cruise.doTHE CRUISE.DO FIELD GUIDE SERIES · FREE EBOOK
Is the package worth it?
A clear worksheet for drinks, extras and real cruise costs.
Compare a cruise drink package with pay-as-you-go using a free nine-page workbook, worked example and printable budget worksheet.
Get the free ebook →9 pages · Printable worksheet · October 2026 edition
START WITH THE ANSWER
Cruise drink package calculator: the practical approach
Compare the final package total for everyone required to buy it with what those same travelers would realistically spend on eligible drinks. Use actual quotes, include mandatory charges, and account for time ashore. There is no universal number of drinks that makes every package worthwhile.
Link to this answerINSIDE YOUR GUIDE
Useful now. Handy onboard.
- Get the right two numbers.
A package decision is a comparison between two ways of paying for drinks you would choose anyway. Start with the final price, not a promotional percentage.
- Do the simple calculation.
For one person at a constant daily price: break-even drinks per day = final package price per day divided by the average final price of the eligible drinks they would buy.
- Sea days and port days are different.
A daily average can hide the days you spend most of your time away from the ship. Make a realistic day-by-day estimate before comparing totals.
- Read the conditions before paying.
The arithmetic is only useful if the package fits your booking. Check the current conditions for your line, offer and sailing.
- Zoom out to the whole holiday.
A carefully chosen drinks package cannot fix an incomplete trip budget. Put optional spending beside the costs that make the trip possible.
- Your package decision sheet
Fill this in with your actual quote. Use the online calculator at cruise.do/guides/drinks-package-calculator/ for a quick check.
A SAMPLE FROM THE EBOOK
Get the right two numbers.
Package total
Record the final quote for the full sailing, including mandatory gratuities or service charges. Note the date, currency, people covered and days charged.
Pay-as-you-go total
Estimate what the same people would buy without a package. Use eligible drinks and comparable final prices, including applicable charges.
What is already included?
Do not pay twice in your comparison. Remove drinks already covered by your fare, another package or a benefit you can actually use.
What is outside the package?
List exclusions, price caps and any extra charges. The package may not cover every venue, beverage or time you assume it does.
Sources you can check
By Cruise.do · Published and sources checked October 15, 2026. Planning suggestions and worksheets are our own; confirm current rules for your actual trip.
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