Are Drink Packages Worth It On A Cruise? Discover the Truth

Picture this: you’re lounging on a tropical deck, the sun kissing your skin, and you’re trying to decide if investing in a drink package is worth it. We all love a refreshing cocktail while sailing the azure waters, but are those packages really as dreamy as they sound? Between piña coladas and poolside profits, let’s dig into whether drink packages bring more cheer than cost to our cruise experience. Spoiler alert: the answer may surprise you.

Understanding Cruise Drink Packages

Cruise drink packages can often feel like a confusing labyrinth of options, pricing, and fine print. At their core, these packages allow us to pay a flat fee for a specific number of drinks over our cruise duration. It’s like a buffet, but with beverages. While some packages cover everything from iced tea to top-shelf spirits, others might restrict our choices to selected cocktails or draft beers. Understanding what’s included is crucial, it can make or break our bar budget on board.

Types of Drink Packages Available

Different cruise lines offer various drink packages, each with its distinct flavor. Some popular options include:

Standard Packages

These usually cover a range of wines, beers, and spirits, along with non-alcoholic beverages. Perfect for casual cruisers.

Premium Packages

For those who enjoy the finer things, premium packages often include higher-end liquors and specialty cocktails. They’re like upgrading from popcorn to champagne at the movies.

Soft Drink Packages

Not everyone sails for the spirits. Soft drink packages include unlimited sodas and juices, satisfying our thirst without the tipsy side effects.

Coffee and Specialty Drink Packages

For caffeine lovers, some cruises offer packages that encompass specialty coffees and teas. Imagine kickstarting our mornings with barista-style brews.

Knowing the types helps us match our drinking preferences with the best deal.

Cost Analysis of Drink Packages

Now, let’s talk turkey, or in this case, dollars. Evaluating the cost of drink packages is pivotal. Typically, packages range from $40 to $90 daily per person. But here’s the kicker: it’s essential to calculate how much we actually drink. If we plan to enjoy only a cocktail or two each day, the package might seem like a splurge. Conversely, if we enjoy several drinks throughout the day, we could save a bundle. We can use this formula:

Estimate your daily drink consumption (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Multiply that by the length of the cruise.

Compare the total cost with the drink package price.

Quick math might save us a heap.

Benefits of Purchasing a Drink Package

Why consider a drink package? For starters, the convenience factor is massive. We don’t have to carry cash or worry about the bill piling up. Just sip and enjoy. Also, packages can lead to savings, especially for social butterflies who love to toast at every port. Finally, there’s something liberating about having a drink package. We can indulge in trying new cocktails or refreshing mocktails without fretting over the cost of each sip.

Drawbacks of Drink Packages

But, it’s not all sunshine and cocktails. There are a few drawbacks. First up, we could overpay if we don’t use the package fully. If we’re not heavy drinkers, we may end up regretting our purchase. The second issue is the potential for excessive consumption. Drink packages can encourage us to drink more than usual, which, let’s be honest, sometimes leads to bad decisions and blurry memories. Finally, some packages might have a 21 drink limit per day. So if we’re planning a grand bar hop, this could put a damper on our fun.

Personalizing Your Drink Experience

To enhance our drink experience, let’s consider personalizing it. We can opt for the right package based on our drinking habits. For instance, if we love a good cocktail but are picky about brands, the premium package might cater to our taste buds. Besides, many cruise lines offer unique drinks at various bars. Mixing and matching our selections can lead to delightful culinary discoveries that wouldn’t fit neatly into a standard package.