Complete Guide to Cruise Drink Packages

Complete Guide to Cruise Drink Packages (2023)

Are you wondering if you should purchase one of the cruise drink packages on your next vacation? You are not alone, as it is a question we get quite often from fellow cruisers.

There are many factors involved in deciding if a beverage package is right for you. To help in your decision-making process, we have put together this complete guide to cruise line drink packages to help you sift through the different options. We cover plans, pricing, inclusions, and more.

Complete Guide to Cruise Line Drink Packages

What is a drink package on a cruise?

While some beverages are included in the standard cruise fare, many drinks will cost you extra money.

Complimentary beverages on most mainstream cruise lines include juice, non-bottled iced water, iced tea, tea, and brewed coffee.

Other beverages like specialty coffees, smoothies, fresh squeezed juice, soft drinks, bottled water, and energy drinks are all an additional fee. Likewise, all alcoholic beverages cost extra.

Now, this is where a drink package comes into play. Basically, cruise lines offer various packages that guests can purchase for a flat fee per person, per day to enjoy all these up-charge beverages.

The packages, prices, and inclusions do vary by cruise line. So, we will go into more detail on each cruise line’s offerings a bit later.

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Cruise Drink Package Basics

While cruise drink packages do vary by cruise line, they almost all have certain inclusions and restrictions that you should know before buying one of the packages.

  • Drink packages are priced per person, per day.
  • You need to purchase the drink package for the entire cruise (not just select days).
  • An additional service charge or gratuity is added to the total purchase price of a drink package at checkout.
  • Once the cruise has begun, drink packages are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Drink packages are for “personal consumption”, meaning no sharing of drinks with other cruisers that do not have a package.
  • Many cruise lines require all individuals in a stateroom to purchase a beverage package, so be sure to read all the terms and conditions.
  • Most packages cover beverages purchased at onboard restaurants and bars, and they may work on the cruise lines’ private islands as well.
  • Cruise drink packages often cover drinks up to a certain dollar amount. Afterwards, cruisers need to pay the difference for any drinks that are above this maximum allotment.
  • Most cruise line drink packages do not cover bottles of wine, bottles of liquor, mini-bar items, souvenir cup/specialty promotions, or room service purchases.
  • Many, but not all, cruise line drink packages are “unlimited” for the duration of the cruise.
  • Cruise lines reserve the right to deny service to individuals who are intoxicated, so enjoy responsibly.
  • Many cruise lines offer discounts on drink packages when purchased pre-cruise.

What cruise lines offer free drink packages?

Some luxury cruise lines are truly all-inclusive, meaning all beverages are included in the price of the cruise. However, that is not the case for the more mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and the like.

However, there are some cases where you might be able to score a free drink package. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its Free at Sea promotion. This promotion gives guests up to five free perks, including an unlimited open bar package.

Other cruise lines give free drink packages to guests booking the most luxurious cabins on the ship. For example, MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club guests receive a free Premium Extra Drink Package.

Further, other cruise lines offer all-inclusive pricing options. Celebrity Cruises has its All Included fare. Princess Cruises has the Plus Package and the Premier Package, and Holland America has the Have It All fare. These fares bundle a drink package with other inclusions like WiFi or gratuities for one set fare.

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Which cruise line has the cheapest drink package?

When examining the drink packages offered by all the major cruise lines listed below, you can see that the prices and the inclusions do vary quite a bit. Though, the cheapest drink package is found on MSC Cruises, followed by Holland America and Carnival.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line has the most expensive drink packages.

What cruise lines have unlimited drink packages?

A majority of cruise line drink packages are unlimited. However, the Carnival brands do impose a drink limit of 15 drinks. This includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. You should read the fine print when purchasing, as this drink limit sometimes refers to only alcoholic drinks and other times to total drinks.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises all have unlimited drink packages. The more premium and luxury cruise lines do as well.

Is it worth getting a drink package on a cruise?

This is a question that only you can answer. Essentially, the question is whether you will consume enough beverages to make the purchase “worth it”. Knowing your drink preferences, onboard drink prices, and typical consumption, you can estimate whether or not you would hit the “break even” price point.

Other considerations include the length of the cruise, how many ports of call are on the itinerary, and if you get any benefits from cruise line loyalty programs.

For instance, will you be able to sustain the same drinking pattern over the course of a 10-day or 14-day cruise? If your cruise is port intensive, will you be on the ship enough to make good use of your drink package? Do you get free drinks because of your status in a loyalty program with the cruise line?

What You Need to Know About Bringing Alcohol on a Cruise

It’s also important to know that many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard on embarkation day.

Overall, cruise drink packages certainly do offer convenience, as you never have to worry about the bar tab at the end of the cruise! They also make your cruise feel more all inclusive. Still, there are certain instances where they could be a waste of money. So, you will need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself before you decide to purchase one or not.

Of course, if you wish to forego a beverage package, you can always pay a la carte for your drinks purchased on the ship.

Cruise Drink Packages by Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean International Cruise Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean offers three drink packages. There is the alcoholic drink package, also known as the Deluxe Beverage Package. There are also two non-alcoholic drink packages, the Royal Refreshment Drink Package and the Classic Soda Package.

For all the coffee lovers, there is also the Café Select coffee card.

Royal Caribbean drink packages have dynamic pricing. This means that the price will vary based on ship, time of year, and itinerary. However, you can usually score a discount by purchasing pre-cruise. Average costs for each package are listed below.

  • Deluxe Beverage Package: $63 to $89 a day, with recent prices as high as $105!
  • Royal Refreshment Drink Package: $29-38 per person, per day
  • Classic Soda Package: $12.99-$15 per person, per day
  • Café Select Coffee Card: $31 for 15 drinks

Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package

The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package includes essentially all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This plan covers all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $14. Further, the package also includes most liquor and premium spirits.

The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package includes fountain soda, Coca-Cola freestyle machines (where available), still and sparkling water, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices as well.

Plus, guests who purchase the Deluxe drink package will receive a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100, and 20% discount on wine prices above $100.

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Royal Refreshment Drink Package

If you want more options than just soda in your Royal Caribbean non-alcoholic drink package, then the Royal Refreshment package might be right for you.

This plan gives cruisers unlimited choices of premium coffees and teas, soda (including the souvenir cup), bottled water (both sparkling and still), freshly squeezed orange juice, and non-alcoholic frozen drinks.

Essentially, you can enjoy almost any non-alcoholic beverage on this package, including Johnny Rockets milkshakes. There are only a few exclusions, such as Starbucks from licensed kiosks. Starbucks brewed coffee from other onboard locations ARE included.

Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is a popular drink package choice for families. This plan includes unlimited soda from the bars and restaurants onboard the ship and at the private islands. However, it does not include cans of soda or soda ordered through room service.

Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages

Carnival Cruise Line offers two drink packages. There is the alcoholic drink package, also known as the Cheers! Beverage Program. There is also the unlimited soda program, called the Bottomless Bubbles package.

The Carnival drink package prices are outlined below. You can save 10% on your Carnival drink package by purchasing before you sail.

  • Cheers Package: Starting at $59.95 per person, per day
  • Bottomless Bubbles: Starting at $6.95 per child or $9.50 per adult, per day
Cruise Drink Packages

Cheers Program

Carnival Cruise Line offers only one alcoholic drink package, known as the Cheers Beverage Program. Many cruisers refer to this as the unlimited drink package, as it includes essentially all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate.

This plan covers all alcoholic beverages, including beers, wine and champagne by the glass, and cocktails and spirits up to $20. This also includes the self-serve beer stations.

Further, this Carnival drink package also includes soda, virgin cocktails, juices, specialty coffees and teas, milkshakes, energy drinks, Powerade and Vitamin Water, and 500ml bottled water.

The Cheers Program also entitles cruisers to a 25% discount off of any drink costing more than the $20 allotment, wine and champagne by the bottle, and beverage seminars and classes.

While there is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks with this Carnival drink package, soda and other non-alcoholic beverages do not count towards this limit.

Bottomless Bubbles

Bottomless Bubbles is Carnival Cruise Line’s unlimited soda package. For one flat fee, cruisers can enjoy all the fountain soda and juices they want with this package.

Soda choices include Pepsi products. For juices, cruisers have the option of Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice, Pineapple Juice, and Grapefruit Juice.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line has made significant updates to its drink packages within the last year including prices and offerings. Now, the cruise line features only two alcoholic drink packages, the Premium Drink Package and the Premium Plus Drink Package. There are also two additional non-alcoholic drink packages, the Unlimited Soda Package and the Unlimited Starbucks package.

The Norwegian drink package prices are as follows:

  • Premium Drink Package: $109 per person, per day
  • Premium Plus Drink Package: $138 per person, per day
  • Unlimited Soda Package: $9.95 per person, per day
  • Unlimited Starbucks Package: $12.95 per person, per day
cruise line drink packages

Premium Drink Package

The most popular of the Norwegian Drink Packages is the Premium Drink Package. This package was previously called the Ultimate Beverage Package and is also sometimes referred to as the Unlimited Open Bar Package.

This is the drink package that guests receive with the Norwegian Free at Sea promotion.

The Premium beverage package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to $15.

Further, this package includes unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay. It also includes a 20% discount on bottles of wine and champagne, Wine and Spirit Experiences, Connoisseur Collection beverages, and tastings and flights purchased on board.

This package differs from most other cruise lines in that it does not include any premium non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, or specialty coffee.

Premium Plus Drink Package

A relatively newer NCL drink package is the Premium Plus beverage package. This is the most all-inclusive option of the Norwegian drink packages. Though, it does come at a higher price point. This drink package includes everything within the Premium beverage package, along with other top-shelf spirit brands.

Additionally, it includes select bottles of wine and champagne, Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, BioSteel sports drink selections, freshly squeezed juices, and wine dispensers.

Guests will also receive a 40% discount on non-select bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), “Wine and Spirit Experiences”, tastings, and flights.

This NCL drink package is available as an upgrade to the “free drink package”. Cruisers can upgrade by paying the difference in the retail package price ($29) in addition to associated service charges.

Unlimited Soda Package

The most basic of the NCL drink packages is the Unlimited Soda Package. This package does not cover cans of soda. Other non-alcoholic beverages, like bottled water or bottled juices, are not included either.

Currently, NCL ships serve Coca Cola products. The list of possible soft drinks (subject to availability during your cruise) are Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Fanta, and Soda Water.

Unlimited Starbucks Package

Another newer offering to the list of NCL drink packages is the Unlimited Starbucks package. This cruise drink package includes all coffees, teas, Refreshers, and Frappuccino favorites. However, it does exclude canned drinks, bottled drinks, food, and merchandise at Starbucks.

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Princess Cruises Drink Packages

Princess Cruises has recently revamped its drink package offerings to now include two alcoholic drink package options, the Plus Beverage Package and the Premier Beverage Package.

There are also three non-alcoholic Princess Cruises drink packages: the Zero Alcohol Drink Package, Classic Soda Package, and New Grounds Coffee Package.

Additionally, Princess Cruises has also rolled out two more all-inclusive packages, the Plus Package and the Premier Package.

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The Princess cruise drink packages pricing is as follows:

  • Plus Beverage Package – $64.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity
  • Premier Beverage Package – $84.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity
  • Zero Alcohol Package – $39.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity
  • Classic Soda Package – $12.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity

Princess Cruises Plus Beverage Package

The Princess Cruises Plus Beverage Package includes beer, spirits, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $15 USD ($22 AUD). It also includes all non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, the new Juice Bar, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, frappes at Coffee & Cones, milkshakes (if available), and Red Bull energy drinks.

Further, the package includes a 25% discount on all bottles of wine, one-liter bottles of water, canned soda, and bottled juices. 

This package has a daily limit on alcoholic beverages of 15 beverages over a 24-hour period.

Princess Cruises Premier Beverage Package

The Princess Cruises Premier Beverage Package includes everything from the Plus Beverage Package as well as additional top-shelf premium beverages. It includes a premium selection of beer, spirits, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $20 USD ($30 AUD).

Further, guests can enjoy all non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, the new Juice Bar, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, frappes at Coffee & Cones, milkshakes (if available), and Red Bull energy drinks. 

The package also provides guests a 25% discount on all bottles of wine, one-liter bottles of water, canned soda, and bottled juices. If dining at a specialty restaurant, a large (one-liter) bottle of still or sparkling water is covered by the package as well.

This drink package also has a daily limit on alcoholic beverages of 15 beverages over a 24-hour period.

Zero Alcohol Drink Package

The Zero Alcohol Drink Package (formerly Princess Cruises Premier Coffee and Soda Package) includes all specialty coffees and teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fresh juices and healthy smoothies (juice bar), bottled water, Frappes at Coffee & Cones, mocktails, Red Bull Energy Drinks, and Milk Shakes (if available).

The package also provides a 25% discount on canned items such as soda or bottled juices.

Classic Soda Package

The Princess Cruises Classic Soda Package includes all fountain sodas, fresh juices, mocktails, and smoothies. It also includes one souvenir tumbler based on availability.

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New Grounds Coffee Package

Princess Cruises offers a new beverage package for coffee lovers, The Grounds Coffee Package. This package includes the pre-purchase of a specified number of specialty coffees and complimentary brewed coffee and hot chocolate. However, it is valid only on the voyage for which it is purchased.

The number of espresso-based drinks does vary by itinerary. Thus, pricing for this package will vary based on your sailing.

Princess Plus and Princess Premier Packages

Basically, when you book a Princess cruise, you will now have the option of three different price levels. These levels are Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier.

The Princess Standard fare is basically a cruise only rate. If you want to purchase a drink package on your Princess cruise, you should probably opt to upgrade to one of these fares instead as it’s actually cheaper than a drink package alone.

Guests can upgrade to the Princess Plus fare for $60 per person, per day. This fare has the following inclusions:

  • Plus Beverage Package (drinks up to $15 each)
  • Wi-Fi (1 device per guest)
  • Crew appreciation
  • Premium desserts (2 per day)
  • Fitness classes (2 per cruise)
  • Unlimited juice bar

Guests can also upgrade to the Princess Premier fare for $80 per person, per day. This fare has the following inclusions:

  • Premier Beverage Package (drinks up to $20 each)
  • Wi-Fi (up to 4 devices per guest)
  • Crew appreciation
  • 2 specialty dining meals per guest
  • Photo package (unlimited digital + 3 prints)
  • Princess Prizes
  • Premium desserts (unlimited)
  • Fitness classes (unlimited)
  • Unlimited juice bar
  • Medallion accessory
  • Reserved theater seating (for production shows only)

Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages

When it comes to cruise drink packages on Celebrity Cruises, cruisers can select from a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The Classic Drink Package is the basic offering, while the Premium Drink Package includes additional beverages for an added cost. The Zero Proof Drink Package is the non-alcoholic option.

The pricing for these cruise line drink packages is as follows:

  • Classic Drink Package- $89 per person, per day
  • Premium Drink Package- $109 per person, per day
  • Zero Proof Drink Package (Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink Package)- $30 per person, per day

When booking a Celebrity cruise, guests now have the option of a Cruise Only or All Included rate. The All Included rate includes (for most stateroom categories) the Classic Beverage Package, a Basic WiFi package, and gratuities.

The price to upgrade does vary based on a number of factors. However, during our recent test, it worked out to about $80 per person, per day.

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Classic Drink Package on Celebrity Cruises

Perhaps the most popular beverage package is the Classic Drink Package on Celebrity Cruises. This is also the drink package you will get if you opt to upgrade to the All Included price.

This Celebrity drink package covers beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass for up to $10 per serving. This package also includes a 15% discount on all wines by the bottle.

With this package, you are also entitled to non-premium bottled water, specialty coffee, juices, and soda. This does not include smoothies or Aqua Spa fresh juices.

Celebrity Cruise Premium Drink Package

The Celebrity Cruise Premium Drink Package includes all Classic Drink Package items, in addition to other premium offerings. These selections include specialty coffees & teas, craft & artisan beers, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks, Coca-Cola products, premium bottled water, and wines by the glass up to $17. Also, guests get a 20% discount off all bottles of wine.

The Premium Beverage Package will cover martinis at the Martini Bar and most handcrafted drinks at the World Class Bar, as well as a much wider selection of wines.

Further, guests with the premium package receive unlimited premium still and sparkling bottled water, Red Bull, and Vitamin Water, as well as soda, Spa Café fresh juices, specialty coffee/tea, and zero proof cocktails.

If you opt for the All Included price, you can pay to upgrade from the Classic to Premium drink package for $24 per person, per day.

Zero Proof Drink Package (previously the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package)

Beverage packages are not just for alcohol. Celebrity Cruises also offers a non-alcoholic drink package.

This package includes premium bottled water from Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino, & Panna, Specialty Coffees & Organic Teas, Red Bull Energy Drinks, Frozen Smoothies, Zero Proof Cocktails, Coca-Cola selections, Vitamin Water, and Bottled Iced Teas. 

Holland America Line Cruise Drink Packages

Holland America Line offers a few different cruise drink packages as well. These include two alcoholic options, the Elite Beverage Package and the Signature Beverage Package. There are also two non-alcoholic options, the Quench Drink Package and the Coca Cola Drink Package.

The pricing for these Holland America drink packages is as follows:

  • Elite Beverage Package- $59.99 per person, per day
  • Signature Beverage Package- $54.95 per person, per day
  • Quench Drink Package- $17.95 per person, per day
  • Coca Cola Drink Package- $8 per person, per day
cruise drink packages

Elite Drink Package

Holland America Line’s Elite Drink Package is the most inclusive option. With this cruise drink package, you can enjoy all drinks priced $15 and under including Dale DeGroff’s Original Cocktails.

This package also includes unlimited Zero-Proof beverages. These options include specialty coffees, mocktails, smoothies, juice, soft drinks, bottled water (16oz or 330ml Perrier), and Red Bull energy drinks.

With this package, there is a 15-drink daily limit for alcoholic beverages; however, guests can enjoy an unlimited number of non-alcoholic beverages.

Signature Drink Package

The Signature Drink Package includes premium beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass priced $11 and under. It also includes all of the non-alcoholic items from the Quench Package.

Unlike the Elite package though, all zero-proof beverages count towards the daily limit.

Quench Drink Package

The Quench Drink Package is Holland America Line’s non-alcoholic drink package. This package includes premium coffees such as espresso and cappuccino, juices, Coca-Cola products, signature mocktails, smoothies, Red Bull, and bottled waters 500ml and under.

Like the signature drink package, guests are limited to 15 non-alcoholic beverages with this package.

Coca Cola Drink Package

This is Holland America’s soda package. This package includes unlimited fountain soda. On the Rotterdam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam, this package also includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.

Have It All Package

In 2021, Holland America Line rolled out its Have It All Package. The list price is $99 per person, per day. However, with promotions, cruisers can typically upgrade to Have It All for a 40 to 50% discount (around $50 per day).

While the terms of the package may fluctuate based on your specific sailing, this more inclusive offering typically includes 4 add-ons- shore excursion credit, a Signature beverage package, WiFi, and specialty dining.

So, if you are already considering a Signature Beverage package, you might want to consider this upgrade. Essentially, you would be getting the internet, shore excursion credit, and a specialty dinner for close to free.

MSC Cruises Drink Packages

MSC Cruises currently offers five different drink package options. These cruise drink packages include the Easy Package, Easy Plus Package, and Premium Extra Package. There are also two non-alcoholic options, the Alcohol Free Package and the Minors Package.

The pricing for these cruise line drink packages is as follows:

  • Easy Package- $38 per person, per day
  • Easy Plus Package- $51 per person, per day
  • Premium Extra Package- $71 per person, per day
  • Alcohol Free Package- $26 per person, per day
  • Minors Package- $17 per person, per day
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Easy Package

The Easy Package is the cheapest MSC Cruises drink package. This option entitles guests to a limited number of alcoholic beverages including house wines by the glass, draft beer, a selection of craft cocktails, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails. There is a separate section on the bar menus for guests with this package.

It also includes soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, and classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, latte, and hot tea).

This package covers all of the above served in bars, the buffet, and the main restaurant, as well as on the private island of Ocean Cay. However, it does not cover drinks in specialty restaurants or signature venues like Venchi 1878 or Jean Phillippe Chocolate, Coffee & Gelato.

Easy Plus Package

The Easy Plus Package covers all beverages priced up to $9. This includes frozen and classic cocktails, well spirits, liquors, and cordials, select wines by the glass, a wide variety of draft and bottled beers, and non-alcoholic cocktails. This package also includes soft drinks, bottled water, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, and hot teas.

Additionally, guests get a 10% discount on bottled wines purchased onboard the ship.

The Easy Plus Package works at all bars, the buffet, the main dining room, and specialty restaurants, as well as Ocean Cay. However, it does not work in signature venues either.

Premium Extra Package

The Premium Extra Package is the most inclusive of the MSC cruise drink packages. This package covers all drinks up to $15. It includes an extensive variety of frozen and classic cocktails, and premium brand spirits, liquors, and cordials. Additionally, guests can enjoy a selection of wines and champagnes by the glass or a 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne.

This package also includes all draft, craft, and bottled beers, soda, juices, bottled water, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot chocolate, and teas.

The Premium Extra Package works at all bars, the buffet, the main dining room, and specialty restaurants, as well as Ocean Cay. However, it does not work in signature venues either.

Alcohol Free Package

This cruise drink package includes a wide choice of alcohol free cocktails, soda, energy drinks, mineral water, flavored water, fruit juices, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, hot teas, and soft-serve ice cream.

This package does not work in the specialty restaurants or at signature venues. Yes, this means that if you purchase this package, you can’t even order a soda while enjoying dinner in the Butcher’s Cut. Yet ironically, this is the only drink package for adults that includes free soft serve ice cream.

Minors Package

Lastly, MSC Cruises offers a Minors Package. This drink package gives kids the freedom to enjoy a selection of alcohol free cocktails, soda, energy drinks, mineral water, flavored water, juices, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, hot tea, and soft serve ice cream.

This package does not work in the specialty restaurants either.

Minors are considered aged 3-17 on European sailings and aged 3-20 on North American and Caribbean itineraries. These packages are only applicable to minors who are part of a family purchasing an adult drink package.

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Margaritaville at Sea Drink Packages

Margaritaville at Sea offers a few different drink packages for guests to enjoy during their 2-day jaunts to the Bahamas. These packages are the Unlimited Soda Package, the Boat Drinks Package, and the No Feathers Non-Alcoholic Package.

The prices for these packages are as follows:

  • Unlimited Soda Package- $29 (includes souvenir cup)
  • Boat Drinks Packages (10 alcoholic drinks)- $99
  • No Feathers Non-Alcoholic Package (10 non-alcoholic drinks)- $59

Disney Cruise Line Drink Packages

Disney Cruise Line does not offer a traditional cruise drink package. It does offer discounts for wine bottle packages and promotions on beer which is essentially 6 beers for the price of 5.

Virgin Voyages Drink Packages

Virgin Voyages does not offer drink packages either. However, guests can pre-purchase a Bar Tab that can be used towards the purchase of drinks once onboard one of the line’s lady ships.

The cruise line often runs promotions where guests can get an extra $50 towards their Bar Tab for every $300 purchased.

The Bar Tab can only be used on drink purchases onboard the ships or at The Beach Club at Bimini. It may not be transferred to pay for other experiences, and any unused Bar Tab credit (both purchased and bonus) is not refundable at the end of the voyage.

Windstar Cruises Drink Packages

While all non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, alcoholic beverages will cost extra on your cruise. Windstar Cruises offers two drink packages, the Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine Package and the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package.

The beverage package prices are listed below. Windstar also offers an All-In Package. This all-inclusive pricing bundles three of the most popular add-ons- a drink package, unlimited WiFi, and gratuities.

  • Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine Package- $55 per person, per day
  • Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package- $65 per person, per day
  • The All-In Package- from $89 per person per day

Oceania Cruises Drink Packages

Oceania Cruises includes all non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda; however, the cruise line does offer two alcoholic beverage packages. The House Select Package includes beer and wine at meals. The Prestige Select Beverage Package includes beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails.

The pricing of these two packages is as follows:

  • House Select Package- $39.95 per person, per day
  • Prestige Select Beverage Package- $69.95 per person, per day
cruise drink packages

Viking Drink Packages

On Viking ships, you can enjoy 24-hour complimentary specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. Other drink inclusions are beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. However, if you prefer cocktails or premium spirits, you will need to purchase a beverage package or pay a la carte.

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package includes cocktails or beers and wine up to $18 a glass any time of day. The price of this package is $25 per person, per day. Further, the package must be purchased for the full length of the cruise by all parties sharing a stateroom.

Viking is one of the few luxury cruise lines that actually offers a beverage package. Other brands like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas include all beverages in their cruise fares.

Comments

Do you usually purchase cruise drink packages? Do you think they are a good value? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences using cruise line drink packages.

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8 comments

  • mark cartwright

    can you get cans of jim beam bourbon on the packages

    • A

      Hi Mark. Interesting question. What do you mean by “cans” of Jim Beam? Bottle service is not covered on most cruise line packages. You could certainly get plenty of Jim Beam drinks on the rocks, but one drink at a time. Of course, a bartender can also cut you off. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for reading. Happy cruising.

  • Alice Smith

    I don’t take the drink package because my husband doesn’t drink and they want you to pay for both people its ridiculous. Plus who in their right sober minds are going to drink 15 drinks a day. Not for me!!

    • JoJo821

      Don’t forget, these drink packages also include sodas,juices, mocktails and specialty coffees. I might have a bloody mary in the a.m. then a fruity cocktail in the afternoon, and an after dinner cordial. The rest of the time I can enjoy non-alcoholic drinks. So I am in my right sober mind and enjoy 15 beverages a day.

  • Judi Purcell

    I think you need to also take into consideration what the drinks cost on each line. A certain drink I like might be $9 on one line and within the drinks package limit but it can cost $13 on another line and over the drinks package limit. I know for certain that Royal Caribbean has a much higher per drink cost than Celebrity, HAL and Princess. So the RC package may cost the same as the other lines, it will not get you the drinks you want to drink without an up charge per drink.

    • A

      Great point Judi. Appreciate the feedback. Each line had different drink limits which can have an impact on your decision to get a drink package. Thanks for reading.