Cruise Drink Package Calculator: Find Your Break-Even Point Fast
If you’ve ever stared at a cruise drink package and wondered, “Is this actually worth it for me?”, you’re not alone. Drink packages can be a great value on some sailings and a total waste on others. The smartest way to decide is to run your own numbers based on how you actually drink on vacation.
Below I’ll show you a simple, free tool you can use right now to estimate your break-even point in minutes. Then I’ll give you a few quick tips to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Use This Free Cruise Drink Package Calculator
The calculator below (hosted by Cruzely) lets you plug in your expected daily drinks by type, then compares the estimated à-la-carte cost to a package price. It’s fast, visual, and great for “what-if” testing.
Open the Drink Package Calculator (jumps to the tool)
Tip: If your browser ignores the jump, scroll a bit and you’ll see the calculator section on that page.
How to Use It (2 Minutes)
- Pick your cruise line or leave defaults if you’re just testing.
- Enter your actual package price per day from your cruise planner if you have it. Prices vary by sailing and change over time, so using your price gives the best result.
- Estimate your daily drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, soda, water, coffee, etc.). Be honest. Include port days vs. sea days if you tend to drink less ashore.
- Check the totals: the calculator estimates à-la-carte spend vs. package cost and shows your break-even line.
- Tweak the inputs to see how one or two fewer drinks per day changes the math. That sensitivity check is where most decisions become obvious.
Important Considerations Before You Decide
- Service charges apply: Most lines add a service charge or gratuity on package purchases and on individual drinks. Make sure your comparison includes that percentage.
- Port days vs. sea days: If you have a lot of long port days, you may naturally drink less on board. That lowers the value of a package.
- Two-adult rule: Some lines require all adults in the same cabin to purchase the same package. If that applies to you, run the math for both adults.
- What’s included caps: Check per-drink price limits and exclusions. Premium coffees, bottled water, or smoothies may or may not be covered depending on the package tier.
- Pre-purchase vs. onboard price: Packages are often cheaper before sailing. If you’re close to break-even, pre-purchase discounts can tip the scale.
Quick Example
Let’s say your 7-night cruise offers a drink package for $75 per person per day before service charges. If you typically have 2 beers, 1 cocktail, 1 glass of wine, and a couple sodas in a day, the calculator will estimate your à-la-carte total with service and compare it to 7 days of package cost. If you’re under the break-even line by a good margin, skip the package. If you’re over it, or close with a pre-cruise discount, it’s probably worth it for the convenience alone.
Who Benefits Most From a Drink Package?
- Heavy sea-day schedules with lots of onboard time.
- Cocktail fans where individual drink prices add up quickly.
- People who value convenience and not thinking about each order.
If you prefer a couple of beers or a glass of wine with dinner and drink more water and coffee, à-la-carte usually wins.
Bottom Line
The right decision depends on your habits, your exact sailing, and the current package price in your cruise planner. Run the numbers first, then book with confidence.
Disclosure & Accuracy Note
Drink prices and package rates change by ship, date, and promotion. Always verify the per-day price and inclusions in your cruise planner before purchasing. The external calculator is provided for convenience and estimates only.