Is the Cruise Ship Food & Drink Package Worth It?

When booking a cruise, one of the add-ons you’ll almost always be offered is a food or drink package—sometimes both. These packages promise convenience and potential savings, but they also come with a price tag that can rival the cost of the cruise itself. So, is it really worth it? The answer depends less on the package itself and more on your travel style, habits, and priorities.

Understanding What’s Included

Before deciding, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting. Most cruise fares already include meals in the main dining room, buffet, and certain casual venues, along with basic beverages like water, coffee, tea, and sometimes juices. A drink package typically covers unlimited soft drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, cocktails, beer, wine, or premium spirits. Specialty dining packages grant access to restaurants outside the complimentary options, offering everything from high-end steakhouses to celebrity-chef venues.

Why a Package Might Be Worth It

For some travelers, the value is obvious. If you enjoy multiple specialty coffees each morning, prefer premium bottled water, or plan to indulge in several cocktails or glasses of wine daily, the costs can quickly add up—making a package more economical. Similarly, if part of the cruise experience for you is trying every specialty restaurant onboard, a dining package can save you from paying full price at each venue. There’s also the convenience factor—no need to sign a bill or mentally tally your spending every time you order.

When It Might Not Make Sense

On the other hand, if you’re more of a “one glass of wine with dinner” person or tend to stick to the included dining venues, you might find you’ve paid more for the package than you’ve consumed. Port-intensive itineraries also cut into your onboard time, meaning fewer meals and drinks purchased on the ship. Some travelers also prefer to bring their own wine (where allowed) or simply enjoy the free options included with the fare.

Different Types of Cruisers, Different Decisions

• The Social Sipper – If you’re at every show, poolside gathering, and evening lounge performance with a drink in hand, the package could be a win.

• The Foodie Explorer – Dining packages are a great choice if you see your cruise as a floating culinary tour.

• The Minimalist Cruiser – If you’re happy with coffee in the morning, water during the day, and the main dining room at night, you’ll likely save by skipping the add-ons.

• The Port Day Adventurer – Spending most days ashore means you won’t maximize package use.

The Bottom Line

Whether a cruise food or drink package is worth it comes down to your own consumption habits, your itinerary, and how much value you place on convenience versus cost. Before buying, do the math—estimate your daily spend without a package, compare it to the package price, and factor in the freedom of ordering without worry. For some, the peace of mind is priceless. For others, the included options are more than enough.