Are you planning a cruise vacation and wondering how much you should budget for drinks? It’s a common question among travelers, and the answer may surprise you.
First, it’s important to note that the cost of drinks on a cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, ship, and even the itinerary. Some cruises offer all-inclusive drink packages, while others charge per drink. Additionally, drinks can be more expensive on certain ships or in certain areas of the ship (such as the pool deck).
That being said, on average, most people spend around $50-$100 per day on drinks while on a cruise. This includes alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails as well as non-alcoholic drinks like soda and bottled water.
If you plan to indulge in more expensive drinks like premium liquors or champagne, your daily drink budget could easily exceed $100. On the other hand, if you’re content with sticking to lower-priced options like house wine or domestic beer, you may be able to keep your drink costs closer to $50 per day.
One way to potentially save money on drinks is by purchasing a drink package in advance. Many cruise lines offer packages that include unlimited soft drinks or alcoholic beverages for a set price. These packages can be a good value if you plan to consume multiple drinks per day.
Another option is to bring your own beverages onboard. Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages (such as bottled water or soda) onboard with them. However, bringing alcohol onboard is typically not allowed (with some exceptions for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries).
In addition to budgeting for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, it’s also important to factor in gratuities when calculating your overall drink costs. Most cruise lines add an automatic gratuity charge (typically around 15%) to each beverage purchase.
To summarize, while the cost of drinks on a cruise can vary widely, most people tend to spend around $50-$100 per day on beverages. By purchasing a drink package in advance or bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks onboard, you may be able to save money on your overall drink costs. And don’t forget to factor in gratuities when budgeting for drinks.