Welcome back to Byte Size Cruises! If this is your first time here, we are glad you've joined us. We are a small travel agency out of Philadelphia, PA, and we specialize in ALL things cruising. If you enjoy cruise vacations or maybe you're interested in learning more about them, you'r in the right place! Our goal here is to share the best and most up-to-date information with you so you can plan and go on your best cruise vacation. Today we are taking a deep dive into drink packages. Is it worth it? What is really included in the drink package? Let's dive in. If you want to view this post on our YouTube channel, click here.
So, when it comes to this topic we are fully aware that there are a lot of opinions out there regarding whether or not it is a worthwhile service for the cost. Let's break it down. There are a lot of pros and cons, and we will go through them individually. First, let's talk about the price.
At this point in the cruise industry, most cruise lines have a specific price for each level of the package. There is the non-alcoholic package for minors or individuals who mostly drink soda, coffee, etc. and then there are the dink packages that include drinks up to a certain tier. The lower tier probably includes drinks up to $13 or $14 per beverage and then the higher tier usually includes drinks up to $17 or $18. Remember, if you drink highline spirits or wine, those things are generally not going to be included in any drink package or you're going to pay a high premium. Also keep in mind, if you choose a drink package that covers beverages up to $13 and you order a $15 drink, you don't need to pay the full $15, it's just a $2 upcharge on top of your drink package. Some drink packages will include coffee or specialty coffees; some won't; most do not include Starbucks if there is one on board.
If you love soft drinks and nice coffee and the idea of paying $15 per day for as many of these items as you would like sounds good to you, then absolutely start with the non-alcoholic drink package. The convenience does make it worth it in this case and if you don't want to commit to a big drink package, this is a really great place to start. There generally isn't much controversy about this type of drink package and we say, if you drink soda, it's worth it.
Now, let's get into the alcohol-included packages. These packages start at around $50 per day and go up to around $100 per day depending on the cruise line you are traveling with and the tier you choose. In our experience, most of the break-even points are around 7 drinks per day if you are drinking cocktails or wine and around 8 or 9 drinks if you're drinking beer.
The PROS:
- CONVENIENCE. If you just want to get on the ship and not have to worry about prices, paying for anything, etc. etc., then this is the way to do it. You buy the package ahead of time, and then you don't need to think about the cost of your drinks again. If mental peace is your number one priority, the convenience absolutely makes it worth it. Now, only you know how much this matters to you and how much you are willing to pay for that, so it is an incredibly personal decision.
- COST SAVINGS - IF you are a heavy drinker! If we boil this down to dollars, the reality is that if you are someone who drinks a lot on vacation, drink packages will absolutely save you cash. We talk to people all the time who really like to enjoy themselves this way on vacation, and in that case, it's a no-brainer. If your idea of an amazing cruise is mimosas with breakfast, cocktails at lunch, blended beverages poolside, wine with dinner, and a dessert drink to finish off the night, get the drink package and enjoy! If you are going to drink 7 or more drinks per day, a drink package will absolutely save you money.
- VARIETY. If you enjoy trying new things, the drink package may be a great fit for you. This allows you to order new and different items without worrying about the cost (or if you won't like them!) You can then try different things and maybe find your new favorite while on vacation. You also can work in non-alcoholic beverages into your variety; maybe you drink 5 sodas during the day and 4 drinks in the evening. That might make the package price worth it AND give you the variety you want while cruising the high seas.
- PREDICTABLE BUDGETING. Here's the reality: humans are emotional purchasers, and even when we tell ourselves we will stick to a budget on vacation, it is certainly not easy. With a drink package, it is already very clear how much you have spent, and you don't need to worry about juggling finances moving forward. A drink package allows you to budget accurately and not need to make tough financial choices while on your vacation.
CONS:
- HIGH UPFRONT COST. This one can't be ignored. The drink package is expensive and can add a thousand dollars to your vacation, depending on your chosen tier and how many people are in your family. You may be on a budget cruise, and you didn't even pay that much for the cruise, and now you're paying that for the drink package. So, is it worth it to you to do that upfront and dish out all that money?
- LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Some cruise lines have a limit on how many drink packages they will sell due to the amount of beverages needed to stock on the ship. Not a huge deal but something to keep in mind if you are undecided on the package or not.
- COST INCREASE. The cost of the drink package will always go up, not down. If you are considering purchasing it, don't wait until you are on the ship! It will always cost you more if you wait. Definitely make a choice sooner rather than later and if you are going to purchase it, do that as soon as possible.
- RESTRICTIONS / EXCLUSIONS. The reality is that not everything will be included in every drink package, so even if you purchase a package, you still may need to pay for an upcharge or extra for something you want on the ship. You may need to pay extra for beverages at specialty dining restaurants, specialty bars, etc. so read the fine print carefully and make sure you are making the best financial choice for what you plan to do on your cruise.
- PRESSURE. Depending on your personality and how you wrap your head around the drink package, making this big purchase might also involve you putting pressure on yourself to "make it worth it" and consume more alcohol than you otherwise would. Just be aware of this and make sure you are consuming wisely, and not just because you spent so much money on a package.
There you have it! Those are the PROS and CONS of the drink packages according to Byte Size Cruises. What do you think? When you cruise, do you always buy the drink package? Why or why not? Let us know, and comment below! We would love to hear from you.