On most cruise lines' ships, alcoholic drinks cost extra and incur an automatic 15 to 20 percent service fee. Pricing will vary by line, but it's akin to restaurant and nicer bar prices -- about $12 per cocktail, $8 to $10 per glass of house wine, $14 to $25 for nicer wines.

On most standard cruise lines in 2026 (like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian), alcoholic drinks are not included in your base fare and must be paid for individually or via a "Daily Drink Package." These packages typically range from $60 to $110 per person, per day, and often include a 15-20% automatic gratuity. If you buy drinks individually, expect to pay $8–$12 for a beer and $12–$18 for a cocktail. However, if you sail with ultra-luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea, or select "all-inclusive" tiers on lines like Celebrity (the "All Included" fare), alcohol is included in the ticket price. A common 2026 "budget hack" is to check your cruise line's corkage policy; many allow you to bring one or two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom at embarkation for free, which can save you significant money if you enjoy a glass of wine on your balcony.