Are soda packages worth it?

When booking a cruise or all-inclusive vacation, you’ll almost certainly be offered a soda or soft drink package. It’s usually presented as a convenient add-on—unlimited Coca-Cola®, Pepsi®, Sprite®, or other soft drinks for a fixed daily price.

At first glance, soda packages seem simple and harmless. But many travelers later ask:

• Did I actually save money?

• Did I drink enough soda to justify the cost?

• Are there health or hidden cost considerations?

The truth is nuanced. Soda packages can be worth it—but only for the right traveler, in the right situation. This article breaks down the economics, health considerations, real-world examples, and expert-backed insights so you can make a confident, informed decision.

We’ll draw on publicly available pricing data, consumer research, and health guidance from authoritative bodies like the CDC, WHO, NIH, and Consumer Reports.

What Is a Soda Package?

Definition and Scope

A soda package is a prepaid beverage plan that allows unlimited (or near-unlimited) access to non-alcoholic carbonated drinks during your vacation.

Typically included:

• Fountain sodas (cola, lemon-lime, orange, etc.)

• Sometimes bottled soda

• Occasionally flavored sparkling water

Usually not included:

• Alcoholic drinks

• Specialty coffees

• Fresh juices or smoothies

• Energy drinks (varies by provider)

Where Soda Packages Are Common

Soda packages are most commonly offered by:

• Cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC)

• Theme parks (Disney, Universal)

• All-inclusive resorts

• Hotels with dining plans

How Much Do Soda Packages Cost?

Average Daily Prices (Based on Publicly Available Information)

Vacation Type	Typical Daily Cost (USD)	Notes
Cruise line soda package	$8–$15 per person	Often mandatory for all guests in a cabin
Theme park refill plan	$15–$20 per day	Cup-based, location restrictions
Resort soft drink plan	$10–$18 per day	May include mocktails

Disclaimer: Prices vary by operator, destination, and year. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed universal pricing structure.

What Does a Single Soda Cost Without a Package?

Understanding the break-even point is critical.

Typical À La Carte Prices

Location	Average Cost per Soda
Cruise ship	$3–$4 + gratuity
Theme park	$4–$6
Resort restaurant	$3–$5

On cruises, automatic gratuities (usually 15–20%) are often added to individual drink purchases, further increasing the per-soda cost.

Break-Even Analysis: How Many Sodas Do You Need?

Example Calculation (Cruise Scenario)

• Soda package cost: $12/day

• Average soda price: $3.50

• Break-even point: 4 sodas per day

If you drink 4 or more sodas daily, the package may save money. Fewer than that? You’re likely overpaying.

Who Soda Packages Are Worth It For

1. Heavy Soda Drinkers

If you routinely drink soda:

• With every meal

• By the pool

• During shows or excursions

Then a soda package often provides predictable value.

2. Families With Teenagers

Teenagers are among the highest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages, according to the CDC.

• Teens may drink 4–6 sodas per day

• Cruise lines often require all minors in a cabin to have the package

In these cases, soda packages can prevent surprise onboard bills.

3. Travelers Who Value Convenience

Benefits beyond cost:

• No signing receipts

• No tracking expenses

• No sticker shock at checkout

This “mental convenience” is a genuine value, supported by consumer behavior research published in Harvard Business Review, which notes that prepaid plans reduce spending anxiety and decision fatigue.

When Soda Packages Are Not Worth It

1. Casual or Health-Conscious Drinkers

If you:

Prefer water, tea, or black coffee

• Limit sugar intake

• Drink soda occasionally

You’re unlikely to hit the break-even threshold.

2. Ports and Excursion Days

On cruises, you may be off the ship 6–10 hours on port days. That’s time you’re not using the package but still paying for it.

3. Mandatory Cabin-Wide Purchase Policies

Some cruise lines require:

If one adult buys a beverage package, all adults in the same cabin must buy it.

This policy can drastically reduce value if consumption levels differ.

Health Considerations: An Often-Ignored Factor

What Health Authorities Say About Soda Consumption

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC:

• High intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to:

  • Obesity

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Dental erosion

NIH and PubMed-reviewed studies consistently show that liquid sugars are less satiating than solid foods, increasing total calorie intake.

Soda Packages and Overconsumption

Behavioral economics research suggests that “unlimited” access encourages higher consumption, even among people who wouldn’t normally drink that much soda.

This means soda packages can:

• Increase sugar intake unintentionally

• Disrupt normal dietary habits during vacations

Financial Psychology: Why Soda Packages Feel Like a Deal

The “All-You-Can-Drink” Bias

According to Consumer Reports and behavioral finance studies:

• People overestimate how much they’ll consume

• Prepaid plans feel economical, even when they aren’t

This is known as the flat-rate bias, where consumers prefer predictable pricing even if it costs more overall.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If a Soda Package Is Worth It for You

Step 1: Track Your Normal Soda Intake

For 3–5 days before booking:

• Count how many sodas you drink daily

• Be honest (include refills)

Step 2: Adjust for Vacation Behavior

Ask yourself:

• Will I drink more soda on vacation?

• Will I substitute soda for alcohol or juice?

Step 3: Calculate the Break-Even Point

Use this formula:

Package cost ÷ average soda price = sodas per day needed

Step 4: Factor in Port or Activity Days

Subtract days you’ll be mostly off-property.

Step 5: Consider Alternatives

• Bringing refillable bottles

• Drinking complimentary beverages

• Sharing packages (if allowed)

Soda Packages vs. Other Beverage Packages

Comparison Table

Package Type	Cost	Best For	Drawbacks
Soda package	Low	Heavy soda drinkers	Sugar intake
Non-alcoholic deluxe	Medium	Coffee & mocktail lovers	Higher cost
Alcohol package	High	Frequent drinkers	Strict limits
Pay-as-you-go	Variable	Light drinkers	Unpredictable spend

Real-World Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Family of Four on a 7-Day Cruise

• Two adults, two teens

• Soda package: $12/day/person

• Total cost: $336

If each teen drinks 5 sodas/day and adults drink 2–3:

• Package likely breaks even or saves money

• Also reduces onboard spending disputes

Scenario 2: Couple on a Luxury Cruise

• Drinks water, wine, and coffee

• Soda intake: 1 per day

Result: À la carte is significantly cheaper

Environmental Considerations

Some soda packages rely on:

• Disposable cups

• Bottled beverages

Frequent soda consumption increases plastic waste. Organizations like the UN Environment Programme encourage minimizing single-use plastics, especially during travel.

Common Myths About Soda Packages

“Unlimited Means Anytime, Anywhere”

Not always true. Many packages:

• Exclude room service

• Exclude private islands or excursions

• Limit daily quantities (e.g., 15 drinks/day)

“Kids Drink Free”

On most cruise lines, kids must have their own package, even if parents purchase one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are soda packages worth it on cruises?

They can be worth it for heavy soda drinkers or families with teens. Light drinkers usually save money paying per drink.

2. How many sodas per day justify a soda package?

Typically 4–5 sodas per day, depending on onboard pricing and gratuities.

3. Do soda packages include bottled water?

Usually no. Some include soda water only. Always check the official beverage list.

4. Are soda packages mandatory for everyone in a cabin?

On some cruise lines, yes. Policies vary and should be confirmed on the operator’s official website.

5. Do soda packages encourage unhealthy drinking habits?

Research cited by the CDC and WHO suggests unlimited access can increase sugar intake unintentionally.

6. Are soda packages cheaper when booked in advance?

Often yes. Many operators offer pre-cruise discounts compared to onboard pricing.

7. Can I share my soda package?

No. Packages are typically non-transferable and linked to your room key.

8. Are soda packages worth it for kids?

They can be, especially for teenagers. For younger children, consumption may be too low to justify the cost.

9. What’s the best alternative to a soda package?

Pay-as-you-go combined with complimentary drinks like water, iced tea, or lemonade.

10. Do soda packages include diet or zero-sugar options?

Most do, but availability depends on the brand partnership onboard.

Final Verdict: Are Soda Packages Worth It?

The honest answer: Sometimes.

Soda packages are worth it only when consumption, convenience, and cost align. They are not automatic money-savers, and for many travelers, they quietly increase both expenses and sugar intake.

Quick Decision Summary

Worth it if you:

• Drink 4+ sodas daily

• Travel with teens

• Value predictable costs

Not worth it if you:

• Drink soda occasionally

• Prioritize health

• Spend most days off-property

Trusted Sources & Further Reading

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov) – Sugar-sweetened beverage research

• World Health Organization (WHO.int) – Dietary sugar guidelines

• National Institutes of Health (NIH.gov) – Nutrition and metabolism studies

• PubMed.gov – Peer-reviewed health research

• Consumer Reports – Travel cost comparisons

• Harvard Business Review – Behavioral economics of prepaid plans