Do You Really Need the Cruise Drink Package? A Travel Advisor's Honest Answer

One of the most common questions I get from cruise clients is:

«"Should I buy the drink package?"»

And my answer might surprise you.

Not always.

In fact, many cruisers can have an amazing vacation without purchasing a drink package at all.

Let's look at the pros, cons, and whether a drink package actually makes sense for your travel style.

What Most First-Time Cruisers Don't Realize

When people start researching cruises, they often see social media posts showing unlimited drinks, frozen cocktails, specialty coffees, and beverage packages.

It can make it seem like a drink package is required.

The truth?

Most cruise ships already include several complimentary beverage options.

Depending on the cruise line, you can typically enjoy:

- Water

- Coffee

- Tea

- Lemonade

- Iced tea

- Fruit juices during breakfast

For many travelers, that's more than enough.

My Personal Experience

After sailing on the MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Utopia of the Seas, I rarely purchase a drink package.

Instead, I keep things simple.

I usually:

- Bring drink flavor packets

- Bring an insulated tumbler or Yeti-style cup

- Ask my cabin steward to keep my ice bucket full

Throughout the cruise, I'll fill my cup with water, add a flavor packet, and head out to enjoy my day.

It's simple, affordable, and works well for my travel style.

My Favorite Budget-Friendly Cruise Hack

One of the easiest ways to save money is bringing drink mixes onboard.

Many cruisers pack:

- Crystal Light

- Sugar-free drink packets

- Electrolyte powders

- Flavor enhancers

Combined with complimentary water and an insulated cup, it can dramatically reduce your beverage expenses.

When the Drink Package Makes Sense

Now let's be fair.

For some travelers, the drink package is absolutely worth it.

It may make sense if you:

- Drink multiple cocktails every day

- Enjoy specialty coffees

- Order bottled water frequently

- Drink soda throughout the day

- Like smoothies, energy drinks, or premium beverages

For these travelers, the package can provide both convenience and value.

Don't Assume You'll Use Everything You're Paying For

This is where many travelers get caught up.

They look at the package and think:

«"Unlimited drinks? I should definitely get that."»

But then reality happens.

You spend:

- Several hours in port

- Time sleeping in

- Time at shows

- Time relaxing by the pool

And suddenly you're not drinking nearly as much as you thought you would.

One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make is buying a package before calculating whether they'll actually use it.

Not Every Cruise Line Is the Same

Another thing many travelers don't realize is that drink package rules vary by cruise line.

Some cruise lines place limits on alcoholic beverages, while others have different policies and package structures.

That's why it's important to understand the specific cruise line you're sailing on rather than assuming every package works the same way.

The Hidden Benefit of Skipping the Package

One thing people rarely talk about is flexibility.

When you skip the drink package:

- Your cruise fare stays lower

- You only pay for what you consume

- You avoid feeling pressured to "get your money's worth"

I've seen travelers order drinks they didn't even want simply because they felt obligated to maximize the package.

That's not exactly relaxing.

My Advice as a Travel Advisor

I never automatically recommend a drink package.

Instead, I ask questions.

- How much do you normally drink?

- Do you enjoy specialty coffees?

- Will you spend most of your time onboard or in port?

- Are bottled water and sodas important to you?

Sometimes I recommend the package.

Sometimes I tell clients to save their money.

Every traveler is different.

Final Thoughts

The cruise drink package can be a fantastic value for the right traveler.

But it isn't required to have an amazing cruise vacation.

Many cruisers are perfectly happy enjoying complimentary beverages, bringing drink mixes, carrying a reusable tumbler, and purchasing the occasional specialty drink when they want one.

The goal isn't to buy every add-on available.

The goal is to spend your vacation budget where it creates the most value for you.

And sometimes that means skipping the drink package altogether.

Turning travel wishes into reality—without spending money where you don't need to.

— Eric Miles

Poet's Year-Round Travel