Cruise Purchases & Packages: What to Know Before You Buy
Planning your cruise? Before you set sail, make sure you know the best ways to pay onboard, where to shop in port, and how to get the most out of drink and photo packages! From BYO wine tips to saving money on excursions, this guide has everything you need to cruise smarter.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Purchases on the Ship and in Port
Ship Payments:
Credit cards are the easiest way to pay, but you can use cash by pre-loading funds at Guest Services. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to disembark until your account is settled.
Your keycard is used for all onboard purchases.
Port Shopping:
Use credit cards only at cruise-approved stores. If you plan on shopping or dining outside of the port area, bring the appropriate amount of cash.
Cash is best for small street vendors and peddlers.
Packages
Drink Packages:
The best deal is to purchase ahead of time if you’re a frequent drinker.
Note: All adults in the cabin must purchase the alcohol package.
To break even, you’ll need to drink about 6-7 beverages per day per person, including paid non-alcoholic drinks.
Carnival Cruise Line - CHEERS! Beverage Program
$82.54 per person, per day including an 18% service charge
On board your cruise: Once on board your cruise, CHEERS! can be purchased at bar locations.
$88.44 per person, per day including an 18% service charge
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line doesn't sell a traditional all-inclusive beverage package
Princess Cruise Line - Plus Beverage Package
$64.99 per day
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Deluxe Beverage Package
Royal Caribbean drink packages cost between $55–$105 per day, and top-tier packages may cost over $100 per person, per day. The price depends on the package and whether you buy it before or during the cruise.
BYO Wine:
Carnival Cruise Line
Guests 21 years and older may bring one (1) sealed 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day. All other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including liquor, beer, and additional bottles of wine or champagne) are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. Any non-compliant items will be confiscated and discarded without compensation. Guests who wish to drink their wine in the dining room will be charged a $15 corkage fee per bottle. There is a 15-alcoholic-drink daily limit
Disney Cruise Line
Guests 21 years and older may bring up to two (2) sealed 750ml bottles of wine or champagne or up to six (6) 12oz beers per person in their carry-on luggage at embarkation and each port of call. Beverages cannot be packed in checked luggage. Guests who wish to enjoy their wine or champagne in the dining room will be charged a $29 corkage fee per bottle.
Princess Cruise Line
Guests 21 years and older may bring one (1) sealed 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per voyage in their carry-on luggage at embarkation. This bottle may be consumed in their stateroom without a fee. Additional bottles are allowed but will incur a $20 corkage fee per bottle, regardless of where they are consumed. Liquor, spirits, and beer are not permitted. Non-compliant items will be removed and discarded upon luggage screening.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Guests 21 years and older may bring one (1) sealed 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited. Any additional bottles, as well as alcohol purchased onboard or in port, will be safely stored and returned on the final day of the cruise for guests to take home. Guests who wish to drink their wine in the dining room will be charged a $15 corkage fee per bottle. Currently, RC offers unlimited drinks.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Soda Packages:
Carnival Cruise Line - Bottomless Bubbles
Pre-Cruise and Onboard Prices:
Kids (17 years of age and younger): $8.20 per person, per day including an 18% service charge
Adults (18 years of age and older): $11.21 per person, per day including an 18% service charge
Included: Soft Drinks/Soda and Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice, Pineapple Juice and Grapefruit Juice
Disney Cruise Line
Soft drinks are included at no extra cost with meals
Princess Cruise Line - Classic Soda Package
This package includes all sodas, fruit juices, mocktails, and smoothies.
The Classic Soda Package is $14.99 per person, per day
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Classic Soda Package
Drink up the savings and elevate your cruise experience with unlimited refills when you use your complimentary souvenir cup.
Royal Caribbean's Classic Soft Drinks Package costs between $12.99 and $15 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity.
Drinks allowed in luggage:
Carnival Cruise Line
Guests may not bring water, soda, or other non-alcoholic beverages in glass or plastic bottles.
On embarkation day, guests may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (such as sparkling water, soda, energy drinks, juice, or milk) in cans or cartons only. The limit is 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons (12 ounces or less) per person, and they must be packed in carry-on luggage.
Disney Cruise Line
Soft drinks are included at no extra cost with meals, but bar drinks, beer, wine, and bottled water incur additional charges.
There is no stated limit on how much soda guests may bring, but all beverages must fit within carry-on luggage.
Princess Cruise Line
Guests may not bring water, soda, or other non-alcoholic beverages in bottles.
On embarkation day, guests may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (such as sparkling water, soda, juice, or milk) in cans or cartons only. The limit is 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons (12 ounces or less) per person, and they must be packed in carry-on luggage. Open beverages in plastic containers will not be allowed onboard.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Guests may bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items only on embarkation day.
The limit is 12 standard cans, bottles, or cartons (17 ounces or less) per stateroom.
Free Drinks Onboard:
Water, regular coffee, tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, and non-fresh-squeezed juice are complimentary.
Photos
Purchase photo packages before your cruise for the best deal. I usually buy a package of 10 and stick to that limit onboard.
You’re not obligated to take photos. Photographers will be available throughout the ship and in the dining rooms. You can opt-out anytime.
They’ll take boarding photos before embarkation and port photos when you get off the ship.
There are designated areas for photographers during the day and before dinner most nights.
You choose which, if any, photos to purchase. Posing for a picture does not mean you have to buy it.
Excursions
Research excursions at Shore Excursions Group for reviews and comparisons.
Book popular excursions early to avoid missing out.
If you don’t book before your cruise, there will still be options available once onboard.
NOTE: Prices listed here are correct at the time of this writing but are subject to change