Cruising is an amazing way to relax and explore new destinations, but those drink packages can often come with a hefty price tag. Here’s looking at you Royal Caribbean. If you want to enjoy alcoholic drinks without splurging on a drinks package, here are some practical tips and clever strategies to help you drink on your cruise without a package and still have a great time.
1. Buying Drinks Pay as You Go / À la carte / One-at-a-time
The first option is, well… The obvious choice. Rather than buying the drinks package, you just buy drinks one-at-a-time / À la carte / Pay as you go – however you want to call it. This is the simplest option, and if you’re not a big drinker, it could be the cheapest option too.
Plus, a cool cruise hacks you can try: instead of buying a cocktail, ask for a single shot, and then a separate soda water. With some cruise lines, that’s a fraction of price – here’s looking at you Royal Caribbean, again.
2. Bring Your Own Wine Onboard
One of the more…. legal ways to drink on your cruise without a package is to bring a limited amount of alcohol with you. Most cruise lines allow you to bring one 750ml bottle of wine per person. Be sure to check your cruise line’s specific policy before you embark. Once onboard, you can enjoy your wine in your cabin or, in some cases, pay a corkage fee to have it served in the dining room.
This is exactly what I did on my recent Oasis of the Seas cruise, where I decided to skip the drinks package.
If you have a balcony or suite, this is a great way to make use of it! Ask your room attendant for two wine glasses, sit back, relax, and watch the sunset without the bustling crowds.
3. Spend Money in the Casino
If you’re a fan of gambling, consider spending some time in the casino as a way to drink on your cruise without a package. Many cruise lines may offer complimentary drinks to casino players, and while this strategy involves spending money on games, it can be a fun way to enjoy drinks while potentially earning rewards. Just remember to gamble responsibly!
I know that Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer free alcoholic drinks in the casino once you reach a specific tier. If you’re already someone who is going to spend money in the casino, then you may as well reap the rewards.
4. Sneak Alcohol Onboard
Although it’s not the most advisable option due to potential penalties, some cruisers have successfully brought small quantities of alcohol onboard. Creative methods include hiding bottles in empty water containers or other personal items. Keep in mind that cruise lines have strict policies, and getting caught could result in fines or confiscation of your alcohol.
You may have seen on TikTok, the trend of buying empty mouthwash bottles and filling it with spirits… Now, technically not allowed. If you’re okay with doing that, then go for it!
5. Spend More Time in Ports
Technically speaking, if you’re going to spend all day in the ports of call, then you would probably benefit ditching the All Inclusive Drinks Package, as the drinks could be cheaper in port. If you’re going to the Caribbean, then you’ll be spoilt for choice with Señor Frog’s and Margaritaville a stones throw away from the ports.
But make sure not to bring any alcohol back on board, as you’ll have it taken away from you, in which you’ll be given it back at the end of your cruise. Great for a souvenir, not so great for enjoying drinks on your cruise without a package.
6. Book an Onboard Activity
A great way to save on drinks on your cruise without a package is to book an onboard activity. For example, you can book a wine tasting event, cocktail making class, or even a champagne lunch. Now, these will be an extra charge, but y’know, two birds one stone – you get to enjoy an activity whilst sipping away. Check your cruise planner for more details as they usually get booked up quite quickly.
7. Climb the Loyalty Tiers
A great benefit of being loyal to one cruise line is that once you start to climb the ranks of their loyalty system, you usually get benefits and discounts on drinks package. This could be anything from 10% off a glass of wine to 4 free drinks per day! So whilst technically, you’re paying more as you need to continuously go on cruises, it’s cheaper in the long run as you will be saving on drinks on your cruise without a package.
Do I Buy The Drinks Package?
In all honesty… Yes, I am very much team drinks package. I cheapened out on my Oasis of the Seas cruise because I honestly could not justify the price of Royal Caribbean’s drinks package, when the cruise itself was so cheap. My partner and I decided to just buy a version of their soda package, and kinda do that thing.
We didn’t realise how much we previously utilised the drinks package with all the little drinks here and then. A little mimosa with breakfast, a mid-afternoon pina colada, a glass of wine for lunch… We basically just sipped Pepsi all day every day.
Drinks on Your Cruise Without a Package
In conclusion, enjoying drinks on a cruise without a drink package is not only possible but can also add a unique twist to your vacation. A twist you may not appreciate, but you’ll know for next time. By taking advantage of policies that allow you to bring your own wine, spending time in the casino, or booking engaging onboard activities, you could savour your favourite beverages without the hefty cost of a package.
Whether you opt for a creative approach or rely on loyalty rewards, these strategies offer flexibility and fun, ensuring that you can relax and enjoy your cruise to the fullest without breaking the bank.
