Drinks package

A drinks package lets you pay one daily price instead of paying for each drink. Packages range from soft drinks and coffee only to premium spirits and wine. On many lines, if one adult in a cabin buys an alcoholic package, everyone of drinking age in that cabin must buy it too, and it applies to every day of the cruise. Whether it is worth it depends on how much you drink: count the drinks you would realistically have each day and compare. Some fares and lines include drinks already.

Is a drinks package worth it?

A drinks package swaps pay-as-you-go drinks for a fixed charge. Whether it saves money depends on how much each person really drinks, and on a few rules lines commonly attach.

Questions to answer before you buy

• How many drinks a day, honestly? Count coffees, sodas and bottled water as well as cocktails. Many people overestimate on the first day of a trip.
• How many sea days? Port days often mean fewer drinks on board.
• Does everyone in the cabin have to buy it? Many lines expect adults sharing a cabin to buy the same package. Check the current rule on your line.
• Are drinks already included? Some fares and suites include drinks. Virgin Voyages includes essential drinks such as soda and water, with alcohol extra; Celebrity's optional All Included fare adds its Classic Drink Package. Check what is already covered before adding anything.

Line-specific points

Policies differ by line and change often. We check the current terms for your sailing, including price, which drinks are covered, any daily limits and service charges, rather than relying on last year's figures.

When it usually makes sense

A package tends to suit travellers who enjoy a few cocktails a day and want to stop thinking about the bill. It rarely suits light drinkers or anyone on a port-heavy week.

When to skip it

If you mostly drink coffee and water, or you are travelling with a mix of drinkers and non-drinkers, pay as you go is often simpler.

Sources

• Virgin Voyages ships ({D})

Line policies, prices and inclusions change. We check the current terms for your sailing rather than quoting fixed figures.