Cruise drink packages look expensive on paper. Sometimes they're a great deal; sometimes they're a $700 mistake. Here's the real math for 2026.
What a drink actually costs on board
- Cocktail: $13-16 plus 18-20% gratuity
- Beer: $7-10 plus gratuity
- Glass of wine: $11-15 plus gratuity
- Specialty coffee: $5-7
- Bottled water: $3-4
- Soda: $3.50-4
Drink package prices in 2026
- Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package: ~$89-109/day per person + 18% grat (pre-cruise sale ~$65-79)
- Carnival Cheers: ~$79-94/day per person + 18% grat
- Norwegian Premium Plus (Free at Sea): often included in fare; otherwise ~$108/day
- Celebrity Premium Beverage Package: ~$89/day per person + 20% grat
- Disney: no all-inclusive package; pay per drink (cheapest cruise line for casual drinkers)
- Virgin Voyages: included in cabin fare (huge perk)
Break-even math (the real numbers)
Most packages break even around 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day per person, when you factor in 18% gratuity. Below that, pay per drink. Above that, the package wins.
Real example: Royal Caribbean Deluxe at $89/day = $105 with gratuity. At $14/cocktail + gratuity ($16.50), you need 6-7 cocktails per day per person to break even.
When to buy a drink package
- You'll have 6+ alcoholic drinks per day per person
- You like specialty coffee (Starbucks-style) every morning
- You drink bottled water and soda throughout the day
- You want zero on-board sticker shock
- Both adults in the cabin will use it (most lines require both adults in cabin to purchase)
When to skip a drink package
- You drink wine with dinner only
- You'll have 2-4 drinks per day, max
- You're cruising Disney (no package available; pay-per-drink is fine)
- Your itinerary has 3+ port days where you're not on the ship to drink
- You're on Virgin Voyages (already included)
Frequently asked questions
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Written by Marissa Wright
Cruise & Beach Vacation Specialist
Marissa is a cruise specialist focused on Royal Caribbean and a lifelong cruiser. In her first year as an advisor she booked 300+ cruises across Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Disney. Her planning service is always free.