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It is important to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. You can get your money's worth if you order the right drink. You will spend more money if you choose the wrong drink.

Booking a cruise line drinks package free is the most cost effective option. To get the most out of your alcohol budget, focus on the eight best drinks to order with a beverage package. There are three drink types that will work against your plan to make that package worth the money.

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Expensive cocktails

If you pay a flat price for alcohol, you don't have to worry about paying too much for drinks. The most expensive cocktail you can order from a value standpoint is the one that falls within your plan.

Carnival Cruise Line does not include beverages that cost less than $20 in its Cheers beverage program. The limit is fifteen dollars with Norwegian Cruise Line and thirteen dollars with Royal Caribbean's beverage package. Drinks that are close to the limit are the ones that should be prioritized. If you go over, most onboard bars will just charge the difference, so you can try that expensive cocktail for a few bucks.

Name-brand liquor

If you order a gin and tonic, the bartender will probably serve you the cheapest brand of gin he has on hand. If you want to get the most from your beverage package, you should ask for your tonic with Tanqueray.

Any liquor is subject to the same rule of thumb. If you want the best value from your beverage package, ask for your booze by name. Make sure the brand you're requesting is included in your package.

Cruises have drinks packages that are worth the price. Before buying, you should know what to look for.

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Weirdest drink on the menu

Alice in Wonderland-inspired Cheshire Cat Cosmos at the fanciful Wonderland restaurant on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas. ROYAL CARIBBEAN

It can be expensive to try a new drink at $10 to $15 a cocktail. On lines with no limit on the number of alcoholic drinks you can purchase in a 24 hour period, experimentation is a risk-free option. Try the spiked cappuccino or the fruit infused vodka. You only have to wait a few minutes before you can get a replacement if you don't like it.

It doesn't have to be eye-raising to be experimental. You can use your beverage package to try new drinks. You may find a new drink.

Specialty coffee

The extra-charge coffee cafes onboard are popular with cruisers who are still addicted to Starbucks. You don't have to pay an extra fee for a beverage package that includes the good stuff.

It's a good idea to make your morning latte a vacation habit, or grab a Chai tea on a rainy sea day. The more you sip, the more you get from your drinks package.

Bottled water

The tap water on the ship isn't good for many people. Even if it isn't the most earth-friendly option, bottled water is still a great beverage package buy.

If you want to stay hydrated while you are on the beach, bring a sealed bottle with you. You can keep bottles from the bars in your cabin if you want to drink them after a pub crawl.

Have you ever wanted sparkling water with dinner? When you have a beverage package, you can order it with no doubts.

Embarkation day drinks

RedFrog Rum Bar on Carnival Horizon. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

Is it awkward to make a beeline for the bar when you disembark from a cruise ship? If you bought a beverage package, you should not feel that way. The prices are based on the length of your cruise and the number of embarkation days.

The start of your cruise is celebrated with a celebratory beverage. Wine is a great way to start your vacation. You are paying for a full day of beverage service if you skip out on embarkation day drinks. Changing that up and getting more bang for your buck is something you should do.

There are 27 cruise ship embarkation days.

Frozen drinks on private islands

If you want to skip port days when you are not on the ship, you have to pay by the day. It is difficult to break even on the package cost on port days because most of us can't party all night after touring in the sun.

You can use your drink package at the bars on the private islands. Half Moon Cay doesn't. A pina colada set against a palm tree backdrop is a great choice if you want to make your beverage package worthwhile.

There is a guide to cruise line drinks packages.

Other non-alcoholic beverages

It can be hard to break even on the package costs if you have to limit passengers to 15 alcoholic drinks a day. Interspersing your bar drinks with non alcoholic options, such as soda, energy drinks, freshly squeezed juices and other bottled beverages, will make the plan cost effective.

If you can buy cans or bottles, you can save them to take off the ship. You can get full value from your drinks package when you are mostly off the ship.

3 drinks to avoid

MARK KATZMAN/ PRINCESS CRUISES

When you have a beverage package, you don't need to avoid drinks, but some choices aren't as useful as others. Go easy on the drinks if you can, or rethink the package if you don't like it.

Beer

Beer is the cheapest alcoholic drink and can be filling. If you only drink beer, it will be more difficult to break even on your drinks package. Ask if your cruise line has a cheaper beer-and-wine-only package that would make more sense for you.

Well drinks

When you can get name-brand liquor for the same price, you don't have to order cheap well drinks. The bartender will give you the most basic option if you don't specify. Ask the bartender which bottles are included in your package if you don't know.

Bottles of wine

You will get a 20% to 40% discount on bottles of wine with most cruises. When you have already paid for alcohol, you still have to pay more. You can't break even on your package price if you fill up on extra-fee wine.

You can't get all the same vintages by the glass, and you might want a nice wine to celebrate a special occasion. You might be better off with a wine-only package if you plan on ordering several bottles of wine.

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