Reviewed by: David Chen, CFA
Financial Analyst & Travel Budgeting Expert
Unsure if that “Unlimited” package is a bargain or a bust? Use our Cruise Drink Calculator to compare the total package cost against individual drink prices. Simply enter your cruise details below to find your break-even point.
Cruise Drink Calculator
Enter details and click Calculate to see results.
Cruise Drink Calculator Formula
Package Cost: $F = (P_{day} \times D) \times (1 + G)$
A La Carte Cost: $A = (Q \times P_{drink} \times D) \times (1 + G)$
Break-Even Quantity: $Q_{BE} = P_{day} / P_{drink}$
Source: Cruise Critic, Royal Caribbean
Variables:
- Daily Package Price ($): The advertised price per person per day for the beverage package.
- Cruise Duration: Total number of nights/days on the ship.
- Avg. Individual Drink Price: Average cost of a cocktail, wine, or beer on board (typically $10-$15).
- Planned Drinks per Day: Your estimated average daily consumption of alcohol or premium drinks.
- Auto-Gratuity: The standard service charge (usually 18% or 20%) added by the cruise line.
What is a Cruise Drink Calculator?
A Cruise Drink Calculator is a financial tool used by travelers to evaluate the economic feasibility of beverage packages offered by major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL. These packages often cost between $60 and $100 per day, making them a significant portion of a vacation budget.
Our tool performs a break-even analysis by comparing the fixed package cost (F) against the variable costs of purchasing drinks individually (A). It accounts for the mandatory service fees that cruise lines automatically apply to both packages and individual purchases.
How to Calculate Cruise Drink Value (Example)
- Determine the daily cost of the package (e.g., $75).
- Identify your average drink cost (e.g., $12 for a Piña Colada).
- Divide the package price by the drink price ($75 / $12 = 6.25).
- If you drink more than 6.25 drinks per day, the package saves you money.
- Multiply the daily difference by the total days and add the gratuity to find your total net savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the beverage package worth it for non-drinkers? Usually not, unless you consume large amounts of specialty coffee, fresh juices, and bottled water which are often included.
Do I have to buy the package for every day of the cruise? Yes, most cruise lines require you to purchase the package for the entire duration of the sailing.
Does the package include gratuity? Most calculators, including this one, add an 18-20% service charge to the base price of the package.
Can I share a drink package with my cabin mate? No, cruise lines strictly prohibit sharing, and usually, if one adult buys it, all adults in the cabin must buy it.