Cruise drink packages: when they pay off, with calculation examples
The math I do before buying: daily consumption, the effect of the 18-20 percent service charge, the break-even point and the rules almost nobody reads.
In my family we do the math before buying any drink package, because with three kids and a budget, every fixed cost matters. Packages are sold as "all week without thinking", but thinking is exactly what pays off before boarding: sometimes they save money, sometimes they make you spend more than you would drink.
I will show you how to calculate it with realistic numbers. Prices are illustrative and vary by cruise line and date, but the method always works. It helps to keep the general spending context in mind: see how total cost varies in cruise prices and what is added in gratuities and service charges.
How packages work
A drink package is a daily rate per person that covers an unlimited number of drinks, with a price cap per drink. There are non-alcoholic-only versions, coffee and soda versions and full packages with cocktails and wine. The most common ones share these features:
- They are bought for the whole length of the trip, not just a few days.
- Many cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to buy the package.
- They cover drinks up to a maximum price; anything above is paid separately.
- Packages with alcohol are only for people of legal drinking age.
- An automatic service charge is added, usually around 18 or 20 percent.
The effect of the service charge
The most common mistake is looking only at the package base price. If the package costs 65 per day and a 20 percent service charge is added, the real cost is 78 per day. The same happens with single drinks, which usually carry a surcharge of 18 to 20 percent on major lines. Always calculate with that surcharge included.
A consumption example with numbers
Suppose a person has these drinks on a typical cruise day. Prices are hypothetical:
| Drink | Quantity | Unit price | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty coffee | 2 | 5.00 | 10.00 |
| Soda | 3 | 3.50 | 10.50 |
| Cocktail | 3 | 12.00 | 36.00 |
| Glass of wine | 2 | 11.00 | 22.00 |
| Total before service | 10 drinks | 78.50 | |
| 18 percent service | 14.13 | ||
| Total à la carte | 92.63 |
Comparison with the package and break-even point
With a package at 65 per day plus 20 percent service, the daily cost is 78. For this heavy consumption, the package saves about 14 per day. But not everyone drinks that much. This table compares two profiles:
| Profile | À la carte (with 18 percent) | Package (65 + 20 percent) | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy: 10 drinks per day | 92.63 | 78.00 | Package |
| Moderate: 1 cocktail, 1 coffee and 2 sodas | 28.32 | 78.00 | À la carte |
The practical break-even rule
In this example, each drink costs on average about 9.26 with service included. Dividing the package cost (78) by that average, break-even is around 8 or 9 drinks per day. If you will not drink at least that many every day, the package probably does not pay off.
- Calculate your realistic consumption, not your best days.
- Remember that on excursion days you will not be on board as much.
- If you drink little alcohol, look at coffee-only and non-alcoholic packages.
Rules almost nobody reads
- All adults in the cabin must buy the package on many cruise lines.
- You cannot share drinks with other people with the package.
- Minors usually have non-alcoholic packages at a lower price.
- Drinks above the package price cap are charged separately.
- Some cruise lines offer discounts if you buy before boarding.
- Packages do not usually cover drinks bought in port or in shops.
How to do your own math, step by step
- Write down how many drinks you have on a normal vacation day, without exaggerating.
- Multiply by the usual price of each drink on board, which you can see on the menu or in the app.
- Add the service charge, around 18 or 20 percent.
- Compare that total with the daily package cost, also with its service charge.
- Subtract days when you will not be on board because of long excursions.
- Choose the package only if the result clearly favors it.
Common mistakes when buying a package
- Buying it "just in case" without doing the math.
- Forgetting the service charge when comparing.
- Buying it for a group where not everyone will drink.
- Not checking the maximum price per drink it covers.
- Not checking whether drinks at specialty dinners are covered.
Alternatives to the package
- A coffee-only or soda-only package, cheaper and enough for many.
- Buying à la carte and keeping a daily spending tally.
- Bringing an allowed amount of wine aboard at embarkation, if your cruise line permits; review the prohibited items.
- Taking advantage of promotions that include a drink package in the fare.
Frequently asked questions
How many drinks must I have for the package to pay off?
In this article example, break-even is around 8 or 9 drinks per day with service included. It depends on the package price and what you drink.
Does the package include the service charge?
It is normally added separately, 18 to 20 percent on major lines. Check before buying.
Must all adults in the cabin buy it?
On many cruise lines, yes. Review the policy before deciding.
What about kids?
They usually have non-alcoholic packages at a reduced price. Ask what they include and up to what age.
Written by
Kate Anderson
Itinerary planning and family cruise specialist
Kate plans sea itineraries for families, couples and groups. She writes about choosing a cabin, organizing a budget and cruising with children without the stress.
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