Do you need a drinks package on a cruise?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make before a cruise has nothing to do with destinations or cabin types. It’s whether you actually need a drinks package. Cruise lines are very good at tempting you with promises of unlimited cocktails, coffees and everything in between. But is it really worth it, do you need a drinks package on a cruise, or are you better off paying as you go?

Gin & Lemonade - Anderson's on P&O Iona

Here’s a load of things to consider so you can decide what’s right for you rather than what the cruise line hopes you choose.

What is a drinks package?

A drinks package is basically an all inclusive upgrade for your bev

erages. Depending on the line, it can cover anything from soft drinks and speciality coffees to cocktails, wine, premium spirits and bottled water.

Some people love the simplicity. Others look at the price and suddenly develop a deep appreciation for tap water. There is no right or wrong answer, only what suits your habits.

Think about what you actually drink

This is the most important part. Be honest with yourself.

If your day starts with a speciality coffee, includes a couple of soft drinks or mocktails, and ends with a few cocktails or glasses of wine, a package can be great value. Everything is prepaid, you don’t have to think about the cost, and it just feels easy.

If you only drink socially in the evenings or prefer the odd glass of something here and there, paying as you go might work out far cheaper.

It’s also worth remembering that many cruise lines like P&O or Celebrity already include things like:

• Standard tea and coffee

• Water in restaurants

• Basic juices at breakfast

So you’re not starting from nothing.

Consider sea days versus port days

If your itinerary is port heavy, you may be off the ship most days. That means less time to use your package. Nobody wants to feel pressure to “make it worth it”. This is a holiday, not a drinking challenge.

Sea days, on the other hand, can make a package feel more useful because you’re on board from morning to night.

Look at what’s included

Pink Gin Spritz on P&O Iona

Every drinks package is different, so take a couple of minutes to check the details.

Questions to ask:

• Are cocktails included or only beer and wine?

• What about speciality coffees?

• Are bottled water and fresh juices included?

• Do you get discounts on drinks not covered?

• Are there limits per day or per order? Many lines now impose a 15 alcoholic drinks limit per day

  
  

These little differences can make a big impact on value. Many lines offer a ‘classic’ package and a ‘premium’ option so make sure you check that’s included.

You don’t want to have paid for a package, come to order your favourite spirit and find out it’s not included.

Watch out for deals

Cruise lines love a good promotion and drinks packages are often discounted before sailing. If you are going to buy one, book it in advance when possible. The onboard price is almost always higher.

And if you’re a bargain lover at heart, keep an eye on the cruise planner in the weeks leading up to the trip. On some lines, prices often fluctuate and you might catch a good offer, whereas someone like P&O will offer a flat 10% off packages up to 4 days before you sail.

Share the decision, but not the package

Most lines require all adults in a cabin to buy the same package if one person does. This catches people out. It means you can’t just buy the package for the person who drinks the most. Everyone has to join in.

The package itself cannot be shared either, so no cheeky ordering drinks for someone else. They may cancel your package and keep the money!

Pay as you go can be perfectly fine

If you prefer more flexibility or know your drinking habits vary day to day, paying per drink is absolutely fine. You might even be pleasantly surprised at how little you spend compared to the package price.

Many people mix and match through the week. Some days are cocktail days, others are soft drink days, and both are equally enjoyable.

Do make sure that you check your cruise lines drink pricing during your research. Some lines are comparable to UK pub prices and others can be a lot more expensive.

So, do you need a drinks package?

Only you can answer that, but here’s the simple version.

Choose a drinks package if you:

• Enjoy several drinks a day

• Love speciality coffees or fresh juices

• Prefer not to think about the bill

• Want that all inclusive feeling

  
  

Skip it and pay as you go if you:

• Drink lightly or inconsistently

• Are off the ship most days

• Prefer flexibility

• Want to keep costs down

  
  

The best part about cruising is choice. Whatever you decide, there will be something delicious waiting for you, glass in hand, sea breeze flowing, holiday mode firmly switched on.