There isn’t much point in denying it. Cruisers are a generally bunch of boozehounds. And we mean that in the most loving way possible! Like the Caribbean pirates of yore, they take to the high seas intent on rum and raid the ports of the Caribbean for sweet loot. In modern times, the rum is in the form of a piña colada, and the treasure is in the form of a color changing t-shirt from Del Sol or other souvenirs.
The question remains how you can get these drinks for free. Our nautical forebears would have balked at the price of an unlimited drinks package, and may have struggled to drink enough to make it worthwhile. Fortunately, there are ways to get cheaper drinks.
Go to a Formal Party
Disney Cruise Line’s offers a captain’s cocktail party on formal nights. The cocktail party is open to all passenger’s and provides complimentary drinks. On Carnival ships, there is a Captain’s Meet & Greet party which gives out free champagne. The Welcome Back party for repeat cruisers also has complimentary drinks. Royal Caribbean also has a similar party on the first formal night.
Attend the Art Auction
Most cruise lines have some sort of an art auction on board. There has been some controversy about the pieces on offer, and how much they’re sold for. However, there is free alcohol in the form of complimentary sparkling wine on offer, and there is no requirement that you bid on anything the auctioneer presents. We suggest it here solely as a way to enjoy the atmosphere, and of course some free drinks.
Look for Happy Hours and BOGOs
Almost every venue on the ship will have a happy hour at some point. Sometimes these will involve a buy-one-get-one-free offer. It’s the best way to get a mixed drink for free onboard, and it’s great if you’re traveling with friends. We suggest alternating who buys the rounds so everyone gets at least one free drink.
To Keep in Mind
In Vegas drinks are comped when you step up to the table with chips in your hand. Not so in onboard casinos. If that’s your plan for passing the days away in a pleasant haze while you’re on the ship, well, it isn’t going to work. The only thing close to it is Norwegian’s Casino at Sea Players Club, a loyalty program for nautical players, and it requires a significant investment of time and money to get to where drinks are on the house.
If you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral and looking for complimentary drinks check out Go Port packages with the Embassy Suites, Residence Inn, Courtyard, and Staybridge Suites all offering Evening Receptions that start your cruise vacation before you even get on the ship. Or check out our other hotel packages if you just want to get to your ship well-rested and without a hassle.
Recommend 
