Drink package on a 3 day cruise

[ineed-a-vacation]

I tried adding the drinks package to my upcoming MSC cruise, but it does not give me the option online.  When I spoke to a phone rep I was told that they do not allow you to purchase the drink package for before boarding on cruises less than 7 days.  Then I read somewhere that drink packages aren't offered on MSC cruises that are less than 7 days.  I don't remember where I read this and haven't been able to get it confirmed.  Does anyone know if this is true or what the deal is with drink packages?  I'm on a 3 day cruise.

[Morgsmom]

You may or may not have the opportunity to book a package on the day your board. Depends on ship and sailing.  You are correct that you cannot pre-book the package.  The reason is that on a 3 day sailing the math doesn't work out for the cruise lines.  The longer the sailing the less (on average) over time folks drink.  Day 1 might be 10 drinks (incl water, soda, etc), day 2 will be 8, etc.  (Your numbers may vary).  By the end of a week or longer most folks are partied out and the scale tips in favor of the cruiseline.  Profitabilty is, after all, their game.