Cruise Drink Package Break-Even
Compare daily drink spending with the package price to see whether a cruise drink bundle pays off.
Cruise line policies vary; confirm gratuities, inclusions, and price changes before purchasing.
Examples
- $420 package, 7 nights, 5 drinks/day at $12 with 18% gratuity ⇒ A la carte $495.60 vs package $420.00 → Package saves $75.60
- $300 package, 4 nights, 2 drinks/day at $11 with 18% gratuity ⇒ A la carte $103.84 vs package $300.00 → Package costs $196.16 more
FAQ
Should I include specialty coffees or bottled water?
Yes, add them to your daily drink count if the package includes those beverages.
What about port days when I'm ashore?
Reduce the drinks-per-day input to reflect time off the ship when you cannot use the package.
Do promotional discounts change the math?
Absolutely—enter the discounted package price or adjusted per-drink rate to see the new break-even point.
Additional Information
- Most cruise lines add 15–20% gratuity per beverage, so include it for an apples-to-apples comparison.
- Multiply drinks per day by nights to estimate how many beverages you realistically consume onboard.