15 Hidden Cruise Fees You Need to Know Before You Book

3. Beverage Package Costs and Restrictions

Beverage packages represent one of the most controversial and potentially expensive add-ons in cruise pricing, with costs typically ranging from $50-80 per person per day for unlimited alcoholic beverages, and $20-35 per day for non-alcoholic packages. These packages often come with numerous restrictions that aren't immediately apparent during the booking process, including requirements that all adults in the same stateroom must purchase the same package, daily consumption limits, and exclusions for premium spirits and wines. The mathematics of beverage packages can be deceptive, as cruise lines price them based on the assumption that passengers will consume 6-8 drinks per day to break even, a consumption level that many travelers don't actually achieve. Additionally, these packages typically don't include gratuities on beverages, which are automatically added at 18-20% for each drink, further increasing the actual cost. For families with teenagers, the requirement to purchase non-alcoholic packages for children who might only occasionally drink specialty beverages can add hundreds of dollars to the vacation cost. The pressure to purchase these packages often comes from the realization that individual drink prices onboard are significantly inflated, with cocktails costing $12-15 each and even basic soft drinks priced at $3-4, making the packages seem like necessary purchases rather than optional luxuries.