Why Cruise Drink Rules Matter
What drinks are included on a cruise is the most common question I get. Some drinks are included, but soda, alcohol, bottled water, specialty coffee, and smoothies often cost extra. This is why the debate over drink packages is so popular.
Quick Note: This information is based on typical Caribbean cruises and not your Luxury class cruises. With the elevated experiences comes the higher price tag which will also include your drinks. So when cruising luxury lines, this will most likely not apply to you.
Quick Answer: What Drinks Are Usually Included on a Cruise?
Most mainstream cruise lines include tap water, basic coffee, tea, lemonade, and sometimes juice at breakfast. Soda, alcohol, specialty coffee, bottled water, energy drinks, and smoothies usually cost extra. Also keep in mind that specialty drinks will also include dessert drinks and Milkshakes so those will also cost you extra. Some first-time cruisers are so excited to be taking a cruise that they overlook this expense.
First-Time Cruiser Series
âš“ First-Time Cruiser Series
This article is part of my First-Time Cruiser Questions Answered series. Start with the full guide before diving deeper into cruise cabins.
Read the Full First-Time Cruiser GuideDrinks Usually Included in the Fare
Water
Free water on cruise ships usually consists of filtered tap water located in certain locations across the ships. Some cruise line like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line will also offer free flavored water stations in the buffet areas while the buffet is in operation. When I say flavored I mean tap water with fruits like lemon, lime or even cucumbers in the water.
Basic Coffee and Tea
Plain run of the mill coffee and tea is offered in caffeinated or decaf in areas throughout. Along with creams and sugars to add to your liking.
Lemonade and Iced Tea
You will also find drink stations across the pool decks and buffet areas that offer lemonade, unsweetened ice teas and on some lines juices like apple/papaya are readily available.
Breakfast Juice
Often available in the morning, but not always all day.
Drinks That Usually Cost Extra
Soda
You will be paying for soda by either purchasing a drink package. You can purchase a soda only package like Carnival’s Bottomless Bubble Package, a package or their Carnival ZERO Proof package.
Alcohol
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits cost extra. Even when buying a drink package though, please ensure you know the package you have purchased. Not all drinks are the same and drink packages will only cover up to a certain cost per drink.
Pro Tip:
Here is a great example of Royal Caribbean Drink Package Comparison
Compare that to Norwegian who now offers Free at Sea and then Free at Sea Plus
Specialty Coffee
Lattes, cappuccinos, and branded coffee shop drinks usually cost more.
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Bottled Water and Energy Drinks
These are not included on almost all ships. Bottled water adds up. This is why you will see veteran cruisers carrying Yeti, Stanley’s and any refillable water bottles with them. It saves costs. Most major cruise lines will also allow for you to carry on a certain amount of water, so make sure you understand the rules.
Energy drinks are also a pay as you go amenity while cruising. Most package plan will include the cruise lines choice of energy drink but without the package you will be paying per drink.
Pro tip
Norwegian offers their own brand of energy drink and it was DELICIOUS!
Should You Buy a Drink Package?
When a Drink Package Makes Sense
Good for guests who drink several paid beverages daily. As I have mentioned in other posts, you can use this free online drink calculator to research your options. If you are like me and enjoy good coffees in the morning, maybe a few energy drinks throughout the day and some iced cold beers and some bourbon while have a cigar than the drink package is well worth it.
When a Drink Package May Not Be Worth It
Not ideal if you drink lightly or have many port days. Also if you are in a room with someone who does not drink, you may want to opt out of the drink package. Most cruise lines make it mandatory for guests 1 and 2 on the reservation. However, there are some medical exceptions made where you can get proper documentation to avoid this.
Check Package Rules
Mention daily limits, package sharing rules, and gratuities. Cruise lines line Carnival Cruise Line will limit your drinks to only 15 drinks a day. Those hours tend to run from 6am to 6am. Once you hit 15 you are done. You will not even be allowed to pay cash for drinks.
Norwegian Cruise Line on the other hand does not have a drink limit at all. Honestly, when I was on the Norwegian Breakaway in April of 2026, I was able to order myself 2 proper Old Fashioned each time I went to the bar.
Cruise Drink Comparison Table
| Drink Type | Usually Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tap water | Yes | Available in dining areas |
| Regular coffee | Yes | Specialty coffee costs extra |
| Tea | Yes | Basic tea usually included |
| Lemonade | Often | Varies by line |
| Breakfast juice | Often | Usually limited times |
| Soda | No | Package may be available |
| Alcohol | No | Drink package may help |
| Bottled water | No | Sometimes included in premium packages |
| Specialty coffee | No | Often sold separately |
Common Mistakes With Cruise Drinks
Assuming Soda Is Included
Many first-time cruisers are surprised that soda costs extra. I find this hard to believe in todays day and age as its pretty clear when you are on cruise line websites that drink packages will cover soda.
Buying a Drink Package Without Doing the Math
See the drink calculator and seriously plan out, in your head, a typical vacation day. Most of us indulge when on vacation so use the rule of 3. If you think your going to have 3 beers in a day, plan on 9. Sitting by the pool, playing trivia, playing in the casino, etc can cause you to drink a little more than usual.
Forgetting Package Gratuities
Drink packages may add gratuities or service charges. Read the fine print.
Assuming the Casino is Free
Some of us live in areas where casinos are close, and when you gamble drinks are on the house. This is not true for the casino on cruise ships. Do not assume you will drink for free when gambling,
Ignoring the Carry On Allowance
Most lines allow for you to carry on your own drinks like soda, water and even wine! So make sure you ask your trusted travel advisor or read the fine print ahead of time. If a couple 12pls of soda and water can be brought on for free, your saving yourself a bunch of money!
Advisor Tip: Count Your Real Drinks Per Day
Before buying a package, estimate how many paid drinks you will actually have each day. Include coffee, soda, bottled water, cocktails, and port days. As I mentioned earlier, I always get the package. Which usually means I have to buy 2. One for me and one for my wife. However, we use it and get our monies worth. We drink energy drink, we drink specialty coffee, we drink in the casino and we love frozen pool side drinks.
The other thing I love about the drink package is I can walk off the ship with $0 owed to the cruise line. I pre-paid for everything, got the kid the soda package and we enjoyed what we wanted when we wanted it. No stress, no surprise costs.
Keep Reading
âš“ First-Time Cruiser Series
This article is part of my First-Time Cruiser Questions Answered series. Start with the full guide before diving deeper into cruise cabins.
Read the Full First-Time Cruiser Guide
