It is easy to run up a monster invoice ordering wine, beer and combined drinks by the glass on a cruise ship. The price of alcoholic drinks on cruise vessels — notably cocktails — might be expensive. However for individuals who commonly order a number of alcoholic drinks a day when cruising, there is a approach to save: a flat-fee drink package deal.
Almost all the most important mass-market cruise strains supply flat-fee drink packages that, in some circumstances, can prevent cash when cruising. The exceptions are Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, although each supply alternative routes to avoid wasting on beverage purchases.
What’s included in a cruise ship drink package deal, and the way do they work? And, maybe extra to the purpose, how a lot do cruise drink packages value? Learn on for the solutions on this final information to cruise drink packages.
For a line-by-line information to drink package deal prices, inclusions, limitations and nice print, scroll to the second half of the information.
What’s a drink package deal on a cruise ship?
Cruise ship drink packages allow you to order as many drinks as you need whereas on a cruise for one flat price. This takes the place of paying for drinks separately.
At some strains, there are a number of tiers of drink packages. Fundamental tiers usually embody simply sodas and bottled water. Extra elaborate (and costly) tiers will add alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails, wine, beer and specialty espresso drinks. In some circumstances, there will likely be a couple of tier of such all-encompassing plans.
Some strains additionally supply espresso playing cards that allow you to get a set variety of fancy espresso drinks at a shipboard espresso bar for a reduced value. Some strains additionally supply wine-specific packages.
How a lot do alcoholic drink packages value on cruise ships?
The price of cruise ship drink packages varies broadly by line. At a number of of the largest cruise manufacturers, together with Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America, the primary drink packages that embody all kinds of drinks value about $60 to $90 per particular person, per day. Different manufacturers, reminiscent of Royal Caribbean, cost greater than $100 per particular person, per day for a top-tier package deal.
Drink packages that do not embody alcoholic drinks, reminiscent of soda packages, usually value far much less. Soda packages are sometimes below $10 per particular person, per day. Notice that some cruise strains low cost drink packages in case you purchase them on-line prematurely of crusing, and others supply periodic gross sales on their drink packages on-line.
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Can you purchase drinks on a cruise with no drink package deal?
Sure. All main cruise strains will allow you to purchase drinks on an a la carte foundation when cruising. You do not want a drink package deal to have the ability to drink alcoholic drinks or another sort of beverage on a ship.
Are you able to share a drink package deal on a cruise ship?
In lots of circumstances, no. A number of of the largest cruise strains, together with Carnival, Holland America and MSC Cruises, have a rule that if one grownup in a cabin orders a drink package deal, all adults within the cabin should order the package deal. That is to stop two or extra individuals in a cabin from sharing a single drink package deal.
Two strains that notably haven’t got such a rule are Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Technically, you aren’t supposed to make use of your package deal to purchase drinks for different individuals.
Are drink packages on cruise ships actually limitless?
It relies upon. Some cruise strains, reminiscent of Carnival, restrict the variety of alcoholic drinks that anyone particular person can order utilizing a drink package deal to fifteen in a day. That’s, after all, an unlimited quantity — greater than most individuals will ever need to order.
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The place can you employ a cruise ship drink package deal?
Cruise ship drink packages usually are honored wherever you possibly can order a drink on a ship (suppose: bars, lounges and eateries). Nonetheless, you often cannot use them when ordering room service. Additionally they usually do not apply to drinks taken out of cabin minibars. Make sure to verify the nice print in your specific line’s drink package deal earlier than putting an order for a drink to your room.
Some cruise strains additionally allow you to use your packages when visiting their non-public islands.
A line-by-line information to cruise drink packages
Under is a line-by-line take a look at accessible drink packages on the main strains that supply them. Notice that the pricing listed is per particular person, per day. Costs had been legitimate as of the time of publication however are topic to alter over time. In circumstances the place a line affords a couple of drink package deal, we have highlighted essentially the most inclusive package deal intimately whereas additionally noting different packages cruisers can take into account.
Carnival Cruise Line drink package deal
Package deal title: Cheers! Beverage Program
Price per day: $88.44 when bought on board; $82.54 when bought prematurely of crusing. The costs embody gratuities.
Obtainable on: All ships besides these crusing in Europe or Australia
What it contains: Beer, wine by the glass, combined drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, vitality drinks, specialty coffees, teas and most bottled water. The package deal additionally includes a 25% low cost on wine bottle purchases.
Limitations associated to drink value: Can’t be used for drinks priced over $20
Positive print: Costlier drinks can be found at a 25% low cost. If one grownup in a cabin purchases the package deal, all adults in the identical cabin additionally should buy it. There is a restrict of 15 alcoholic drinks per particular person in a 24-hour interval.
Movie star Cruises drink package deal
Package deal title: Premium Drink Package deal
Price per day: Costs fluctuate relying on crusing however start at $100. Passengers staying in The Retreat on Movie star ships obtain the Premium Drink Package deal totally free.
Obtainable on: All ships besides these within the Galapagos (the place drinks are included within the fare)
What it contains: A big number of beers, together with craft beers, wine by the glass, combined drinks, specialty cocktails, Coca-Cola merchandise, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, vitality drinks, specialty coffees, teas and premium bottled water. The package deal additionally affords a 20% low cost on wine bottle purchases.
Limitations associated to drink value: Covers drink prices as much as $19.
Different packages: Movie star additionally affords a much less inclusive “basic” drink package deal that’s included within the fare for its sailings in case you select the All Included fare (relatively than the cruise-only fare). When bought individually, costs fluctuate by crusing however start at $85 per particular person, per day.
Positive print: Packages don’t embody drinks from in-room minibars or drinks ordered by way of room service.
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Holland America drink package deal
Package deal title: Elite Beverage Package deal
Price per day: $65.95, not together with an 18% gratuity cost
Obtainable on: All ships
What it contains: Beer, wine by the glass, combined drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, vitality drinks, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water
Limitations associated to drink value: Can’t be used for drinks priced over $15
Different packages: The marginally inexpensive Signature Beverage Package deal solely contains drinks costing as much as $11. It prices $60.95 per day. Moreover, the road affords a nonalcoholic drink package deal known as Quench that brings limitless bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, Coke merchandise and mocktails. It prices $17.95 per day. There’s additionally a Coca-Cola Merchandise package deal accessible that covers purchases of Coke merchandise on ships for $8 per day.
Positive print: If one grownup in a cabin purchases a package deal, all adults in the identical cabin should additionally buy it. Packages don’t embody drinks from in-room minibars or ordered by way of room service. The package deal shouldn’t be legitimate on Holland America’s non-public island, Half Moon Cay, or for minibar fees.
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MSC Cruises drink package deal
Package deal title: Premium Further Package deal
Price per day: $80 for three-night sailings if booked prematurely; $95 if booked on board. For four-night to nine-night sailings, the associated fee drops to $70 if booked prematurely ($85 if booked on board). Longer sailings are $67 if booked prematurely and $82 if booked on board. Notice that MSC Cruises doesn’t add service fees to drink package deal purchases, in distinction to the coverage at most strains.
Obtainable on: All ships
What it contains: Drinks by the glass, together with draft, craft and bottled beer; a number of wine and Champagne by the glass; premium-brand spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a wide range of frozen and basic cocktails; soda; juices; nonalcoholic cocktails; vitality drinks; sizzling chocolate drinks; specialty coffees; teas; and bottled water. The package deal additionally affords a 25% low cost on wine and Champagne bottle purchases.
Limitations associated to drink value: Company with the drinks packages seeking to buy a drink over $16 might want to pay the distinction for the quantity over $16.
Different packages: An alcohol-free model of the package deal that eliminates all of the alcoholic components is obtainable for a a lot decrease value, usually lower than half as a lot as the price of the Premium Further Package deal. MSC Cruises additionally affords a Minors Package deal for teenagers and younger adults that options filtered water, juices and soda, sizzling drinks and vitality drinks.
Positive print: If one particular person in a cabin purchases a package deal, all individuals in the identical cabin or touring group should additionally buy a package deal (youngsters in cabins will likely be charged for a inexpensive nonalcoholic package deal). Packages usually are not accessible on sailings shorter than three nights, apart from South America sailings. They’re additionally not accessible on South Africa sailings. The package deal is legitimate not simply on MSC ships however at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ non-public island within the Bahamas. There is a restrict of 15 alcoholic drinks per particular person, per day.
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Norwegian Cruise Line drink package deal
Package deal title: Free at Sea Beverage Package deal
Price per day: $28.50 per particular person per day, which Norwegian says is the necessary gratuities value for the in any other case “free” beverage package deal included with its ongoing Free at Sea reserving promotion
Obtainable on: All ships
What it contains: Quite a lot of cocktails, wine by the glass, gentle drinks and draft and bottled beer. The package deal additionally brings $15 off the listed value for ultra-premium picks in Norwegian’s Connoisseur Assortment and signature assortment. A 20% low cost will likely be given on bottles of wine (Champagne and glowing included), Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or Flights bought onboard.
Limitations associated to drink value: None
Different packages: For $49.99 per particular person per day on sailings starting Feb. 1, 2026, passengers should buy an upgraded Free at Sea Plus package deal that provides limitless Starbucks drinks, wine and Champagne from NCL’s signature assortment, bottled water, vitality drinks, contemporary juices and high shelf spirits. By choosing Free at Sea Plus, visitors additionally obtain limitless open bar at Nice Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s non-public island vacation spot within the Bahamas.
Positive print: If one passenger in a cabin purchases a package deal, everybody in the identical cabin should buy the package deal, too. Youngsters are charged for a inexpensive, nonalcoholic package deal. The Free at Sea Beverage Package deal doesn’t embody Connoisseur’s Assortment, Signature Choice, Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or Flights, Starbucks, Ice Bars, room service, package deal gross sales, bottled water, ship particular promotions or beer buckets, designated tremendous premium manufacturers (topic to alter), bottled wine, minibar purchases, contemporary squeezed juices, wine dispenser, vitality drinks or merchandising machines. The package deal additionally can’t be used on Norwegian’s non-public island within the Bahamas, Nice Stirrup Cay.
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Oceania Cruises drink package deal
Package deal title: Status Choose Beverage Package deal
Price per day: $79.95 per visitor, per day. If visitors choose the Complimentary Wine & Beer possibility through the reserving course of as their Your World Included amenity (it is one in every of two choices, the opposite being a shore tour credit score), they’re eligible to improve to a Status Choose Beverage Package deal for 50% off the traditional value.
Obtainable on: All ships
What it contains: The Status Choose Beverage Package deal permits visitors to take pleasure in limitless Champagne and wine by the glass, beer, spirits and cocktails, accessible at any onboard venue in addition to by way of room service throughout bar working hours. Sodas, specialty coffees and teas are at all times free.
Limitations associated to drink value: None
Positive print: Wine by the bottle, premier spirits and sake usually are not included within the package deal. Oceania Cruises now not carries water bottles, however gives nonetheless & glowing Vero Water.
Princess Cruises drink package deal
Package deal title: Premier Beverage Package deal
Price per day: $84.99 plus an 18% service cost (for a complete of $100.30). On Australia cruises, the package deal prices 140 Australian {dollars} (about $94) per day together with the service cost. Notice that for just some {dollars} extra, you should purchase a broader Princess Premier package deal that features not only a Premier Beverage Package deal however Wi-Fi entry and specialty restaurant dinners, amongst different extra-charge objects. The Princess Premier Package deal at present prices $100 per particular person, per day if purchased prematurely of a cruise ($105 per particular person, per day if purchased on board).
Obtainable on: All ships
What it contains: Beer, wine by the glass, combined drinks, specialty cocktails, fountain soda, juices (together with juice bar choices), nonalcoholic cocktails, vitality drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water. The package deal additionally brings a 25% low cost on wine bottle purchases.
Limitations associated to drink value: Drinks that value $20 or much less are included. Passengers who order drinks that value greater than $20 should pay the distinction between the acquisition value and $20. The fee cutoff for packages on Australia sailings is AU$30 (about $19.60).
Different packages: Princess additionally affords a much less expensive Plus Beverage package deal that can be utilized for drinks priced as much as $15 (AU$20 on Australia sailings). It is priced at $64.99 plus an 18% service cost (AU$110 together with the service cost on Australia sailings).
Positive print: There is a restrict of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
Royal Caribbean drink package deal
Package deal title: Deluxe Beverage Package deal
Price per day: $56 to $105, not together with an 18% gratuity cost (pricing varies by ship and itinerary)
Obtainable on: All Royal Caribbean ships
What it contains: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, combined drinks, cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, vitality drinks, specialty coffees, teas and premium bottled water. The package deal additionally affords a 40% low cost on wine bottle purchases for bottles priced as much as $100. Costlier bottles include a 20% low cost.
Limitations associated to drink value: Can’t be used for drinks priced over $14
Positive print: If one grownup of authorized ingesting age in a cabin or touring below the identical reserving quantity purchases a package deal, all adults of authorized ingesting age in the identical cabin additionally should buy it. Packages don’t embody drinks from in-room minibars or these ordered by way of room service. Drinks served in memento glassware, specialty beers and drinks served inside licensed Starbucks shops on ships usually are not coated by the package deal. Beverage packages can be utilized on Royal Caribbean’s non-public islands, Good Day at Coco Cay and Labadee.
Viking drink package deal
Package deal title: Silver Spirits Beverage Package deal
Price per day: $27, together with gratuities
Obtainable on: All ships, together with river and expedition ships
What it contains: Beer, wine by the glass, combined drinks and cocktails priced at as much as $18. Soda, beer and home wines by the glass ordered at lunch and dinner are already included within the fare at Viking; so are specialty coffees and teas in any respect hours. The package deal additionally brings a 15% low cost on wine bottles and premium drinks that are not included within the package deal.
Limitations associated to drink value: Can’t be used for drinks priced over $18
Positive print: The package deal shouldn’t be accessible on Egypt itineraries.
Windstar Cruises drink package deal
Package deal title: Captain’s Unique Beverage Package deal
Price per day: $79 when bought as much as 5 days previous to your cruise. If bought later, it is $89 per day. Windstar additionally has begun providing optionally available All-Inclusive Pricing charges for cruises that embody limitless drinks at no further cost.
Obtainable on: All ships
What it contains: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits and cocktails. Soda, specialty coffees and different nonalcoholic drinks are already included within the fare on Windstar sailings. The package deal additionally brings a 30% low cost on wine bottle purchases for bottles costing as much as $100.
Limitations associated to drink value: None
Different packages: Windstar additionally affords an All-In Package deal that provides passengers included drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities for an upcharge of $99 per day when booked as much as 5 days previous to the cruise. After that, it prices $109 per day.
Positive print: None
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