10 Pros and Cons of Cruise Drink Packages (#4 Is an Unexpected Plus)

To buy or not to buy the drink package on a cruise ship? This is one of the most frequently asked questions among cruisers. With so many options available and varying opinions on whether it's worth the cost, it can be tricky to know what's best for your vacation style. 

The last thing you want is to end up with an unnecessary expense that could've been avoided, especially if you're trying to avoid wasting money while enjoying your cruise.

Let's explore 10 pros and cons of the cruise drink package to help you decide if it's the right choice for your trip.

Let's be real, knowing what you'll spend on drinks before you even set sail can be super convenient. Without a drink package, those cocktails, beers, and specialty coffees can sneak up on you, and you may end up spending way more than you expected.

With a drink package, you've pre-paid a fixed price, so no nasty surprises will arise when your bill rolls in at the end of the cruise.

Say goodbye to counting how many drinks you've had or stressing over your tab. With a drink package, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest without worrying about the cost of each cocktail, whether it's well drinks or specialty concoctions.

The best part? Some packages cover the ship and extend to the cruise line's private islands, so be sure to check before you buy.

If you're planning to sip on several cocktails, coffees, or sodas every day, a drink package might actually save you some serious cash.

When you break it down, buying a package can be way cheaper than paying for each drink individually, especially if you're the type who enjoys a drink (or two… or three) throughout the day.

Just be sure to do the math and make sure you're getting enough drinks to make the package worth it.

With a drink package, you can step out of your usual drink routine and try something new without the fear of wasting money. If you've ever been curious about that espresso martini everyone's raving about or want to experiment with a new flavored syrup, now's your chance.

You can explore local juices, quirky cocktails, and fun drinks you might not have ordered otherwise because it's already paid for. Go ahead, get adventurous with your taste buds.

Who says a drink package is just for cocktails? Many packages cover a whole range of options, including specialty coffees, fresh juices, sodas, smoothies, and even mocktails.

Whether you're looking for a creamy morning pick-me-up, a refreshing non-alcoholic drink by the pool, or something to sip while you watch the sunset, the package has you covered.

Now that we've covered the perks, it's time to take a look at the flip side. While drink packages can be great for some, they might not be the best fit for everyone.

Let's dive into the cons.

Drink packages can be a hefty chunk of change right out of the gate. If you're a light drinker or if you're going on a shorter cruise, that upfront cost may not really pay off.

Be aware that you could end up spending more than you would if you just paid for drinks a la carte. Consider doing the math to see how many beverages you would need to consume per day to make it worth your money.

While drink packages might seem like a great deal, many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to the package price, which can bump up the total cost.

So, even though you've already prepaid for your drinks, you could still be on the hook for additional fees you weren't expecting. It's always a good idea to check if gratuities are included or added separately to avoid any surprises.

If one person in your cabin buys a drink package, some cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to buy one as well.

This means if you're traveling with someone who doesn't drink much (or at all), you might end up paying for a package you don't really need. It's something to keep in mind, especially if you're traveling with family or friends who have different drinking habits.

If you're a fan of top-shelf liquor or enjoy premium wines and high-end cocktails, you might want to think twice about a drink package. Many packages have restrictions and may not cover those fancy, high-end drinks.

You could end up having to pay extra for your favorite premium pour or cocktail, even though you've already shelled out for the package.

With the "unlimited" nature of drink packages, there's a temptation to drink more than you normally would, just because you can. The pressure to "get your money's worth" might distract you from actually enjoying your vacation.

Instead of savoring a few drinks here and there, you could find yourself obsessing over how many you've had, which can take away from the true relaxation of your trip.

For many cruisers, a drink package is a smart way to save money while traveling, especially if you plan to drink enough to make it worthwhile. If you're a heavy drinker or love trying new cocktails, lattes, and sodas throughout the day, the package can be a worthwhile deal.

However, if you're a light drinker, only plan to have a few drinks, or are cruising for a short period, you may end up overpaying. So, weigh the costs, consider your drinking habits, and choose wisely.