The Cruise Drink Package Loopholes They Don’t Want You to Know About
Think you know everything about cruise drink packages?
Think again. From secret tricks to booking hacks, there are some surprising ways to save money—and even score free drinks—without breaking the rules (well, most of them).
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, these drink package loopholes could seriously change how you cruise.
Book Your Drink Package Early—Then Keep Checking!
Here’s a secret most first-time cruisers don’t know: just because you bought the drink package early doesn’t mean you’re stuck with that price. If you book it through the cruise planner before your trip, you can cancel and rebook it anytime if the price drops!
Certain cruise lines like Royal Caribbean run drink package sales all the time. But those “percentage off” deals can be confusing. Don’t get distracted by the big discount numbers—they don’t always mean it’s the best deal.
Instead, try this trick: pretend you’re buying the drink package again and check the total price. If it’s lower than what you paid, cancel your original one and grab the new deal. Boom—instant savings!
This little move could save you hundreds of dollars without much effort. Just keep checking back every so often until your sail date. It’s the cruise version of a coupon hack—and it works.
Find The Free Events
Here’s a sneaky little secret: you don’t need a drink package to score free booze on a cruise. If you’re okay with doing a little event-hopping, there are plenty of chances to grab a complimentary drink or two.
Keep an eye out for things like art auctions, captain’s welcome parties, loyalty events, and port shopping talks. These often include free champagne, wine, or cocktails—no drink package required. You just have to show up, smile, and enjoy the perks.
Some seasoned cruisers actually skip the drink package altogether and make the rounds at every free event they can find. It might not be bottomless margaritas by the pool, but hey—free is free!
Bring Your Own Booze (Yes, Legally!)
Believe it or not, most cruise lines do let you bring a little bit of alcohol onboard—if you do it the right way. Royal Caribbean, for example, lets each adult bring one or two bottles of wine or champagne at embarkation. Just pack it in your carry-on and you’re good to go.
Of course, some sneaky cruisers try to stretch the rules. They’ll pour liquor into mouthwash bottles or sneak boxed wine into their bags.
But let’s be honest—that’s risky. If you get caught, your booze will be taken away, and you might get a warning (or worse).
So stick to what’s allowed. A couple of bottles of wine can go a long way—and you’ll save a nice chunk of change before you even say “bon voyage.”
Book Adults in Separate Cabins to Skip Extra Drink Packages
Here’s a clever trick that can save you big money—especially if you’re cruising with kids. If you’re booking two cabins (like connecting balconies), don’t just put all the adults in one room and the kids in the other. Instead, split it up: one adult and one child per cabin.
Why? Because when you buy the Deluxe Beverage Package, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean usually require all adults in the same cabin to buy it. But kids aren’t required to have a drink package—so putting one child with each adult sidesteps that rule!
You don’t have to stress about who actually ends up sleeping in which room—cruise lines don’t keep tabs on that. What matters is how the rooms are booked.
This little move gets you more elbow room, another bathroom, and saves you from buying an extra drink package you might not even need. It’s a smart way to cruise without wasting cash.
Can You Order Two Drinks at Once? Maybe
Most cruise lines have a rule: one drink per person, per order. That means if you have the drink package, you can’t just walk up and ask for two cocktails—even if one is for your partner waiting nearby.
But here’s the inside scoop: some bartenders are more flexible, especially during slower times. If you’re polite, tip well, and don’t make a scene, they might let you walk away with two drinks in hand. It’s not guaranteed, but it happens more often than you’d think.
This little trick can save you from waiting in line again, especially at a busy pool bar. Just remember—don’t push your luck. Be cool, and the bartenders might be cool right back.
