Cruise dining and beverage packages can feel like a splurge—but if you plan strategically, they can also be one of the easiest places to unlock value. From unlimited soda refills to fine dining at sea, these packages offer convenience, flexibility, and sometimes serious savings. The key is knowing how to book them smartly, when to skip them, and how to pay for them the right way.

Here’s how to get the most out of your cruise dining and drink packages—without overspending.

What Dining and Beverage Packages Typically Include

Most major cruise lines offer tiered packages for food and drink. These range from basic soda and coffee packages to premium plans that include cocktails, wine, and specialty restaurants.

• Carnival’s CHEERS! program includes alcoholic beverages up to $20 each, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.

• Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package covers most onboard drinks, including cocktails, mocktails, soda, and specialty teas.

• Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea program often includes a complimentary beverage package when booking select fares, though gratuities still apply.

For dining, specialty restaurant packages allow guests to experience upgraded meals beyond the main dining room or buffet. Think steakhouses, sushi, teppanyaki, and French bistros.

When These Packages Are Worth It

Dining and drink packages can be an excellent deal—if you use them enough. Consider the following:

• Drink packages are most valuable if you typically order 5–7 drinks per day (including alcohol, soda, or premium coffee).

• Dining packages pay off if you plan to eat at multiple specialty restaurants, which often charge $40–$60 per person per meal without a package.

• If your cruise includes several sea days, you’ll have more time onboard to use your package.

• If you plan to explore ports all day, you may not maximize drink or meal usage during shore days.

Always calculate whether your onboard consumption habits align with package costs. And note that gratuities are usually added to the package price, even if the package is advertised as “free.”

How to Book These Packages for Less

The best time to purchase a dining or beverage package is before your cruise—not onboard. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise discounts if you book online in advance.

Want to save even more? You can earn cashback with a Carnival gift card, get rewards with a Royal Caribbean gift card, or save money using a Norwegian gift card when paying for your packages. Buying gift cards through Fluz not only lets you prepay with convenience—it also gives you cashback on top of existing cruise discounts.

When to Skip These Packages

You may want to skip the drink or dining packages if:

• You don’t drink much alcohol or soda, and prefer water, tea, or coffee included in the fare.

• You plan to spend long hours in port each day, reducing your onboard meal or drink use.

• Your cruise line allows you to bring a limited amount of wine or soda onboard (e.g., Carnival permits one bottle of wine per adult).

• You’re cruising for just 3–4 days and can’t justify the full package cost over a shorter period.

Final Thoughts

Cruise dining and drink packages can enhance your trip if you plan ahead, monitor your consumption, and take advantage of pre-cruise discounts. And when you earn cashback with a Carnival gift card, get rewards with a Royal Caribbean gift card, or save money using a Norwegian gift card, you’re stacking even more value onto an already inclusive vacation.