Is it worth buying a drink package on Azamara Cruises?

Azamara Cruises offers a luxury cruising experience with premium accommodations, fine dining, immersive shore excursions, and attentive service. For many passengers, beverages are an integral part of the cruise experience, ranging from soft drinks and specialty coffees to cocktails, wines, and top-shelf spirits.

One of the most common questions is: “Is it worth buying a drink package on Azamara Cruises?” The answer depends on drinking habits, travel style, and desired convenience. This comprehensive guide evaluates the cost, benefits, types of drink packages, inclusions, limitations, and strategies for maximizing value, helping passengers make an informed decision.

By understanding all aspects of Azamara drink packages, you can determine whether it enhances your cruising experience while keeping your budget in check.

1. Understanding Azamara Drink Packages

Azamara offers several drink package options to accommodate different preferences:

A. Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package

• Designed for passengers who prefer zero-alcohol options.

• Includes soft drinks, bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, and mocktails.

• Ideal for non-drinkers, teens, or passengers seeking hydration and specialty coffee options.

B. Classic Beverage Package

• Covers standard cocktails, house wines by the glass, domestic and international beers, soft drinks, and specialty coffees.

• Suited for casual drinkers or passengers who enjoy regular alcoholic beverages.

C. Premium Beverage Package

• Includes all Classic package options, plus premium wines, top-shelf spirits, champagne, and specialty cocktails.

• Ideal for luxury-seekers and connoisseurs who enjoy high-end cocktails or fine wines.

2. Cost of Azamara Drink Packages

Pricing varies depending on cruise length, ship, and package type:

Package TypeApproximate Daily CostWho It’s Best For

Non-Alcoholic$39–$49Non-drinkers, teens, or casual beverage drinkers

Classic$59–$69Casual alcohol consumers, soft drinks, coffee lovers

Premium$79–$89Premium drinkers, cocktail enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs

• Longer cruises multiply the daily cost, so it’s important to calculate total cost versus expected consumption.

• Packages purchased before sailing may include discounts or promotional offers, making them more cost-effective.

3. What’s Included in Azamara Drink Packages

A. Alcoholic Beverages

• Classic cocktails: Mojito, Margarita, Martini, Daiquiri

• Wines by the glass (house selection)

• Domestic and select international beers

• Spirits and liquors (Premium package only)

• Specialty cocktails (Premium package)

B. Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Soft drinks: Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Pepsi

• Bottled water and mineral water

• Specialty coffees: Espresso, cappuccino, latte

• Fresh juices, smoothies, and mocktails

C. Benefits

• Unlimited daily consumption within package limits

• Beverage delivery to staterooms (on some ships)

• Access to beverages during meals, lounges, and pool areas

4. Factors to Consider Before Buying a Drink Package

A. Your Drinking Habits

• Passengers who consume multiple drinks per day typically gain greater value from a package.

• Occasional drinkers or non-alcohol consumers may find packages less cost-effective.

B. Cruise Length

• On shorter cruises, daily package costs may exceed the total value of beverages consumed.

• On longer cruises (7–14 days), packages can save money and simplify billing.

C. Preferred Beverage Types

• Passengers who enjoy premium cocktails, top-shelf spirits, or fine wines will benefit more from Classic or Premium packages.

D. Convenience

• Packages allow unlimited beverages without separate charges per drink, simplifying onboard spending.

5. How Much Can You Drink Per Day With a Package?

While Azamara allows unlimited consumption, practical daily intake varies:

• Casual drinkers: 4–6 drinks/day

• Average package users: 6–10 drinks/day

• Premium package enthusiasts: 10–15 drinks/day

• High-end connoisseurs: 15+ drinks/day

Exceeding the average daily consumption quickly justifies the cost of a package, especially for Premium package holders.

6. Comparing Package Cost vs. Individual Drinks

Beverage TypeAverage Cost IndividuallyDaily Consumption (4–10 drinks)Value vs. Package

Standard Cocktail$10$40–$100Classic package pays off by 6–7 drinks/day

Wine by Glass$8–$12$32–$120Premium package ideal for wine enthusiasts

Specialty Coffee$4–$5$16–$50Non-alcoholic package covers multiple daily coffees

• Passengers who drink multiple beverages per day often break even within 1–2 days, making packages cost-effective.

7. Benefits of Buying a Drink Package

1. Cost Savings – Unlimited beverages often cost more individually than package pricing.

2. Convenience – No need to pay per drink, simplifying onboard accounting.

3. Variety – Access to specialty cocktails, premium wines, and top-shelf spirits.

4. Enhanced Experience – Enjoy drinks throughout the day without worrying about the bill.

5. Predictable Budgeting – Pre-purchased packages make spending predictable.

8. Limitations of Drink Packages

• High-end spirits or rare wines may be excluded, even in Premium packages.

• Excessive consumption may be restricted by staff for safety reasons.

• Packages may not cover beverages purchased on shore excursions or specialty private events.

• Sharing packages between passengers is not allowed.

9. Tips to Maximize Drink Package Value

A. Purchase Before Sailing

• Advance purchase often provides discounts of 10–15%.

• Simplifies onboard billing and reduces hassle.

B. Track Consumption

• Monitor your daily intake to ensure you are getting value for money.

C. Use Premium Features

• Premium package holders should enjoy specialty cocktails, high-end wines, and top-shelf spirits for maximum value.

D. Combine With Dining

• Use packages during specialty meals, poolside, and evening entertainment.

E. Coordinate With Shore Excursions

• Some ports allow package beverages in included venues—check with Guest Services.

10. Common Questions About Azamara Drink Packages

Q1: Can I share my drink package with someone else?

• No, drink packages are per passenger and non-transferable.

Q2: Are tips included?

• Tips may be included in the package price, but check onboard for confirmation.

Q3: Can I order drinks to my cabin?

• Many ships allow beverage delivery within package limits; confirm with Guest Services.

Q4: Are non-alcoholic drinks included?

• Yes, all packages include soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juices.

Q5: Can I purchase a package for part of my cruise?

• Some ships allow per-day purchases or partial cruise packages, which can be useful for shorter segments.

11. Real Passenger Insights

• Frequent cruisers report that Classic and Premium packages save money and enhance convenience, especially for evening entertainment.

• Non-drinkers find the Non-Alcoholic package worthwhile for specialty coffees, smoothies, and soft drinks.

• Passengers who enjoy wine pairings during meals find the Premium package exceptionally valuable.

• Some passengers recommend pacing consumption to avoid overindulgence and maximize enjoyment.

12. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Package TypeAverage Daily CostBreak-Even Point (Drinks)Ideal User

Non-Alcoholic$39–$4910–12 drinks/dayNon-drinkers or teens

Classic$59–$696–8 drinks/dayCasual drinkers, coffee lovers

Premium$79–$895–7 drinks/dayPremium drinkers, cocktail enthusiasts, wine lovers

• Packages are generally worth it for passengers who drink more than 5–6 beverages per day.

• Non-drinkers or minimal drinkers may find it less cost-effective.

13. How to Decide if a Drink Package is Right for You

1. Assess Your Drinking Habits: Count your average daily beverage consumption.

2. Consider Cruise Length: Longer cruises justify package costs.

3. Evaluate Preferences: Classic vs. Premium based on preferred beverages.

4. Factor in Convenience: Unlimited drinks simplify onboard billing.

5. Check Promotions: Pre-cruise purchases may offer discounts.

6. Estimate Break-Even Point: Compare package cost vs. individual drink prices.

14. worth it for most passengers who enjoy daily beverages.

Buying a drink package on Azamara Cruises is worth it for most passengers who enjoy daily beverages. Packages provide:

• Convenience: Simplified billing and unlimited consumption within package inclusions

• Value: Cost-effective compared to buying individual drinks

• Variety: Access to specialty cocktails, premium wines, top-shelf spirits, and soft drinks

• Enhanced Cruise Experience: Enjoy drinks throughout the day without worrying about individual costs

Passengers who drink moderately or indulge in premium beverages benefit most from Classic or Premium packages, while non-drinkers may find the Non-Alcoholic package valuable for coffee, juices, and soft drinks.

Ultimately, the decision depends on personal drinking habits, cruise length, and lifestyle preferences, but for the majority, purchasing a drink package enhances both convenience and enjoyment onboard Azamara Cruises.