Is it worth buying a drink package on Aurora Expeditions?

Is it worth buying a drink package on Aurora Expeditions?

Short answer: For most travelers, buying a drink package on Aurora Expeditions is usually not necessary—but it depends on your drinking habits, itinerary, and personal preferences.

Planning an expedition cruise to Antarctica, the Arctic, or other remote regions with Aurora Expeditions is an investment in immersive travel. Naturally, many travelers ask: Is it worth buying a drink package on Aurora Expeditions?

This in-depth guide examines the value of Aurora Expeditions’ beverage options using a practical, data-driven approach. We’ll explore what’s typically included, compare costs, evaluate traveler profiles, and provide expert-backed health and budgeting insights. The goal is simple: help you make a confident, informed decision.

Understanding Aurora Expeditions’ Beverage Policy

Before deciding whether a drink package is worth it, you need clarity on what is already included in your fare.

What Is Typically Included in an Aurora Expeditions Fare?

Based on publicly available information from Aurora Expeditions’ official materials:

• House beer and wine during dinner

• Tea and coffee throughout the day

• Selected soft drinks

• Some cabin minibar inclusions (varies by category)

• Welcome and farewell drinks

If you’re satisfied with wine or beer at dinner and non-alcoholic beverages otherwise, you may already have enough included.

Important note: Always check your specific voyage details. Inclusions can vary by itinerary, ship, and booking promotion.

What Is a Drink Package on Expedition Cruises?

Unlike large mainstream cruise lines, expedition operators such as Aurora focus on:

• Destination immersion

• Zodiac landings

• Wildlife observation

• Educational lectures

• Smaller passenger counts

Drink packages on expedition cruises typically offer:

• Unlimited alcoholic beverages beyond house selections

• Premium wines and spirits

• Cocktails throughout the day

• Specialty coffees (sometimes)

However, Aurora Expeditions’ beverage offerings are generally more modest compared to large luxury cruise brands.

If certain information about package tiers or pricing is unclear, based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on this.

How to Determine If a Drink Package Is Worth It (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a practical method to calculate value.

Step 1: Estimate Your Daily Alcohol Consumption

Ask yourself:

• Do you drink only at dinner?

• Do you enjoy afternoon cocktails?

• Would you order premium spirits?

• Do you drink daily or occasionally?

Example scenarios:

Traveler Type	Drinks per Day	Likely Package Value
Light drinker	1–2 drinks	Not worth it
Moderate drinker	3–4 drinks	Possibly worth it
Heavy drinker	5+ drinks	More likely worth it

Step 2: Estimate Individual Drink Prices

Expedition cruise drink prices (industry averages):

• Beer: $6–$9

• Wine by glass: $8–$14

• Cocktails: $10–$16

• Premium spirits: $12–$18

If you drink 3 cocktails per day at $14 each:

$14 × 3 = $42 per day

If the drink package costs around $50–$60 per day, it may make sense.

Step 3: Consider the Expedition Schedule

Aurora itineraries are physically active:

• Early morning wildlife excursions

• Zodiac landings

• Kayaking

• Snowshoeing

• Long lecture sessions

Many travelers report drinking less than expected because:

• Days are physically demanding

• Weather is cold

• Early wake-up calls are common

This significantly impacts package value.

Health Considerations: Should You Drink More on an Expedition?

Alcohol and Cold Environments

According to the CDC, alcohol:

• Impairs judgment

• Increases dehydration

• Reduces core body temperature perception

Source: CDC Alcohol and Public Health guidelines.

In polar regions, this matters. Alcohol may make you feel warm while actually lowering your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Alcohol and Motion Sickness

According to research published in PubMed and NIH resources:

• Alcohol can worsen nausea

• It may increase susceptibility to seasickness

• It can interfere with motion sickness medication

On expedition vessels crossing the Drake Passage, this is relevant.

Hydration and Physical Activity

WHO guidance on hydration emphasizes fluid balance during exertion. Expedition cruising involves hiking and Zodiac landings, which increase dehydration risk.

Practical advice:

• Moderate alcohol intake

• Alternate alcoholic beverages with water

• Avoid excessive drinking before early excursions

Cost Comparison: Drink Package vs. Pay-As-You-Go

Let’s break it down with a hypothetical example.

Scenario A: No Drink Package

Item	Quantity	Cost Per Unit	Daily Total
Cocktail	2	$14	$28
Wine at lunch	1	$12	$12
Beer	1	$8	$8
Daily Total			$48

Scenario B: Drink Package

Package Cost	$55/day
Total 10-day trip	$550

In this example:

• Pay-as-you-go for 10 days: $480

• Package cost: $550

• Result: Package costs more

However, if you drink 4–5 cocktails daily, the math changes.

Who Should Consider Buying the Drink Package?

1. Social Travelers

If you enjoy:

• Pre-dinner cocktails

• Socializing at the bar

• Wine with lunch and dinner

• Nightcaps

The package may provide peace of mind.

2. Premium Spirit Drinkers

If you prefer:

• Single malt Scotch

• Premium gin

• Top-shelf tequila

• Specialty cocktails

Individual drink pricing can add up quickly.

3. Budget Certainty Seekers

Some travelers prefer:

• One upfront cost

• No onboard bill surprises

• Simplified budgeting

According to financial planning advice frequently discussed in Harvard Business Review, predictable pricing reduces decision fatigue and improves travel satisfaction.

Who Probably Does NOT Need the Package?

1. Light or Occasional Drinkers

If you drink:

• Only wine at dinner (already included)

• One drink per day

• Rarely consume alcohol

You likely won’t break even.

2. Early-to-Bed Explorers

Expedition days often start early. Many guests:

• Attend lectures

• Review wildlife photos

• Sleep early

Bar culture is typically relaxed, not party-driven.

3. Health-Conscious Travelers

If you're:

• Training for hiking excursions

• Prone to seasickness

• Monitoring calorie intake

A drink package may not align with your goals.

Psychological Factors: Why People Overestimate Drink Usage

Consumer behavior research shows:

• People overestimate vacation indulgence

• “Unlimited” offers encourage overcommitment

• Sunk cost bias may push overconsumption

According to Consumer Reports’ guidance on cruise add-ons:

• Optional packages often benefit the cruise line more than the average consumer.

The key is realistic forecasting, not vacation optimism.

Special Considerations for Polar Expeditions

1. Weather Impacts Drinking Patterns

In Antarctica:

• Cold temperatures reduce thirst

• Outdoor exposure limits bar time

• Many evenings focus on lectures or photography

2. Expedition Culture vs. Resort Culture

Aurora Expeditions prioritizes:

• Education

• Conservation

• Responsible travel

This is not a “floating resort.” Alcohol plays a secondary role.

Sample Real-World Traveler Profiles

Case Study 1: The Wildlife Photographer

• Wakes at 5:30 AM

• Drinks coffee

• Has one glass of wine at dinner

Result: Package not worth it.

Case Study 2: The Retired Couple

• Afternoon gin & tonic

• Wine with lunch and dinner

• Nightcap

Result: Package may be worth it.

Case Study 3: The Adventure Enthusiast

• Kayaks daily

• Avoids alcohol for performance

• Drinks occasionally

Result: Pay-as-you-go better option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is alcohol already included on Aurora Expeditions?

Yes, house beer and wine during dinner are typically included. Check your specific booking for confirmation.

2. How much does the drink package cost?

Pricing varies by voyage and promotion. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed standardized price publicly listed.

3. Can I buy the package onboard?

Policies vary. Some cruise lines allow onboard purchases, others require pre-booking. Confirm with Aurora directly.

4. Does the package include premium spirits?

It may include upgraded selections. Specific brand lists are typically available closer to departure.

5. Are gratuities included in the drink package?

Often gratuities are bundled, but policies can differ. Always verify before purchasing.

6. Is it cheaper to buy drinks individually?

For light to moderate drinkers, yes—based on typical industry pricing models.

7. Does alcohol increase seasickness?

Alcohol may worsen nausea and interfere with medication, according to NIH-backed research.

8. Is drinking common on expedition cruises?

Moderate drinking is common, but expedition cruises are not party-focused.

9. Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Policies vary. Check Aurora’s terms and conditions.

10. Does the drink package cover specialty coffee?

It depends on the package tier. Some cruises include specialty coffee separately.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on Aurora Expeditions?

For most expedition travelers:

• If you drink lightly or moderately → No, it’s probably not worth it.

• If you drink consistently throughout the day → It could be worth it.

• If you value cost predictability → It may offer peace of mind.

The unique nature of expedition cruising—early mornings, active days, educational focus—means most guests consume less alcohol than they anticipate.

Smart Decision Checklist

Before purchasing, ask:

• How many drinks will I realistically consume daily?

• Am I comfortable with onboard charges?

• Do I prefer premium spirits?

• Will drinking affect my physical performance?

If you cannot confidently estimate drinking more than 3–4 alcoholic beverages per day, the package likely won’t offer financial value.

Expert Recommendation

From a financial, health, and experiential standpoint:

• Expedition cruising is about wildlife, education, and adventure.

• Alcohol is a secondary experience.

• Overcommitting to a package may reduce flexibility.

The most balanced strategy:

1. Start pay-as-you-go.

2. Track your daily consumption.

3. Upgrade if necessary (if policy allows).

This approach minimizes risk while preserving choice.

Bottom Line

Aurora Expeditions delivers immersive, conservation-focused adventures in some of the most remote environments on Earth. For most travelers, the drink package is a convenience—not a necessity.

Choose based on realistic consumption, not vacation optimism.

Your expedition memories will likely revolve around penguins, polar bears, glaciers, and expert-led lectures—not the number of cocktails you consumed.