Are drink packages really worth it?

What are your thoughts on drink packages?

It seems that mainstream cruise lines are either including a drinks package within their promotions or will give you the opportunity to add this on either before the cruise or on the first day of your holiday.

On our family cruise this year with Carnival we decided to buy the drinks package when we boarded the ship, thinking it was the right thing to do.  If we had studied it a little more I think we would have not bought the package, not only was it quite expensive but each drink we had there was a service tax on top, which after a 12-night cruise did add up, especially when the tax doubled in Corfu!! I do think I probably drank a lot more to try and make the most of purchasing it!!

Some drink packages are better than others.  Just to give you an insight to what some cruise line include.  Azamara include select standard spirits, beers and a daily selection of red and white wine, also offering you a chance to upgrade to may be a beer package, Premium Liquor package or other options.  Celebrity offer a classic drinks package with the opportunity to upgrade to a premium package.  Royal Caribbean seems to have changed there drink package to a deluxe package featuring beers, wine by the glass, cocktails, premium coffee, tea and fountain soda.

There is so much more information about all the different drink packages – click here for more information –  http://www.cruise.co.uk/guides/cruise-information-drinks-packages/

Remember to read the fine print as there is usually a surcharge that is added to the package prices, and in some cases it is cheaper to book the package online (under your cruise personaliser) before you travel.

As I said at the beginning I would love hear your opinions on this !