How Many Drinks Does It Take to Break Even on a Cruise Drink Package?
One of the biggest questions cruisers ask before sailing is:
“Is the drink package actually worth it?”
Cruise lines make it tempting with unlimited cocktails, specialty coffees, bottled water, soda, and more — but the math can be a little confusing. The real question isn’t just how much can you drink? It’s:
How many drinks do you need each day before you break even?
The answer depends on your cruise line, your package price, and what you like to drink while onboard.
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, enjoying a cocktail before dinner, grabbing a specialty coffee in the morning, or sipping a soda while watching the ocean roll by, those little extras can add up quickly.
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate daily drinks needed to cover the cost of some of the most popular cruise beverage packages.
Carnival Cruise Line — CHEERS! Package
Average package cost: about $82 per day
To break even, you’re looking at approximately:
9–10 beers
6–7 cocktails
23+ sodas or teas
14–16 specialty coffees
Carnival’s CHEERS! package is popular because it covers more than just alcohol. If you enjoy cocktails throughout the day, a few drinks by the pool, wine with dinner, and maybe a coffee in the morning, the value can add up quickly.
Royal Caribbean — Deluxe Beverage Package
Average package cost: about $90 per day
Estimated break-even point:
10 beers
6–7 cocktails
23 sodas or teas
15 specialty coffees
Royal Caribbean’s package tends to appeal to cruisers who enjoy variety. A typical day could include coffee with breakfast, a frozen drink at the pool, cocktails before dinner, and a nightcap.
Norwegian Cruise Line — Unlimited Open Bar
Average package cost: about $109 per day
Estimated break-even point:
12 beers
8 cocktails
27 sodas or teas
18 specialty coffees
Norwegian’s pricing means you may need more drinks to reach the break-even point, but the package can still make sense for cruisers who spend a lot of time enjoying the ship’s bars and lounges.
MSC Cruises — Easy Plus Package
Average package cost: about $72 per day
Estimated break-even point:
8 beers
6 cocktails
20 sodas or teas
12 specialty coffees
MSC often comes in with one of the lower daily package costs, which means the break-even number can be easier to reach. This can be a great fit for cruisers who like a few drinks throughout the day without overthinking every purchase.
Princess Cruises — Plus Beverage Value
Average package cost: about $65 per day
Estimated break-even point:
7–8 beers
5–6 cocktails
18 sodas or teas
11 specialty coffees
Princess packages are often attractive to travelers who enjoy a more relaxed cruising style — a morning coffee, wine with dinner, and a cocktail while watching the sunset.
Celebrity Cruises — Classic/Premium Beverage Package
Average package cost: about $89 per day
Estimated break-even point:
10 beers
6–7 cocktails
22 sodas or teas
15 specialty coffees
Celebrity appeals to cruisers who enjoy premium experiences, and beverage packages can pair nicely with evenings in lounges, specialty dining, and longer relaxing sea days.
Remember: It’s Not Just About Alcohol
A common mistake is only calculating cocktails.
Your cruise beverage package may also include:
☕ Specialty coffees
🥤 Soda
💧 Bottled water
🍹 Mocktails
🧃 Premium beverages
🍵 Tea selections
For many cruisers, the value comes from convenience. There’s something relaxing about ordering a drink without wondering what the final bill will look like at the end of the cruise.
How to Decide If a Cruise Drink Package Is Worth It
Before buying, ask yourself:
1. How many drinks do you realistically have on vacation?
A few cocktails at the pool, a glass of wine at dinner, and a coffee every morning can quickly add up.
2. Are you cruising to relax?
If you enjoy the “vacation mode” feeling of grabbing whatever sounds good, a package may fit your travel style.
3. Are you traveling with others?
Some cruise lines require everyone in the cabin to purchase the package, so factor that into your decision.
4. Do you have lots of port days?
If you’ll spend most days exploring ashore, you may not get as much value compared to a cruise with multiple sea days.
Final Cruise Tip
The best drink package is the one that matches your vacation style.
Some cruisers save money by purchasing drinks individually. Others love the freedom of having everything included and never checking a price.
Either way — the goal is the same:
Relax, enjoy the journey, and make the most of your vacation.
For more cruise tips, deals, and travel inspiration, visit Jackie Fleetwood Travels and join Cheap and Last Minute Cruise Deals on Facebook for cruise savings and travel ideas.
