Drinks Packages…are they worth it?

The all inclusive package holiday culture is fast catching up on the cruising industry and is being demanded by more and more clients who want to budget better for their trip away. If you’re lucky enough to have bagged a free beverage package with your cruise then that’s great, give yourself a pat on the back! But if you weren’t quick enough to snag the deal what will it set you back to purchase one? Well, lets take a look.

Royal Caribbean currently charge $59 per day for their Deluxe Package which includes a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, mocktails, freshly squeezed juices, sodas and specialty teas and coffees.

Princess cruises charge $56.35 per day for their drinks package which includes any item up to the value of $10 per serving.

Norwegian Cruise lines charge a whopping $79 per day for their Ultimate Beverage Package which includes a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15.

MSC Cruises charge £20 per day for their ‘All Inclusive Restaurant and Bar Package’ which in their own words consists of ‘Unlimited consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including mineral water, a wide range of drinks and cocktails from the bar list, a dedicated selection of wines by the glass, draught beer, an extensive selection of sodas, fruit juices and classic hot beverages (coffee espresso, cappuccino…) as well as takeaway ice cream in a cone or cup.

So there’s a mixed bag there from pretty pricey to exceptionally reasonable. My advice (if you cant get a freebie of course) is to weigh up whether or not the drinks package would be worth it, if it is and you can add it before you go then do so. If you add on board the cruise line will charge a service charge of between 15-18%. Ouch!

If you cant decide then take a look here at our handy guide on the cost of drinks on board. Its a great little guide and will help you to work out just what you will spend daily on drinks if you don’t have a beverage package to rely on.

http://www.cruise.co.uk/guides/cruise-information-drinks-prices/?affref=isabellel

What do you think about the drinks packages? Do you think they should be included for all or did you prefer the good old full board style? I would  love to hear your thoughts on the new all inclusive culture taking over our oceans.