Cruise Myths: Drinks, Insurance, Extras

Welcome aboard, it’s Shelly! 🐢🛳️ Cruising and a little friendly competition are two of my favorite things, so today we’re playing True or False. I guessed on three common cruise myths, and I’ll tell you how I did (spoiler: not great). Play along and keep score!

Myth 1: “Drink packages are always worth it.”

My guess: True. Reveal: False. 🚨

A drink package can be a good deal for some people and a waste for others. It depends on how much you really drink, how many days you’ll be in port, and what the package includes and excludes. Packages are usually priced per person, per day, and many lines have rules about who has to buy one. The best move is to estimate your own daily drinks and compare that to the package price before you decide. Rules and prices differ by line and can change, so check your line’s terms.

A quick way to compare a drink package

Count your drinks. Write down how many you’d realistically have on a normal day, and remember that days in port may look different from sea days.
Find the package price. Check the price per person, per day, and whether every adult in the cabin has to buy one. Prices can change, so check your line’s terms.
Check what’s covered. Look at which drinks are included, which are excluded, and whether there’s a limit per day.
Do the math. Multiply your daily drinks by what you’d pay for them one at a time, then compare the total to the package. Don’t forget any added service charges.
Decide. If the package costs more than you’d realistically spend, paying as you go may suit you better. If it costs less, it may be worth it.

It’s a five-minute check that can help you avoid paying for drinks you won’t have.

Myth 2: “Insurance only matters in hurricane season.”

My guess: True. Reveal: False. 🚨

Storms are one reason people look at travel insurance, but trips can be disrupted at any time of year. Illness, family emergencies, travel delays and missed connections can all happen in any month. Not every policy covers every situation, and coverage differs from one policy to the next. Some things may be excluded. So read what a policy covers, what it leaves out, and any deadlines for buying it, before you decide. It’s smart to look at it soon after booking.

Myth 3: “Everything onboard is included.”

My guess: False. Reveal: False, and I got this one right! ✅

Your base fare usually covers your cabin, and typically some meals and entertainment. But many things cost extra. Depending on the line, that can include some drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, spa visits, some activities, and trips in port. What’s included changes by line, ship and fare type. Before you book, look at the list of what is and isn’t included, and check your line’s terms.

My final score: 1 out of 3. 🐢🛳️ Can you beat me? Keep your score, then watch Shelly’s latest Shorts on YouTube: youtube.com/@cruisingwithshelly. Follow along for the next myth check!

Follow Shelly 🐢🛳️ for more cruise tips on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.

A quick habit for every myth: if a cruise “fact” sounds too simple, check it against your own line’s policy pages. Cruise rules are not one-size-fits-all.

FAQ

Are drink packages always worth it?

No. A drink package can be a good deal for some people and a waste for others. It depends on how much you really drink, how many days you’ll be in port, and what the package includes and excludes. Estimate your own daily drinks and compare that to the package price before you decide.

Does travel insurance only matter in hurricane season?

No. Storms are one reason people look at travel insurance, but trips can be disrupted at any time of year. Illness, family emergencies, travel delays and missed connections can all happen in any month. Read what a policy covers, what it leaves out, and any deadlines for buying it.

Is everything onboard included in the cruise fare?

No. Your base fare usually covers your cabin, and typically some meals and entertainment. But many things cost extra. Depending on the line, that can include some drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, spa visits, some activities, and trips in port.

Cruise line terms and policies

Cruise rules and cancellation policies differ by line and can change, so check your line’s terms before you book. These are the official pages, listed for reference only. This is not an endorsement of any line.