Honest Math
Is the Drink Package Actually Worth It?
Depends on what you drink and how much of it. Put in the truth, cocktails, coffees, waters, port days, and see the package against paying by the glass for everyone in the cabin, gratuity included. No email, no catch.
Your Cruise
What You'd Drink on a Sea Day
Be honest. This is the whole calculation. Port days count at half by default.
Three Things the Math Can't Tell You
- The cabin rule. On most major lines, if one adult in the cabin buys the alcohol package, every adult of drinking age in that cabin must: which is why the calculator prices the whole cabin. The exceptions, by line.
- Buy early. Every package (drinks, soda, wifi) is cheapest before you board, and pre-cruise sales can take 20–30% off. There are no discounts on the ship.
- Peace of mind is a real purchase.Some people cruise happier with zero bar-tab math. If that's you, the package is buying that, not drinks: a fine reason, just name it correctly.
Want the full budget: gratuities, excursions, specialty dining, the last-morning bill? The printable cruise kits include a live-formula budget workbook, and asking us is free.
More From Our Cruise Corner
Cruise Answers
Drink packages, drinking age, gratuities, formal night: the questions every cruiser asks, answered honestly.
Cruise Gear We Actually Pack
Theme-night outfits, cruising ducks, door magnets, the packing list our own groups bring on board.
Printable Kits & Planners
Party kits, planners, games, and a murder mystery at sea, instant downloads we make for our own groups.
How Group Cruise Booking Works
Dates, deposit, the app, excursions, matching shirts: the order we plan in, and how the agent gets paid.
Interactive Cruise Checklist
Tap to check off packing and documents: free, and it remembers your progress on your device.
Actually sailing with a group? Group cruises are what we do : ocean, river, and expedition.