Alaska Cruise Cost Breakdown
A detailed look at what you really pay for an Alaska cruise, covering fares, cabin tiers, seasonality, routes and extra costs.
Alaska CruiseDrink Packages
The short answer
Alaska cruise drink packages typically range from $45 to $120 per person per day, with options on lower decks for casual sipping and premium suites on decks 10‑12 offering unlimited premium spirits, specialty coffees and exclusive lounge access, letting you balance cost against onboard luxury and itinerary highlights.
Alaska cruise drink packages are sold as add‑ons that let you enjoy unlimited sodas, cocktails, wine or premium spirits while you glide past glaciers and spot humpback whales. Prices usually start around $45 per person per day for the basic beverage bundle and can climb to $120 for the all‑inclusive premium option that includes top‑shelf liquors, specialty coffees and exclusive lounge access. The choice of package often hinges on the length of your sail, the number of evenings you plan to spend on deck, and whether you value a quieter lounge over a bustling main bar.
In this feature we break down the main drink packages offered by the major Alaska operators, map them to deck locations, compare cost versus benefit, and explain how the timing of your cruise—whether you sail the Inside Passage in July or the Gulf of Alaska in September—affects your drinking experience. We also look at how package selections interact with shore‑excursion schedules, wildlife‑watching evenings and the ship’s specialty restaurants, giving you a practical roadmap to maximise enjoyment without overspending.
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Compare prices →Basic Beverage Bundle: Value for Daytime Exploration
The basic bundle, often labelled the “Explorer” or “Standard” package, covers unlimited non‑alcoholic drinks, house wines, domestic beers and a limited selection of mixed drinks. Priced typically between $45 and $60 per person per day, it is stocked on the main pool deck (deck 5) and the casual lounge on deck 6, making it convenient for daytime glacier viewing and wildlife spotting. Because the package excludes premium spirits and specialty coffees, it works best for travelers who plan to spend evenings in the ship’s main dining room or on shore, where drinks are billed separately.
A key trade‑off with the basic bundle is that you forfeit access to the ship’s premium lounges such as the Sky Bar on deck 11, where the ambiance is quieter and the cocktail menu more refined. If you anticipate long evenings on deck 9’s observation lounge watching the sunset over Hubbard Glacier, the limited cocktail selection may feel restrictive, prompting many to upgrade to the mid‑tier option. However, for families with children or groups focused on shore excursions like a tide‑pool walk at Juneau, the basic package delivers reliable hydration without inflating the per‑person cost.
- Unlimited house wine and domestic beer
- Free soft drinks, coffee and tea
- Access on deck 5 pool area and deck 6 lounge
Mid‑Tier Package: Balanced Luxury for Evening Entertainment
The mid‑tier offering, frequently called the “Voyager” or “Premium” package, raises the price to a typical $75‑$90 per person per day and adds premium domestic wines, imported beers, and a broader cocktail menu that includes classic spirits such as gin, rum and vodka. This package grants access to the ship’s specialty lounge on deck 9, where you can enjoy a crafted cocktail while the sun dips behind the Taku Glacier. The inclusion of specialty coffees means you can linger in the ship’s coffee bar on deck 7 after a morning shore trek without extra charges.
Choosing the mid‑tier bundle involves weighing the added cost against the convenience of unlimited premium drinks during the ship’s evening entertainment programmes, such as the onboard jazz night or the Alaska‑themed gala dinner. For guests who plan to attend multiple themed nights, the package can save $10‑$15 per drink compared with à la carte pricing. Conversely, solo travelers who prefer low‑key evenings may find the extra expense unnecessary, especially if they intend to spend most of their time on shore excursions like a wildlife safari in Kenai Fjords.
- Premium domestic wines and imported beers
- Expanded cocktail list with gin, rum, vodka
- Access to deck 9 specialty lounge and deck 7 coffee bar
All‑Inclusive Premium Package: Unlimited Luxury on Deck 10‑12
The top‑tier “All‑Inclusive” or “Elite” package commands a typical price range of $110‑$130 per person per day and removes all caps on alcoholic consumption. It includes top‑shelf spirits, boutique wines, craft beers, specialty coffees and even bottled water. Access is granted to the ship’s exclusive lounge on deck 11 and the private bar on deck 12, both of which feature panoramic windows ideal for watching the midnight sun over Glacier Bay. This level of service also covers a complimentary cocktail with every dinner in the specialty restaurants, meaning you can pair a fine Pinot Noir with Alaskan salmon without extra charge.
The premium package is best suited for travelers who value uninterrupted indulgence and plan to spend many evenings on board, perhaps because they have limited shore time due to a shorter itinerary like a 7‑night Inside Passage cruise. The trade‑off is the higher daily cost, which can add $500‑$800 to a two‑week sailing. For couples celebrating a milestone, the exclusive lounge’s intimate setting and the ability to sample rare whiskies may outweigh the expense, whereas budget‑conscious families might allocate those funds to a guided wildlife excursion instead.
- Top‑shelf spirits, boutique wines, craft beers
- Unlimited specialty coffees and bottled water
- Exclusive lounge access on decks 11‑12 with panoramic views
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Timing Your Drink Package with Seasonal Weather and Daylight
Alaska’s cruise season stretches from late May to early September, with daylight hours ranging from 16 hours in June to just 9 hours in early September. During the long summer days, many passengers prefer to stay on deck for wildlife spotting, making a basic or mid‑tier package sufficient because most drinking occurs in the early evening. In contrast, the shorter daylight of September encourages more indoor socialising, and the premium package’s lounge access becomes more valuable as passengers seek a warm, atmospheric setting after a day of glacier kayaking.
Another factor is the prevalence of rain in May and early June; the ship’s indoor lounges on decks 8‑10 provide shelter while still offering a view of the passing scenery. If you book a May sail, consider the mid‑tier package to enjoy the comfort of indoor cocktail service without paying for the full premium price, especially since the ship’s specialty bar may be less crowded due to fewer evening activities.
- Long daylight = more deck time, basic package often enough
- Shorter daylight = indoor lounge value, premium package shines
- May rain = indoor lounge preference, mid‑tier balances cost
How Drink Packages Interact with Shore Excursions and Onboard Dining
Many Alaska itineraries include shore excursions that start early, such as a 6 am wildlife walk in Sitka or a glacier helicopter tour from Juneau. Because the basic bundle covers coffee and tea, you can enjoy a hot drink before heading ashore without extra cost. However, if your excursion includes a gourmet lunch on a private beach, the premium package’s inclusion of boutique wines can enhance the experience without breaking the bank, especially since on‑shore wine purchases are often marked up.
Onboard dining also influences package choice. The main dining room’s wine list is typically limited to house wines, which are covered by all packages. Specialty restaurants, like the steakhouse on deck 13, often charge $12‑$18 per glass of wine. With the all‑inclusive package, those charges disappear, making it the most economical option for food‑focused travelers who plan multiple specialty meals.
- Morning coffee covered by all packages for early excursions
- Boutique wines on shore lunches best with premium package
- Specialty restaurant wine fees offset by all‑inclusive bundle
Choosing the Right Package for Your Travel Group
Families with teenagers often find the mid‑tier package a sweet spot: it provides enough variety for a night out at the ship’s teen lounge on deck 8 while keeping costs below the premium level. Parents can enjoy a cocktail on deck 9’s lounge, and the kids stay hydrated with unlimited soft drinks. For couples on a romantic cruise, the all‑inclusive package unlocks private bar reservations on deck 12, allowing a quiet moment after a glacier‑view dinner without worrying about per‑drink tabs.
Solo travelers should assess their typical drinking habits. If you usually have one or two drinks a night, the basic bundle may be sufficient, especially if you plan to join group activities like the ship’s whiskey tasting on deck 10, which is often complimentary for premium‑package holders. Conversely, if you relish trying a different cocktail each evening, the added expense of the premium package pays for itself through the sheer volume of drinks and the exclusive lounge ambience.
- Families: mid‑tier balances teen lounge access and cost
- Couples: all‑inclusive grants private bar on deck 12
- Solo travelers: basic may suffice unless frequent cocktail tasting desired
Key takeaways
- Basic bundles cost $45‑$60 daily and suit daytime-focused itineraries.
- Mid‑tier packages add premium drinks and lounge access for $75‑$90 daily.
- All‑inclusive packages cost $110‑$130 daily, unlocking top‑shelf spirits and exclusive decks.
- Seasonal daylight and shore‑excursion timing dictate which package offers best value.
Where to book this cruise
When selecting a drink package, compare the total daily cost against your anticipated number of drinks and specialty restaurant visits. Check if the ship offers a trial period or a discount for pre‑booking the package at the time of reservation. Finally, compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I switch drink packages mid‑cruise on an Alaska sailing?
Most lines allow a one‑time upgrade or downgrade during the first half of the cruise, but you’ll be charged the price difference on a per‑day basis. Downgrades may be limited to the last few days, and some ships require a minimum of three days remaining to process a change, so plan ahead if you think your drinking habits will shift.
Are specialty coffees included in the basic drink package?
Specialty coffees such as espresso, cappuccino or latte are typically excluded from the basic bundle and are billed separately. The mid‑tier and all‑inclusive packages usually include unlimited coffee from the ship’s coffee bar, making them a better choice for passengers who enjoy a morning brew before a glacier hike.
Do drink packages cover alcohol on shore excursions?
Drink packages apply only to onboard consumption. Any wine, beer or spirits served during a shore excursion are priced independently, often at a premium. If you anticipate multiple wine‑paired meals ashore, the all‑inclusive package can still save money by covering your onboard drinks, allowing you to allocate shore‑excursion funds elsewhere.
Is there a limit on the number of drinks per day with the premium package?
The premium, all‑inclusive package is truly unlimited; there is no per‑drink cap. However, some ships impose a reasonable consumption policy to ensure safety, and staff may intervene if a passenger appears overly intoxicated. The policy does not affect the cost, but it’s worth noting for responsible drinking.
Do children need a drink package on an Alaska cruise?
Children under 12 are generally covered by the adult’s package for non‑alcoholic beverages, but they are not permitted to consume alcohol regardless of the package. Some lines offer a junior beverage program that includes juices, sodas and milk, which can be added for a small daily fee if you want a separate account for the kids.
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