Cruise Alcohol Packages: Worth The Money?

Whether or not an alcohol package is worth it on a cruise depends on several factors. These include the duration of the cruise, the number of drinks included in the package, the type of drinks included in the package, and the cost of the package compared to the cost of drinks purchased individually. Some people find that drink packages offer peace of mind, as they know exactly how much they will be spending on drinks and don't have to worry about the cost of each drink. Others find that the packages are not worth it, especially if they don't drink much or prefer certain types of drinks that may be excluded from the package. Ultimately, the decision to purchase an alcohol package on a cruise depends on individual preferences and drinking habits.

Alcohol package value depends on drinking habits and preferences

The value of an alcohol package on a cruise depends on your drinking habits and preferences. If you are a heavy drinker, it might be worth considering a drink package to avoid running up a large bar tab. However, if you are a light drinker, it may not be worth the upfront cost, and you may be better off paying for drinks individually.

Drink packages can be a good value for those who consume a lot of non-alcoholic beverages, such as lattes, specialty coffees, sodas, and juices, in addition to alcoholic drinks. For example, someone who has several lattes and sodas throughout the day and a few glasses of premium wine in the evening may find that a drink package is a more cost-effective option.

On the other hand, if you primarily drink beer, the packages may not offer the best value. On some cruise lines, such as Carnival, beers typically cost around $7 to $7.95, and you would need to consume a significant number of beers per day for the package to become financially worthwhile. In contrast, wine by the glass on cruise ships can be expensive, ranging from $10 to $15, so wine drinkers may find better value in the packages.

It's important to consider your drinking preferences and calculate whether the package will save you money based on your expected consumption. Additionally, keep in mind that some packages may have daily limits on the number of alcoholic drinks included, and certain drinks or venues may be excluded from the package.

Drink packages can also provide peace of mind by eliminating the need to worry about drink costs during your cruise. This can enhance your enjoyment of the cruise experience, allowing you to indulge in drinks without constantly calculating their cost. However, it's worth noting that some people may feel pressured to consume more drinks than they normally would to justify the cost of the package.

Packages are good for budgeting

Drink packages can also save you money. For example, a $10 beer on a Carnival Cruise may stress you out, but with the drink package, you can order as many drinks as you want for a fixed daily rate. This can be especially good value if you plan on drinking a lot, or if you want to try a variety of different drinks. If you are a wine drinker, for example, the cost of wine by the glass on cruise ships is often high, so a drink package can be a more economical option. The same goes for those who enjoy fancy coffees or other non-alcoholic beverages, which can also be expensive on cruises.

Additionally, some cruise lines require that if one person in a cabin purchases a drink package, everyone over 21 in the same cabin must also buy the same package. In this case, a drink package can help to keep costs down, as you won't be paying for drinks individually for each person.

However, it's important to note that drink packages may not always be the most cost-effective option. For example, if you are a light drinker or on a short cruise, you may not save money with a drink package. In this case, it might be better to buy your drinks individually and put the money you save towards excursions instead. It's also worth considering that some packages may exclude certain drinks or specific onboard venues, and some may limit the number of alcoholic drinks you can have per day. Therefore, it's important to do your research and calculate whether a drink package is the best option for you based on your drinking habits and preferences.

Packages are convenient and stress-free

The convenience and stress-free nature of drink packages are major factors in deciding whether to purchase them for your cruise. Knowing your expenses upfront can help you budget effectively, eliminating surprises. This is the biggest reason for many people who don't want to be charged for drinks every time they order. You can ditch the constant drink calculations every time you order. This makes for a more relaxing, enjoyable trip instead of stressing out about your bill. Plus, some packages not only work onboard but also extend to the cruise line's private islands.

Drink packages can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to indulge in a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during your cruise. By purchasing a package, you can enjoy your drinks without worrying about the cost of each individual drink. This can be liberating, allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation without the burden of tracking expenses.

Additionally, drink packages can provide peace of mind by helping you avoid unexpectedly high bar tabs. Heavy drinkers can easily accumulate a substantial bar tab when ordering drinks by the glass. Drink packages offer a flat-fee, all-you-can-drink option, providing certainty and potentially saving you money.

For those who enjoy a variety of drinks, including specialty coffees, cocktails, and wines, drink packages can be a good value. They allow you to try new drinks without worrying about the cost of each drink, and you can easily bar-hop without worrying about accumulating multiple drink charges. If you are a light drinker or on a short cruise, buying drinks individually may be more cost-effective, as drink packages often have a high upfront cost.

Drink packages can also be beneficial for budgeting. You can purchase them in advance, knowing exactly how much you will spend on drinks for your entire cruise. This helps eliminate surprises and gives you a clear understanding of your expenses. However, it's important to consider that some packages may have exclusions or limitations on certain drinks or venues, and gratuities may be added, increasing the overall cost.

Packages are not always good value for light drinkers

For example, on a Carnival Cruise, a beer costs around $7 to $7.95, and a glass of wine is around $10 to $15. To make the package worth it, you'd need to drink seven to eight beers or five glasses of wine per day. Similarly, a seven-day drink package will probably cost around $600, whereas you can get a decent selection of alcohol in the ship's duty-free store for the same price.

Additionally, some packages may not include certain drinks, such as specialty coffees or drinks over a certain price. They may also limit the number of alcoholic drinks you can have per day, and some require that if one person in a cabin purchases an alcohol-focused package, everyone over 21 in the same cabin must also buy it. Gratuities are often added to drink packages, increasing the overall cost.

Therefore, it's essential to consider your drinking habits and preferences, the specific inclusions and exclusions of the package, and whether there are any free drinks already included with your cruise before deciding if a drink package is worth it for you.

Packages may be unnecessary if drinks are already included

Additionally, some cruises offer promotions or discounts on drink packages. For instance, one user on Reddit mentioned that Holland America had a promotion on their "Have It All" package that included wifi, 15 beverages under $15 per day, one premium restaurant dinner reservation, and $100 in excursion credits. The package was 50% off, so it cost around $200-300 USD, and gratuities were already included.

It's important to consider your drinking habits and preferences when deciding whether to purchase a drink package. If you are a light drinker or on a shorter cruise, buying drinks individually may be more cost-effective. For example, if you primarily drink beer, it is usually more affordable to pay for beer as you go, especially on Carnival ships, where beers typically cost $7 to $7.95. You would need to consume more than seven to eight beers per day for the package to be worth it. On the other hand, if you are a heavy drinker or plan to indulge in more expensive drinks, a drink package might be a better value.

Drink packages can also provide peace of mind and convenience by eliminating the need to worry about the cost of each drink and allowing you to try new drinks without concern for their individual prices. However, it's worth noting that some packages may exclude certain drinks or venues, and some cruises automatically add gratuities to the packages, increasing the overall cost. Therefore, it is essential to review the package details and your receipt to avoid unexpected charges.

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