Noah Vinter
Alcohol on cruise ships can be expensive, and it's not always possible to buy a bottle of alcohol cheaper on a cruise ship than elsewhere. Cruise lines often offer drink packages, which include a certain number or value of drinks for a fixed daily rate. These packages can be a good deal if you plan to drink a lot, but they may not be cost-effective if you don't drink much. Some cruise lines also allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board, which can be a cheaper option, but there may be corkage fees for drinking it in certain areas. Overall, the cost of alcohol on a cruise ship depends on various factors, including the cruise line, the specific package selected, and individual drinking habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of a bottle of alcohol on a cruise ship | Varies by cruise line, type of alcohol, and package |
| Drink packages | Flat-fee, all-you-can-drink offerings with prices ranging from $10 to over $100 per day |
| Bringing your own alcohol | Permitted on some cruise lines, with possible corkage fees in restaurants |
| Free drinks | Tea, coffee, tap water, and non-carbonated drinks are often free, and free alcohol may be available at events like the captain's cocktail party |
| Discounts | May be available through loyalty programs, booking promotions, or when purchasing packages in advance |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise drink packages can save money
Cruise drink packages can be a good way to save money when cruising, but it depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on the cost of the package compared to the cost of drinks purchased individually. Drink package prices vary widely from line to line, ranging from around $80 to $105 per day. On the other hand, individual drinks can be quite expensive, with cocktails costing around $12-14 and beer and wine costing around $8. Therefore, if you plan to consume a large number of drinks or expensive drinks such as premium cocktails, a drink package may be a more cost-effective option.
Another factor to consider is whether you will have access to any free drinks on the ship. On some river cruise ships, for example, wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner in the base fares, and some lines include all or most alcoholic drinks in their base fares. In such cases, purchasing a drink package may not provide significant additional value. Additionally, some cruise lines offer booking promotions that include free drinks, so it's worth considering whether you may be able to take advantage of such offers.
It's worth noting that drink packages may have unexpected exclusions and price caps. Even the most expensive packages may not include certain brands or drinks over a certain price point. If you are particular about the drinks you consume, you may find that the included options do not meet your expectations. Therefore, it's important to research the specific inclusions and exclusions of the package before purchasing.
Furthermore, drink packages are typically designed for individuals who consume a significant number of drinks. If you are travelling with someone who does not drink, it may be more cost-effective to purchase drinks by the glass rather than opting for a package. Additionally, if you are on a port-heavy cruise or expect to spend a lot of time off the ship, you may find that you don't fully utilise the drink package, making it a less attractive option.
Finally, it's worth considering the convenience and ease that drink packages offer. With a package, you can order whatever you like without worrying about the cost, as you've already paid for it. This can enhance the "vacation" feeling and provide peace of mind, knowing that you can enjoy your favourite drinks without overspending.
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Alcoholic drinks can be expensive on cruise ships
To avoid paying high prices for individual drinks, many cruise lines offer drink packages. These typically include a certain number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily rate. For example, the Deluxe drinks package on Royal Caribbean costs around $105 per day, while Carnival Cruise Line's most comprehensive package, Cheers!, starts at $59.95 per person, per day.
However, drink packages may not always be the most cost-effective option. It depends on how much an individual usually drinks and the specific cruise line's package offerings. Some people may find that they don't drink enough to make the package worth the cost, especially when considering that some packages have daily drink limits. Additionally, drink packages often exclude bottled water, and there may be restrictions on the types of drinks included or how often they can be ordered.
To save money, some people try to bring their own alcohol on board, which is allowed on some cruise lines. However, there are strict limits, and those who bring more than allowed may face confiscation or even removal from the ship. Another strategy is to take advantage of free drinks offered on the ship, such as at the captain's cocktail party or through loyalty programs. Overall, it's important to research the specific cruise line's policies and package offerings to make an informed decision about purchasing alcohol on cruise ships.
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Drink packages include non-alcoholic drinks
The price of drinks packages varies across cruise lines. Some lines offer multiple tiers of drink packages, with basic tiers often including just soft drinks and bottled water, while more expensive tiers add alcoholic drinks and sometimes nonalcoholic cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, and specialty coffee drinks.
Carnival Cruise Line, for example, offers the Bottomless Bubbles Package, which covers all-you-can-drink soda and juice for the full length of your cruise, and costs $9.50 per adult per day and $6.95 per child per day. They also offer the CHEERS! package, which includes alcoholic drinks and costs $80 per day if booked in advance.
Royal Caribbean offers the Classic Soda Package, which includes a Coca-Cola souvenir cup and unlimited Coca-Cola beverages anywhere on the ship, and the Refreshment Package, which includes the same, plus premium coffees and teas, fresh-squeezed juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails. The Classic Soda Package costs $12.99 to $15 per person per day, and the Refreshment Package costs $29 to $38 per person per day.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a soda-only package for around $8 to $10 per person per day, and a Premium drinks package for $108 to $138. They also offer an unlimited Cola beverage package for $9.95 per person per day.
Other cruise lines that offer non-alcoholic drink packages include Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and Costa Cruises.
It's worth noting that some cruise lines will include wine and beer with lunch and dinner in their base fares, and some lines include all or most alcoholic drinks in their base fares. Additionally, some lines may offer booking promotions that include drink packages for no extra cost. Therefore, it's important to do your research and compare the cost of drink packages with the cost of drinks purchased individually on a particular cruise line before deciding whether to purchase a package.
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Some cruise lines offer wine-specific packages
When it comes to alcohol on cruise ships, prices can vary. Some cruise lines include wine and beer with lunch and dinner in their base fares, while others include all or most alcoholic drinks. Some lines offer wine-specific packages, allowing passengers to buy a certain number of bottles for a reduced price. For example, some packages offer ten bottles of wine at a discounted rate. These packages may also include a limit on the number of drinks per day, with only one drink allowed at a time and a minimum time interval between orders.
The cost of cruise ship drink packages varies by line. Some of the biggest cruise brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America, offer drink packages that include all types of drinks for about $60 to $90 per person, per day. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean offers a Deluxe Beverage Package with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for $105 per day. This package also includes a 40% discount on select bottled wines.
It is worth noting that some cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own drinks on board, which can be a more cost-effective option. Additionally, some lines offer promotions that include free drink packages as a perk during booking. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an ongoing More at Sea promotion that includes a free drink package, specialty dining, and excursion credits with new bookings.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a drink package depends on individual preferences and drinking habits. For those who enjoy a glass of wine with their meals or like to indulge in a variety of drinks, a wine-specific package or an all-inclusive package may be a good option. However, for those who are not frequent drinkers, it may be more cost-effective to forgo the package and pay for drinks individually.
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Drink packages can be bought onboard
Drink packages are a flat-fee, all-you-can-drink offering. For a fixed daily rate, you can order as many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as you want every day. The price of such packages varies widely from line to line, from $60 to $105 per person per day. For example, a Deluxe drinks package on Norwegian Cruise Line costs £108/$138, while a Deluxe drinks package on Royal Caribbean costs £83/$105.
There are usually some terms and conditions placed on drinks packages. There may be a limit on the number of drinks you can have in 24 hours, and you may only be able to order one drink at a time, with limits on how often you can order them. There may also be a price limit on the drinks included. Some cruise lines also offer wine-specific packages, where you can buy a certain amount of wine for a reduced price. For example, you may be able to buy ten bottles of wine for a lower price.
Drink packages can be a good deal for those who regularly order several alcoholic drinks a day when cruising. However, it depends on the individual's drinking habits and the cost of the package compared to the cost of drinks purchased individually. On many river cruise ships, wine and beer with lunch and dinner are included in the base fares, and some lines include all or most alcoholic drinks in their base fares. Therefore, it is important to consider the overall value of a drink package before purchasing.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the cruise line and whether you buy a drink package. Alcoholic drinks on cruise ships can be expensive, with cocktails costing around $12-14. However, many cruise lines offer flat-fee drink packages that allow you to order an unlimited number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily rate. These packages can be good value if you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages per day.
The inclusions vary by cruise line, but drink packages typically include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffees, and sodas. Some cruise lines offer different tiers of drink packages, with more expensive tiers including a wider range of drinks.
The cost of drink packages varies by cruise line, ranging from around $10 to $15 for basic soda and coffee packages to over $100 for packages that include alcohol. For example, Carnival Cruise Line's drink package costs around $80 per day if booked in advance, while Royal Caribbean's most inclusive package is $105 per day.
It depends on your drinking habits and the specific cruise line's package offerings. If you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages per day, a drink package can be a good value and a useful budgeting tool. However, if you don't drink much, it may be cheaper to purchase drinks a la carte or opt for a non-alcoholic beverage package.
It depends on the cruise line's policy. Some cruise lines, such as Viking, allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages onboard. Others, like Norwegian Cruise Line, charge a "corkage fee" for bringing your own alcohol. Additionally, some cruise lines may allow you to buy drinks in ports and bring them onboard.
