Drink packages value

Question

We are well traveled, but have never cruised. We are on a 10 day princess sapphire cruise plus Denali from Vancouver up the inside passage, etc., to Whittier/Anchorage. We are wondering about the relative value of the drink packages, which add quite a bit of cost, but maybe compared to the cost of doing it a drink at a time, is worth it? $60 to $90 x 2 people x 7 days in the ship is a lot. But we enjoy a cocktail before dinner and wine with our meal, so maybe it makes sense? I know it includes other things, some of which we want and some we don’t care about – like exercise classes ha ha. But I bet the Wi-Fi would come in handy too. Comments welcome!

Answer

On a Princess cruise, the drink packages can be worthwhile, but whether they offer good value depends on your drinking habits and priorities. The standard packages often include cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and sometimes Wi-Fi and other perks. For two people, $60–$90 per day can add up quickly, so it’s important to consider how many drinks you realistically plan to consume each day.

Here are some points to consider:

Frequency and type of drinks: If you enjoy a cocktail before dinner and wine with your meal, that could easily reach $20–$30 per person per day. Over a 7-day cruise, this starts to approach or exceed the package cost.
Wi-Fi inclusion: Some packages include Wi-Fi, which is valuable if you plan to use it extensively. Cruise Wi-Fi is often expensive per hour, so including it in a package can add indirect value.
Non-alcoholic options: Packages often include specialty coffees, bottled water, and soda, which you might otherwise pay extra for if you consume several daily.
Budgeting ease: The package allows you to prepay for drinks, which can simplify onboard spending and avoid surprises on your final bill.

Potential drawbacks:

If you only have one cocktail and one glass of wine per day, you may not hit the break-even point.
Not all included perks may interest you—like exercise classes, juice, or some non-alcoholic drinks.
Some cruises have restrictions or daily limits, so check the fine print on what’s included.

Recommendation: If you plan to enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks each day and value Wi-Fi, the package likely offers convenience and savings. If your drinking is minimal or moderate, paying per drink may be more economical. Many first-time cruisers find the package worth it for the peace of mind and convenience, even if the absolute monetary value is marginal.

Drink packages value

More Alaska (AK) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions