Cruise Line Drink Packages- Worth the Money?
One of most heavily-marketed add-ons offered by almost every cruise line are Drink and Beverage packages. For a fixed price of $/passenger/day you are offered as many alcoholic (or non alcoholic) beverages per day as you want, with daily maximums.
The value proposition offered by the cruise lines include having a set amount to pay with no surprise tabs to settle at the end of your journey. Often there are added benefits like portability- being able to use the package on the ship and also on private islands that cruise ships own and operate (although some cruise lines are getting rid of this perk). Some cruise lines bundle other services into these packages- Norwegian is the best example with their ‘Free at Sea’ package that includes alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, WiFi access, and credits toward specialty dining.
These packages are huge profit drivers for cruise lines, and travel gents can increase commissions by selling them. But are drink packages a good deal for the traveler? In many cases, the answer is usually not. But you have to do some math to decide if they are a good deal for you.
For both alcohol and non-alcohol packages ask yourself questions including how many drinks do you plan on having in a day? How many days do you plan to be on the ship or off the ship at port where these packages won’t apply?
What is the cost of individual drinks on the cruise? In many cases, light or moderate drinkers won’t break even or gain value from these packages and together end up subsidizing the value that heavier drinking passengers gain.
One of the benefits I provide my clients is sitting down with them and helping them through that math to make sure they are not wasting money on benefits that they will not realize. I look forward to helping you plan your next journey!
