Cruise Drink Package.
Yes, I’d Like The “Drink Package”!
Did I mention we are drinkers? Not big drinkers, but definitely glass of wine, we’ll drink at Happy Hour type of drinkers. We like everything from beer to sangria to good wine and top shelf mixers and shots. Did I mention we are drinkers?
So…do we buy that uber-expensive, potentially not worth it, having a headache every morning drink package on our cruises?
It totally depends. Read on to see how we make an independent decision every cruise, and find your happy place!
Varies On Different Ships
The very first piece of advice I would like to give you is to do your research! While the vast majority of cruise lines have some type of drink package, they are definitely different within the industry. Some cruise companies even have different packages available on the same ship! Like everything else with a cruise vacation—a little research in advance with help you save time, money and frustration on embarkation day.
Oh, Sweet, Tee-Totaling Disney…
Okay, okay, yes, Boo Boo, the Disney ships do have bars and cocktail service.
But they don’t have a pre-purchased drink package available on any of their ships. They also don’t have a casino, but that is information for a different blog, but maybe similar types of people!
Now, let’s be clear: I’ve had some of the best cocktails on the open seas on a Disney cruise. They have spectacularly themed bars with top-notch bartenders and impeccable service. You just can’t pay it upfront. The single best thing I found on a Disney cruise is that they do Happy Hour prices twice a day, every day, at different bars. At 30% drinks, it is not only a great way to visit each bar and relax, but much cheaper than other cruise lines. Further, Disney will also provide “bar snacks” during Happy Hour, so you can have a little nibble while indulging in a beverage.
Overall, it definitely works for that Disney demographic of cruisers, and I didn’t miss the drink package at all.
Generally Included
Another vote for reading the drink program specific to your cruise ship very carefully, so you don’t have any surprises.
Generally, the drink package will include any individual drink valued up to about $12 for up to 15 drinks in a day.
So, my mimosa with breakfast is number one for the day, and the timer and the counter start at that point throughout the day and evening. Some cruise lines reset at midnight, while others reset at exactly 6 am.
The most important thing for you to do is communicate with your bartender. For example, a rum and coke is a bit too strong for me as ordered, but I can get a can of soda with a separate shot of rum for the equivalent of one drink. This way, I can add the rum as I drink the soda can. Some cruise lines also won’t warn you when you get close to 15, which could be trouble. Carnival puts your total right on the receipt after your tenth drink, but Holland America didn’t warn me at all, but started charging automatically after 15.
Did I mention to read the drink program? Yeah, well, do it again.
It’s Not Just Alcohol!
Here is the true beauty of the various drink packages available on cruise ships! There are a variety of specialty drinks, locations and concoctions that are included in your “15 drink limit” count each day! Factoring these drinks into your calculation just might make the drink package a much better deal for you.
- Juices – If you’re a big fan of fresh-squeezed and prepared juices in the morning, these just might be on the package, as well
- Virgin drinks – Maybe you like the mixers without the alcohol mixed in! You can get virgin (non-alcoholic) versions of your favorite drinks at any bar in your total count.
- Shakes – This can be a great one if your ship has an ice cream shop! I absolutely love a good milkshake, and not having to pay extra for this treat is wonderful.
- Specialty coffee – Here is the big boy on this list! Get your Starbucks-type treat on almost every ship currently sailing, and do it on your drink package! Depending on your ship, you might even be able to “Irish-up” that morning blend!
Determine The Breakeven Point
This is where I start in my calculations of the drink package for each cruise. I try to be extremely realistic, and look at the type of cruise we will be on, who we will be cruising with, and our plans off the ship.
- Is your cruise port intensive? If I’ll be off the ship every day morning until night, I won’t be doing much drinking.
- Are you cruising with non-drinkers? I tend to drink less when my partners are staying sober.
- What alternatives are there from alcohol? I love my Coke Zero, so that matters, and we all know that vanilla shake is coming my way.
The ACTUAL answer to the breakeven question is about five to seven alcoholic beverages in a day, depending on the cruise line.
Is It “Worth It”?
I don’t know…it’s not my cruise.
- Port-heavy cruise? This factors heavily into my decision-making, and you need to look at what each day will really be like for you.
- Just want some soda? I am a big soda drinker. BUT…you can buy a non-alcoholic drink package on most cruise lines! That might be a great alternative for you, just work out the break even point for that package.
- I’m not THAT much of a drinker! That is absolutely a valid reason! My only suggestion is to keep all of the receipts from the drinks you do purchase, so you can review this decision after your cruise moving forward. You will be happily surprised, or know what to do differently next time.
If You Decide “NO!”
We RARELY end up buying the drink package. This is what we do more consistently:
- Ordering one at a time – We just order a drink when we want a drink…like in our real life. I enjoy wine with dinner, so I’ll order that, and maybe something while watching the show. Otherwise, I enjoy whatever beverages are already included in my cruise fare.
- Free drink opportunities – We absolutely take advantage of any opportunities we might find that involve some free sampling.
- Art shows – We actually find it interesting looking at art, and the free champagne doesn’t hurt the event!
- Shopping events – Not only do the shops usually host free tasting events once or twice per cruise, but they will usually have a champagne shopping event, too. And I love shopping.
- Past cruise parties – As a return guest, you might be invited to an appreciation event, which always includes some free drinks. It’s usually just some rum punch drinks, but that’s what I like anyway!
- Something is already included – The last two times we had the drink package, it was free when we booked the cruise. There is nothing better than getting that offer, so check into your cruise account every so often—maybe you’ll snag an amazing fare or free drinks, too!
- Bring a bottle or two – Most cruise lines allow you to bring a certain amount of wine or beverages on board for free. When we don’t have the drink package, we bring two bottles of wine for dinner. The dining room will often charge a corkage fee, so we will open the bottles in the room and carry the glass to the dining room. We just ask our room steward to get us a few wine glasses. It works wonderfully!
- Keep track for next time – As mentioned above, keep all of your receipts from this cruise, then total them up after you get home. This will either solidify your decision, or give you some ammunition for making a different choice next time.
No Matter What…
Enjoy yourself! Whatever decision you make about the drink package is secondary to your commitment to this relaxing, exciting vacation with people you love. You are bringing everything you need with you in your cruisemates—the drink or soda package is only there to make things more convenient and easier for you.
Whatever you decide, make it the best vacation so far. It’s your cruise—celebrate your own way!!!
I’ll be at that free tasting…ahhhh…..Sheridan…
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR
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