The absolute best way to determine if a drink package is best for you is to get out that calculator and tally up how much you would spend without the package. In general, if you think you're going to order five or so alcoholic drinks a day during your trip, a package is worth considering.

Whether a cruise drink package is "worth it" in 2026 is a math problem that usually resolves around the 6 to 8 drink per day mark. A standard "Unlimited" package typically costs between $60 and $100 per person, per day, including gratuities. Considering a cocktail averages $12–$15, a glass of wine $10, and a beer $8, you would need to consume roughly 5–6 cocktails or 10–12 beers daily to "break even." However, many travelers forget to factor in non-alcoholic items included in the package, such as specialty coffees, bottled water, sodas, and fresh-pressed juices, which can cost $5–$7 each. If you are someone who starts the day with two lattes, drinks bottled water throughout the afternoon, and has three glasses of wine at dinner, the package usually pays for itself. A critical 2026 tip: remember that if one adult in a cabin buys the package, most lines (like Royal Caribbean and Carnival) require all adults in the cabin to buy it, which can make the "total" cost much higher if one person is a light drinker.