Best Time To Buy A Drink Package For A Cruise
When going on a cruise we often wonder when is the best time to buy a drink package?
Because a vacation without drinks just doesn’t seem like a vacation at all. All inclusive vacations are different from cruise vacation because you pay one price and you get everything. All the Food and drinks you can consume.
Definitely worth the price.
On cruises, drink’s are not included. Those are extras!!
Whether you’re a drinker or not, getting a good deal on a drink package feels like the biggest win ever.
But when is the best time to buy a drink package for a cruise?
How much does it cost?
I’ve been cruising for a long time and every cruise line is different.
To fully understand what drink package is right for you let’s take a look at the different categories.
On Royal Caribbean cruiseline, there are a a few different packages:
Cafe Select Coffee Card
If you are a coffee connoisseur, then this package is perfect for you.
You can take advantage of the 15 types of espresso-based coffees on the ship.
I’m the type of person that only drinks one cup of coffee in the morning so this package is not for me. I usually get one free cup for breakfast and that’s it for me.
If you enjoy drinking coffee throughout the day, then you’re going to really like this package. The only thing to keep in mind is that drinks in Starbucks are not included.
The cost is $31.00 per person.
Classic Soda Package
Most cruisers will buy the classic soda package because it’s not that expensive. At the time of writing this article, it costs $9.99 per day.
Some people will buy this package because they don’t want to be limited to just water and juice.
Yes, juice is included in your cruise fare. Some people are perfectly fine with that and they feel like that is plenty. For others, a soda package is a must have.
Coffee is also included but only in the windjammer buffet.
With this package, everyone in your cabin is not required to purchase it.
Refreshment Package
With the refreshments package here is what you get:
Soda
Premium coffee and tea
Fresh squeeze juices
Non-alcoholic drinks at the bar
The cost of the refreshments package is currently $29.99.
Evian Water Package
For $30.99, you can have a 12 or 24 pack of water delivered to your stateroom for the week.
Another option is to bring on a case of your preferred case of water. Cruiseline allow cruisers one or two cases of water per stateroom.
Deluxe Beverage Package
The deluxe beverage package which is $81.99 gives you access to everything on the ship except Starbucks.
All guests of legal drinking age MUST purchase the deluxe beverage package.
With this package, you’re only able to order a single drink with a value up to $14. Anything above that, you’ll have to pay the difference.
Is it ever on sale?
Drink packages usually go on sale periodically after booking your cruise. Cruise lines offer pre-cruise prices up until embarkation day.
On top of the pre-cruise discounts, you can also get discounts based on your status. Discount rates are usually between 10-20 percent off.
During booking, keep an eye out for special deals that may include beverage packages as part of your cruise fare.
Looking for a BOGO deal? Once onboard, there is always special pricing and sometimes you can take advantage of a BOGO deal.
Can I get a discount?
The only discounts that I have seen become available are based on your status with the cruise line.
After booking your cruise, sometimes the cruise line will offer drink package discounts along with wifi packages so be sure to check every now and then.
When to buy?
The best time to purchase a drink package is usually after booking.
Prices will fluctuate depending on the time of year or how far away the sail date is.
Unless your cruise price includes a drink package, there isn’t really a perfect time to buy. You’ll just have to keep checking the app to know what the cheapest price you’re willing to pay.
Does it get cheaper closer to the date?
Oftentimes, the price of a beverage package does drop a bit but not by much.
They’re not trying to give it away for free.
If you monitor the prices until your sail date, you will notice the price fluctuates quite a bit. Depending on the time of year, there should be some holiday sale.
Is the drink package worth it?
It depends. Are you a big drinker?
Do you want to try new drinks?
If you’re like me, who enjoys a drink or two here and there then the drink package is not worth it. I would rather pay $10 a drink and have a couple a day and save myself the money instead. But if you like to drink all day and night then yes, a beverage package is definitely worth it.
Keep in mind that if you decide to get off the ship on port days, you won’t be able to use your drink package. So you’ll have to spend out of pocket which will add to the cost of the total drink package.
Mistakes to avoid?
If you’re the type of person that would rather stay onboard during port days then yes, the drink package is totally worth it.
Did you know that sharing drinks is a no no?
If you are caught sharing drinks with others, they have the authority to cancel your drink package without a refund.
But how will they know?
I haven’t heard of anyone getting their drink package revoked but it’s a possibility.
Waiting until you get onboard to book a drink package might be a huge mistake.
I waited until the last few days of the cruise to see if the price of the drink package had gone down but it did not. Prices stayed the same throughout the cruise.
Final thought
While it does feel like a huge win to score a good deal on a drink package, waiting for the right time to buy may not happen at all. Once booked, you’ll get offers for pre cruise deals up until the day you embark.
If you enjoy drinks during your cruise vacations, then by all means, buy the drink package. But if you’re the type of person that don’t mind buying a few drinks here and there then save yourself some money because you don’t need a drink package.