Cruise Ship Drink Packages - Are They Worth It?

All cruise lines will hit you with the hard-sell before and after you board. So should you purchase the all-inclusive drink package or not? It really depends on how much you drink. The good news is that all-inclusive really means all-inclusive! If you like beer, wine, frilly fruity daiquiris, Bloody Marys, Kamikazes, Long Island Iced Teas, top-shelf Margaritas, or a shot of Patron every minute and a half, you can get those at any bar on the ship. And - it's all top-shelf liquor! I did shots to verify the Patron wasn't watered down, and it wasn't. It's the real deal. You can drink yourself into oblivion and suffer alcohol poisoning if that's your think. The only thing your drink package does not include is Starbucks coffee on those ships that offer it. If you're a moderate drinker, meaning a beer or two during the day and one glass of wine with dinner, these packages probably won't make sense. The drink package usually runs about $350-$400 per person, and is not transferrable (technically). It also includes unlimited soda and flavored water. Also, you won't get any better service just because you have that magical sticker. You'll need to wait your turn just like everyone else.