. Think about how you feel. A package can nudge you to drink more than you planned. Set your own limits. Take care of yourself.
• 32. Pace your drinks. Alternate with water and food. Sun and sea air can make you feel tired. Listen to your body.

• 33. Respect rules and safety. Ships have rules on behavior and alcohol. Follow them. Look out for your group.
• 34. Think about shore days. Do not drink more than you can handle before a port day. Keep your documents and your ship time in mind. Be safe.
• 35. Consider your budget. A package is a fixed cost, and you may spend more because it feels free. Set your own spending plan. Keep it simple.

Make Your Decision (36-40)

• 36. Compare the totals. Write the package cost on one side and your estimated drinks on the other. The lower total wins. Add a small buffer.
• 37. Decide before the cruise. Prices may be lower before you sail. Decide early if you can. Check the deadline.
• 38. Ask a travel advisor. Read what an advisor can compare before you book and ask about packages. They may know about current offers. A short chat helps.
• 39. Keep your receipt and terms. Save the package details in your phone. If there is a problem, you have a record. Take screenshots.
• 40. Sail happy. The right choice makes a cruise easier. Our free checklist can help you pack. Safe travels.