Depending on the cruise line, these unlimited drink packages can range from $55 to over $100 each day. These include specialty coffees, soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and the works. Remember, some people treat cruises like parties (my last sailing had FIVE different types of espresso martinis at the bars, so, like, I sort of don’t blame them), and they certainly try to get the most bang for their buck. I’ve done the math, and you need to have at least five specialty drinks per day to make the unlimited package “worth it.”
Non-alcoholic drink packages also exist, like a $9.50-a-day pass that’ll get you unlimited sodas. But there are free drinks on board, whether you’re at the buffet or sit-down dining, like tap water, brewed coffee, hot teas, hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea, fruit juices (fresh-pressed ones will cost extra), and milk.