re: If i go on a cruise, how much should i budget for drinks?

If they allow two bottles of wine, you can take two empties and fill them with the liquor of your choice, then re-cork them. You could even put a new foil wrap on if you want.

(I have a corker, you can borrow it if you want.)

on the cruises ive been on i will pack water bottles with vodka or any clear liquor and just super glue the seals to make them look unopened. a friend of mine put crown in one of the big listerine mouthwash bottles (the original brown version). and i always bring a couple of "coke" 12 packs with beer cans inside. has always worked without any problems. just bring a foldable ice chest or use your trash can as an ice chest. you can always order ice from room service or request it from one of the bars.

for drinking on the ship order a soft drink for your liquor or buy a beer and go back to the room for a refill. the ship isnt the largest so going back to the room for more beer is better than paying $7-8+ for a beer.