Drink Package Calculator
Is that all-inclusive drink package a deal or a dud? Let’s find out.
Enter the daily price of the drink package before gratuity.
How many days is your cruise or vacation?
The automatic service charge added to the package and individual drinks.
Number of cocktails, beers, wines, etc. you expect to drink daily.
Estimated cost for one cocktail, glass of wine, or beer.
Specialty coffees, bottled water, fresh juice, sodas.
Estimated cost for one specialty coffee or bottled water.
What is a Drink Package Calculator?
A drink package calculator is a specialized financial tool designed to help travelers, particularly those going on a cruise or staying at an all-inclusive resort, determine if purchasing a flat-rate beverage package is more economical than buying drinks individually. Instead of guessing, this calculator uses your personal consumption estimates and known costs to provide a clear, data-driven answer. The core question it answers is: “Will I drink enough to make the package worth the price?”
Many travelers are faced with the decision of whether to pre-pay for unlimited drinks. Cruise lines and resorts market these as a convenient, budget-friendly option, but the value depends entirely on your habits. This calculator removes the guesswork, helping you make an informed decision and potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. Check out our cruise budget planner for more saving tips.
The Drink Package Formula and Explanation
The logic behind the drink package calculator is a straightforward cost-benefit analysis. It compares the total fixed cost of the drink package against the total variable cost of buying the same drinks “a la carte”.
1. Total Package Cost Calculation:
Total Package Cost = (Package Cost per Day × Trip Length in Days) × (1 + Gratuity / 100)
2. Total A La Carte Cost Calculation:
Daily Drink Cost = (Avg. Alcoholic Drinks × Price per Drink) + (Avg. Non-Alcoholic Drinks × Price per Drink)
Total A La Carte Cost = (Daily Drink Cost × Trip Length in Days) × (1 + Gratuity / 100)
3. Savings Calculation:
Net Savings = Total A La Carte Cost - Total Package Cost
A positive result means you save money with the package, while a negative result means you’re better off paying per drink.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package Cost per Day | The advertised daily rate for the beverage package. | Currency ($) | $50 – $110 |
| Trip Length | The total duration of your cruise or stay. | Days | 3 – 14 |
| Gratuity | Mandatory service charge added to all beverage purchases. | Percentage (%) | 15% – 20% |
| Avg. Price per Drink | The typical cost of a single beverage if bought individually. | Currency ($) | $8 – $16 (alcoholic), $3 – $5 (non-alcoholic) |
Practical Examples
Example 1: The Casual Drinker
Sarah is going on a 7-day cruise. The drink package costs $80/day with an 18% gratuity. She estimates she’ll have 3 cocktails ($14 each) and 2 specialty coffees ($5 each) per day.
- Inputs: Package Cost: $80, Trip Length: 7 days, Gratuity: 18%, Alcoholic Drinks: 3 at $14, Non-Alcoholic: 2 at $5.
- Package Total: ($80 * 7) * 1.18 = $660.80
- A La Carte Daily Cost: (3 * $14) + (2 * $5) = $52
- A La Carte Total: ($52 * 7) * 1.18 = $430.36
- Result: Sarah would overspend by $230.44. The package is not worth it for her. For more information on what’s included, see this guide to the best cruise lines for drinks.
Example 2: The Vacation Indulger
Tom is on the same 7-day cruise ($80/day package, 18% gratuity). He plans to enjoy his vacation, estimating 6 cocktails ($14 each), 2 beers ($8 each) and 4 bottled waters ($4 each) per day.
- Inputs: Package Cost: $80, Trip Length: 7 days, Gratuity: 18%, Alcoholic Drinks: 8 at an avg. of $12.5, Non-Alcoholic: 4 at $4.
- Package Total: ($80 * 7) * 1.18 = $660.80
- A La Carte Daily Cost: (6 * $14) + (2 * $8) + (4 * $4) = $84 + $16 + $16 = $116
- A La Carte Total: ($116 * 7) * 1.18 = $958.16
- Result: Tom would save $297.36 by buying the package. It’s an excellent deal for him.
How to Use This Drink Package Calculator
- Enter Package & Trip Details: Input the daily cost of the package, the total days of your trip, and the standard gratuity percentage.
- Estimate Your Daily Consumption: Be realistic about how many of each type of drink you’ll consume on an average day. Remember to factor in both alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffee or bottled water.
- Input Average Drink Prices: Enter the average price you expect to pay for a single alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink. You can often find these on cruise line websites or forums.
- Calculate & Analyze: Click “Calculate Savings”. The tool will instantly show your total cost with the package versus without it, highlighting your net savings or loss.
- Review the Breakdown: Use the chart and daily breakdown table to understand how the costs compare over time and identify your “break-even” point—the number of drinks per day needed to justify the package cost. Understanding the hidden cruise costs can further refine your budget.
Key Factors That Affect Drink Package Value
- Port Days vs. Sea Days: You will likely drink significantly less on days you are off the ship for excursions. Your “average” consumption should account for these slower days.
- Included Beverages: Does the package cover top-shelf liquor, premium coffee, or energy drinks? Limitations on what’s included can decrease the value.
- “Sharing” Rules: Most cruise lines strictly forbid sharing a drink package and may require all adults in a cabin to purchase one if one person does. This can dramatically increase the total cost.
- Pre-Cruise Discounts: Cruise lines often offer a discount (10-20%) for purchasing the package online before you sail.
- The “Freedom” Factor: Some people find value in the psychological freedom of not having to worry about the bill for every drink, even if they don’t break even financially.
- Your Itinerary: A port-intensive itinerary means less time on the ship to use the package, reducing its value compared to a trip with many sea days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I have to buy the drink package for every day of my cruise?
Yes, virtually all cruise lines require you to purchase the package for the entire duration of the voyage, not just on specific days.
2. What does the “break-even” point mean?
The break-even point is the number of drinks you need to consume daily for your a la carte spending to equal the daily cost of the drink package. Our calculator estimates this to give you a quick reference. For example, if your break-even is “5 drinks,” you need to drink more than 5 to start saving money.
3. Are gratuities included in the package price?
Usually, no. An automatic gratuity (typically 18-20%) is added to the total package price at checkout. Our calculator accounts for this with a specific input field.
4. What if I don’t drink alcohol?
Most cruise lines offer non-alcoholic or refreshment packages that include sodas, premium coffees, juices, and bottled water for a lower daily rate. A cruise budget planner can help compare these options.
5. Can one person in a cabin buy the package?
Generally, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival require all adults (21+) in the same stateroom to purchase the alcoholic beverage package if one person does. There can be exceptions for medical or religious reasons, but this is the standard policy to prevent sharing.
6. Are the drinks in the minibar included?
No, drinks taken from your in-room minibar are almost never included in any drink package and will be charged to your onboard account separately.
7. Is there a daily limit on drinks?
While most packages are “unlimited,” some lines, like Carnival, have a “soft” limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period. Service can be refused to anyone who appears visibly intoxicated.
8. Are the prices in this drink package calculator accurate?
The calculator uses default values based on recent averages for major cruise lines. However, prices can vary by ship and sailing date. For the most accurate calculation, you should check your specific cruise line’s website for the exact package cost and typical drink prices.