Cruise Drink Packages on ships like Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages offer different options for enjoying drinks like soda, juice, and more. Each line has its own rules about what drinks you can have and how much it costs. It is like having a special cup that lets you get drinks anytime for one price.
Make sure to check if this cup or drink package really helps you save money compared to buying drinks individually. Each ship has a guide that tells you all about these packages, making it easier to decide. In this article we will explore Cruise Drink Packages.
What is a Drink Package on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise ship drink packages let you enjoy lots of different drinks, like soda, coffee, cocktails, beer, and wine, for one price. Other cruise lines offer various packages that include everything from simple sodas to fancy coffee drinks.
These packages make it easy to drink whatever you like on the ship without thinking about the Cost each time.
Price of Alcoholic Drink Packages on Cruise Ships
The price of alcoholic drink packages on cruise ships varies. For example, Carnival Cruise Line charges about $60 per day, while Norwegian Cruise Line charges around $138.
The price depends on the cruise line and what kinds of drinks are included. It’s usually cheaper to buy these packages before your cruise starts.
Can You Buy Drinks on a Cruise Without a Package?
Yes, you can buy drinks individually on a cruise if you want something other than a package. This is a good choice if you only want a few drinks or like certain beverages not included in a package. Cruise lines offer many options so everyone can enjoy their favorite beverages while sailing.
Can You Share a Cruise Ship Drink Package?
On most cruise lines like Carnival and Holland America, you can’t share a drink package. Each adult in a cabin must buy their package. This rule makes sure that drinks are only used by the person who purchased the package.
Are Cruise Ships’ Drink Packages Actually Unlimited?
Cruise ship drink packages often seem unlimited, but there are usually limits. You can only order one drink at a time, and there could be a daily limit. This helps everyone enjoy their trip safely and responsibly.
Where Can You Use a Drink Package on a Cruise Ship?
You can use your drink package in many places on the ship like bars, lounges, and eateries. But make sure to check the details because some places, like room service or cabin minibars, might not be included. Knowing where you can use it helps you plan your drink orders better.
Some cruise lines let you use your packages when you visit their private islands.
Are Drink Packages Worth it on a Cruise?
Whether a drink package is worth it depends on several factors. First, compare the package cost to buying drinks individually. Different cruise lines have different prices so that the Cost can vary. It also depends on how much you plan to drink and what kinds of drinks you like.
Another thing to consider is if the ship offers any free drinks. For example, some river cruises include wine and beer with lunch and dinner, so you only pay extra for other beverages.
Best Cruise Drink Packages
This list displays, line by line, the drink packages that each of the major lines offers. Remember that the costs are stated daily, per person. When a queue offers multiple drink packages, we have highlighted the most comprehensive package along with other options so that passengers have a choice.
· Carnival Cruise Line Cheers! Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $59.95 if bought before your cruise, plus 18% for tips; $64.95 on the ship, not including tips.
Available: On all ships except those in Australia or Europe.
Included: You get beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, juice, soda, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and most bottled water. You also get 25% off when buying a bottle of wine.
Limitations: The package does not cover drinks over $20, but you get a 25% discount on more expensive ones. If one adult in a cabin buys the package, all adults in that cabin must also buy it. There’s a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
You can book your Carnival Cruise Line trip using GoToSea, a service from U.S. News.
· Celebrity Cruises Premium Drink Package
Daily Cost: $109 plus a 20% tip if you did not book a premium Retreat area (Retreat guests get this package for free).
Available: On all ships, except those in the Galapagos, where drinks are included in the fare.
Included: A variety of drinks like specialty coffees, teas, mixed drinks, nonalcoholic cocktails, juices, Coca-Cola products, craft beers, wine by the glass, and premium bottled water. You also get a 20% discount on wine bottle purchases.
Limitations: The package isn’t valid for drinks over $17. A “Classic” Drink Package, with fewer options, is available for $89 per day. Room service and minibar drinks are not included.
Find and book a Celebrity Cruise with GoToSea.
· Holland America Elite Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $59.99 plus an 18% tip.
Available: On all ships.
Included: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water.
Limitations: The package is not valid for drinks over $15. A cheaper option, the Signature Beverage Package, costs $54.95 per day and covers drinks up to $11. Room service and minibar drinks are not included.
· MSC Cruises Premium Extra Package
Daily Cost: $85 if booked in advance for cruises of seven nights or more; $100 if bought on board. For shorter cruises, it’s $88 in advance or $104 on board.
Available: On all ships.
Included: Drinks like beer, wine, Champagne, premium spirits, liqueurs, sodas, juices, energy drinks, hot chocolate, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. You also get a 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottles.
Limitations: The package does not cover drinks over $16. A less expensive Easy Plus package costs $61 to $72 per day and covers drinks up to $10. Room minibar drinks are not included.
Compare MSC Cruises using GoToSea.
· Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Plus Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $138 plus a 20% tip.
Available: On all ships except Pride of America.
Included: All drinks by the glass, including premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, select premium bottles of Champagne, unlimited Starbucks coffee, bottled water, soda, juices, and energy drinks. You also get a 40% discount on other bottles of wine.
Limitations: None. A cheaper option, the Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package, costs $109 per day and covers drinks up to $15. Room service and minibar drinks are not included.
Search for a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary on GoToSea.
· Oceania Cruises Prestige Select Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $30 with tips included.
Available: On all ships.
Included: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails at any time. Soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees are already included in the fare. You also get a 20% discount on wine-pairing dinners.
Limitations: None. A House Select package covers Champagne, wine, and beer during lunch and dinner only and is included in the fare.
· Princess Cruises Premier Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $84.99 plus an 18% tip. On Australian cruises, it costs 140 Australian dollars per day with no tips added.
Available: On all ships.
Included: Beer, wine by the glass, soda, juices, specialty cocktails, mixed drinks, energy drinks, nonalcoholic cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. You also get a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases.
Limitations: The package does not cover drinks over $20, and there are a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
Find Princess Cruises deals on GoToSea.
· Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $56 to $105 plus an 18% tip (depending on the ship and itinerary).
Available: On all ships.
Included: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, and premium bottled water. You also get a 40% discount on wine bottles priced up to $100 and a 20% discount on more expensive bottles.
Limitations: The package only covers drinks over $14. Room service and minibar drinks are not included. The package is valid on private islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.
Use GoToSea to compare Royal Caribbean cruises.
· Viking Silver Spirits Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $25 with tips included.
Available: On all ships, including river and expedition ships.
Included: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails priced up to $18. Soda, beer, and house wines are already included with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees and teas are available all the time. You also get a 15% discount on premium drinks over $15.
Limitations: The package is not valid for drinks over $18.
· Windstar Cruises Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package
Daily Cost: $65 plus an 18% tip. Windstar also offers an All-Inclusive Pricing plan that includes unlimited drinks at no extra cost.
Available: On all ships.
Included: Specialty coffees, soda, beer, and wine-by-the-glass spirits, cocktails, and various nonalcoholic drinks. You also get a 30% discount on wine bottles up to $100.
Limitations: None. The Topmast Discoveries Beer and Wine Package costs $55 per day and includes beer and premium wines but not spirits or cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is the Average Cruise Drink Package?
Drink packages on cruises can start at around $10 to $15 for soda and specialty coffee, while packages that include alcohol can cost over $100.
How Many Drinks Can you Have on a Drink Package on a Cruise?
Most cruise lines limit you to 15 alcoholic drinks per day with a drink package.
Do Cruises Offer Discounts on Drink Packages?
Yes, some cruise lines offer discounts on drink packages if you buy them online before your cruise. Others may have special sales on their drink packages.
What is the Princess Plus Beverage Package?
The Princess Plus beverage package offers guests unlimited drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, soda, specialty coffees, and teas, plus Wi-Fi and crew appreciation. It’s available on all Princess Cruises ships and provides a convenient, all-inclusive experience.