Vivian Marlowe
The cost of alcohol on a cruise varies depending on the cruise line and the type of drink. Basic drinks packages on some cruise lines can start from under $10 per person per day, but these usually only include soft drinks. Alcohol packages can start from around $50 per person per day, but prices can go up to $138 per person per day for a premium package. Individual drinks can cost around $8 for a beer or glass of wine, and cocktails can cost between $12 and $16, plus an 18% service charge. Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive alcohol packages, while others allow passengers to pay for drinks individually. It's worth noting that some cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board, which can help to keep costs down.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of alcoholic drinks on a cruise | $12-14 for cocktails, $8 for beer and wine |
| Cost of an all-inclusive alcohol package | $50-60 per person per day, $62 with P&O, $88.44 when purchased onboard, $82.54 in advance, $105 with Royal Caribbean, $138 with Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Cost of non-alcoholic drinks packages | $10-38 per person per day |
| Cost of soda packages | Under $10 per person per day, $13.95/$17.50 with Royal Caribbean, $8/$10 with Norwegian Cruise Line, $10/$12.50 with British Cruiseline P&O |
| Cost of deluxe drinks packages | $83/$105 with Royal Caribbean, $50/$63 with British Cruiseline P&O |
| Cost of premium drinks packages | $108/$138 with Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Cost of coffee-only packages | N/A |
| Cost of bottled water-only packages | N/A |
| Other costs to consider | 18% gratuity, $250 for a Royal Caribbean credit card |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise lines have different alcohol packages
The cost of alcohol on a cruise varies across different cruise lines. While some cruise lines offer alcoholic beverages inclusive of the ticket price, others provide optional alcohol packages at an additional cost. These packages vary in price and inclusions, with some offering basic packages and others providing premium options with top-shelf liquor.
For instance, Royal Caribbean offers the Deluxe Drink Package, which includes unlimited alcoholic drinks and costs between $60 to $100 per person per day. On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line has a dynamic pricing system for its drink packages, with the Unlimited Open Bar package costing $260 for a 12-night sailing, and the Premium Plus Drink Package available for an additional $29 per person per day.
Carnival Cruise Line's CHEERS! package is a popular choice, known for its all-inclusive nature and wide variety of drinks. This package is not offered on a per-day basis and must be purchased for the entire cruise. The price of alcoholic packages on Carnival Cruise Line ranges from $62 to $138 per person per day.
Some cruise lines, such as Viking, offer complimentary wine and beer with meals, and allow passengers to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board. This can be a more cost-effective option for those who don't plan to consume a large quantity of alcohol. Additionally, some cruise lines offer discounts on drink packages when purchased online in advance of sailing or through periodic sales.
It's important to note that drink packages often come with certain limitations and conditions. For example, there may be a limit on the number of drinks per person within a specific time frame, or restrictions on sharing drinks. Furthermore, drink packages may not cover the most expensive drinks on the menu, and additional gratuities may apply. As such, it is advisable to carefully review the terms and conditions of each cruise line's drink packages before making a purchase.
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Alcohol packages have limitations
The cost of alcohol on a cruise varies depending on the cruise line and the type of drink. Beer and wine typically cost around $8, while cocktails range from $12 to $20. Many cruise lines offer drink packages that include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with prices ranging from $46 to $138 per day. These packages can be a great way to save money if you plan on drinking multiple alcoholic beverages per day. However, it's important to note that alcohol packages usually have limitations.
Firstly, drink packages typically have different tiers or levels, such as "basic" and "premium", with varying inclusions and prices. For example, some packages may only include drinks up to a certain value, excluding more expensive options. Additionally, certain packages may not be valid in specialty restaurants or on specific sailings, such as those shorter than three nights or in Europe or Australia.
Secondly, some cruise lines have rules regarding the purchase of drink packages. For instance, if one adult in a cabin orders a drink package, all other adults in the same cabin must also purchase it. This rule aims to prevent multiple people from sharing a single drink package. Furthermore, drink packages usually have daily limits on the number of alcoholic beverages, typically around 15 drinks per person per day. While this may seem like a large number, it is intended to prevent excessive consumption and promote responsible drinking.
Another limitation to consider is that drink packages may not always offer the best value, especially for those who drink moderately or infrequently. In such cases, buying drinks a la carte or taking advantage of alternative savings options, such as duty-free alcohol, may be more economical. Additionally, some cruise lines allow guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board, which can significantly reduce expenses. However, it's important to note that bringing alcohol onboard may be restricted to specific ports or embarkation days, and certain types of beverages, like beer and hard liquor, may be prohibited.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that drink packages often include gratuities, which can add up to a significant cost. The standard gratuity rate for bar staff is typically around 18%. While some may consider this an advantage, as it eliminates the need to calculate and distribute tips individually, others may view it as an unnecessary expense, especially if they prefer to tip at their own discretion.
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Drinks are cheaper when bought individually
The cost of alcoholic drinks on cruise ships can be expensive, particularly cocktails. Basic drink packages often include just sodas and bottled water, with more expensive tiers adding alcoholic drinks. The cost of these packages varies dramatically, with some cruise lines charging over $80 a day. For example, a Deluxe drinks package on Royal Caribbean costs around £83/$105 a day, while a Premium drinks package on Norwegian Cruise Line is £108/$138.
However, there are several reasons why it may be cheaper to buy drinks individually. Firstly, drink packages are not compulsory, and some cruise lines allow you to buy drinks on an a la carte basis. This can be a more cost-effective option for those who don't drink regularly or who prefer to stick to cheaper drinks. For example, a simple vodka soda may cost around $14, while cocktails can range from $12 to $16 each, including gratuity. Therefore, for those who only have one or two drinks a day, the cost of a drink package may not be worth it.
Additionally, drink packages must typically be purchased for the entire cruise, which may not be necessary if you only want drinks on certain days. Furthermore, some cruise lines require that if one adult in a cabin purchases a drink package, all adults in the same cabin must also purchase it. This can be a significant expense, especially for larger groups.
Moreover, some cruise lines offer complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and you may be able to bring your own alcoholic beverages on board. This can help to reduce the overall cost of drinking on a cruise. Finally, some cruise lines offer loyalty programs that provide access to free or discounted drinks, which can be a more cost-effective option than purchasing a drink package.
Overall, while drink packages can offer good value for money for those who drink a lot, for occasional drinkers or those on a budget, it may be more cost-effective to buy drinks individually.
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Loyalty programs offer free or discounted drinks
The cost of alcoholic drinks on cruises varies, with cocktails costing around $12-16, beer and wine around $8, and martinis costing up to $16. There are also different alcohol packages available, ranging from $62 with P&O to $138 with Norwegian Cruise Line. These packages usually have limitations, such as only including drinks up to a certain value.
Given the high cost of drinks on cruises, it is worth looking into loyalty programs that offer free or discounted drinks. These programs can provide significant savings and enhance your cruise experience.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Rewards program offers one point for each night cruised, with extra points for suites and bookings that include extras. After your first cruise, you become a Bronze member and receive a 30% discount on an unlimited open-bar package. Higher tiers in the program offer additional benefits, such as onboard discounts, dining deals, and a mixology experience.
Another example is Carnival's loyalty program, where you can reach the first tier, Blue, even before taking your first cruise by simply signing up in advance. While the Blue tier offers limited perks, higher tiers provide benefits such as complimentary water delivered to your cabin and members-only cruise offers.
Celebrity Cruises' loyalty program also offers attractive perks, with Elite members receiving unlimited free drinks from the Captain's Club menu each day (except for embarkation day) between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at most bars and lounges. Elite Plus members enjoy additional benefits, including discounts on specialty dining and free specialty coffees throughout the sailing.
In addition to cruise line loyalty programs, some cruise ship bars offer happy hours with discounted drinks or special promotions. It's worth keeping an eye out for these deals to maximize your savings.
Overall, by taking advantage of loyalty programs and staying vigilant for promotions, you can significantly reduce the cost of alcoholic drinks on your cruise.
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Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own alcohol
The average cost of alcoholic drinks on a cruise varies across different cruise lines. Cocktails typically cost around $12-16, with an additional 18% gratuity fee, while beer and wine are usually around $8. A Deluxe drinks package, which includes alcohol, on Royal Caribbean costs £83/$105 per day. On Norwegian Cruise Line, a Premium drinks package is £108/$138 per day.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of alcohol on a cruise varies depending on the cruise line and the type of drink. A beer usually costs around $7, a glass of wine $10, and a cocktail ranges from $10 to $16.50. Cruise lines also offer drink packages that include alcoholic beverages, which typically cost $50 to $90 per person, per day.
Cruise drink packages typically include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, cocktails, soda, juice, coffee, and tea. Some packages may also offer discounts on wine bottle purchases.
Drink packages can be worth the cost if you plan on drinking multiple alcoholic beverages per day. Without a package, it's easy to run up a high bar tab. However, if you are an occasional drinker, you may be better off ordering drinks a la carte.
Some cruise lines allow you to bring your own alcohol on board, while others do not. It's important to check the policies of your specific cruise line before bringing any alcohol.
Yes, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind. Firstly, if one adult in a cabin purchases a drink package, all other adults in the same cabin must also purchase it. Additionally, there may be limits on the number of drinks included in the package, typically around 15 alcoholic beverages per day. Finally, some packages may have upper limits on the cost per drink, and premium drinks may incur an additional charge.
