Cruise Planning

Drink Package Calculator

Estimate whether a cruise line's drink package is likely to cost less than paying for drinks individually, based on your own travel plans. Change any number and the results update instantly.

Quick-fill from a cruise line (optional)

Cruise length (days)

Package charged days

Package days are usually the full cruise length — adjust only if the cruise line charges fewer days.

Drink package price / day ($)

Package service charge (%)

Package price is per person, before the service charge above. Enter 0% if gratuity is already included in the price.

Average drink price ($)

Individual drink service charge (%)

Average menu price before the individual service charge above.

Expected drinks / day

Other included beverages / day ($)

Use an honest cruise-wide average including port days. “Other beverages” is the retail value of soda, water, specialty coffee, etc. the package also covers.

Number of people

Drink package / person

Pay-as-you-go / person

Difference / person

Break-even drinks / day

Package total — everyone

Pay-as-you-go total — everyone

What if I drink more or less?

Per person, at the prices entered above.

Drinks / day	Pay-as-you-go	Drink package	Cheaper option

Published drink package prices by cruise line

Per adult, per day, unless noted. Verified against cruise line websites as of October 13, 2026.

Cruise line	Package	Published price
Carnival Cruise Line	CHEERS!	$69.95/day + 20% service charge
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage	Varies by sailing
Norwegian Cruise Line	Free at Sea Open Bar	Included with eligible offer (beverage gratuities of about $28.50/day may apply)
Norwegian Cruise Line	Standalone Unlimited Open Bar	$45/day + 20% gratuity
Norwegian Cruise Line	Free at Sea Plus upgrade	$49.99/day additional
MSC Cruises	Easy / Premium Extra	Varies by sailing
Princess Cruises	Plus	$70/day (standard ships) – $75/day (Sun / Star Princess)
Princess Cruises	Premier	$105/day (standard ships) – $110/day (Sun / Star Princess)
Celebrity Cruises	Classic / Premium	Varies by sailing
Holland America Line	Signature	$55.95/day
Holland America Line	Elite	$60.95/day
Disney Cruise Line	Unlimited alcohol package	Not offered

This is an estimate, not a cruise-line quote. Drink-package prices, service charges, drink limits, maximum covered drink prices, cabin purchase requirements, port taxes and exclusions vary by cruise line and sailing, and the published prices above change often. Carnival's rate already includes its 20% service charge; most other lines' service charges and taxes apply on top of the price shown. Princess's Plus and Premier are bundled vacation packages (Wi-Fi, gratuities and more), not drink-only purchases. Confirm current terms before booking — send me your cruise line and dates and I'll check for you. Prefer a spreadsheet you can save? The Excel version is in the Cruise Resources list below.

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