Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

It's easy to run up a monster bill ordering wine, beer and mixed drinks by the glass on a cruise ship. The cost of alcoholic drinks — particularly cocktails — on cruise vessels can be high. But for those who regularly order several alcoholic drinks a day when cruising, there's a way to save: a flat-fee drink package.Nearly all the major mass-market cruise lines offer flat-fee drink packages that, in some cases, can save you money when cruising. The exceptions are Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, though both offer alternative ways to save on beverage purchases.But what's included in a cruise ship drink package, and how do they work? And, perhaps more to the point, how much do cruise drink packages cost? Read on for the answers in this ultimate guide to cruise drink packages.For a line-by-line guide to drink package costs, inclusions, limitations and fine print, scroll to the second half of the guide.What is a drink package on a cruise ship?Cruise ship drink packages let you order as many drinks as you want (or up to a set daily limit) while on a cruise for one flat fee. This replaces paying for drinks one at a time.On some lines, there are several tiers of drink packages. Basi...