Cruise Drink Package Break-Even Calculator

How the drink package break-even works

A drink package is a bet that you will drink more than its daily price covers. The break-even is the package price per day, plus any gratuity, divided by your average menu price per drink plus the gratuity added at the bar. If you drink more than that number each day, the package wins. If you drink fewer, pay as you go wins. Sodas, coffee and water can tip the balance, so count them only if the package covers them.

Structure matters as much as price. Some packages, in the style of Carnival's Cheers, require every adult in the room to buy in and add a gratuity on top. Others cap the price of each drink, or the number per day. The inputs let you model those rules: turn on the all-adults rule, add non-drinking adults, and set a daily limit. Drinks over the limit are priced at menu rate in the package total. Also check the age rules, since alcohol packages are for guests of legal drinking age and some lines sell a separate non-alcoholic option that costs far less.

Here is the default example. A custom package costs $60 per day plus 18 percent, or $70.80. Menu drinks average $11 with 20 percent added, or $13.20. Break-even is about 5.4 drinks a day. At 6 drinks a day for 2 people over 7 days, the package total is $991 against $1,109 pay as you go, so the package saves $118. Prices are editable examples unless you choose a line preset from pages on file, such as Holland America's Signature at $55.95 or Margaritaville at Sea's from-prices.

Line-specific figures change, so confirm the terms at booking. Add the result to the cruise cost calculator and review daily crew tips in the gratuity calculator. Line details: Carnival drink packages, Royal Caribbean drink packages, Norwegian drink packages, Princess drink packages, Celebrity drink packages, MSC drink packages, Disney drink packages, Holland America drink packages, Virgin Voyages drink packages, Margaritaville at Sea drink packages.

Where these numbers come from

The formulas and default values in this calculator are based on:

• Carnival drink packages
• Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package details (PDF)
• NCL Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar cost FAQ
• Princess beverage packages
• Celebrity beverage packages FAQ
• MSC drinks packages
• Disney Cruise Line drinks included
• Holland America beverage package options FAQ
• Virgin Voyages drinks and Bar Tab
• Margaritaville at Sea Islander packages. Note: the custom price, 18 percent gratuity, 15-drink limit, $11 drink and 20 percent bar gratuity are editable examples

This is a planning estimate, not medical, legal or immigration advice. Fees, allowances, limits and entry rules change, so confirm the figures with your airline, cruise line, customs agency or the official government source before you book or travel, and follow their rules if they differ from this page.