Are drinks packages good value for money?

Over the last few years, more and more cruise lines have been adding a drinks package to the basic cost of your cruise to entice you to book, but are they really good value for money?  There is no doubt about it that of course your cruise price does go up, how else can they afford to add it?!  The big question really is what do the drinks package include and is it worth it.

Not all of the cruise lines offer a drinks package “included” in the cost, most of them give you the option to add one later. Some are including them now so lets take a look at these ones.

Royal Caribbean offer the “select” drinks package – this only includes beer, wine, soft drinks and non alcoholic cocktails to the value of $8 per person.

Celebrity cruises offer the “classic” package, pretty much the same as Royal Caribbean. Beer up to $6 a glass, wine $9 and spirits and cocktails $8 a glass.

NCL are offering the “ultimate” beverage package which includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and draft or bottled beer up to $11 per person.

MSC on some cruises are offering the “allegrissimo” package which includes unlimited wine, draught beer, soft drinks, mineral water and a good selection of drinks and cocktails.

Fred Olsen offer the “all inclusive” package (this one you pay a small premium) this again includes selection of soft drinks, wines, beers and house spirits.

The others are pretty much added on once you cruise.  My point is, on all of these  you really do need to think and take a look at what you do drink. Would you drink that much on board to justify the price you pay? If you only drink spirits then check to see if spirits are included. If you love to finish off with a speciality coffee, does your package include this? If you only like premium spirits are these included?

It is a minefield I agree. I would welcome your comments on what you think is the best package though!