To Sip or Not to Sip: Should you Buy the Drink Package on Your Next Cruise?

Hey, fabulous travelers over 50! If you’re dreaming of a cruise—sipping a cocktail by the pool, toasting new friends at dinner, or savoring a morning latte while watching the ocean breeze by—you’ve probably wondered about those cruise drink packages. They sound tempting, but are they worth it for us seasoned adventurers? As your go-to travel agent for the over-50 crowd, I’m here to break down the pros and cons of buying a drink package in a way that feels like chatting over coffee. Let’s weigh the options so you can cruise with confidence and maybe a mocktail in hand!

What’s a Cruise Drink Package, Anyway?

For the uninitiated, a drink package is like an all-you-can-drink pass for your cruise. Depending on the cruise line, it might cover soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, and teas for non-alcoholic packages, or go all-in with beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails for alcoholic ones. Prices typically range from $20 to $100 per person per day, and most lines require everyone in the same cabin to buy the same package. Sounds simple, but let’s dive into the good, the not-so-good, and what it means for your cruise vibe.

The Pros of Buying a Drink Package

1.  Budget Bliss: Let’s be real—cruise bar tabs can sneak up on you faster than a sunset sail. A drink package locks in your costs upfront, so you can sip that piña colada without wincing at the bill. For those of us over 50 who love planning ahead, this predictability is a big win.

2.  Freedom to Indulge: Want to try that fancy martini, order a smoothie by the pool, or grab a cappuccino every morning? With a drink package, you can say “yes” without overthinking the cost. It’s perfect for relaxing and treating yourself, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just the joy of being at sea.

3.  Non-Alcoholic Perks: Not a big drinker? No problem! Many packages include bottled water, specialty coffees, teas, and mocktails. If you’re staying hydrated on a Caribbean itinerary or love your daily latte, these can add up fast without a package.

4.  Social Vibes: Cruises are all about connection—think wine at dinner with new friends or a beer during a trivia game. A drink package lets you join the fun without worrying about the tab, making those onboard moments even sweeter.

5.  Convenience: No need to track every soda or sign a receipt for every glass of wine. A drink package streamlines your experience, letting you focus on the views, the activities, and the memories.

The Cons of Buying a Drink Package

1.  Upfront Cost: Drink packages aren’t cheap, and the price can feel like a gut punch, especially if you’re not a heavy drinker. For example, a $60-per-day package on a 7-day cruise is $420 per person—yep, that’s real money. You’ll need to do some math to see if it’s worth it for your habits.

2.  You Might Not Break Even: If you enjoy a glass of wine at dinner and a morning coffee but aren’t pounding cocktails all day, you may not drink enough to justify the cost. Most packages require you to consume 5-7 drinks a day to break even, which can be a stretch for many of us.

3.  Everyone’s Gotta Buy In: Cruise lines often require all adults in the same cabin to purchase the same package. If your travel buddy doesn’t drink much (or at all), you’re stuck paying for two packages, which can feel like a waste.

4.  Port Days Limit Your Sipping: On days when you’re off exploring ports—like strolling through a charming coastal town—your drink package stays on the ship. If you’re not onboard much, you’re not getting full value, which can sting.

5.  Temptation Overload: For some, a drink package feels like a challenge to “get your money’s worth,” which can lead to overindulging. If you prefer to keep things balanced (especially with those early shore excursions!), this might not be the vibe.

Tips to Decide If a Drink Package Is Right for You

So, how do you know if a drink package is your cruise soulmate? Here are a few things to consider as you plan your adventure:

•  Know Your Habits: Are you a cocktail enthusiast who loves a drink with every meal, or do you stick to water and the occasional glass of wine? Estimate how many drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) you’d have daily and compare that to the package cost. For example, if cocktails are $12 and coffees are $5, you’d need about 4-5 drinks a day to break even on a $60 package.

•  Check the Fine Print: Some packages have limits (like no top-shelf liquor or a daily drink cap), while others include gratuities. Ask me, your trusty travel agent, to dig into the details for your cruise line!

•  Think About Your Itinerary: If you’re on a sea-day-heavy cruise, you’ll have more time to use the package. But if you’re hopping off at every port, you might not sip enough to make it worthwhile.

•  Consider Your Goals: If you’re cruising to relax and indulge, a package can enhance that carefree vibe. If you’re focused on shore excursions or keeping things light, you might be fine paying as you go.

•  Look for Deals: Some cruise lines offer drink package promotions or include them in your fare. Let me hunt for those perks when we book your trip!

Why This Matters for Us Over 50

As travelers over 50, we’re all about savoring the moment—whether it’s a sunrise coffee on the balcony, a glass of wine with a new friend, or a mocktail during a dance class. A drink package can make those moments feel effortless, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all. We’ve earned the wisdom to know what works for us, and this choice is all about aligning with your cruise vision—whether that’s indulgence, balance, or a bit of both.

If you’re ready to plan your next cruise, let’s chat about your style and find the perfect ship, itinerary, and extras (drink package or not!) to make it unforgettable. Picture yourself sailing through turquoise waters, drink in hand (or not), feeling like the vibrant, adventurous soul you are.

Your Takeaway: Sip Smart, Cruise Happy

A drink package can be a fantastic way to elevate your cruise, but it’s not a must-have for everyone. Weigh your sipping habits, itinerary, and budget, and you’ll know what feels right. And don’t worry—I’m here to help you crunch the numbers and make the call.

Here’s to smooth sailing, great company, and toasting to new adventures—cheers to that!

Bon Voyage!

Joy, Your Over-50 Travel Agent

P.S. Ready to book your dream cruise? Reach out reinventretired.com, and let’s plan your next best adventure!