🍸 Are you Accidentally Funding the Ship’s Next Renovation? #0027

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Ever looked at your cruise tab and wondered if you accidentally funded the ship’s next renovation? You’re not alone. Drink packages sound like the golden ticket until you realize you’d need to down seven margaritas a day to break even. Let’s talk about how to sip smarter and save those dollars for something you’ll actually remember.

Let’s be honest: cruise drink packages are one of those things that sound amazing until you do the math. So this week, let’s unpack the truth about onboard drinks — the good, the bad, and the sneaky ways to sip smart without overspending.

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The Dream vs. The Drink Limit

Cruise lines are masters of temptation. The second you board, you’re surrounded by smiling bartenders, frozen cocktails, and a sea of people walking around with colorful glasses that make you think, Wow, they’re living their best life.

What they don’t show you is that those “best life” drinks can cost $14–$17 each. Add the 18–20% gratuity that’s automatically tacked on, and suddenly that “just one more” piña colada becomes a small investment.

That’s where the drink package pitch comes in. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC all have versions of the same thing: unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee. Prices vary, but most hover between $65–$100 USD per person, per day. And yes, dependinh on the cruise line in many cases both adults in the cabin usually have to buy it.

Sounds pricey, right? That’s because it is. You’d need to drink roughly six to seven alcoholic beverages a day to “break even.”

When the Package Actually Makes Sense

There are a few times when the drink package is genuinely worth it:

Sea Days Galore: If your itinerary has multiple sea days and you plan to lounge at the pool with a drink in hand from sunrise to sunset, it can be a good deal.

You’re a Wine + Cocktail Combo Person: If you enjoy a mimosa at brunch, a poolside margarita, wine with dinner, and a nightcap, you’ll easily hit the daily minimum.

You Don’t Want to Think About It: Some travelers love the “all-inclusive” feeling. If not having to sign a receipt after every drink makes you feel relaxed, that peace of mind might be worth the cost.

But if you’re only drinking socially, exploring ports most days, or prefer mocktails, coffee, and the occasional martini, the package might end up costing you more than just paying as you go.

When It’s Not Worth It

Here’s the unglamorous truth: Most people don’t drink enough to justify it.

If you’ve got early excursions, family activities, or just like waking up without a pounding head, you probably won’t get your money’s worth.

And remember: many lines offer free drinks at events, the Captain’s Welcome, loyalty parties, art auctions, and even some sail-away celebrations. You’ll get sparkling wine, mimosas, or rum punch without spending a dime.

There are also embarkation specials (like “buy one get one” cocktails) and port-day discounts when most guests are off the ship. Timing is everything.

If your goal is to enjoy yourself, not test your liver’s endurance, the à la carte route wins every time.

Sneaky Ways to Save (Without Breaking Any Rules)

Because let’s be real…part of the fun is knowing the little hacks:

1. Bring Your Own Wine. Most cruise lines allow one or two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin at embarkation. Enjoy it on your balcony at sunset. (If you bring it to the dining room, expect a corkage fee, but it’s still cheaper than buying onboard.)

2. Use Onboard Credit for Drinks. If you’ve got a little onboard credit from booking bonuses or your travel agent, spend it on drinks rather than overpriced Wi-Fi.

3. Skip the “Day One” Package FOMO. You can usually buy the drink package after embarkation, sometimes at a discount. Check the app once you’re onboard.

4. Share Smartly. Technically, sharing packages is against the rules. But if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t drink, it might make sense for only one of you to buy it and the other to pay à la carte. (Just… don’t get caught sliding mojitos across the table like contraband.)

5. Join the Loyalty Club. Frequent cruisers often get perks like free cocktails at loyalty receptions or daily “drink vouchers.” They add up quickly.

6. Think Beyond Booze. Non-alcoholic options are cheaper and often more refreshing. Try mocktails like frozen lemonade, pineapple fizz, or a coconut cooler.

The Specialty Coffee Trap

Cruise coffee has leveled up. From Starbucks at sea to artisanal espresso bars, caffeine has become its own luxury.

But just like drink packages, coffee packages can sneak up on you. A latte here, an iced mocha there, and suddenly you’ve spent $100 in three days.

Tip: some lines offer refillable coffee cards that include 15–20 drinks at a discount. If you’re a two-coffee-a-day type, that’s all you need.

And don’t forget, many ships serve complimentary brewed coffee in the buffet and dining room. It’s not gourmet, but it’s free!

The Real Secret: It’s About Moments, Not Margaritas

The biggest trick cruise lines pull isn’t the drink prices, it’s the illusion that every special moment needs a cocktail in hand.

But some of my favorite cruise memories didn’t involve alcohol at all! Watching the sunrise from the deck with a cup of tea or laughing over trivia in the atrium with strangers who quickly became friends.

Yes, a perfectly mixed mojito can make you feel like you’re starring in your own travel commercial, but the real magic is already happening around you.

So, Should You Buy the Package?

If you love the all-inclusive vibe and know you’ll make the most of it, go for it. But if you’re on the fence, skip it.

Buy a drink when you want one, not when you feel you have to to get your money’s worth.

Until Next Week…

Whether you’re sipping champagne at sail-away or holding a mocktail with extra pineapple, remember: your cruise isn’t measured by how many drinks you had, it’s about how many memorable moments you create. 🍍⚓

Thanks for reading,

Tara

Ps. Here are some popular past issues you might want to check out:

What nobody tells you about embarkation day #0003

Should you check a bag or stick to carry-on luggage only? #0009

Are they watching me? #0020