If you are taking a cruise, one of the things you need to decide to do before you leave home is to buy or not to buy a drinks package.  It really depends on several things because every adult in the cabin has to buy one if you do. Also, how much you drink per day is a consideration and finally, what do you drink. Is it regular everyday stuff or do you only drink premium liquor.

The cost of most packages adds up to the cost of buying 8-10 beers or 5-7 cocktails per day, every day, even when you are in port. If you only have a glass of wine or two at dinner, you would be wasting money on a drinks package. If you drink and the other adults in your cabin don’t drink, you would probably be wasting your money. Also, if you have kids in your cabin, some cruise lines require you to purchase a non-alcoholic drink package for each child.

Also, the drinks package does not include the drinks in the mini bar in your cabin or drinks on your excursions.

Here is a link to a drinks calculator to look at: Cruzley Drinks Package Calculator.

One more thing to consider, most cruise lines add 18-20% to the cost of drinks or a drinks package as a gratuity. Keep this in mind so that you don’t waste money over-tipping at the bar since the tip is included in the price.

Finally, remember that most drinks packages don’t include specialty coffee drinks either.