Beverage package. Yes, or no?

When you book your cruise, there are many add-ons that you will receive options for. That can add to your bottom line cost pretty quick. One of the big ones is the beverage package. Here are some basic costs including the gratuity that is automatically added

Celebrity cruise line On Celebrity Cruises, a Non-Alcoholic drink package costs $45 per person per day, with gratuity adding up to $54 per day. The Classic drink package costs $89.99 per person per day ($107.99 with gratuity), while the Premium drink package is $104.99 per person per day ($125.99 with gratuity). 

Royal Caribbean

There are three ways to purchase a Beverage Package. Enjoy unlimited fountain beverages

by purchasing a Classic Soda Package. $9.99 Add on mocktails, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices with a Refreshment Package. $25.99 Or go all out with unlimited alcoholic beverages and 40% off select bottles of wine starts at $120 per person per day.

Princess Cruises Plus Beverage Package:

$59.99 plus 18% service charge, totaling $70.79 per person per day. This includes a variety of drinks, including cocktails, spirits, wine and beer up to $15 each, sodas, specialty coffees and teas, and 25% discounts on other items like bottles of wine and 1-liter bottles of water. 

• Classic Soda Package:

  $14.99 per day. This includes all sodas, fruit juices, mocktails, and smoothies. 

• Premier Coffee & Soda Package:

  $23 per day (including service charge)

• Princess Premier Package:

  Includes the Plus Beverage Package and other perks like free internet and gratuities, and costs $90 per day. 

Prices can vary and change frequently. If you shop, you can probably get better deals. Black Friday and other holiday sales can make a difference.

When trying to make a decision on whether the beverage package is for you or not, here are some things to consider.

1. All adults sharing the cabin must buy the beverage package. There is no sharing allowed.

2. How many drinks per day do you usually drink? Coffee, tea, lemonade, fruit juice, punch, and sometimes hot chocolate are included free.

3. You can carry ona 12 pack of soda and a bottle of wine per adult.

4. The average soda/bottle water is $4 each. A bottle of beer $8-10 each. A mixed drink average is.$12-15. Premiums closer$19.

5. For most people, the breakeven is approximately 4-5 drinks

   
   

   Do the math and see if it’s a good deal or not.

   
   

   The best idea is to get loyalty status on the cruise line
   

   Royal Caribbean - Diamond status 80 nights gives you 4 free drinks a day most anywhere on the ship. Diamond lounge has a FREE cappuccino machine 24 hours a day

Diamond +180 nights gives you 5 drinks

Pinnacle 700 nights gives you 6 drinks

Celebrity Cruises - Elite 300points, Elite Plus 700 points or Zenith 3000 points. Free drinks during happy hour typically 5-7pm. Elite and above Get free cappuccinos in the Tuscan restaurant in the morning, Elite plus and above gets free coffee drinks at El Bacio Café anytime

Princess Cruises - 150 nights is elite. Mini bar is set up in your room with your choice of some beverages.

The nice thing about Royal and Celebrity is that they share your status between them. If you are diamond on Royal, you will automatically receive the elite benefits on Celebrity and so on. PRINCESS and the Carnival line do not share status between any of their cruise lines.

If you are a gambler, you can receive free drinks in the casinos with minimum play.

Now all you have to do is add it up and decide for yourself whether it is worth a package or à la carte. Happy sailing!