Deciding whether a drink package makes sense can feel like one of the biggest onboard budgeting choices you’ll make. Many guests wonder if the Holland America drink value truly justifies the daily price, or if paying per drink is smarter. The honest answer is: it depends heavily on your drinking habits and what you want out of your cruise.
Before you can judge Holland America alcohol package value, you need to understand what you’re getting for that daily fee.
A typical Holland America beverage package includes:
A set number of alcoholic drinks per day (beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, spirits) up to a certain menu price
A wide range of non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, juices, and sometimes specialty coffees
The convenience of tapping your card without signing for every single drink
In simple terms, the package is about convenience and predictability. The key cruise drink package worth question is whether those benefits cost more or less than what you’d normally spend at the bar.
To measure true Holland America drink value, look at your typical daily habits. Ask yourself:
How many alcoholic drinks do I realistically have on a sea day?
Do I enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, sodas, and bottled water throughout the day?
Do I like pre-dinner cocktails and wine with meals, or just an occasional drink?
Then, estimate a sample day like this:
2 specialty coffees
2 soft drinks
3 alcoholic beverages (poolside cocktail, wine with dinner, evening drink)
If you multiply those items by average bar prices plus service charges, you’ll have an approximate daily total. Compare that to the daily drink package price shown in your planner.
If your estimate is at or above the package cost, then Holland America alcohol package value is likely good for you. If your spending comes in far below the package price, paying per drink is probably a better choice.
A balanced Holland America drink package review needs to start with the advantages. For many guests, these are compelling.
One of the biggest Holland America beverage package pros and cons points is financial predictability. With a package, your bar bill is mostly prepaid. You don’t have to worry about surprise charges at the end of the cruise, which can be a huge relief.
If you enjoy exploring the cocktail menu or trying new wines, the package gives you freedom. You can experiment at the cruise bar without thinking, “Is this worth it?” every time. That makes the perceived cruise drink package worth higher for adventurous drinkers.
You don’t have to keep a running tally of every soda, coffee, and beer. For some travelers, the mental comfort of not worrying about every order is the main reason the package feels worthwhile.
On itineraries with multiple sea days, or when you plan to spend lots of time onboard, Holland America drink package value tends to increase. You’re simply more likely to use it fully.
To decide should I buy Holland America drink package, you also need to understand the downsides.
If you only have a glass of wine at dinner, maybe one cocktail during the whole day, and you’re not big on sodas or specialty coffees, the numbers usually won’t work in your favor. In that case, cruise drink package worth is low.
Some guests find themselves drinking more than they otherwise would just to justify the cost. This can lead to overindulgence, which isn’t ideal for your health or your enjoyment of the cruise.
Often, if one adult in a cabin buys a full alcohol package, all adults in that stateroom must purchase it. This can reduce Holland America alcohol package value if one person drinks much less than the other.
On itineraries with long days in port, you may spend most of your time off the ship. That means fewer drinks onboard and less chance to get full Holland America drink value from your package.
Based on many travelers’ experiences, is Holland America drink package worth it is more likely to be “yes” if:
You enjoy several alcoholic drinks per day plus coffee and soda
You plan to spend a lot of time onboard (especially on sea days)
You value convenience and worry-free bar ordering
You enjoy cocktails, wine, and trying new beverages without thinking of the price each time
In these cases, a positive Holland America drink package review is common. The package feels like it “pays for itself” in comfort and variety.
On the other hand, you might skip the package if:
You are a very light drinker or mostly stick to water and complimentary beverages
Your cruise is very port intensive, with long tours and little time in bars
You prefer to savor one or two quality drinks rather than many
Some adults in your cabin barely drink, making the required purchase rule less attractive
In these scenarios, the Holland America beverage package pros and cons lean toward paying as you go, especially if your daily bar bill would be modest.
No matter which choice you make, smart cruise bar tips can help:
With a package:
Take advantage of specialty coffees and non-alcoholic drinks as well as alcohol.
Spread your drinks out through the day and stay hydrated.
Confirm which items are covered to avoid unexpected charges.
Without a package:
Ask for drinks by the glass rather than ordering full bottles, unless you’re sharing.
Watch the drink-of-the-day specials for lower cruise bar prices.
Order water and complimentary beverages regularly to keep your costs down.
These strategies help you find good Holland America drink value whether you buy the package or not.
Ultimately, should I buy Holland America drink package isn’t just a math question. It’s also about the type of cruise experience you want.
If you love the idea of ordering what you like without worrying, and you know you’ll drink enough for the numbers to add up, the package can feel like a luxury that enhances your time onboard.
If you’re more of an occasional drinker, or you’re focused on long days ashore and early mornings, you may prefer the freedom of paying per drink and seeing a lower overall bar total.
Either way, a realistic look at your habits, itinerary, and preferences is the best Holland America drink package review you can give yourself.
1. Is Holland America drink package worth it for light drinkers?
Usually not. If you only have one or two drinks a day and don’t order many coffees or sodas, the Holland America alcohol package value is often lower than simply paying per drink.
2. Do drink packages include coffee, sodas, and water?
Many packages cover a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which boosts Holland America drink value for guests who enjoy specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water as well as cocktails.
3. Are there pros and cons unique to longer cruises?
Yes. Longer cruises offer more days to use the package, increasing potential cruise drink package worth, but they also mean a higher total cost. You should think about your habits over the full length of the trip.
4. Can I just buy the package for certain days?
Typically, packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise, which is part of the overall Holland America beverage package pros and cons. You can’t usually turn it on and off.
5. What’s the best way to decide if the package is right for me?
Estimate your daily cruise bar spending based on realistic habits, then compare it to the package rate. If your expected total is equal to or higher than the package, there’s a strong chance the Holland America drink value will be worth it for you.
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