When it comes to enjoying beverages on a cruise, costs can add up quickly, especially for wine, beer, and cocktails. However, avid cruisers can take advantage of flat-fee drink packages to save on their daily beverage expenses. This guide explores the options available to help you choose the best deal for your next cruise.
Nearly all major cruise lines provide flat-fee drink packages that can lead to substantial savings, particularly for those who indulge in multiple drinks daily. Notable exceptions include Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, which offer distinct methods for reducing beverage costs.
Curious about what a cruise drink package entails and how they work? This ultimate guide has you covered with key insights into pricing, inclusions, limitations, and more.
For detailed information on drink package costs, inclusions, limitations, and important terms, please scroll to the latter half of this guide.
What is a drink package on a cruise ship?
A cruise ship drink package allows guests to order unlimited drinks for a single fixed fee, as opposed to paying for each drink individually.
Many cruise lines offer various tiers of drink packages. Basic options may include only soft drinks and bottled water, whereas higher tiers provide a greater selection, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails, wine, beer, and gourmet coffee drinks. Some lines also present dedicated coffee cards for discounted coffee purchases and specific wine packages.
How much do alcoholic drink packages cost on cruise ships?
Pricing for cruise ship drink packages varies significantly by cruise line. Major brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America, typically charge between $60 and $90 per person, per day for comprehensive drink packages. In contrast, lines like Royal Caribbean may charge over $100 per person, per day for top-tier options.
Packages excluding alcoholic beverages, such as soda offerings, generally cost less than $10 per person, per day. Be sure to check for any pre-cruise discounts, as many cruise lines offer reduced rates for purchasing packages online before sailing.
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Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise
Can you buy drinks on a cruise without a drink package?
Yes, all major cruise lines allow you to purchase drinks individually without needing a drink package. Whether you prefer alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages, they are available for a la carte purchase on board.
Can you share a drink package on a cruise ship?
Typically, sharing a drink package within the same cabin is not permitted. Major cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America, and MSC Cruises, require that if one adult in a cabin buys a drink package, all adults in that cabin must also purchase one. This policy helps to prevent multiple individuals from sharing a single package.
Notably, Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises do not enforce this rule, but generally, you cannot buy drinks for other guests using your package.
Are drink packages on cruise ships really unlimited?
This varies by line. Some, like Carnival, impose a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person per day on their drink packages—a considerable number that exceeds what most individuals would typically consume.
Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise beverage package (and 3 to avoid)
Where can you use a cruise ship drink package?
Generally, a cruise ship drink package is applicable at any onboard venue that serves drinks, including bars, lounges, and restaurants. However, it typically cannot be used for room service or to purchase items from cabin minibars. Always review the specific terms of your cruise line’s package for any exceptions.
Some cruise lines also permit the use of drink packages at their private islands.
A line-by-line guide to cruise drink packages
Here is a breakdown of drink packages across the major cruise lines. Remember, the prices mentioned are per person, per day, and can change. When a line offers multiple packages, we focus on the most comprehensive one while also noting additional options.
Carnival Cruise Line drink package
Package name: Cheers! Beverage Program
Cost per day: $88.44 when bought on board; $82.54 when purchased in advance. This price includes gratuities.
Available on: All vessels, excluding those operating in Europe or Australia
What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soft drinks, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and most bottled water. There is also a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases.
Limitations related to drink cost: Not valid for drinks costing more than $20
Fine print: If one adult in a cabin purchases the packet, all adults must also buy it. There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person, per 24 hours.
Celebrity Cruises drink package
Package name: Premium Drink Package
Cost per day: Prices differ based on sailing but start at $100. Guests in The Retreat receive this package at no extra charge.
Available on: All ships except those in the Galapagos, as drinks are included in the fare there.
What it includes: A wide selection of beers, including craft choices, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, Coca-Cola products, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and premium bottled water. A 20% discount on wine bottle purchases is also offered.
Limitations related to drink cost: Covers drinks up to $19.
Other packages: A less comprehensive “classic” drink package is also available and may be included in the fare for sailings under the All Included option. When purchased separately, it starts at $85 per person, per day.
Fine print: The package does not cover drinks from in-room minibars or room service.
Related: Best cruise ship bars
Holland America drink package
Package name: Elite Beverage Package
Cost per day: $65.95, excluding an 18% gratuity
Available on: All vessels
What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soft drinks, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water
Limitations related to drink cost: Not usable for drinks priced above $15
Other packages: The Signature Beverage Package is slightly less costly at $60.95 per day and covers drinks up to $11. A nonalcoholic drink package called Quench is available for $17.95, providing unlimited bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, Coke products, and mocktails. A Coca-Cola Products package is offered for $8 per day.
Fine print: One adult in the cabin purchasing a package requires all adults in the same cabin to do the same. It does not cover drinks from in-room minibars or those ordered through room service and is not valid on Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay.
Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles
MSC Cruises drink package
Package name: Premium Extra Package
Cost per day: $80 for three-night sails if booked ahead; $95 if purchased on board. For four-to-nine-night sails, it costs $70 in advance ($85 on board). For longer cruise lengths, it’s $67 in advance and $82 on board. MSC Cruises does not add service charges to drink package purchases.
Available on: All vessels
What it includes: Drink options include beer, wine, Champagne by the glass, premium-brand spirits, liqueurs, various cocktails, soft drinks, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, hot chocolate, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. There’s a 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottle purchases.
Limitations related to drink cost: For drinks that exceed $16, guests will need to pay the difference.
Other packages: A nonalcoholic version is available for a lower price. The Minors Package for teens and young adults includes filtered water, juices, soda, hot drinks, and energy drinks.
Fine print: If one person in a cabin buys a package, all individuals in that room or party must also purchase a package (children will get a less expensive nonalcoholic option). Packages are not available for trips less than three nights, except for South America voyages, and are valid at MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. There’s a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person daily.
Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide
Norwegian Cruise Line drink package
Package name: Free at Sea Beverage Package
Cost per day: $28.50 per person, which is the mandatory gratuity for the otherwise complimentary beverage package included in Norwegian’s ongoing Free at Sea promotion.
Available on: All ships
What it includes: A selection of cocktails, wine by the glass, soft drinks, and draft and bottled beer. It offers $15 off for ultra-premium selections from Norwegian’s Connoisseur Collection and signature collection. Passengers also receive a 20% discount on bottles of wine (including Champagne and sparkling wines), Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings, or Flights purchased on board.
Limitations related to drink cost: None
Other packages: Starting at $49.99 per person per day on trips commencing February 1, 2026, the upgraded Free at Sea Plus package adds unlimited Starbucks beverages, wine and Champagne from the signature collection, bottled water, energy drinks, fresh juices, and premium spirits. Passengers gain access to an open bar at Great Stirrup Cay, their private Bahamian island.
Fine print: If one passenger in a cabin opts for a package, all occupants of the same cabin must do so as well. Children pay a lower rate for a nonalcoholic package. The Free at Sea Beverage Package excludes a variety of items, including Connoisseur’s Collection, Signature Selection, Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or Flights, Starbucks, room service, package sales, bottled water, ship-specific promotions, beer buckets, designated super-premium brands, bottled wine, minibar purchases, fresh-squeezed juices, wine dispensers, energy drinks, and vending machines. This package is not valid on Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay.
Oceania Cruises drink package
Package name: Prestige Select Beverage Package
Cost per day: $79.95 per guest. If guests choose the Complimentary Wine & Beer option as part of the Your World Included amenity during booking (along with a shore excursion credit), they may upgrade to the Prestige Select Beverage Package for half off.
Available on: All ships
What it includes: Unlimited Champagne and wine by the glass, beer, spirits, and cocktails are available throughout the vessel and through room service during bar operating hours. Sodas, specialty coffees, and teas are complimentary.
Limitations related to drink cost: None
Fine print: Wine by the bottle, premier spirits, and sake are not included in this package. Oceania Cruises has also eliminated standard water bottles but provides still and sparkling Vero Water.
Princess Cruises drink package
Package name: Premier Beverage Package
Cost per day: $84.99 plus an 18% service charge (totaling $100.30). On cruises out of Australia, the package is priced at 140 Australian dollars (approximately $94) per day, including service.
Available on: All ships
What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, fountain soda, juices (including juice bar options), nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. A 25% discount on wine bottle purchases is also available.
Limitations related to drink cost: Drinks priced at $20 or less are included; for drinks exceeding $20, the difference must be paid. The cutoff price for Australian sailings is AU$30 (around $19.60).
Other packages: A Plus Beverage package exists for drinks up to $15 (AU$20 on Australian sailings). This package is priced at $64.99 plus an 18% service charge (AU$110 including the service charge on Australian sailings).
Fine print: There’s a 15-drink limit per day for alcoholic beverages.
Royal Caribbean drink package
Package name: Deluxe Beverage Package
Cost per day: $56 to $105, excluding an 18% gratuity (varies by ship and itinerary)
Available on: All Royal Caribbean vessels
What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails, soft drinks, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and premium bottled water. The package includes a 40% discount on wine bottles priced up to $100, while bottles over that amount come with a 20% discount.
Limitations related to drink cost: Can’t be used for drinks exceeding $14
Fine print: If any adult of legal drinking age in the same cabin or group purchases a package, all adults of legal drinking age must also buy one. This package does not cover drinks from in-room minibars or those ordered through room service. Souvenir glassware, specialty beers, and drinks from licensed Starbucks locations are also excluded. Packages may be valid on Royal Caribbean’s private islands, Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee.
Viking drink package
Package name: Silver Spirits Beverage Package
Cost per day: $27, including gratuities
Available on: All ships, including river and expedition vessels
What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails priced at up to $18. House wine and beer during lunch and dinner, as well as specialty coffees and teas, are already included in the fare without any extra charge.
Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be applied to drinks priced over $18
Fine print: This package is not available on Egypt itineraries.
Windstar Cruises drink package
Package name: Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package
Cost per day: $79 when purchased at least five days prior to sailing; $89 if bought closer to the cruise date. Windstar also offers optional All-Inclusive Pricing rates, which provide unlimited drinks without additional fees.
Available on: All ships
What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, and cocktails are included. Nonalcoholic beverages, including specialty coffees, are already part of the fare on Windstar sailings. The package also provides a 30% discount on wine bottles priced up to $100.
Limitations related to drink cost: None
Other packages: Windstar’s All-In Package includes drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities for an additional $99 per day if booked five days before sailing; after that, it costs $109.
Fine print: None
Key Takeaways
- Flat-fee drink packages can save money for frequent drinkers on cruise ships.
- Prices for drink packages can vary widely among cruise lines.
- Most lines require all adults in a cabin to purchase a package if one does.
- Limitations often apply, including daily drink limits and restrictions on premium beverages.
- Not all drinks can be purchased with drink packages, such as room service items and minibar purchases.
FAQ
Question
Can I use a drink package across different bars on the ship?
Yes, drink packages are typically valid at all bars and restaurants aboard the ship.
Question
Is there a limit on how many drinks I can order?
Some cruise lines impose limits on alcoholic drinks, often around 15 per day.
Question
Are pre-purchased drink packages cheaper?
Many cruise lines offer discounts for purchasing drink packages online ahead of sailing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual drinker or enjoy a cocktail by the pool every day, understanding cruise drink packages can enhance your sailing experience while keeping costs manageable. By knowing your options, you can enjoy your cruise without worrying about the bill at the end.
