Are Caribbean Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

A 2026 Cost Breakdown

The $1,000 Question - Are Caribbean cruise drink packages worth it?

You’ve booked your dream Caribbean cruise, but now the up-sells are rolling in. The most expensive—and confusing—one? The beverage package. Clicking “buy” could add over $1,000 to a couple’s vacation. Is it a money-saver or a costly mistake?

Quick Answer: For most travelers, a cruise drink package is only worth it if you plan to drink 6–8+ alcoholic beverages (or equivalent in specialty coffees and sodas) every single day of your cruise.

In this 2026 guide, we’ll break down the exact prices, show you the math, and give you a calculator to decide if it’s right for your vacation.

Are Caribbean Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

Different Types of Drink Packages

1. Soda Packages (e.g., Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles)

Included: Fountain sodas, basic juices

Not Included: Bottled water, specialty coffee, mocktails, alcohol

Best For: Kids, teens, or adults who primarily drink soda

2. Non-Alcoholic Packages (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Refreshment Package)

Included: Sodas, premium coffees (lattes, cappuccinos), mocktails, fresh juice, bottled water

Not Included: Alcohol

Best For: Coffee lovers and those who want premium non-alcoholic options

3. Standard Alcohol Packages (e.g., Carnival’s CHEERS, NCL’s Free at Sea)

Included: Everything above, plus beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails (up to $15 each)

Not Included: Top-shelf brands, full bottles of wine, minibar items

Best For: Vacationers who enjoy multiple cocktails, beers, and wines daily.

Are Caribbean Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

2026 Caribbean Cruise Drink Package Price List (Per Day, Per Person)

Note: Prices shown below are estimates based on 2025/2026 sailings. Packages are per person, per day, and usually must be purchased for the entire cruise.

Tip: Buying pre-cruise is often 10–20% cheaper than on board.

The “Hidden” Cost: Mandatory Gratuities
An 18–20% service charge is automatically added. Example: A $75/day package for 7 days = $525. With 20% gratuity ($105), the real cost is $630.

Are Caribbean Cruise Packages Worth It?

How to Calculate Your Break-Even Point

Average 2026 Onboard Drink Prices (À La Carte)

Soda: $4.00

Bottled Water: $3.50

Specialty Coffee: $6.00

Beer (Domestic): $8.50

Wine (Glass): $12.00

Cocktail: $14.00

The Break-Even Formula
(Daily Package Cost + 20% Gratuity) ÷ (Average Price of Your Preferred Drink) = Drinks Per Day to Break Even

Example: “Party Paul”

Package: Carnival CHEERS ($70/day) + 18% gratuity = $82.60/day

Drink Choice: Cocktails ($14 each)

Break-Even: $82.60 ÷ $14 = 5.9 drinks/day

Verdict: Paul must drink at least 6 cocktails daily just to break even.

Try Our Break-Even Calculator Below...

Are Caribbean Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

Who Should and Should Not Buy a Drink Package

Drink packages are a great idea, but they're not perfect for everyone. Who then should buy a drink package and who should not?

Cruise Beverage Packages Are Perfect For:

1. Peace of Mind Vacationer: You want an all-inclusive convenience.

If you're the type of cruiser who cannot be bothered with having to decide what to buy on an a la carte basis, then a drink package is perfect for you.

2. All-Day Drinker: Mimosa at breakfast, coffee mid-morning, beer at the pool, wine at dinner, cocktails at the show, etc. 

If you know that you always want to have a drink in your hand, then a cruise beverage package is perfect for you.

3. Up-Sell Enthusiast: You’ll indulge in juices, milkshakes, and lattes.

If you know that you'll want to sample different offerings of beverages through your cruise, then you should get a drink package.

Cruise Drink Packages Should Be Avoided By:

1. Port-Heavy Cruiser: Off the ship most days, package goes unused.

If your cruise itinerary includes several ports of call and you love to get off the ship, you should avoid buying a drink package.

2. Light Drinker: One wine at dinner plus one soda = you’ll lose money.

If you know that you only want two or three drinks per pay, then you should avoid buy the cruise beverage package.

3. Couple with One Drinker: Cruise lines require both adults in a cabin to buy a drink package.

If only one person in your cabin will be having several drinks per day, then you do not need a drink package. Why pay for two packages and consume the cost of one?

Insider Tips to Save on Drinks Without a Cruise Beverage Package

If a Caribbean cruise beverage package is not worth it for you, but you still want to enjoy some drinks on your cruise getaway, here are some tips to help you save while drinking.

1. Bring 1–2 bottles of wine/champagne per cabin (allowed on most lines). Check with your travel agent or cruise to confirm what you may bring.

Note: If you take a bottle of wine to the main dining room, there'll be a cork fee to open it.

2. Look for the “Drink of the Day” discounts. Some cruise lines may offer a drink of the day. If that is something you wish to try, then you'll some money.

3. Save money by drinking at port bars. If your cruise itinerary has several ports of call, plan to drink at bar in the port. The cost is generally less but is not always so.

4. Remember some drinks are free: basic coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and tap water are always free on your cruise vacation.

Check cruise ticket costs at PetesTravel.com.

Are Caribbean Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

Final Verdict

A cruise drink package is a luxury item, not a money-saving tool. It sells convenience at a premium.

Convenience often trumps cost, so you decide what's best for you.

Multiple sea days? It might be worth it.

Many port days? You’ll likely regret it.

Next Step: 
Plan your Total Cruise Budget

Now that you’ve mastered your beverage budget, see where the rest of your money goes.

👉 Read our information on Additional Cruise Costs Onboard Ship to plan for your perfect, surprise-free vacation.

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