Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It for Families?

One of the most common questions families ask when planning a cruise is whether drink packages are actually worth it.

At first glance, they can seem like an easy add-on. Everything is paid upfront, and you don’t have to think about individual drink prices during the trip.

But once you look at the total cost for a family, the decision becomes less straightforward.

In many cases, the right choice depends on how your family actually eats and drinks throughout the day, not just what the package includes.

What Cruise Drink Packages Usually Include

Most cruise lines offer several types of drink packages.

These often include:

• soda packages
• non-alcoholic packages (coffee, mocktails, bottled water)
• full packages that include alcohol for adults

For families, the focus is usually on:

• soda packages for kids
• non-alcoholic or specialty drink packages for adults

One thing to consider is that some cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to purchase a package if one person does. That can quickly increase the total cost.

It’s also worth noting that not every drink on the ship is always included. For example, drinks from onboard coffee shops or branded locations may be priced separately depending on the cruise line. Understanding what is included in a cruise can help put these differences into perspective.

How the Costs Add Up for Families

Drink packages are typically priced per person, per day.

For a family, that means:

• two adults paying daily rates
• possibly additional packages for older kids

Over a full cruise, this can add up quickly.

For many families, it can help to compare:

• the total package cost
• versus what you realistically expect to spend on drinks

This is similar to how families think about overall costs. If you haven’t already, it can help to see how cruise costs add up for a family before deciding.

Timing and Pricing Can Change

One thing to consider is that drink package pricing is not always fixed.

Cruise lines often offer promotions or pre-cruise discounts, and prices can vary depending on when you purchase.

In many cases, families choose to:

• buy a package ahead of time if the price looks reasonable
• keep an eye on pricing in case it drops before the cruise

That doesn’t mean you need to track it closely. But it can help to know that the price you see today may not be the only option.

When Drink Packages Make Sense

In some cases, drink packages can be a good fit.

They tend to work best when:

• adults plan to have multiple specialty drinks each day
• your family regularly buys soda, coffee, or bottled water
• you prefer not to think about individual prices during the trip

For some families, the convenience alone makes the package feel worth it.

When They Often Don’t

For many families, drink packages are not necessary.

They may not be worth it if:

• your kids mostly drink water or included beverages
• you only have a few specialty drinks per day
• you’re trying to keep overall costs lower

For example, some families find that kids may only occasionally order specialty drinks, even if a larger package is available. In those cases, paying per drink can end up being the simpler and less expensive option.

It’s also worth remembering that cruises already include many drink options, such as:

• water
• basic coffee
• tea
• some juices

A Few Practical Considerations

Beyond cost, there are a few smaller details that can affect the experience.

For younger kids, soda packages often come with refillable cups that need to be carried throughout the day. For some families, that’s easy. For others, it can become one more thing to keep track of during a busy day on the ship.

It can also help to think about how often your family will actually want specialty drinks. Some families find that even when drinks are available, they naturally have fewer than expected.

A Simple Way to Decide

It can help to think about this in simple terms.

Ask:

• How many drinks would we realistically buy each day?
• What would that cost individually?
• Does the package actually save money, or just simplify things?

For many families, the answer becomes clearer once you look at real habits rather than ideal scenarios.

If you’re trying to keep your overall spending in check, this decision is often part of your larger cruise budget for families.

Final Thoughts

Drink packages can be helpful in the right situation, but they are not automatically a good value for every family.

In many cases, paying as you go gives more flexibility and keeps costs lower.

That doesn’t mean packages are a bad choice. It just means the best option depends on how your family plans to use them.