The Simple Math of Bliss: Why Cruise Packages Are Worth Every Penny
- Melissa Lenox
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Your vacation is just beginning! You just boarded a cruise ship for the next few days for carefree relaxation and some vitamin D.
You head to the bar to order your first drink and then it hits you: the anxiety of checking prices on every menu and the dread of seeing your on board expense account go up, and up and up.
I have a simple solution to not only relieve your stress but maybe even save you some money in the end.....pre purchase a drink or dining package.
Today I'm going to explain why these packages are about more than just consumption but true, carefree relaxation.
The Freedom from "Bill Anxiety"
Let's be honest: standard cruising is not truly all-inclusive. You pay for your cabin, your meals in the main dining room, and the pool-deck soft serve. But then comes the nickel-and-diming for every single bottled beverage, every specialty coffee, the premium dining experience and every glass of wine.
This is the hidden stressor of a cruise vacation—the Price Check Trap.
Every time you stop to order something, you are mentally calculating the cost: "Okay, that's $8 for the latte, $12 for the cocktail, and $4 for the bottle of water... that's almost $25 before tip. Is this worth it?"
You spend a surprising amount of mental energy keeping a running tally of your onboard expenses, and that constant accounting completely undermines the feeling of being "on vacation."
This is the true value proposition of the drink or dining package. By paying one flat fee up front, you eliminate the single most stressful financial point of friction on the ship. You have effectively made your cruise genuinely all-inclusive. Suddenly, you aren't worried about the cost; you only have one decision left to make: What will my next included drink be?
Beyond the Buzz: The Non-Alcoholic Perks
Many people assume the Deluxe Drink Package is only for those who plan on spending the entire week drinking cocktails. This couldn't be further from the truth.
The packages are often worth the cost for the premium, non-alcoholic items alone. These are the small daily luxuries that quickly add up but are essential to a great vacation:
The Morning Must-Have: That premium latte, cappuccino, or iced coffee that normally costs $5 to $7. If you have two a day, you've already covered a significant chunk of your daily package price without touching any alcohol.
Essential Hydration: Bottled water. This is an absolute necessity for excursions, time spent on shore, or even just relaxing on your balcony. Instead of paying $3-$5 per bottle, you grab as many as you need, guilt-free. Hydration is so important on vacation when you are eating and drinking things you normally don't and are out in the sun most of the day.
The Afternoon Treat: Specialty milkshakes, mocktails, and fresh-squeezed juices. These are perfect for cooling down, satisfying a sweet tooth, or giving the kids (or yourself!) a fun indulgence.
Sodas on Demand: For those who prefer a cola, or need a specific mixer for a drink in their cabin, having sodas included means no more worrying about the price.
The package gives you permission to indulge and try new things. You want to see what that fancy new cocktail tastes like? Go for it! If you don't like it, no big deal—just order something else. There's no financial risk.
Dining Packages: Turning Dinner into an Experience
The dining package provides the exact same priceless benefit but applies it to your meals. Standard cruise dining is fine, but the Specialty Restaurants are where the true culinary experiences happen. If you are a foodie, you MUST experience specialty dining onboard.
Hand cut steaks, teppanyaki, sushi, seafood and other fine dining can be found on board most ships.
With a dining plan, you can truly relax and enjoy the entire meal.
Order a second appetizer just to try it.
Splurge on the highest-priced steak or seafood dish on the menu.
Sample multiple desserts.
Conclusion: The ROI of Relaxation
The bottom line is simple: While it's fun to talk about the number of drinks you need to break even, the real Return on Investment (ROI) of these packages is peace of mind.
The Deluxe Drink Package or Dining Plan is the price of truly making your cruise experience worry-free. It’s about not having to check a menu, not having to sign a receipt, and not having to face a shocking bill on your final morning.
Do the math for your daily coffee and water needs, and then factor in a few evening indulgences. You’ll likely find the package pays for itself in consumption, but the biggest saving is the mental energy you retain by being truly present on your vacation.
So, ditch the stress, skip the bill anxiety, and grab the package. Your only remaining chore is figuring out: What will your next included drink be?
Melissa Lenox specializes in concierge vacation planning. Helping busy parents plan dream vacations. Where to go, when to go, daily recommendations for your trip and even assistance while you are away so the entire process is seamless and stress free.
My specialties are theme parks, all inclusive resorts and ocean cruises. I am a Senior Travel Advisor with Coasters & Castles Travel and Blog Editor of Main Street to the World.
Follow me on my pages below or contact me at mlenox@travelcnc.com to plan your next adventure!
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