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Cruise Line Drink Package Calculator

There’s not much that’s more popular on a cruise ship than drinking. Bars are everywhere, and the party atmosphere mixed with the relaxation of vacation means the booze is flowing.

Cruise line drink package calculator

Whether you are sitting poolside with a fruity cocktail, or maybe playing at the casino with a beer, or having a glass of wine with dinner, having a drink just feels natural on a cruise.

It almost feels wrong not to be cooling off without a tasty beverage. But the truth is that the cost of drinks can add up on a ship. The solution to that problem?

The drink package.

Drink Spending Quickly Adds Up

If you’ve never been on a cruise, then don’t be surprised by the price of alcohol on the ship. Want a beer? They usually run $6-8, and then you add on the mandatory gratuity of 15-20%. Cocktails can easily run $10-14, and a glass of wine can be $8-12 — and even much more.

Even a soda or a bottle of water will run you $3. If you are a steady drinker, then it’s not hard to spend $100 or more on drinks per day.

Thankfully the cruise lines have rolled out drink packages. These packages allow you to pay one set fee per day and drink as much as you want. So instead of worrying about a bar bill, you know exactly what you’ll spend ahead of time.

And when it’s time to get a drink? Just head up to the bar and order what you like.

Of course, there is some fine print with the drink packages, ranging from how each adult in a cabin must buy one if one person does, to the drinks included with the deal. ( See our complete guide to drink packages here .)

But the biggest hesitation before getting the package for many people is whether or not they will get their money’s worth.

Estimate If Drink Packages Are A Deal For You

Drink packages are expensive, ranging from $60-80 per day in most cases. Some go up to more than $100 per day! Since you’re charged each day of the cruise, you’ll have to drink this amount’s worth each and every day of the trip over the course of the cruise.

Rightfully, many people aren’t sure if they will actually save money by getting the package deal.

Below, we have a calculator that can help you estimate whether or not a drink package is worth the money. Simply select your cruise line and estimate the number of drinks you’ll have per day to see what it would cost to purchase them individually.

Since there are so many different prices among drinks, we’ve used estimated average prices to give you an idea of what you might spend. Your actual drinks will vary in price, but this gives you a ballpark idea of what you might spend.

Compare the amount you’ll spend each day above with the cost of each drink package per day. Note that prices will vary in some cases, including discounts for ordering before the cruise. As well, some lines offer different package levels. To keep things simple, we’ve tried to use the most common prices we think you’ll see.

  • Carnival : $59.95 per day ($70.74 with gratuity) | $69.95 per day ($82.54 with gratuity) on trips of five days or fewer
  • Celebrity : $89.00 per day ($106.80 with gratuity)
  • Norwegian : $109.00 per day ($130.80 with gratuity)
  • Princess : $64.99 per day ($76.70 with gratuity)
  • Royal Caribbean : Varies; ~$75-94 per day ($88-112 with gratuity)
  • MSC : $64.00 per day (no gratuity is bought before boarding)

Keep in mind that these are all estimates as drink prices vary by cruise line and what you specifically drink. If you are in the ballpark of the daily cost of the drink package, it is likely to be worth it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drink Packages

Cocktail drink

While drink packages sound simple, there are actually a lot of rules. These include rules on the number of drinks allowed, which drinks you can buy, and much more. Read our complete drink package guide here to learn everything you need to know before you buy. We’ve answered some common questions below.

Does everyone in a cabin have to purchase a drink package if one person does? Usually, the answer is yes. While it does depend on your specific cruise line, most make each adult in a cabin purchase a package if one person does. This helps discourage drink sharing where one person buys the package and gives other people free drinks.

Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to buy a package. If one person drinks and another doesn’t, it means you’re essentially doubling the cost of the drink package without any added benefit.

Can I share drinks using a drink package? No. No cruise line allows sharing of drinks on a package. If caught sharing, you could lose your drink package. Plus, since most lines make you purchase the deal for all adults in a cabin, there isn’t usually a benefit to sharing since everyone will have a package anyway.

Can I purchase the package for just some days of the cruise? No. Drink packages are sold for the entire trip, not just some days. That means if you are on a week-long cruise, you can’t just purchase a drink package for a few days here and there. That’s why it’s important that you estimate what you’ll drink EACH day of the cruise on average.

Also keep in mind that except for some private islands run by the cruise lines, the packages don’t work off the ship. So if you are in port all day, that is time that you can’t use the package.

Are there discounts on drink packages? Yes. Often cruise lines will offer a discount off the headline price if you purchase the package before boarding. After you book your cruise, you can either call the cruise line or login to your cruise line account. There you should be able to find the package to purchase. In addition to a likely discount, buying ahead of time also means the package is ready to go for you the moment you get on the ship.

Where can I find more information about specific packages? Cruzely has a number of resources for different drink packages. We have more about specific cruise line drink packages here:

  • Complete Guide to Carnival’s CHEERS! Package
  • Everything to Know About Royal Caribbean Drink Package
  • Complete Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages
  • Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages

Are drink packages worth it? We wish there was a definitive answer, but in reality, it depends.

For some people the package is absolutely worth it. If you’re the sort of person who always has a drink in your hand during vacation, you’ll likely get your money’s worth. However, for many others, the package isn’t a good deal. Those who might have a few drinks here and there — even several a day — likely won’t drink enough to make the deal worth buying.

To read more about drink packages, see our complete guide here .

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Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, gratuity calculator & tipping amounts for major cruise lines in 2024, everything to know about internet on a cruise (speed, cost, & more), 10 questions and answers to using a birth certificate to cruise, answered: what time should i get to the cruise port, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, cruise ship buffets: what to know from a veteran cruiser, 51 comments.

Does non-alcoholic beer count towards your 15 or not? I can’t seem to get an answer on that one.

Carnival’s rule specifically states “alcoholic drinks.” If it’s non-alcoholic, it shouldn’t count toward 15.

If I carry champagne or wine, can I drink them outside the stateroom?

Yes, technically there is a corkage fee. But if you pour it in the room and then walk around with it, it’s doubtful anyone would give a second notice.

I just priced out two sailings with NCL and got prices WITH the Free at Sea package (includes drinks), and WITHOUT. One sailing ended up costing $40/day for drink package (whole FAS package), and the other was $49/day. Where are you coming up with the $109/$130, with gratuities, per day costs? I referenced your info on a NCL Facebook group and was promptly corrected! LOL

Here is the standalone pricing from NCL. It’s less expensive to buy with free at sea.

https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/beverage-packages

They cam up with the bogus $109 price so they could charge you more on the mandatory 20% tip.

With a cheers drink package that allows 15 drinks a day, if I was to purchase a Cruise Cash Bar card am I still limited to only 15 drinks a day?

That I’m not sure about! Would love for you to test it out and let everyone know. I can’t drink 15 a day!

Are you still allowed to bring a case of water?

Are you allowed to bring a bottle of wine per person?

Depends on the cruise line. Most, however, do let you bring on those items. You can find more info here:

https://www.cruzely.com/bringing-water-or-soda-on-the-ship-carnival-royal-caribbean-princess-and-norwegian/ https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-alcohol-policies/

Does Carnival have water fountains that I can use to re-fill a water bottle? And do they offer non-bottled water as an option at meals? While I like my beer and my wife will have a cocktail or wine….I am not sure if we would drink enough alcohol to justify the cost. We do drink a lot of water, though and if bottled water is the only way…..??

Yes, there are cups and water machines available. And while you could fill a reusable water bottle, you are usually asked not to do that for health reasons. If sailing Carnival, I like to just order a couple of 12 packs of bottled water ($5 each) for the room. That way I always have some around.

The amount you have as the price of Celebrity drink package is not accurate since they now include a basic drink package. To get premium is only $30/day above the Always Included.

Morning, do Cunard do a discount on drinks package x

So on a 7 day 6 night cruise you get charged 7 days at say $100 ($700), but get thrown off the ship at 8 am on the 7th day. correct?! So I spent $700 for 6 days of drinking. Am I missing something? I have been searching the web for a week and no one brings up this point

The boarding day is considered the first day of the cruise. So when you get on the ship, the drink package is available. You aren’t charged for the day you debark. So a 7-day cruise that departs on Sunday, you are charged for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

NCL once again has gone completely over the edge charging $118.00 per day for their drink package. Almost twice the price of Carnival. Most lines are between $65-$85 per day. I personally like Princess who charges around $70 per day including gratuity. Even better if your room mate doesn’t drink you do not have to purchase two drink packages. As far as I Princess is the only line to do it and I commend them for it. If you like to drink stay away from NCL. I have 50 years of cruising under my belt and know all the deals.

So I have the Premium Drink package as part of my “Free” at Sea but from what I’ve read, it does not include specialty coffees from Starbucks, bottled water, or energy drinks. If I were to have a specialty Coffee each morning (either tea or coffee latte) and usually drink 4-6 bottles of water a day, and do an energy drink if I am exercising, does it make sense to upgrade to Premium Plus package? I can upgrade for $174 (divided by 5 days would be roughly $35 a day) Based on calculator if I drink the above in addition to my current package, it would cost me about $24/day + tip assuming each of these items are priced at $3 (guessing Starbucks drinks may not be…). Should I upgrade if they will allow me to do so without forcing my cabin mate to upgrade as well?

That’s a tough one. For one, it’s not certain, but it’s likely your cabin mate would have to upgrade as well. Also, don’t forget the extra gratuity on the more expensive package, if you aren’t already including it.

can you get water in a glass with ice from the bars or do you have to have a drink package

Sure, they will give you one. You can also head to the buffet and get one.

Do the non-alcoholic packages follow the same rules as the alcoholic packages? Also is it best to purchase cases of bottled water or would there be enough bottles accessible that you wouldn’t need that?

What specific rules are you referring to? We like to purchase water to be sent to the room before we arrive. That way we don’t have to carry it around when boarding.

Is specialty coffee from the coffee shops included?

Yes, almost always.

What types of drinks are included if you dont buy a drink pass

Water, tea, coffee, and some juices are available in the dining rooms/buffet.

Can you tell why Carnival doesn’t offer the cheers package on their Mediterranean cruises. I’m booked for the Legend 2020 and after 3 phone calls to Carnival no one seems to know! Thanks

No, we don’t. We’ve never sailed over there and are jealous that you get to go!

My 4 year old only needs milk and water on our cruise. Can i get away with not buying him a drink package?

Absolutely. You do not have to buy a drink package.

how many stories had you know that people actually got throw off the ship for having alcohol with Royal Caribbean

Do you mean trying to sneak alcohol onboard?

How much is drink pkg for carnival Horizon ship for 8 day cruise

It will be the cost of the package times 8 nights. So around $500 given that the package is $61 a night after gratuity.

The Drink Package Calculator doesn’t seem to be working.

Thanks for the comment. See the doohickey zigged when it should have zagged. It should be fixed now.

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cruise line drink package calculator

Drink Package Calculator

Is a drink package worth it for you? This handy tool lets you see if it’s better to pay out of pockets for drinks or to sign up for the drink package. Most cruise lines require that EVERYONE who is in the cabin and 21 or older to purchase the package.

Step 1: Tell us about your cruise

Step 2: how many of each do you think you’ll have a day.

Cost paying per drink: $ Cost of drink package: $

Don’t forget about these…

Insulated Cup Holder for Royal Caribbean (2-pack)

These carrier holders made it easy to carry your cup around the ship. The strap is easy to hold on to, and it can even click onto a bag or your shorts so you can carry it while your hands are full of plates from the buffet. This sleeve is thin enough that the Coke Freestyle machines can read the chip inside the cup without taking it out.

Reusable Metal Straws

They’re just a few inches tall but can expand, so they can be used in anything from a highball glass to a large hurricane glass. They’re solidly made and the little carrying case makes it easy to slip it into your pocket between drinks.

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BeyondCruise

Cruise Drinks Package Calculator (2022)

MSC Virtuosa Cabin and Suites Guide

Should you get a drinks package?

The age-old question, asked by nearly everybody who is new (and old!) to cruising.

Of course, there isn’t a default answer – the best we can say is it depends . This is because people cruise for many different reasons, but if you want a totally worry-free cruise with no unexpected large bar bill at the end – then a cruise drinks package is usually the way to go.

We have put together a calculator for you to help you on your way. Just use the sliders to put the approximate number of drinks you may consume each day and with a bit of wizardry, our calculator will tell you what you should do!

How to use the Cruise Drinks Calculator

1. select your cruise line (currently msc only).

We will cover all cruise lines that offer drink packages here. Bookmark this page for updates!

2. Enter the Number of Drinks for an Average Day

Take into account port days where you might not be on the ship for as many hours as full sea days! Use the average amount you would drink per day/night

3. Check out the Total Cost and work out what to do

Take into account that the cruise lines charge drink package prices per person and per person.

If you buy your drinks package BEFORE you sail, you will also skip the 15% service fee. If you buy the drinks package onboard, you will pay the fee on the package price.

MSC Cruises

We hope this helped you out! If it did, please share it with your friends to make sure they save money too!

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Drink Package Value Estimator

Cruise ship drink package estimator

What’s your drink package value?

Hey Cruisers, 

If you’re budget conscious like us, deciding whether or not to get a drink package can be tricky business. That’s why we developed this handy drink package value estimator to help you decide if it’s worth it for you.

Before you get started, ask your self some questions!

  • Why do I want the drink package?
  • What types drinks will I order?
  • Are there a lot of port days on this cruise, where I’ll be OFF the ship and not taking full advantage of the drink package?
  • What happens if I don’t feel I “got my money’s worth?”

Sometimes, it’s about MORE than just the value of the package! You’ll want to take into consideration that a drink package gives you the FREEDOM to order what you want without a nagging “drink tally” to think about while you cruise.

Maybe the value of the drink package lies in NOT having a big bill at the end of the cruise. Maybe you’re watching every penny, and this investment doesn’t make sense! Either way, we’re here to help you find out if the drink package value is there for YOU!

Remember this is only an estimate. With a little research you can often find significant discounts on the cruise line’s website. Please carefully consider the notes below before making a final decision.

Estimate The Value Of A Cruise Line's Drink Package

Calculated the costs of drinks without, and without a cruise drink package

Important notes to consider – read this FIRST!

  • Cruise ship drink packages are constantly changing.  We’ll do our best to keep this estimator up to date, but the prices shown may be out of date. Once you’ve selected a cruise line, the best thing to do is verify their drink package prices, and the prices of the beverages you’ll likely to be consuming.
  • Cruise ships will also have varying prices for cocktails, beers and wine.  The best we can do is look for an average amongst the most popular lines. Again, to be sure check your line’s current drink prices.
  • Cruise lines will often offer package discounts, and in some cases wave the service charges if the package is purchased before boarding.
  • This drink package value estimator covers adult beverages, aka alcohol based drink packages. Most cruise lines offer a variety of refreshment packages, but for today we’re just covering the drink package value of adult packages.

*Royal Caribbean’s drink packages vary (drastically!) by ship and itinerary. Check your cruise planner! Our drink package value estimator will always use the highest published package price, but lower prices may apply.

So, how did it go? Is the drink package value worth it for you? How many drinks will you need to order to make it worth it?

If you enjoyed this, you’ll love these videos and articles too!

  • Are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Worth It? Here’s our story .
  • Are there ways to save money on cruise drinks? Yep! Find out how .
  • Need some tips for cruising on a budget? We’ve got you covered with 10 INSTANT ways to save money on your next cruise!
  • Rock your Royal Caribbean Cruise with these Money Saving Tips .

Tell Us What You Think!

Have you purchased a drink package on a cruise? We’d love to hear from you – shoot us a DM on Facebook !

Check Out Our Drink Package Experience

Also if you’d like to see our Royal Caribbean Drink Package experience IN ACTION, check out our Instagram highlights from Harmony of the Seas. Part One covers embarkation and the first few days and Part Two continues the journey!

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Thanks for hanging out with us today! Until next time, we’ll see you on the high seas.

xoxo, Sheri

P.S. If you’ve found this helpful, please share it on Facebook or on Pinterest. Thanks so much!

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Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Gene Sloan

It's easy to run up a monster bill ordering wine, beer and mixed drinks by the glass on a cruise ship. The cost of alcoholic drinks on cruise vessels — particularly cocktails — can be pricey. But for those who regularly order several alcoholic drinks a day when cruising, there's a way to save: a flat-fee drink package.

Nearly all the major mass-market cruise lines offer flat-fee drink packages that, in some cases, can save you money when cruising. The exceptions are Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages , though both offer alternative ways to save on beverage purchases.

What's included in a cruise ship drink package, and how do they work? And, perhaps more to the point, how much do cruise drink packages cost? Read on for the answers in this ultimate guide to cruise drink packages.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

For a line-by-line guide to drink package costs, inclusions, limitations and fine print, scroll to the second half of the guide.

What is a drink package on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship drink packages let you order as many drinks as you want while on a cruise for one flat fee. This takes the place of paying for drinks one at a time.

At some lines, there are several tiers of drink packages. Basic tiers often include just sodas and bottled water. More elaborate (and expensive) tiers will add alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails, wine, beer and specialty coffee drinks. In some cases, there will be more than one tier of such all-encompassing plans.

Some lines also offer coffee cards that let you get a fixed number of fancy coffee drinks at a shipboard coffee bar for a discounted price. Some also offer wine-specific packages.

How much do alcoholic drink packages cost on cruise ships?

The cost of cruise ship drink packages varies widely by line. At several of the biggest cruise brands, including Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America , the main drink packages that include all types of drinks cost about $60 per person per day. Other brands, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , charge as much as $138 per person per day for a top-tier package.

Drink packages that don't include alcoholic drinks, such as soda packages, typically cost far less. Soda packages often are under $10 per person per day. Note that some cruise lines discount drink packages if you buy them online in advance of sailing, and others offer periodic sales on their drink packages online.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Can you buy drinks on a cruise without a drink package?

cruise line drink package calculator

Yes. All major cruise lines will let you buy drinks on an a la carte basis when cruising. You don't need a drink package to be able to drink alcoholic beverages or any other type of beverage on a ship.

Can you share a drink package on a cruise ship?

In many cases, no. Several of the biggest cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America and MSC Cruises, have a rule that if one adult in a cabin orders a drink package, all adults in the cabin must order the package. This is to prevent two or more people in a cabin from sharing a single drink package.

Two lines that notably don't have such a rule are Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises . Technically, you are not supposed to use your package to buy drinks for other people.

Are drink packages on cruise ships really unlimited?

It depends. Some cruise lines, such as Carnival, limit the number of alcoholic drinks that any one person can order using a drink package to 15 in a day. That is, of course, an enormous number — more than most people will ever want to order.

Related: The 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package

Where can you use a cruise ship drink package?

Cruise ship drink packages generally are honored anywhere you can order a drink on a ship — think bars, lounges and eateries. However, you usually can't use them when ordering room service. They also generally don't apply to drinks taken out of cabin minibars. Be sure to check the fine print in your particular line's drink package before placing an order for a drink to your room.

Some cruise lines also let you use your packages when visiting their private islands .

A line-by-line guide to cruise drink packages

cruise line drink package calculator

Below is a line-by-line look at available drink packages at the major lines that offer them. Note that the pricing listed is per person per day. In cases where a line offers more than one drink package, we've highlighted the most inclusive package in detail while also noting other packages cruisers can consider.

Carnival Cruise Line drink package

Package name: Cheers! Beverage Program

Cost per day: $64.95 when purchased on board, not including an 18% automatic gratuity charge; $59.95 plus the gratuity charge when purchased in advance of sailing

Available on: All ships except those sailing in Europe or Australia

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas and most bottled water. The package also features a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases.

Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $20

Fine print: More expensive drinks are available at a 25% discount. If one adult in a cabin purchases the package, all adults in the same cabin also must purchase it. There's a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person in a 24-hour period.

Celebrity Cruises drink package

Package name: Premium Drink Package

Cost per day: $109, not including a 20% automatic gratuity charge, for passengers who have purchased a cruise-only rate. Passengers staying in the premium Retreat areas on Celebrity ships receive the Premium Drink Package for free.

Available on: All ships except those in the Galapagos (where drinks are included in the fare)

What it includes: A large selection of beers including craft beers, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, Coca-Cola products, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas and premium bottled water. The package also offers a 20% discount on wine bottle purchases.

Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $17

Other packages: Celebrity also offers a less inclusive "classic" drink package that is included in the fare for its sailings if you choose the All Included fare (rather than the cruise-only fare). When purchased separately, it costs $89 per person per day, not including a 20% automatic gratuity charge.

Fine print: Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars. Drinks ordered through room service also aren't included.

Related: These cruise ship bars are not to be missed when cruising

Holland America drink package

Package name: Elite Beverage Package

Cost per day: $59.99, not including an 18% gratuity charge

Available on: All ships

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water

Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $15

Other packages: The slightly less expensive Signature Beverage Package only includes drinks costing up to $11. It costs $54.95 per day. In addition, the line offers a nonalcoholic drink package called Quench that brings unlimited bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, Coke products and mocktails. It costs $17.95 per day. There's also a Coca-Cola Products package available that covers purchases of Coke products on ships for $8 per day.

Fine print: If one adult in a cabin purchases a package, all adults in the same cabin also must purchase it. Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or ordered through room service. The package is not valid on Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay, or for minibar charges.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

MSC Cruises drink package

Package name: Premium Extra Package

Cost per day: $85 for sailings of seven nights or more if booked in advance; $100 if booked on board. Pricing is $88 and $104, respectively, for sailings of six or fewer nights.

What it includes: Drinks by the glass including draft, craft and bottled beer; a selection of wine and Champagne by the glass; premium-brand spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a variety of frozen and classic cocktails; soda; juices; nonalcoholic cocktails; energy drinks; hot chocolate drinks; specialty coffees; teas; and bottled water. The package also offers a 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottle purchases.

Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $16

Other packages: A less expensive Easy Plus package is available that only includes drinks priced up to $10. It costs $61 per day for sailings of seven nights or longer when booked in advance ($72 when booked on board). Easy Plus package pricing for shorter sailings is $64 per day ($76 when booked on board).

An even cheaper Easy package is available. It only includes a limited number of drinks and is not valid in extra-charge specialty restaurants. It costs $46 to $60 per day, depending on when it's booked and the length of the sailing.

MSC Cruises does not add service charges to drink package purchases, in contrast to the policy at most lines.

Fine print: If one person in a cabin purchases a package, all people in the same cabin or traveling group also must purchase a package (children in cabins will be charged for a less expensive, nonalcoholic package). Packages are not available on sailings shorter than three nights, with the exception of South America sailings. Note that the package is valid on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas.

Related: Can I bring my own alcohol onto a cruise ship?

Norwegian Cruise Line drink package

cruise line drink package calculator

Package name: Premium Plus Beverage Package

Cost per day: $138, not including a 20% gratuity charge

Available on: All ships except Pride of America

What it includes: All beverages by the glass (top-shelf spirits, cocktails, beer and wine) and select premium bottles of Champagne and wine. Also includes unlimited Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks, bottled water, soda, juices and energy drinks. There's a 40% discount on other bottles of wine as well.

Limitations related to drink cost: None

Other packages: Norwegian has one less inclusive, less expensive alcoholic beverage package. The Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package, priced at $109 per day, adds spirits and cocktails priced up to $15. This is the drink package that many travelers get comped as part of Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion (though you still have to pay 20% of the package price for gratuities). In addition, the Hawaii -based Pride of America has a single drink package that costs $109 per day.

Fine print: If one passenger in a cabin purchases a package, everyone in the same cabin as well as other cabins tied to the same method of payment must purchase the package, too. Children are charged for a less expensive, nonalcoholic package. Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or ordered through room service. Beverage packages can be used on Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

Related: My strange night out at Norwegian's new 'zero waste' cruise ship bar

Oceania Cruises drink package

Package name: Prestige Select Beverage Package

Cost per day: $30, including gratuities

What it includes: Under Oceania's relatively new "simply MORE" value promise, all passengers receive a House Select beverage package for free with their booking that lets passengers order Champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner at onboard restaurants. For $30 more, passengers can then upgrade to the Prestige Select package that allows for ordering beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks and cocktails at any time. Soda, bottled water and specialty coffees already are included in the fare on Oceania sailings. The Prestige Select package also comes with a 20% discount to wine-pairing dinners on Oceania's Marina and Riviera.

Other packages: As noted above, a House Select package — which covers Champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner at onboard restaurants — is included in the fare when booking an Oceania cruise as part of the line's relatively new "simply MORE" program.

Fine print: None

Princess Cruises drink package

cruise line drink package calculator

Package name: Premier Beverage Package

Cost per day: $84.99, not including an 18% gratuity charge (Princess calls these "crew appreciation" charges). On Australia cruises, the package costs 140 Australian dollars (about $89) per day. There is no gratuity charge on the Australian package.

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda including canned soda, juices including juice bar offerings, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water. The package also brings a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases.

Limitations related to drink cost: Drinks that cost $20 or under are included. Passengers who order drinks that cost more than $20 must pay the difference between the purchase price and $20. For packages on Australia sailings, the cost cutoff is 30 Australian dollars.

Other packages: Princess also offers a less pricey Plus Beverage package that can be used for drinks priced up to $15 (20 Australian dollars on Australian sailings). It's priced at $64.99 (110 Australian dollars on Australian sailings).

Fine print: There's a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.

Royal Caribbean drink package

Package name: Deluxe Beverage Package

Cost per day: $56 to $105, not including an 18% gratuity charge (pricing varies by ship and itinerary)

Available on: All Royal Caribbean ships

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas and premium bottled water. The package also offers a 40% discount on wine bottle purchases for bottles priced up to $100. More expensive bottles come with a 20% discount.

Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $14

Fine print: If one adult of legal drinking age in a cabin or traveling under the same booking number purchases a package, all adults of legal drinking age in the same cabin also must purchase it. Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or those ordered through room service. Drinks served in souvenir glassware, specialty beers and beverages served inside licensed Starbucks stores on ships are not covered by the package. Beverage packages can be used on Royal Caribbean's private islands, Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee .

Viking drink package

Package name: Silver Spirits Beverage Package

Cost per day: $25, including gratuities

Available on: All ships, including river and expedition ships

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks and cocktails priced at up to $18. Soda, beer and house wines by the glass ordered at lunch and dinner are already included in the fare at Viking; so are specialty coffees and teas at all hours. The package also brings a 15% discount on wine bottles and premium beverages costing more than $15 that aren't included in the package.

Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $18

Windstar Cruises drink package

Package name: Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package

Cost per day: $65, not including an 18% gratuity charge. Windstar also has begun offering optional All-Inclusive Pricing rates for cruises that include unlimited drinks at no extra charge.

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits and cocktails. Soda, specialty coffees and other nonalcoholic beverages are already included in the fare on Windstar sailings. The package also brings a 30% discount on wine bottle purchases for bottles costing up to $100.

Other packages: The less costly Topmast Discoveries Beer and Wine Package, at $55 per day, includes a choice of beers and premium wines but not spirits and cocktails. Windstar also offers an All-Inclusive Fares add-on package that gives passengers included drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities for an upcharge of $89 per day.

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Drink Package Calculator

The Port Planner Drink Package Calculator can be used to help you estimate whether it is worth you buying a drinks package on your cruise based on your estimates.

Drink prices are reguarly updated to provide you the best cost estimate.

All figures are in the currency you choose (Australian, New Zealand and American Dollars supported). If your cruise line uses another currency onboard, all cost estimates will be automatically calculated to your chosen currency based on the current exchange rate. Note that this may be different to the exchange rate used by your cruise line.

cruise line drink package calculator

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cruise line drink package calculator

Explore Melbourne with a Melbourne Cup Cruise

It is the race that stops a nation - and it is also a great excuse to hop on a cruise ship and head south for a few days in Melbourne! Whether your motive be to attend the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, shop-til-you-drop or enjoy Melbourne's cafe culture, there is so much to do.

cruise line drink package calculator

Cruise Ships Making Their Australian Debut In 2023

2023 promises to be an exciting year for cruising in Australia, with a heap of ships making their first ever visit, and a couple of cruise lines making their Australian debuts!

cruise line drink package calculator

Things You Should Do Just Before Your Cruise

Sometimes planning your dream cruise can start more than a year ahead of the cruise itself. While there are many things you can start planning, booking and ticking off your list from the beginning, there are some tasks you will need to leave until just before you cruise.

cruise line drink package calculator

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Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator: Most Cost-Effective

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Use the Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator to determine the most cost-effective beverage package to purchase for a cruise, based on anticipated beverage consumption/habits and pricing. The calculator was last updated in August 2020.

Instructions and details are included below the calculator. The calculator will auto-update as you enter information about your cruise. The calculator is powered by JavaScript. If you are experiencing blank or invalid results, try refreshing your browser.

Royal Caribbean is a trademark of Royal Caribbean Group. This calculator is not endorsed by Royal Caribbean Group.

Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator: Instructions and Explanations

Cruise information.

Use this section of the Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator to enter general information about the cruise. If traveling with others, enter each guest’s information separately, resetting the calculator as needed.

# of Nights

Select the number of nights for the cruise, from a minimum of two nights to a maximum of thirty nights. The number of nights affects the total cost of beverage packages. The calculator will also treat nights as equivalent to “days” for the purposes of per-day beverage calculations.

Anticipated Beverage Consumption

Use this section of the Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator to enter information about anticipated beverage consumption and pricing information.

The default average cost is per beverage and beverage type and can be edited.

When entering the number of beverages per beverage type, the number entered can either be per day or for the entire length of the cruise for each beverage type.

Beverage Types

The calculator includes the following beverage types:

  • Beer and Cider
  • Coffee and Tea (specialty)
  • Spirits, Liquor, and Mixed Drinks
  • Water (bottled)
  • Wine (by the glass)

Beer and Cider include :

  • Amstel Light
  • Blue Moon Belgian Ale
  • Coors Light
  • Corona Extra
  • Foster’s
  • Heineken (non-alcoholic)
  • Michelob Ultra
  • Miller Lite
  • O’Doul’s (non-alcoholic)
  • Paulaner Weissbier
  • Strongbow Hard Cider
  • Rekorderlig

Spirits and Liquors include :

  • 1800 Tequila
  • Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • Bombay Sapphire
  • The Botanist
  • Buffalo Trace
  • Camarena Gold
  • Canadian Club
  • Captain Morgan
  • Chivas Regal 12
  • Crown Royal
  • Del Maguey Vida Blanco
  • Dewar’s
  • Fernet-Branca
  • Four Roses Single Barrel
  • Gentleman Jack
  • Glenfiddich
  • Grand Marnier
  • Jack Daniel’s
  • Johnnie Walker
  • Jose Cuervo
  • Jägermeister
  • Leblon Cachaca
  • Maker’s Mark
  • Myer’s
  • New Amsterdam
  • Pimm’s
  • Rittenhouse Straight Rye
  • Rémy Martin
  • Southern Comfort
  • Tito’s
  • Whistlepig Rye

The calculator will add the mandatory gratuity to the average beverage cost for all beverage types in its calculations.

Beverage Package and Pricing Information

Use this section of the Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator to adjust assumptions and default pricing for beverage packages.

Beverage Packages

Available beverage packages include (in descending order of cost):

  • Deluxe (alcohol) @ $63/day
  • Refreshment @ $29/day
  • Classic Soda @ $13/day

The default pricing for beverage packages can be adjusted to account for price increases or discounts. The actual daily package cost can vary depending on the cruise and ship. The daily cost is per guest.

The calculator will add the mandatory gratuity to the package cost in its calculations.

Keep in mind that Royal Caribbean generally requires that if one adult purchases the Deluxe package, that all other adults over the age of 21 traveling in the same cabin purchase the Deluxe package; this requirement may be waived if you contact Royal Caribbean, explain the other adult(s) does not consume alcohol, and request to downgrade the additional package to Refreshment.

Beverage packages do not cover certain specialty beverages, particularly those purchased at an onboard Starbucks. They also do not include the charge for special souvenir or commemorative beverage containers.

Beverage packages can be used at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas and at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach in Haiti. Beverage packages may not be available for purchase for cruises of less than four nights departing from Southampton, England.

Mandatory Gratuity

The default mandatory gratuity of 18% can be adjusted to account for increases or decreases. The gratuity is applied automatically to all average beverage costs and beverage packages, as well as applicable upcharges for beverages whose cost is not fully covered by a package.

Deluxe (alcohol) Maximum Covered

This figure reflects the maximum per-alcoholic-beverage cost that is covered with a Deluxe (alcohol) package. All non-alcoholic beverages are covered in full, regardless of price, unless otherwise excluded from all beverage packages. The default amount of $12 can be adjusted. Some ships may cover up to $13 per alcoholic beverage.

Alcoholic beverages that exceed this amount will be charged the difference plus gratuity on the difference. The calculator will account for these upcharges.

This section of the Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator advises you of the most cost-effective beverage package given your anticipated beverage consumption and pricing inputs.

Most Cost-Effective Beverage Package

The calculator recommends the most cost-effective beverage package. If purchasing beverages à la carte (without a package) is the best option, the calculator will recommend “Pay As You Go.”

The calculator does not take into account the three beverage vouchers that Crown and Anchor Society members holding Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle elite status receive when attending the Exclusive Nightly Diamond Event. These vouchers expire on the same night that they are issued.

Estimated Total Cost

The calculator estimates the total cost for beverages, including the cost of beverage packages, gratuities, and upcharges.

The calculator estimates the savings achieved by selecting the most cost-effective beverage package versus Pay As You Go. If purchasing beverages à la carte (without a package) is the recommended option, then the calculator estimates the savings achieved by Pay As You Go versus the lowest-cost beverage package, factoring in gratuities and upcharges.

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Cruise Drink Package Calculator: Are Drink Packages Worth It?

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Is a cruise drink package worth the investment? It can be if you enjoy a variety of beverages and prefer the convenience of paying upfront. The value of a drink package depends on your personal drinking habits versus the package’s cost. This is where a Cruise Drink Package Calculator becomes invaluable, helping you compare the estimated cost of your daily beverage consumption against the package price to determine if it’s worth the value.

Beverage packages can lead to cost-effective savings, especially when offered as a booking incentive or with a discount, despite additional gratuities that should be factored into your decision.

However, it’s important to research the costs of the different drink packages on your chosen cruise line, as these can vary widely. A drink package can simplify your cruise experience, allowing unlimited enjoyment of drinks without worrying about the bill—provided it aligns with your budget and consumption preferences.

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Our simple cruise drink package calculator helps you decide if a beverage package is worth it and fits your budget.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

Table of Contents

Cruise Drink Package Calculator

  • A Cruise Drink Package Calculator simplifies decision-making by estimating costs.
  • Drink packages differ greatly in offerings and pricing from one cruise line to another. Know the cost of the drink package (we provide a simple list below of major cruise lines) and compare it to the total estimated cost the calculator gives you.
  • Compare the cost of the beverage package to the estimated cost calculated that you think you’ll drink for the entirety of your cruise.
  • The cruise gratuities calculator below will help you figure out how much cruise gratuities will be if you know the subtotal cost of the package.

→ Bookmark this page and return to it as needed.

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Drink Package Cost by Cruise Line

cruise line drink package calculator

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Free-at-Sea Unlimited Open Bar Perk: Gratuities only of $21.80 per person daily
  • NCL Premium Beverage Package: $109 per person daily, plus 20% gratuity
  • NCL Premium Plus Beverage Package: $138 per person daily, plus 20% gratuity

Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Packages Explained

Celebrity Cruise Line

  • Classic Package: $89 per person daily, plus 20% gratuity
  • Premium Package: $108 per person daily, plus 20% gratuity
  • Zero Proof Package: $30 per person daily, plus 20% gratuity

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Note: RCL’s beverage packages ‘ cost varies and depends on the cruise ship and sailing.

  • Deluxe Beverage Package: $56 to $105 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity
  • Refreshment Package :  $29 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity

Carnival Cruise Line

  • CHEERS! Package: $59.95 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity, if purchased before embarkation day

Princess Cruise Line

  • Plus Beverage Package: $64.99 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity
  • Premier Beverage Package: $84.99 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity
  • Zero Alcohol Package: $29.99 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity

Holland America Cruise Line

  • Elite Beverage Package: $59.99 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity
  • Signature Beverage Package: $54.95 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity
  • Quench Package: $17.95 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity
  • Have It All: $50 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity (note: this package includes the signature beverage package and other perks like specialty dining and WiFi)

Are drink packages on cruises worth it?

cruise line drink package calculator

Based on our cruising experiences, we’ve made it a habit to evaluate if a beverage package offers value for our trips. This cruise drink package calculator will be super helpful for us with future cruises going forward.

The value of a drink package is subjective, depending on your drinking preferences and budget considerations. If your daily beverage intake is modest, say 1-2 cocktails a day, a package might be unnecessary unless you can snag a promotional freebie.

For those with a thirst for more—be it alcoholic drinks, premium sparkling water, specialty coffee, or mocktails—the math changes. It’s about comparing the cost of a package against buying drinks à la carte to see if it leads to savings.

In our case, even with my husband’s preference for non-alcoholic options, we’ve found certain packages, like Celebrity’s Zero Proof Package, to be financially sensible. Securing a package or an upgrade before we sail, especially with pre-embarkation discounts, often seals the deal for us.

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package before the cruise?

Buying a drinks package before the cruise is often cheaper than onboard. This is because cruise lines often offer pre-cruise discounts, which can save you money.

How much will I spend on drinks on a cruise?

The cost of drinks on a cruise can greatly fluctuate, largely influenced by your personal drink preferences, the cruise line, and the cruise duration. Opting for included beverages like water, regular coffee, iced tea, and buffet juices can keep your spending at zero. However, without a drink package, expenses can add up quickly: cocktails may range from $8 to $15, wine from $10 to $15 per glass, and soft drinks or bottled water from $2 to $5 each.

How to add a drink package to a cruise?

Adding a drink package to your cruise is straightforward. You can either log in to the cruise line’s website or mobile app to add it to your booking, contact their customer service directly, or ask your travel agent to handle it. While purchasing a package onboard is an option, doing so might mean missing out on any discounts offered before boarding.

Ultimately, is the cruise drink package worth it? Let us know in the comments if you decide to purchase the beverage package.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

  • First Time On a Cruise Tips
  • Prepping for a Cruise Tips
  • Gratuities on Cruise Ships
  • Why Join a Cruise Roll Call

cruise line drink package calculator

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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Drink Packages

About drink packages.

cruise line drink package calculator

Enjoy ice-cold refreshments during meals, during shows, during, well... anytime you want with Bottomless Bubbles. This unlimited soda program lets you indulge in all-you-can-drink Pepsi sodas and juice for the full length of your cruise. Sweet! Bottomless Bubbles is available for purchase at the Lobby, Casino and Pool Bars. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions:

  • Non-transferable and may not be shared. Guests or family members who would like to enjoy soft drinks through this program must purchase their own sticker.
  • One beverage serving, per sticker, will be served at a time.
  • Soft drink is served by the glass (16 ounces); juice is served by the glass (10 ounces).
  • Cannot be used through room service or the Interactive TV system, where applicable, or the minibar, where applicable.
  • Program is only applicable for onboard purchases.
  • Bottomless Bubbles is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable on European cruises.
  • If the program is purchased prior to the cruise, it is refundable up to 10:00pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Otherwise, Bottomless Bubbles is non-refundable 

Starting at $6.95 / Child Per Day $9.50 / Adult Per Day

cruise line drink package calculator

Please collect your wine package coupons at Cherry on Top for redemption at Main Bars, Specialty Dining Restaurants or any of our Dining Rooms.

Enjoy great discounts on wine packages when you purchase wines offered through our exclusive 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine program. Wines from around the world are featured in two packages to satisfy both the wine novice and the more adventurous wine consumer. 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine packages allow you to enjoy your favorite wine at a discounted price or to explore new wines from the wide assortment of wines offered in these packages.

  • Packages feature wines from Argentina, Armenia, California, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Washington.  
  • An 18% service charge will be added to your beverage charge. 
  • Unconsumed wine will not be refunded but you may take home unopened bottles.

Wine selections include:

Sparkling, Maison Castel, ‘Ice Cuvée Blanche’, France (Sweet) Pinot Grigio, GIFFT, Monterey County, California Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Chardonnay, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Riesling, Leonard Kreusch, Rhein, Germany Chenin Blanc, Baron Herzog, California Rosé, GIFFT, Monterey County, California Rosé, Shofer, ‘Areni Rosé’, Vayots Dzor, Armenia White Zinfandel, Canyon Road, California (Sweet) Pinot Noir, Canyon Road, California Merlot, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Cabernet, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile

All wines are subject to availability and exact offering may vary slightly by ship.

cruise line drink package calculator

Sparkling, Domaine Ste.Michelle, ‘Brut’, Columbia Valley, Washington Sparkling, Keush, ‘Origins Brut’, Vayots Dzor, Armenia Sparkling Rosé, Domaine Ste Michelle, ‘Brut Rosé’, Columbia Valley, Washington Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Alto Adige, Italy Moscato, Stemmari, Terre Siciliane, Italy Sauvignon Blanc, McBride Sisters, Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Kendall-Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California Sauvignon Blanc, Spy Valley, Marlborough, NewZealand Chardonnay, McBrideSisters, Central Coast, California Chardonnay, La Crema, Monterey County, California Cavede Lugny, Macon Lugny, ‘LesCharmes’, Burgundy, France Viognier, Maison Les Alexandrins, France Riesling, Albrecht, ‘Tradition’, Alsace, France Rosé, Gerard Bertrand, ‘Côtedes Roses’, Languedoc, France Rosé, La Fêtedu Rosé, ‘St. Tropez’ ,Côtes de Provence, France Pinot Noir, Castle Rock, California Cuvée, California Pinot Noir, Kendall-Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California Zinfandel, Cline, Lodi, California Merlot, Columbia Crest, Columbia Valley, Washington Merlot, Josh Cellars, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Duckhorn, ‘Decoy’, Sonoma County, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Franciscan Estate, Monterey, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Josh Cellars, California Haghtanak, Voskevaz Karasi, Ararat, Armenia Chianti Classico Riserva, D’Aquino, Tuscany, Italy Malbec, Catena, Mendoza, Argentina Shiraz, Peter Lehmann, Portrait’, Barossa Valley, Australia

cruise line drink package calculator

Enjoy the ease of paying one flat price for your spirited beverages over the entire length of your cruise.  Now, that’s something to cheer about! Save up to 10% by purchasing before you sail. 

Cut-off for pre-purchase is 11:59 PM the day before embarkation and 9:00pm EST through call center. Additional restrictions apply, see below.

RESTRICTIONS:

  • Must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors
  • Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program
  • Only one drink at a time may be ordered. No sharing is permitted
  • Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters
  • Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks, per 24-hour period (6:00am - 6:00am).
  • Once you have consumed your 15 drinks, you cannot purchase any additional alcoholic beverages. 
  • Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason
  • Program is non-refundable

CHEERS! INCLUDES:

  • All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $20.00 or lower menu price 
  • Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
  • Packaged water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants
  • 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00
  • 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
  • 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes

CHEERS! EXCLUDES:

  • Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
  • Bottles of liquor
  • Beverages offered at gangway
  • Beverages offered through room service, mini bars and/or in-stateroom beverage programs
  • Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets
  • Beverages offered at private parties and/or events
  • All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes

TEXAS AND NEW YORK

Cheers package begins on Day 2 for ships sailing from Texas and New York - activation will occur at 6:00am on the second day of the cruise.

Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state's tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $5 and the tax is 10%, the guest's Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.50 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call). Cheers Package is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable on European cruises. Package is non-transferable and non-refundable after 10:00pm ET the evening before departure.

Starting at $59.95 / Person per Day

Protect Your Trip »

Cruise drink packages: your options by cruise line.

Discover what's included and excluded, to decide what pick is right for you.

Cruise Drink Packages

Cocktails in front of the pool on the lido deck of a Princess Cruises ship.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Explore cruise offerings for cocktails, wine, beer, soda and more.

Cruise drink packages can provide incredible value for people who plan to regularly imbibe on their voyage and want the convenience of an unlimited open bar package – whereas they may not be a good deal for light drinkers. Other options include alcohol-free drink packages, which let cruisers indulge in soft drinks, hot chocolate, specialty coffees and a range of other nonalcoholic beverages.

Whether or not to get the drink package is a question all cruisers face, and there's no perfect answer for everyone. Read on to learn about the drink packages offered by the major cruise lines and what each beverage package includes.

Expert tip: The price of each beverage package will vary from sailing to sailing and may change at any time. Also note that cruise drink packages are almost always nontransferable and nonrefundable, and that everyone in your cabin needs to buy a package. If kids are cruising with adults who purchase an alcoholic drink package, a nonalcoholic package must be purchased for them.

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity cruises, disney cruise line, msc cruises, norwegian cruise line, princess cruises, royal caribbean international.

A glass of wine and a book on a table on a Carnival Cruise Line ship.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Cheers! Beverage Program

What it includes: All spirits (including cocktails) are included. Beer and wine by the glass are also included in this package if they cost $20 or less on the menu. Individuals also get unlimited nonalcoholic frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, hot tea and other nonalcoholic drinks. This package comes with 25% off the following categories: spirits or wine by the glass that cost more than $20, the menu price for wine or Champagne by the bottle, and beverage seminars and classes.

What it doesn't include: Beverages not included in this package are limited to: drinks in souvenir glasses, full bottles of liquor, drinks offered on the gangway, drinks delivered through room service or in the cabin's minibar, larger shared drinks, and beverages sold in enomatic wine machines. The Cheers! Beverage Program also does not cover food items and drinks offered through special promotions that relate to merchandise, cigars or cigarettes.

Cost: Starts at $59.95 per day, per person

Additional details: This drink package can be offered on all Carnival Cruise Line sailings, including ships like the Carnival Venezia, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Individuals must be at least 21 years old to buy this package for their cruise. It can be purchased before embarkation or once on the ship. Note that, for sailings out of New York and Texas, this package doesn't kick in until 6 a.m. the day after departure.

Bottomless Bubbles

What it includes: All-you-can-drink soda and juice are included.

What it doesn't include: Specialty coffee drinks, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages and all other drinks not specifically listed in the package are not included.

Cost: Starts at $9.50 per day for adults and $6.95 per day for kids

Additional details: This package doesn't include drinks delivered through room service or available in the cabin minibar. It's available to be purchased before or during the cruise; if purchased after a sailing departs, Bottomless Bubbles is nonrefundable.

Book a Carnival Cruise Line sailing on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

A martini glass on a Martini Bar menu in Grand Plaza on Celebrity Cruises Edge.

Steve Dunlop | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Classic Drink Package

What it includes: This package includes liquors, cocktails, frozen drinks, wines by the glass and beers up to $10. Wines by the bottle qualify for a 15% discount.

What it doesn't include: This package doesn't include energy drinks, soda, specialty coffees or any other beverages not specifically listed in the package.

Cost: Starts at $89 per day, per person

Additional details: This package can be used at the ship's bars, in the main dining room, and in casual dining and specialty restaurants. Drinks in the in-room minibar or delivered via room service do not qualify. You can only order one drink at a time with any of the Celebrity Cruises drink packages.

Premium Drink Package

What it includes: This package includes everything in the Classic Drink Package, in addition to: specialty coffees and teas, craft and artisan beers, Coca-Cola products, bottled water, and wine by the glass up to $17 per serving. It also comes with a 20% discount on wine by the bottle.

What it doesn't include: Drinks that cost more than $17 per glass are not included.

Cost: Starts at $109 per day, per person

Additional details: This package can be used at bars, in the main dining room, and in casual dining and specialty restaurants. Drinks from the minibar or room service are not covered by the package.

Zero-Proof Drink Package

What it includes: This drink package comes with a range of nonalcoholic drinks, including premium bottled water such as San Pellegrino and Panna, organic teas, specialty coffees, Red Bull energy drinks, frozen smoothies, Coca-Cola products, mocktails, Vitamin Water drinks, bottled iced tea and more.

What it doesn't include: Alcoholic beverages are not included in this package.

Cost: Starts at $30 per day, per person

Additional details: This package can be used at bars, in the main dining room, and in casual dining and specialty restaurants. Minibar and room service drinks do not qualify.

Find a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

A couple holding cocktails walks by a bar on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is unique because it does not offer traditional drink packages you can purchase pre-cruise or on the day of embarkation. Not only that, but all Disney cruises include the following beverages at no additional charge:

  • Soft drinks, coffee and tea during meals
  • Nonalcoholic beverages offered at drink stations throughout the ship
  • Soft drinks served at the Vibe lounge for teens

Disney also lets cruisers prepay for specialty packages of wine, Champagne, beer or seltzers, although available packages can vary by departure port. As an example, cruise passengers departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, can pre-purchase a seven-bottle premium wine package for $330, a six-pack of beer for $36.25, or a six-pack of Truly seltzers for $32.50, among many other options.

Explore Disney Cruise Line deals on GoToSea.

The Wine Cellar on MSC Cruises Seashore ship.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Easy Package

What it includes: This package includes select cocktails, nonalcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks, one brand of each type of spirit, house wines, draft or bottled Heineken, fountain soda, canned soda, fruit juices by the glass or bottle, bottled water, hot tea, specialty coffees, hot chocolate and beverage gratuities.

What it doesn't include: This package doesn't include brand-name spirits or beers other than Heineken, or any other drinks not specifically listed in the package.

Cost: $322 per sailing, per adult for seven-night itineraries

Additional details: This package can be used at bars, lounges, buffets, in the main restaurants and on MSC Cruises ' private island. It does not apply in the in-room minibar or specialty restaurants.

Easy Plus Package

What it includes: The Easy Plus Package gives cruisers access to a broader range of drink options that cost up to $10 (or 9 euros), so more alcoholic brands are included overall. Drinks that qualify include frozen drinks and cocktails, protein shakes, spirits, draught and bottled beers, nonalcoholic cocktails, bottled water, various hot drinks, wines by the glass and gratuities. A 10% discount on bottled wine purchases on board also applies.

What it doesn't include: This package doesn't include brand-name spirits, and beer options vary. Drinks that cost more than $10 (or 9 euros) are not included.

Cost: $427 per sailing, per adult for seven-night itineraries

Additional details: This package can be used at bars, lounges, buffets, in the main and specialty restaurants, and on the cruise line's private island . Drinks in the signature venues are not covered.

Premium Extra Package

What it includes: This drink package covers a wider range of brand-name alcoholic beverages that cost up to $16 (or 14 euros). Beverages that qualify can include pretty much any drink you can purchase on the ship with very few exceptions. Covered drinks include: premium cocktails, all nonalcoholic cocktails and drinks, protein drinks, premium spirits, fine wine by the glass, Champagne by the glass, draft and bottled beer, bottled water, specialty hot drinks, and gratuities. A 25% discount on bottled wine purchases on board also applies.

What it doesn't include: Drinks all over the ship that cost more than $16 (or 14 euros) are not included.

Cost: $595 per sailing, per adult for seven-night itineraries

Additional details: This package can be used everywhere except in MSC's signature venues.

Alcohol-Free Package

What it includes: This drink package includes most nonalcoholic beverages on the ship, including mocktails, fresh fruit drinks, protein drinks, energy drinks, sodas, flavored water, hot drinks, soft serve ice cream and gratuities.

What it doesn't include: Alcoholic drinks offered on the ship are not included.

Cost: $196 per sailing, per adult or $133 per kid for seven-night itineraries

Additional details: The nonalcoholic package can be used at bars, lounges, buffets, in the main restaurants and on MSC Cruises' private island. It does not apply in the in-room minibar or in specialty restaurants.

Compare MSC Cruises on GoToSea.

A bartender pouring cocktails on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Unlimited Open Bar Package

What it includes: This package includes drinks all over the ship that cost $15 or less, such as cocktails, spirits, beers and wine by the glass. Unlimited soft drinks and juices are also included, and cruisers get 20% off bottles of wine and Champagne purchased on board.

What it doesn't include: This package doesn't include alcoholic beverages that cost more than $15 per glass.

Cost: Starts at $109 per day, per person; cruisers can get this package automatically added to their sailing with the "Free at Sea" promotion.

Additional details: A 20% service charge is added to each drink, and this package can be used all over the ship and on Norwegian Cruise Line 's private island.

Premium Plus Beverage Package

What it includes: This package is an upgrade from the Unlimited Open Bar Package you can buy or get included with the "Free at Sea" promotion. It comes with a broader selection of drinks that can cost more than $15, including spirits, cocktails, beer and wine by the glass. Guests can also enjoy the cruise line's brand of rose Champagne by the glass plus select premium bottles of wine at dinner. Also included are unlimited soft drinks, juices, bottled water, energy drinks, specialty drinks and Starbucks drinks. Premium Plus also comes with a 40% discount off bottles of wine and Champagne not included in the package.

What it doesn't include: This package includes all drinks by the glass offered on Norwegian vessels.

Cost: Starts at $138 per day, per person; cruisers can upgrade from the Unlimited Open Bar Package for $29 per day.

Additional details: A 20% service charge is added to each drink. Use this package all over the ship and Great Stirrup Cay.

Hawaii Beverage Package

What it includes: This package is for Hawaii sailings only, which applies to the Pride of America . Drinks up to $15 per glass are included, such as cocktails, spirits, wine by the glass, beer, bottled water and soft drinks. Starbucks drinks also count toward the package during meals.

What it doesn't include: This package doesn't include drinks that cost more than $15 per serving.

Cost: $109 per day, per person

Additional details: A 20% service charge is added to each drink, and this package can be used all over the ship.

Unlimited Soda Package

What it includes: True to its name, NCL's unlimited soda package comes with bottomless soft drinks like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta and more.

What it doesn't include: This package only includes unlimited soft drinks, so no other drinks qualify.

Cost: $9.95 per day, per person

Additional details: A 20% service charge is added to each drink. This package cannot be purchased on cruises that are two days or less.

Unlimited Starbucks

What it includes: This package includes any drinks you can dream up at Starbucks, including Frappuccino beverages, lattes, classic coffees, teas and more.

What it doesn't include: No other drinks are included in this package.

Cost: $12.95 per day, per person

Additional details: A 20% service charge is added to each drink. You must be at least 18 at the time of the sailing to purchase.

Find a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary on GoToSea.

cruise line drink package calculator

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Glasses of wine on a bar countertop on a Princess Cruises ship.

Plus Beverage Package

What it includes: This package includes beverages up to $15. Included in the package are cocktails, wine by the glass, specialty coffees, beer, fountain sodas, bottled water, smoothies, juice bar drinks, mocktails and specialty cocktails curated by Rob Floyd. In total, 50 spirits, 25 wines by the glass and 25 different beers qualify. Cruisers also get 25% off bottles of wine, large bottles of water and cans of soda.

What it doesn't include: This package doesn't include large bottles of water or cans of soda; you get a discount instead. Drinks over $15 also do not qualify.

Cost: $64.99 per day, per adult

Additional details: This Princess Cruises package is offered for purchase before the cruise and on embarkation day, but it is not available for pre-purchase within three days of sailing. It can be used all over the ship, although minibar items and drinks in souvenir glasses do not qualify.

Premier Beverage Package

What it includes: This package includes beverages up to $20, as well as everything that the Plus Beverage Package covers. Premium wines by the glass like Duckhorn, Stag's Leap, Grgich Hills and Cattier Champagne are included in this package, as are Woodford Reserve bourbon and Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select whiskey. In total, 75 spirits, 40-plus wines by the glass and 20-plus high-end cocktails qualify. Cruisers also get 25% off bottles of wine and rare specialty wine, large bottles of water and cans of soda.

What it doesn't include: Some wines do not qualify, nor do large bottles of water or cans of soda, although discounts apply.

Cost: $84.99 per day, per adult

Additional details: This package is offered before the cruise and on embarkation day, but not for pre-purchase within three days of sailing. Minibar items and drinks in souvenir glasses do not qualify.

Zero Alcohol Package

What it includes: The Zero Alcohol Package comes with premium and specialty coffees, teas, fountain sodas, fresh juices, smoothies, hot chocolate, mocktails, bottled water and Red Bull energy drinks.

What it doesn't include: This package does not include alcoholic beverages or any other drinks not specifically listed.

Cost: $29.99 per day, per adult

Additional details: This package is offered up until three days before the cruise as well as on embarkation day. You cannot use it at the in-room minibar or for souvenir glasses.

Classic Soda Package

What it includes: Enjoy sodas, fruit juices, mocktails and smoothies throughout the sailing.

Cost: $14.99 per day, per adult

Additional details: This package is available for purchase until three days before the cruise or on embarkation day. Minibar items and souvenir glasses are excluded.

Explore Princess Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Martinis on a bar on a Royal Caribbean International ship.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

What it includes: Royal Caribbean's Classic Soda Package includes Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, Coca-Cola drinks served in a souvenir cup and all fountain soda on an unlimited basis.

What it doesn't include: No other drinks are included in this package, including alcoholic drinks.

Cost: Varies

Additional details: An 18% gratuity is added to drink packages on most Royal Caribbean sailings. Drink packages work at cruise ship bars, lounges, the main dining room, the Windjammer Cafe and the line's private destinations. Drinks delivered through room service or available in the minibar are not covered.

Refreshment Package

What it includes: The Refreshment Package includes everything in the Classic Soda Package plus premium coffees and teas, juices, bottled water, mocktails and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.

What it doesn't include: Alcoholic drinks are not included in this package.

Additional details: An 18% gratuity is added to Royal Caribbean drink packages on most sailings. Drink packages apply across cruise ship bars, lounges, the main dining room, the Windjammer Cafe and the line's private destinations. Room service and minibar beverages do not qualify.

Deluxe Beverage Package

What it includes: This package includes everything you get in the Classic Soda and Refreshment Packages, plus alcoholic beverages. The Deluxe Beverage Package is inclusive of cocktails, spirits, liqueurs and beer.

What it doesn't include: This package excludes drinks in Starbucks venues on Royal Caribbean sailings.

Additional details: An 18% gratuity is added to drink package drinks on most sailings. Drink packages work at cruise ship bars, lounges, the main dining room, the Windjammer Cafe and the line's private destinations. You cannot use this package for room service or minibar drinks.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

STAR Restaurant Bar on a Viking cruise ship.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's river and ocean cruises offer complimentary beverages on board – even alcoholic beverages during meals. Specifically, guests can enjoy house wines, beers and soft drinks on the ship during lunches and dinners. Specialty coffees and hot teas are also available around the clock.

Guests who want more access to drinks can purchase the one available upgraded drink package through Viking. Also note that Viking lets guests bring your own alcohol on board the ship ahead of time, which you can consume without any added fees.

Silver Spirits

What it includes: For both ocean and river sailings, this package includes an open bar with local wines by the glass, cocktails, beers, specialty coffee drinks, juices and more throughout the day and outside of mealtimes.

What it doesn't include: This package includes almost all potential beverages offered on Viking sailings. For ocean sailings , the package excludes Champagne and drinks that cost more than $18.

Cost: $25 per night, per person

Additional details: Drink packages are not available on river cruises that travel through Egypt.

Book a Viking cruise on GoToSea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drink packages can be worth it on a cruise if you consume enough beverages to justify the cost of a package. If a drink package you're considering costs $85 per day, for example, you can try to estimate whether you would drink enough alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees and sodas to add up to or exceed this cost.

If you're a light drinker, these packages may not be a good deal for you at all.

Because drink packages are frequently discounted before a cruise, it makes sense to buy one pre-departure if you can. Also note that some cruise lines only offer drink packages on the day of embarkation and stop offering them for the rest of the cruise.

Cruise drink packages can never be shared. With all the major cruise lines, each guest in your cabin must purchase a package.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • First-Time Cruise Tips: Mistakes to Avoid
  • How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
  • The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
  • Cruise Lines with the Best Food
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

cruise line drink package calculator

A latte in the morning here, a piña colada by the pool there. On a cruise, ordering drinks can rack up a steep bill before you know it.

Though beverages like water, regular coffee, iced tea and lemonade are generally included in cruise fares, others cost extra. That’s where drink packages come in handy.

The optional add-ons broaden the range of beverages you can order without worrying about incurring charges each time. But they aren’t always worth it, and it can be cheaper to quench your thirst a la carte.

“What I tell clients is: Do the math on it,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises.

What do cruise drink packages include?

“Each cruise line has a different package system,” Pickett said. The packages typically range from more limited soda or coffee packages to those that cover a wide range of alcohol and other drinks.

Carnival offers a Bottomless Bubbles package that includes sodas and juice. The line’s Cheers! package includes those, plus spirits, beer and wine by the glass priced at $20 or less, specialty coffee and more (guests can order only one drink at a time and are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours). Carnival also offers wine-specific packages. 

Be sure to read the fine print, too, because there are often restrictions. On Royal Caribbean International ships, for example, beverage packages exclude drinks served in licensed Starbucks stores.

How much do cruise drink packages cost?

Beverage packages are typically priced per person, per day and sold for the duration of a cruise. Starting prices vary but can range from $10 to $15 for soda and specialty coffee packages to upward of $100 for those that include alcohol. Pickett also noted that a number of lines have raised drink package prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aforementioned Cheers!, Carnival's most comprehensive package, starts at $59.95 per person, per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults. During a recent cruise on the line’s newest ship, Jubilee , cocktails at new venues Dr.Inks, Ph.D., and The Golden Mermaid were priced at $14 a la carte, plus an 18% gratuity charge. Beverage packages generally include gratuities, Pickett said.

The most I racked up in a single day on Jubilee – for two lattes at the ship's JavaBlue Cafe and Marina Bar; two bottles of water in my stateroom; and one cocktail at the Marina Bar that night (plus additional gratuities I added) – was $34.86.

“When (clients) want to talk it through, it's usually about how much you drink per day,” said Valerie Dorsey, a franchise owner and travel adviser at Cruise Planners. “And if you're only going to have one or two drinks, even at $15 a drink, it's still cheaper than buying a $100-a-day package.”

Mainstream cruise lines may offer lower prices if guests purchase a package advance, according to Dorsey (luxury lines tend to include more in their fares, including drinks). Operators may also bundle them as part of other offers.

Even if not for cost savings, Pickett and Dorsey both said some travelers are drawn to drink packages for the convenience. “They're willing to pay money for not being nickeled-and-dimed when they go up to the bar,” Pickett said.

Does everyone in the cabin need to get the drink package?

Often, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase a drink package if any guest in the cabin buys one, including the Cheers! package and Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package .

Can I buy a drink package midcruise?

Even if you don't buy a drink package beforehand, you're not out of luck. Passengers may be able to buy them after they board, depending on when they make the purchase.

Royal Caribbean, for instance, sells drink packages on the first or second day of cruises four nights or longer; for sailings three nights or less, they're sold only on the first day. Celebrity Cruises (also part of Royal Caribbean Group), meanwhile, sells them up until three days before the end of a cruise.

Prices would be prorated on a per-day basis.

Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?

Yes, depending on what it is. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed , but guests can bring wine or champagne to enjoy during their sailing – though Dorsey warned they will probably have to pay a corkage fee if they want to drink them outside their cabin.

For example, Princess Cruises charges $20 “should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the ship’s public areas,” according to its passage contract.

Guests may also be able to bring non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, sodas and milk, but policies vary by line.

Dorsey also noted that if guests don’t mind going without espresso-based drinks or cocktails, they can opt not to buy a drink package at all. “I say to clients, ‘You don't have to put up extra money on a cruise if you don't want to.’ ”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Scott's Cruises – A Unique Cruise Review & News Site

Carnival Cruise Line CHEERS! Drink Package Calculator

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By Scott Sanfilippo

On Carnival Cruise Line, CHEERS! is an all-inclusive beverage program that offers an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all for a convenient flat daily rate.

With CHEERS!, you can enjoy all kinds of beverages, from refreshing cocktails and premium spirits to fine wines and chilled beers. Savor the finest non-alcoholic beverages as well, including mocktails, specialty coffees, and soft drinks. No matter your preference, CHEERS! has something for everyone.

By purchasing a beverage package there’s no need to keep track of individual drink purchases or worry about exceeding your budget. With CHEERS!, you can enjoy unlimited drinks throughout your cruise, all for one flat daily rate.

cruise line drink package calculator

What’s included with Carnival’s CHEERS! drink package?

  • All spirits, including cocktails, cognacs, whiskies, and other spirits, as well as beer (including self-serve beer stations – PYOB) and wine and champagne by the glass, with a $20.00 USD or lower menu price, per serving
  • Sodas (including specialty sodas), zero-proof frozen cocktails (including smoothies), and juices
  • Specialty coffees and hot tea served in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and coffee bars
  • Milkshakes, where available
  • Energy drinks
  • 500-ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages served in bars and lounges
  • Packaged water in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants
  • 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit, cocktail, or wine by the glass, costing above $20.00 USD, per serving
  • 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
  • 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes

What’s not included with Carnival’s CHEERS! drink package?

  • Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
  • Bottles of liquor
  • Beverages offered at the gangway
  • Beverages offered through room service and/or other in-stateroom beverage programs
  • Beverages purchased off the ship at any port of call, including Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay
  • Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes, and buckets
  • Beverages offered through enomatic wine machines
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice served in the Havana Bar
  • Main Dining Room freshly squeezed juice
  • All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars, and cigarettes

How much does Carnival’s CHEERS! drink package cost?

You can purchase the CHEERS! beverage package before you cruise or while you’re onboard.  If you purchase it before your cruise via Carnival’s website, or by phone, the cost is $59.95 per day plus an 18% service charge, but must be purchased by 11:59pm ET the day before your departure.

Now, if you decide to wait until you get onboard to purchase it, you’re going to pay a bit extra, so it’s worth ordering in advance.  The cost to purchase CHEERS! onboard jumps to $64.95 per day plus an 18% service charge.

Is it worth buying the CHEERS! drink package for my Carnival Cruise?

That depends on how much you plan on drinking.  There’s nothing stopping you from purchasing each beverage individually, but in most cases, it works out better if you purchase the package.

To help you decide whether or not the CHEERS! beverage package is right for you, I’ve put together a quick calculator where you can enter the number of each type of beverage you plan on drinking each day.  To calculate, I’ve used the current (as of April 1, 2023) average prices of $2.75 for soft drinks, $7.95 for beer, $11.00 for wine, and $12.00 for cocktails/mixed drinks.

Enter the quantities of each beverage:

I don’t drink alcohol, is there a soda package i could buy.

Yes!  Carnival offers what they call Bottomless Bubbles and entitles you to unlimited soda/soft drinks, orange juice, cranberry juice, tomato juice, pineapple juice and grapefruit juice. It does not include bottled water, so to enjoy that you will need to purchase CHEERS! beverage package. Bottomless Bubbles costs $6.95 per child per day, or $9.50 per adult per day.

Some things to note:

  • The CHEERS! beverage package must be purchased by everyone over the age 0f 21 who is staying in the same cabin.
  • The package limits you to up to 15 alcoholic drinks, per 24-hour period (6:00am – 6:00am).
  • Due to state laws, CHEERS! cannot be purchased onboard until the second day of the cruise (starting at 6:00am) for cruises departing from Texas and New York.  If you purchased the package in advance, it will not be activated until the second day of the cruise (starting at 6:00am).
  • CHEERS! is not offered on 2 day cruises, charter cruises and is not valid on beverage purchases made at Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in The Bahamas
  • There are other terms and conditions of the program that you can read here and here .

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MSC Cruises Drink Package Calculator – is the drink package worth it?

We’ve created this handy  MSC drink package calculator  to help you decide whether or not purchasing a drink package on your next cruise is the right choice.

  • Read : MSC Cruises Drink Packages Explained!
  • See: MSC Cruises Bar Menus with Prices

How to calculate your beverage costs on MSC Cruises

  • Choose your package. The daily charge will appear in the daily charge space, but you can change that if you are getting a discount.
  • Select your length of cruise. You’ll notice how the cost increases according to the cruise length.
  • Choose the number of drinks you consume, or expect to consume each day. We’ve put the average drink price in the cost fields, but you can modify those if you like more expensive drinks (it’s worth looking at the MSC Bar & drink menus )
  • The calculator will do the math and tell you if it is worth purchasing a package (or upgrading) based on your consumption! 

Start by choosing a package

You can override the daily charge by entering an amount. Do this if you get a special rate from a travel agent or with a promotion.

Easy Package includes:

Specific drinks listed on the easy drink menu (found here).

These drinks are sort of “vague” in some respect, so definitely look at the MSC Drink Menus article , where there is a unique menu for the Easy Package.

The Easy Package covers all of the above served in the bars, buffet and main restaurant as well as Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations. This package CANNOT be used in specialty restaurants.

Easy Plus Package includes:

Bottomless beverages priced up to $10 all day long.

The Easy Plus Package can be enjoyed in the bars, buffet, main restaurant and specialty restaurants , Ocean Cay, and other exclusive destinations.

Premium Extra Package includes:

Premium beverages priced up to $16.

The Premium Extra Package can be enjoyed in the bars, buffet, main restaurant, and specialty restaurants as well as Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations.

Estimate Your Daily Consumption:

Each field contains the average price found on most MSC ships in US Dollars.

Remember! Any drink not within your package limit, you pay the overage cost plus the service charge! If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, you can adjust the average price of each beverage in the corresponding boxes! This helps give you a more accurate idea of your possible spending. (15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.)

Each field contains the average price found on most MSC ships. For the Premium Extra package, all drinks up to $15 are included. If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, you can adjust the average price of each beverage in the corresponding boxes – Remember, for anything over the included price, you pay the difference plus a service charge or gratuity (15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.)!

You haven’t broken even on the Easy Package yet!

You BROKE EVEN on the Easy Package!

You haven’t broken even on the Easy PLUS Package yet!

You BROKE EVEN on the Easy PLUS Package!

You haven’t broken even on the Premium Extra Package yet!

Phil Crane

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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Is this still true? “anything not in the package is full price plus a service charge!”?

I’ve read a few places that the drink package give that amount off. Ie. Easy plus is all drinks at/under $9 included and $9 off drinks that are more.

Anyone know? Cruising January on Fantasia.

Rox – Thanks for pointing this out! We failed to update the information on the calculator. Rules changed earlier in 2023. So if you order a drink over the amount allowed by your package you pay the difference plus the gratuity (15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.)

The EASY Package is weird. For example, even though it includes Heineken beer, you cannot just pay the difference for a different bottled beer. You WILL pay the full price for that beer. But Cocktails and mixed drinks, they credit you (I PRETTY SURE) $8 per drink. I’m going to confirm this, with MSC and edit as needed. The Easy Plus Package offers a $10 discount per drink, and the Premium Extra Package offers a $16 discount.

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  • Princess Cruises

Drink package calculator

By bound4dbeach , October 23, 2022 in Princess Cruises

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Cool Cruiser

bound4dbeach

I’ve saw an excel file a while ago for the princess drink file calculator:   If anyone have it, would you be willing to share it with me for an upcoming cruise.

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Share on other sites, koreakruiser.

Cruise Drinks Package Calculator (2022) (cruisemummy.co.uk)

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Wishing on a star

The thing is, if this is actually about adding the Beverage Package, now the Plus package gets the drinks, the gratuities, and the WIFI at a cheaper rate.

It should be $50.00 per day.

10,000+ Club

3 hours ago, Wishing on a star said: The thing is, if this is actually about adding the Beverage Package, now the Plus package gets the drinks, the gratuities, and the WIFI at a cheaper rate. It should be $50.00 per day.

Agree.  There is no point to the Plus or Premier Beverage Packages anymore with the Plus and Premier fare options.

It's a different calculation now.  Subtract the values of Crew Appreciation and MedallionNet fron $50 and then compare balance to what your beverage consumption habits are.

Basically if you select the plus fare the breakeven point is two to three alcoholic beverages/pp/day.

The calculation is $50 fare increase minus crew incentive of around $15/pp/day depending on cabin cat. minus internet which on the low end is $5 = $30. A couple of $10 alcoholic drinks or a few beers plus a few specialty coffees, some water bottles, maybe a soda or two and you are at $30.

Without the plus fare the cost of the $12 limit alcoholic beverage package is $70 plus the crew incentive of $15 plus the internet $5 = $90. That is a lot of drinks to cover, between 7 and 10 depending on what you drink. 

12 hours ago, skynight said: Basically if you select the plus fare the breakeven point is two to three alcoholic beverages/pp/day. The calculation is $50 fare increase minus crew incentive of around $15/pp/day depending on cabin cat. minus internet which on the low end is $5 = $30. A couple of $10 alcoholic drinks or a few beers plus a few specialty coffees, some water bottles, maybe a soda or two and you are at $30.

I agree, with a caveat. We have no use for Internet and so, it is $70 per day for drinks, a couple of my drinks will be beer at $6. Our next cruise will be 12 days with just 2 Sea Days, fewer coffees in International. We will have $300 OBC, $500 depending on how Excursion OBC is handled. At $40 pppd Plus was truly a no brainer and we did not bother to bring wine on board. Not sure it is as easy a decision this time. I will add that we will not have our two Cruise Buddies with us, and we don't drink as much when there is just two of us.

Expat Cruise

  Princess Cruises is really trying to cloud the issues here with these added packages. The bottom line is for the average guest no package pays for itself. Also once you take the package you are completely locked in and cannot change it. Simple logic says if Princess Cruises was not making money on these packages they would not offer them.  

14 hours ago, Expat Cruise said:  Simple logic says if Princess Cruises was not making money on these packages they would not offer them.  

However, clever pricing can make it close enough to be an easy decision and so majority go for the package. This is a win - win for passengers and Princess.

jwattle

15 hours ago, Expat Cruise said:   Princess Cruises is really trying to cloud the issues here with these added packages. The bottom line is for the average guest no package pays for itself. Also once you take the package you are completely locked in and cannot change it. Simple logic says if Princess Cruises was not making money on these packages they would not offer them.  

Maybe not for you; for a lot of people it is a win for both Princess to make money and for the passengers to come out ahead, no clouding, unless, like your signature says, you remove tips...then, yes, it becomes downright muddy ... 😠

sloopsailor

sloopsailor

And simple logic says if passengers weren't getting value from these packages they wouldn't be buying them. Maybe it's the passengers who are taking advantage of Princess! I know I will save money with the Plus package by paying less for my coffees, sodas, water bottles, wine and alcoholic drinks than if I had to buy them individually. So aren't I the one "clouding the issues"???

Why in your view does everything have to be Princess trying to take advantage of passengers (I'm also including your insistence that Princess is selling the information gained by use of the medallion devices)?

20 hours ago, Expat Cruise said:   Princess Cruises is really trying to cloud the issues here with these added packages. The bottom line is for the average guest no package pays for itself. Also once you take the package you are completely locked in and cannot change it. Simple logic says if Princess Cruises was not making money on these packages they would not offer them.  

I am an average guest, and the Princess Plus package more than pays for itself as far as I am concerned.

My wife and I save about $500 each by having the package on a 14 day cruise.

You should avoid making wild generalisations that have no basis in reality,  not only about packages but also about how Princess are tracking my whereabouts,  in order to sell my movements to some unidentified organisation !

21 hours ago, Expat Cruise said:   Princess Cruises is really trying to cloud the issues here with these added packages. The bottom line is for the average guest no package pays for itself. Also once you take the package you are completely locked in and cannot change it. Simple logic says if Princess Cruises was not making money on these packages they would not offer them.  

No clouds here. Very clear sky. Plus fare pays for itself if you drink 2 to 3 alcoholic beverages per day and it is very convenient. Those with lots of OBC can do the math. 

37 minutes ago, Expat Cruise said:   Again Princess Cruises is in business to make money. If the average person got more value than they paid for these packages Princess would not offer them. Maybe you should learn to read posts and understand them a little better. It is only muddy if one lacks the ability to think and understand how businesses operate.    

Let me make it simpler: the package works out VERY well for my husband and myself. It also works for Princess due to the pour cost of liquor. Win /win. For some, it doesn't. I understand your post very well. So do others.

Over from NZ

It's really simple. It works for some.. and not for others. It all depends on your individual drinking habits. It's a lot harder to justify down under where the gratuities are not included in the drink package. But hey, that said.. much younger me would have smashed it! haha. I would say though.. if you need a calculator to work out if it's for you.. then it's probably not for you. lol. 

14 minutes ago, Over from NZ said: It's really simple. It works for some.. and not for others. It all depends on your individual drinking habits. It's a lot harder to justify down under where the gratuities are not included in the drink package. But hey, that said.. much younger me would have smashed it! haha. I would say though.. if you need a calculator to work out if it's for you.. then it's probably not for you. lol. 

Absolutely. We are in "profit" by lunchtime !

No need to look at a calculator.

In fact, even if PP didn't include tips and WiFi it would still make economic sense for us to buy it.

Haha

Pre-Covid, I did a seven night cruise (not on Princess) and when I compared the onboard price of the drinks I had against the package price, I finished over $A1000 ahead.

The fact that the line went broke during the lockdown surely had nothing to do with me!

SClakeliving

16 hours ago, Expat Cruise said:   Again Princess Cruises is in business to make money. If the average person got more value than they paid for these packages Princess would not offer them. Maybe you should learn to read posts and understand them a little better. It is only muddy if one lacks the ability to think and understand how businesses operate.    

I would normally agree with you (( i.e. that Princess makes money/comes out ahead or wouldn't offer package...much like a Casino  where the "house always wins")) EXCEPT in this post-Covid world when the Cruise industry is trying to make a come-back, trying to get people back on their ships .... then they will offer a "lost leader" package to get your business over choosing another cruise line. So, in this case, I do think the the passengers come out ahead. As time goes on perhaps things will get more competitive and Princess will go back to offering packages that benefit them.

On 10/24/2022 at 9:07 PM, Expat Cruise said:   Again Princess Cruises is in business to make money. If the average person got more value than they paid for these packages Princess would not offer them. Maybe you should learn to read posts and understand them a little better. It is only muddy if one lacks the ability to think and understand how businesses operate.    

Remembering that alcoholic beverages are purchased by Princess without any local or federal taxes the plan works for Princess because the cost to pour an alcoholic beverage is way less than what is charged. Plans work for many passengers because the breakeven point is based on menu prices. The weakness with Princess inclusive fares is that they do not offer a non-alcoholic version. Maybe this is an oversight or unlike alcoholic beverages maybe it is that the menu price on non alcoholic beverages is closer to the actual cost. 

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cruise line drink package calculator

Carnival Cruise Line shares key drink package question

For many cruise passengers, their vacation begins once they're sitting at a bar with a drink in their hand.

That's because while the cruise lines have done their best to make the boarding process easy, it's still a hassle. You have to wait in line, go through security, and pass multiple checks where your boarding pass and passport are examined.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line makes a dining change, asks customers to tip

Once you actually board the ship, you have to do the muster drill, which varies slightly by cruise line, and in many cases, you also have some housekeeping to attend to. You might need to make a specialty dining reservation or make sure you're grouped with friends and family in other cabins for dinner.

Add in that you're doing this while managing whatever luggage you didn't check until your cabin is ready, and the first part of any cruise can be stressful. Once bags are stowed, the muster has been completed, and you manage to make your way to the pool deck, or one of the many other public areas, many passengers want a drink of the adult variety.

For people who paid for an unlimited drink package on Royal Caribbean, MSC, or Norwegian, that one drink can be the start of as many as they can responsibly handle. For Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) passengers its the start of a countdown that some passengers object to.

Carnival's Cheers package is not unlimited

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC all sell unlimited beverage packages that offer all the alcoholic drinks someone can responsibly consume. Both cruise lines will shut off passengers who are visibly intoxicated or belligerent, but if you have a high tolerance, or start drinking early and keep drinking late, then there's no limit to how many beverages you can consume.

That's not the case with Carnival's Cheers beverage package which caps alcoholic beverages at 15 per day. One Carnival passenger complained about that on the cruise line's Brand Ambassador John Heald's Facebook page. 

"When will Carnival realize that for most Americans on vacation that 15 drinks in one day with Cheers is not enough! We hit it every day on a cruise without getting fall-down foolish drunk so stop treating us like children," the poster, whose name was hidden shared.

He laid out how he hits the limit on every sailing, noting that he had just gotten off Carnival Sunshine. 

"1 drink at breakfast, usually a spiked coffee or bloody mary. Sit by the pool after breakfast and will have 4-5 more until lunchtime. Have lunch and go back to the room and change, have 2 there while changing and maybe sit on the balcony for a few mins. Already at 6 or 7 by 1 or 2 p.m. Casino for a bit and have a few more drinks More with dinner. A few at a show or watching a band and then casino again. Basically drinking from 10 a.m. to past midnight. 15 is not enough," he wrote.

The passenger did offer to pay more for a truly unlimited package.

"Raise the price. Raise the number of drinks – should be a minimum of 20. Stop treating us like drunks. We are not. We are on vacation," he added.

Carnival responds on drink package limits

Heald shared a response and asked his followers to weigh in, and over 2,000 people commented.

"Perhaps because I am a tea tootler (spelt correctly) and do not drink I should not be commenting on this. But if I had 20 drinks in 24 hours I would either be unconscious or found standing on top of the water slide, naked, singing 'I’m a little tea pot, here’s my handle here’s my spout,' he wrote.

He did note that the limit only applies to alcoholic drinks.

"So I shall say only that the Cheers program contains unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and 15 alcoholic drinks in a 24-hour period. Surely that is enough for most?" he added.

Opinions were mixed on whether the cruise line should continue to have the 15 alcoholic drink minimum.

"I cruise many lines and have seen funny drunks and mean drunks. I feel putting a limit is a good idea as not everyone can know their limit. No one wants to be on a booze cruise except a small group of people. I love that Carnival is a family cruise line and I think to protect all there should be a limit. 15 drinks is generous for the price paid," Kay Foster Thomas wrote.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, which uses dynamic prices for its Deluxe Beverage Package (DBP), Carnival uses a fixed pricing system. Passengers who book before they sail pay $59.95 per person, per day for Cheers, while booking onboard will cost you $64.95. In both cases, an 18% gratuity is added.

That's generally cheaper than booking the DBP on Royal Caribbean.

Many of the responses to Heald's request believed that a strict limit was not needed.

"Depends on what 15 you drink. Some drinks are too strong for the best of them if you've drank 15...there's a reason to keep it limited. Or you'd find more stories of people falling off the ships," Scarlet Sunset Sears posted.

"Everyone's alcohol tolerance is different. Someone like me, and I'm tipsy after a few drinks, but the person sitting next to me, is already on their 6th drink, by noon, and feeling nothing," wrote Lynn Creef Snyder.

The vast majority of the responses, however, suggested that the 15-drink limit impacts very few people.

"I consider myself a heavy drinker on vacation and have reached the 15 only a few times...and never two days in a row," Kate Doyle Rowe added.

A Carnival Cruise Line bartender hands a passenger a drink. Bar Lead JS

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COMMENTS

  1. Cruise Line Drink Package Calculator

    Norwegian: $109.00 per day ($130.80 with gratuity) Princess: $64.99 per day ($76.70 with gratuity) Royal Caribbean: Varies; ~$75-94 per day ($88-112 with gratuity) MSC: $64.00 per day (no gratuity is bought before boarding) Keep in mind that these are all estimates as drink prices vary by cruise line and what you specifically drink. If you are ...

  2. Drink Package Calculator

    Most cruise lines require that EVERYONE who is in the cabin and 21 or older to purchase the package. Step 1: Tell us about your cruise Cruise Line Carnival Norwegian Royal Caribbean Princess Cruises Choose a cruise line Number of Days 1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days 6 days 7 days 8 days 9 days 10 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 14 days 15 days ...

  3. Cruise Drinks Package Calculator (2024)

    How to use this drinks package calculator. 1. Select your cruise line below. 2. Enter the number of each type of drink that you would like in an average day. Remember that on sea days you might drink twice as many drinks as a port day. Use the average. 3. Compare your daily bar bill to the cost of the drinks package.

  4. Cruise Drinks Package Calculator (2022)

    How to use the Cruise Drinks Calculator. 1. Select Your Cruise Line (currently MSC only) We will cover all cruise lines that offer drink packages here. Bookmark this page for updates! 2. Enter the Number of Drinks for an Average Day. Take into account port days where you might not be on the ship for as many hours as full sea days!

  5. Drink Package Value Estimator

    Estimate The Value Of A Cruise Line's Drink Package. Calculated the costs of drinks without, and without a cruise drink package. Select your cruise line *. Number of beers per day $7. Number of glasses of wine per day $11. Number of sodas or non-alcoholic drinks per day $4. Number of cocktails per day $12.

  6. Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

    In addition, the line offers a nonalcoholic drink package called Quench that brings unlimited bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, Coke products and mocktails. It costs $17.95 per day. There's also a Coca-Cola Products package available that covers purchases of Coke products on ships for $8 per day.

  7. Port Planner

    The Port Planner Drink Package Calculator can be used to help you estimate whether it is worth you buying a drinks package on your cruise based on your estimates. ... If your cruise line uses another currency onboard, all cost estimates will be automatically calculated to your chosen currency based on the current exchange rate. Note that this ...

  8. Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator: Most Cost-Effective

    Available beverage packages include (in descending order of cost): Deluxe (alcohol) @ $63/day. Refreshment @ $29/day. Classic Soda @ $13/day. The default pricing for beverage packages can be adjusted to account for price increases or discounts. The actual daily package cost can vary depending on the cruise and ship.

  9. Cruise Drink Package Calculator: Are Drink Packages Worth It?

    Holland America Cruise Line. Elite Beverage Package: $59.99 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity. Signature Beverage Package: $54.95 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity. Quench Package: $17.95 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity. Have It All: $50 per person daily, plus 18% gratuity (note: this package includes the signature beverage package and ...

  10. A Complete Guide to Cruise Line Drink Packages

    Guests are limited to 15 alcoholic beverages per day, though nonalcoholic beverages are unlimited with the Elite package. There are also two nonalcoholic packages available across Holland America ...

  11. Drink Packages

    The beverage package can only be purchased for the entire voyage. Pre-Purchase: • Cruise Itineraries (6 days or more): $59.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge • Cruise Itineraries (5 days or less): $69.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% service charge Onboard Purchase:

  12. The Best Cruise Line Drink Packages

    Cost: CHEERS! package: $59.95 per peson, per day if purchased before embarkation, $64.95 if purchased onboard. Bottomless Bubbles: $6.95 per person, per day for kids 17 and under, $9.50 per person ...

  13. Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

    What it doesn't include: This package includes all drinks by the glass offered on Norwegian vessels. Cost: Starts at $138 per day, per person; cruisers can upgrade from the Unlimited Open Bar ...

  14. Holland America Drink Package Calculator

    How to calculate your beverage costs on Holland America Line. Choose your package. The daily charge will appear in the daily charge space, but you can change that if you are getting a discount. Select your length of cruise. You'll notice how the cost increases according to the cruise length. If you've selected the Free at Sea promotion, you ...

  15. Celebrity Cruises Drink Calculator

    Classic Package / All Inclusive Cruise Fare includes: Select, cocktails & spirits under $10 USD ($12 for AUS & UK Cruises) A variety of beer and wine by the glass $10 USD or under. 15% off all bottles of champagne and wine. Unlimited soft drinks and juices.

  16. Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Package Calculator

    Free At Sea Promotion / Open Bar Premium Package includes: Select, premium cocktails & spirits under $15 USD (such as Patron Silver, Grey Goose and more) A variety of beer and wine by the glass under $15 USD. 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine. Unlimited soft drinks and juices.

  17. Drinks Package Calculator for Drinkers..(With excel attachment)

    Princess Cruises ; Drinks Package Calculator for Drinkers..(With excel attachment) Drinks Package Calculator for Drinkers..(With excel attachment) By Reedweaver, May 1 ... Many other cruise lines require every adult in the cabin to purchase the package if one does. Princess used to have that restriction but doesn't any more.

  18. Are cruise line drink packages worth the price? Not necessarily

    The line's Cheers! package includes those, plus spirits, beer and wine by the glass priced at $20 or less, specialty coffee and more (guests can order only one drink at a time and are limited to ...

  19. Carnival Cruise Line CHEERS! Drink Package Calculator

    Some things to note: The CHEERS! beverage package must be purchased by everyone over the age 0f 21 who is staying in the same cabin. The package limits you to up to 15 alcoholic drinks, per 24-hour period (6:00am - 6:00am). Due to state laws, CHEERS! cannot be purchased onboard until the second day of the cruise (starting at 6:00am) for ...

  20. MSC Cruises Drink Package Calculator

    Premium beverages priced up to $16. Extensive variety of frozen and classic cocktails. Our entire selection of draught, craft and bottled beers. Premium brand spirits. Soft drinks, fruit juices, mineral water and energy drinks. Liqueurs and Cordials. Coffee drinks (latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc.) Selection of wines and champagne by the glass.

  21. Drink package calculator

    A couple of $10 alcoholic drinks or a few beers plus a few specialty coffees, some water bottles, maybe a soda or two and you are at $30. Without the plus fare the cost of the $12 limit alcoholic beverage package is $70 plus the crew incentive of $15 plus the internet $5 = $90.

  22. Carnival Cruise Line shares key drink package question

    That's not the case with Carnival's Cheers beverage package which caps alcoholic beverages at 15 per day. One Carnival passenger complained about that on the cruise line's Brand Ambassador John ...