8 Best Drinks to Order When You Have a Cruise Beverage Package
Want your cruise to feel as all-inclusive as possible? Choosing a beverage package that bundles your drinks can give you the comfort of knowing what you're paying up-front. However, the fine print -- dollar amount cap per drink; maximum number of drinks allowed per day; exclusions such as drinks served in a specialty cup, drinks from room service, buckets of beer or vino from self-serve wine bars -- can make it difficult to get the most value from your package purchase.
If you do decide to take the dive, there are a variety of ways to make sure you get the most beverage bang for your buck. Read on for the eight best types of drinks to order on your next cruise -- advice that's sure to maximize the value of your package.
1. Top-shelf Tipples
This might seem like an obvious move to make when you've prepaid for drinks but be sure to ask the bartender to make your drink with premium liquor. If you don't have a favorite brand in mind, asking the bartender's opinion is always a smart move -- and you're more likely to get a heavy pour! Plus, by letting your bartender know which beverage package you have, they can identify the best label that won't blow your per-drink budget.
2. Bottled Bevvies
Bottled nonalcoholic drinks, such as Honest Tea and Vitamin Water, are one of the best values with a drink package because they won't count against your drink limit if you have one. These drinks can help you stay hydrated by the pool, after a workout or even when you're feeling hungover. Just be advised that sometimes those drinks sold on the gangway before heading ashore carry an additional fee.
3. Frozen Drinks on a Private Island
Perhaps one of the most surprising perks of some cruise line beverage packages is the extension from ship to shore. Of course, this is only possible when visiting a cruise line-owned private island, and not every cruise line participates. If yours does, it can feel truly decadent to order a pina colada while lounging by the surf and not have to pay.
Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay accepts onboard drink packages. And that line is not the only one: The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package extends to Royal's private Bahamian island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, so you can sip the island's signature drink -- the Coco Loco -- without a care in the world.
On This Page
Top-shelf Tipples
Bottled Bevvies
Frozen Drinks on a Private Island
Fancy Bubbly
DIY Ice Cream Floats
Custom Tastings
Unopened Drinks
Coffee and Espresso Drinks
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