Get the most out of your cruise beverage package by using it for these 8 drinks

Want your cruise to feel as all-inclusive as possible? Choosing a beverage package that bundles your drinks can give you the comfort of knowing what you’re paying up-front. However, the fine print – dollar amount cap per drink; maximum number of drinks allowed per day; exclusions such as drinks served in a specialty cup, drinks from room service, buckets of beer or vino from self-serve wine bars – can make it difficult to get the most value from your package purchase.

If you do decide to take the dive, there are a variety of ways to make sure you get the most beverage bang for your buck. Read on for the eight best types of drinks to order on your next cruise – advice that’s sure to maximize the value of your package.

Know before you buy:  USA TODAY’s guide to beverage packages on cruise ships

Fee explainer: USA TODAY’s guide to cruise ship gratuity fees and service charges

1. Top-shelf liquor

Tell your bartender which drink plan y you have so they can identify the best label that won't blow your per-drink budget. (Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP via Getty Images)

This might seem like an obvious move to make when you’ve prepaid for drinks but be sure to ask the bartender to make your drink with premium liquor. If you don’t have a favorite brand in mind, asking the bartender’s opinion is always a smart move – and you’re more likely to get a heavy pour! Plus, by letting your bartender know which beverage package you have, they can identify the best label that won’t blow your per-drink budget.

Hey, bartender: The best cruise cocktails

2. Bottled non-alcoholic beverages

Bottled non-alcoholic drinks like Honest Tea won't count against your daily drink allowance. (Photo: Honest Tea)

Bottled nonalcoholic drinks, such as Honest Tea and Vitamin Water, are one of the best values with a drink package because they won’t count against your drink limit if you have one. These drinks can help you stay hydrated by the pool, after a workout or even when you’re feeling hungover. Just be advised that sometimes those drinks sold on the gangway before heading ashore carry an additional fee.

Guide:What to know about every cruise line’s private island

3. Frozen drinks at the cruise line’s private island

The private islands owned by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian both accept onboard drinks packages. (Photo: spillover, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Perhaps one of the most surprising perks of some cruise line beverage packages is the extension from ship to shore. Of course, this is only possible when visiting a cruise line-owned private island, and not every cruise line participates. If yours does, it can feel truly decadent to order a pina colada while lounging by the surf and not have to pay.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island Great Stirrup Cay accepts onboard drink packages. And that line is not the only one: The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package extends to Royal’s private Bahamian island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, so you can sip the island’s signature drink – the Coco Loco – without a care in the world.

Guide:  What to know about every cruise line’s private island

4. The good champagne

If you crave that $25 glass of Champagne you saw on the drink menu, the maximum included in your beverage package can be applied, making that bubbly a mere $12. (Photo: artisteer, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Due to a cap on the price of drinks covered by a beverage package, most cruisers play it safe and stick within the limits of that maximum. But, if it’s that $25 glass of Champagne you crave, the maximum included in your drink package can be applied, making that bubbly a mere $12. Some might find this approach extravagant, but it’s a chance to sip something special for less than what it would normally cost.

Champagne isn’t the only splurge to consider: You can toss back a lavender daiquiri from Royal Caribbean’s Schooner Bar, listed on the menu for $15, for the bargain price of $3.

Cruise beverage package 101: A guide to cruise line drink plans

5. DIY Ice Cream Floats

Some cruise lines include scoops from their gelato counters in their beverage package programs, so you can upgrade that scoop of vanilla in your root beer float to something more decadent. (Photo: bhofack2, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Want to channel your inner child? Use the soda included in your package to create an ice cream float. Most cruise ships offer complimentary soft-serve machines or hard ice cream at the buffet. Fill a cup with your favorite flavor and then top it off with Coke, root beer or Sprite. You can even order a shot of Baileys or amaretto to add for an extra kick. Best of all, some cruise lines include scoops from their gelato counters in their beverage package programs, so you can upgrade that scoop of vanilla to something more decadent.

Nom nom nom:  These cruise lines have the best ice cream and gelato

6. Wine tastings and mixology classes

Want to try something from a wine tasting or drink-making class without paying extra? Ask the bartender to help you pick a handful of similar wines or brews to try in succession. Then, ask questions and take notes on each. (Photo: IL21/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Even with a beverage package, you’ll have to pay more for wine tastings or martini-making events onboard. Depending on your mood, head to the wine bar, the brewery or the cocktail lounge onboard to organize your own sampler. Since most cruise lines will only let you order one drink at a time, you won’t have all the options laid out before you at once but ask the bartender to help you pick a handful of similar wines or brews to try in succession. Then, ask questions and take notes on each.

Our advice: Request half-pours so you can compare a variety.

Wine O’Clock: The cruise lines with the best wine selections

7. Unopened drinks

Ask if your bartender will let you take an unopened can of beer back to your room to enjoy later. (Photo: SimonSkafar, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Some cruise lines will give you a can of beer unopened, which allows you to save it in your cabin’s fridge for later — like when you want a beer on your balcony as you watch the sun set – or to slowly put together your own bucket of beer (which are not eligible for purchase with most beverage packages) for that last sea day.

Best cruise lines for craft beer fans:  Drink happy on these ships

8. Coffee and Espresso Drinks

Specialty coffees and espresso drinks are included in most beverage packages and, for many cruisers, it's the only way to start the day. (Photo: nitrub/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you’re looking for a buzz that won’t come back to bite you, drink packages freely deal out caffeine – and it’s the good stuff. Specialty coffees and espresso drinks are included in most beverage packages and, for many cruisers, it’s the only way to start the day.

Enjoy a piping hot cappuccino with a biscotti in the morning (pastries are included at most onboard coffee shops), or an iced latte in the afternoon. Spiked coffees are also a popular offering in many bars and lounges and those made with decaf make the perfect nightcap.

Best cruise lines for coffee lovers:  Get your caffeine fix on these ships

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