By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Eat Sleep Cruise.

Ever wondered if that “great deal” on a cruise drink package will actually save you money, or just drain your wallet?

Understanding the Real Cost Structure

Don explains that many cruise lines price drink packages per person per day, often around $8, which quickly adds up to $160 for a couple on a single day. “If someone doesn’t drink alcohol, ask what alternatives are available before purchasing,” he advises, noting that non‑alcoholic options can dramatically shift the value proposition.

Heidi adds a personal angle: she typically enjoys two espresso‑based drinks daily, regardless of a package, while Don prefers wine and beer. This difference illustrates why the same package can be a bargain for one partner and a waste for the other. The couple stresses the importance of counting both adults in the cabin, because most lines require each adult to buy a package.

Port Days vs. Sea Days: Adjust Your Calculations

On their recent Oceania cruise along Portugal and Spain, Don and Heidi spent most mornings ashore, returning late afternoon. “That kind of itinerary, you could be off exploring after breakfast and not return until late afternoon,” Don notes. Consequently, the number of days you’ll actually be on deck sipping cocktails may be far fewer than the total cruise length.

They recommend estimating a realistic sea‑day consumption—when you’re likely to be at the pool or attending themed parties—and a separate, lower estimate for port days. This nuanced approach prevents over‑paying for a package that assumes every day is a sea day.

Beware of Hidden Fees and Gratuities

A common trap is focusing on the advertised discount without accounting for service charges. Don illustrates: “Say a cruise line is running a deal where a drink package saves you per person per day, but then you go to checkout and realize there’s a 20% gratuity. So now that drink package is $96 per day per person, not as great a savings as you think.” The final price, not the percentage off, determines true value.

Travelers should verify whether gratuities are already baked into the package price or added later, and check if any onboard credits are bundled with the drink package.

Non‑Alcoholic Inclusions Can Be the Real Money‑Saver

Surprisingly, the couple found that the best return often comes from non‑alcoholic beverages. “When we do get value and quote unquote make money on a drink package, it’s normally not from the alcoholic drinks we consume. It’s from those non‑alcoholic beverages,” Heidi says. Specialty coffees, fresh juices, and bottled water can add up quickly if purchased individually.

However, not all packages include premium non‑alcoholic options. Don cautions listeners to read the fine print: some bundles exclude bottled water or specialty coffees, which could erode the perceived savings.

Bundle Packages and Loyalty Perks

Many lines now offer bundled options that combine a drink package with other amenities. On the Oceania sailing, the couple received a “House Beverage Package” that covered all beers and wines for lunch and dinner, plus a nightly happy hour with a buy‑one‑get‑one cocktail deal. Such bundles can be advantageous if they align with your drinking habits.

Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises provide tiered drink packages—classic versus premium, or Plus versus Premier. Don advises comparing the specific inclusions against your typical consumption rather than assuming a higher‑priced tier is automatically better.

Practical Tips Before You Click ‘Buy’

1. List your favorite drinks and check whether they’re covered, including any price caps on premium brands.
2. Verify whether your cruise fare already includes certain beverages, lounge benefits, or vouchers.
3. Examine each destination’s private‑island policy; some ship‑board packages do not extend ashore.
4. Use a reputable travel planner—Don and Heidi work with MEI Travel’s consultant Blair to navigate these complexities.

Finally, remember that adding a package to your online cart does not lock in the price. Confirm the final total, including any service charges, before completing the purchase.

By treating a drink package like any other travel expense—scrutinizing the fine print, matching it to realistic consumption patterns, and accounting for hidden fees—cruisers can avoid costly missteps and enjoy their vacation without surprise charges.

The full episode of Eat Sleep Cruise is available on OBBM Network TV.