Cruise Line Drinks Packages Comparison

Comparing cruise line drinks packages_back

Comparing cruise line drinks packages

Not all drinks packages are created equal, so if you’re looking to invest in a drinks package on your next cruise, it’s worth knowing your options to find which one gives you the best value for money! And no matter your tipple of choice, there’s a package to keep your tastebuds satisfied, even if alcohol isn’t your bag. So, if you’re new to the idea of a cruise line drink package, or you simply can’t decide what to go for, let us help with this handy guide.

What is a Drinks Package on a Cruise Ship?_back

What is a Drinks Package on a Cruise Ship?

Does the thought of paying for drinks individually fill you with dread? Or have you ever found yourself with a huge tab at the end of your trip that ends up taking the edge off a relaxing holiday? Worry no more, because a cruise line drinks package is designed to let you enjoy every last sip, stress-free.

A drinks package on a cruise ship lets you pay a one-off charge that covers most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks while you’re onboard. Cruise lines will typically offer different types of drinks packages to suit all passengers, with some including premium drinks and spirits while others cover beer and wine only. It’s also worth mentioning that on many cruise ships, tea, coffee, water and fruit juice is usually complimentary and can be found in the buffet restaurants.

Are Cruise Drinks Packages Worth It?_back

Are Cruise Drinks Packages Worth It?

Whether you’re tee-total or you enjoy a wine or two, there’s a drinks package to suit your lifestyle – but is it better to pay for a package or just simply pay for drinks as you go?

Do your homework and a take a look at the different drinks packages available on your cruise (we’ve got a handy comparison below for this!) and don’t forget to have a nosey at the cost too. Take a look at how much drinks are on your chosen ship individually too, as this can help you to decide whether it’s worth investing in a package for your whole trip.

Remember that not all drinks packages cover everything, so get familiar with what the package offers before you buy. For instance, some will include only glasses of wine, rather than bottles.

While there are plenty of drinks packages available to choose from, you might find it more useful to look at which cruise lines offer the best value for money overall. Some have all their drinks, even premium options, included in their standard fare, so make sure you’re looking at all the ins and outs.

Can You Buy Drinks on a Cruise Without a Package?_back

Can You Buy Drinks on a Cruise Without a Package?

Don’t worry, if you don’t like the thought of committing yourself to a package and feeling the pressure of making the most of it, you can just buy drinks individually as you would anywhere else. Just remember that each drink will likely have an additional gratuity charge when you come to pay.

Choosing a Cruise Drinks Package: 5 Things to Consider

When it comes to choosing a drinks package, there are a few things to consider before you make that commitment. For instance, you might want to consider an all-round cruise package that includes more than just the drinks as standard. This can give you more value for money and offers peace of mind that everything you want is taken care of for the duration of your sailing. Lots of cruise lines will bundle their packages into one, meaning you can get the likes of Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore excursions and more neatly wrapped up in just one simple package.

Next, do your research into drinks packages early and if it sounds like a bit of you, it might work out cheaper to purchase one before you board. Some cruise lines will offer discounts if you buy a drinks package before your holiday begins, so you can save an extra bit of money and enjoy that first refreshing gin and tonic even more.

You should then think about your typical drink of choice. Are you a gin connoisseur, or do you prefer a spiced rum? Do you usually seek out the best French wine on the menu, or perhaps you’re a fan of pale ale? Whatever your tipple, check out the drinks package and make sure your favourites are included – otherwise, what’s the point?

Even if you’ll only drink soft drinks during your cruise, it’s worth checking that your favourite fizzy drinks or fruit juices are available or you’ll just end up having to pay more once you’re onboard.

It’s important to check for any limits or restrictions on your drinks package. Some cruise lines will enforce limits on the number of alcoholic drinks you can have per day – something to be aware of before you plan on raiding the bar all night. What’s more, cruise lines have various price limitations within their drinks package, which means they’ll only cover drinks up to a certain cost. For anything over, you’ll likely have to pay the difference or even pay for the drink separately.

Some of the more premium drinks packages might include nice discounts on additional drinks, such as bottles of wine bought onboard in the restaurants. A great little bonus, but not all packages include them.

If you read the words ‘drinks package’ and were instantly sold at the thought of not having to worry about paying individually for services, then don’t forget about all-inclusive cruises. On these, you can pay one price that includes airfare, full board and drinks and even extras like shuttle, specialty restaurants and concierge services where available.

Cruise Drink Packages by Cruise Line_back

Cruise Drink Packages by Cruise Line

Here you’ll find our comprehensive guide to the drink packages available across the 19 cruise lines we work with.

Azamara Cruises

Complimentary

With Azamara, you’ll get beers, wines, house spirits and soft drinks included as standard at no extra charge.

Premium Package

$26.95 per person, per day. Includes: Alcoholic and non-alcohol bottled beers and ciders, premium spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whisky, bourbon, sherry, liqueurs), sodas, tonics, juices and a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails.

Ultimate Package

$34.95 per person, per day. Includes: All drinks from Premium (including even more premium brands), wine and port by the glass, and premium bottled water.

Wine Lovers Package

Includes all bottles of wine valued at $50 or less, at a discount e.g. 5-bottle package = $180 (saving $70), 10-bottle package = $315 (saving $185)

Wine Connoisseur Package

Includes bottles of wine valued at $51-$75 e.g. 5-bottle package = $315 (saving $60), 10-bottle package = $560 (saving $190)

Experience More package

You can also choose an Experience More package which alongside your drinks will include Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit, laundry and more depending on which one you go for. These start at $799 per person.

Carnival

Bottomless Bubbles Package

$11.21 per adult per day / $8.20 per child per day. Includes unlimited sodas and juices available whenever you want.

Cheers Package

$70.74 per person per day. Includes: All spirits, cocktails and beer/wine by the glass with a $20 or lower menu price, sodas, non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea, and 25% discount off menu price for spirit or wine by the glass above $20 / wine and champagne by the bottle/beverage seminars and classes. Please note – 10% discount applies if you purchase before you sail & you will be limited to 15 alcoholic beverages per day.

Cruise the Vineyard Wine Package

$95.58 per person. Includes: Featured wines from Argentina, Armenia, California, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Washington. Please note - An 18% service charge will be added to your beverage charge & unconsumed wine will not be refunded but you may take home unopened bottles.

Cruise the Vineyard Premium Wine Package

$146.32 per person. Includes: Everything in the standard vineyard wine package, plus an additional wine selection. Please note - An 18% service charge will be added to your beverage charge & unconsumed wine will not be refunded but you may take home unopened bottles.

Celebrity Cruises

Classic Package

$89 per person per day. Includes: Choice of beer, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs and wines by the glass up to $10, and 15% off wines by the bottle.

Premium Package

$109 per person per day. Includes: Same as classic but also specialty coffees and teas, craft beers and more spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks and Coca Cola products, wines by the glass up to $17 and 20% off wines by the bottle.

Zero Proof Package

$30 per person per day. Includes: Juices, coffees and teas, bottled water, smoothies and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Celestyal

Sky’s The Limit

€47 per person per day. Includes: Over 100 classic and premium drinks, including cocktails, mocktails, spirits, liqueurs, wines by the glass and beer on draft up to €10 per drink, coffee, tea, juice, energy drinks and soft drinks. Please note - If you choose to purchase drinks not included in your package that are over 10 €, you’ll simply pay the extra as a supplement.

Sky High (included in the Celestyal plus+Experience package)

€30 per person per day. Includes: Wines, spirits, mocktails, cocktails and draught beers up to €7 per drink, hot & cold beverages, soft drinks, and water and juice up to €3 per drink. Please note – a supplement will be added for any drinks not included in your package.

Clear Skies

€27 per person per day. Includes: All non-alcohol drinks up to €8, including coffees, mocktails, juice and smoothies.

Sweet Treat

€16 per person per day (guests aged between 4 and 17 years old only). Includes: Monster milkshakes, regular milkshakes, slushies and water by the glass, juices, soft drinks, non-alcohol cocktails and hot chocolates.

Hydration

€8.50 per person per day. Includes: Premium bottled mineral water and six small bottles of your choice per day.

Caffeinator

€10 per person per day. Includes: Hot and cold Nespresso coffees, hot and cold selection of herbal teas including Turkish tea, and still and sparkling mineral water by the glass.

Refresh

€10 per person per day. Includes: Soft drinks by the glass, concentrated juices by the glass, and still and sparkling mineral water by the glass.

Costa Cruises

My Drinks Package (included with Comfort Plus rate)

Includes: Tea, coffee, unlimited wines by the glass, soft drinks, select beer, select cocktails, liqueurs and spirits.

My Drinks Plus Package (Included with Comfort Plus rate when you book a Suite cabin)

Includes: Everything from My Drinks plus a wider choice of beer, cocktails and a premium selection of spirits.

Cunard cruises

Premium Soft Drinks Package

$40.50 per person per day ($45 when purchased onboard). Includes: Soft drinks, small bottled waters, juice, speciality hot drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails and a 20% discount on any further non-alcoholic drinks not already included.

Speciality Hot Drinks Package

$15.75 per person per day ($17.50 when purchased onboard). Includes: Unlimited speciality coffees, teas and hot chocolate.

Soft Drinks Package

$13.50 per person per day ($15 when purchased onboard). Includes unlimited draught soft drinks, selected fruit juices and cordials.

Beers, Wines and Spirits Package

$72 per person per day (for voyages between 5 & 14 nights - $80 when purchased onboard). $85.50 per person per day (for voyages less than 5 nights - $95 when purchased onboard). $67.50 per person per day (for voyages between 15 & 84 nights - $75 when purchased onboard). $49.50 per person per day (for voyages over 85 nights - $55 when purchased onboard). Includes: All benefits of Premium Soft Drinks package as well as beers, wines, spirits, liqueurs and cocktails up to $13.50, 20% off drinks above $13.50, some bottles of wine and Cocktail Master Class activities.

Disney cruises

Onboard gifts - drinks purchases

Disney offer the opportunity to buy alcohol through their Onboard Gifts, which allows you to buy packs of 6 beers, or 3, 4, 5 or 7 bottles of wine as a package. Other drinks can only be purchased individually onboard.

Fred. Olsen

Drinks Package Upgrade

£34.99 per person per day for cruises over 6 days when purchased onboard, or £45 per person per day for cruises of 5 nights or less when purchased onboard. Includes: Selected white, red, rose, sparkling and non-alcoholic wines by the glass, selected house beers, house spirits and soft drinks all day, and 50% off selected premium and branded drinks. Please note – you can add your upgrade up to 6 days prior to your cruise departing.

Holland America

Signature Beverage Package

$54.95 per person per day. Includes: Beers, spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass priced at $11 and under, and everything from the Quench soft drinks package. Please note – 15-drink daily limit for both alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage.

Elite Beverage Package

$59.99 per person per day. Includes: Benefits of Signature and Quench packages, as well as premium spirits, cocktails and wines $15 or under. Please note – 15-drink daily limit for alcoholic drinks, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.

Quench Package

$17.95 per person per day. Includes: Coca Cola products, premium coffee, juices, mocktails and bottled water. Please note - 15-drink daily limit.

Coca Cola Package

$8 per person per day. Includes: Unlimited fountain sodas.

Have It All package

With Holland America’s Have It All Package, you can have a drinks package, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and shore excursions for £55 per person per day.

MSC cruises

Easy Package

$35 per person per day. Includes: Selected classic and international cocktails, spirits, draft beer, house wines, soft drinks including non-alcoholic cocktails, fruit juice, soda, water and hot drinks.

Easy Plus Package

$62 per person per day. Includes: Frozen and classic cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, wines by the glass, draught and bottled beer, non-alcoholic drinks, protein shakes, water and hot drinks all priced up to €9 / $10. Also includes a 10% discount on bottles of wine purchased onboard.

Premium Extra Package

$79 per person per day. Includes: All the benefits of the Easy Plus Package, along with champagne by the glass and premium brand spirits and liqueurs all priced up to €14 / $16. Also includes a 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne.

Alcohol-Free Package

$17 per person per day. Includes: Non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, sodas, hot drinks and soft serve ice cream.

Minors Package

$17 per person per day. Includes: Non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, sodas, hot drinks and soft serve ice cream.

NCL

Enhanced Premium Beverage Package (included with your reservation if you booked with a Free at Sea Fare)

Includes: Unlimited premium spirits from brands such as Grey Goose, Casamigos & Makers Mark, cocktails, wines, draft beer, juice and soda.

Premium Plus Beverage Package (available as an upgrade from the Unlimited Open Bar Package included with Free at Sea)

$138 per person per day. Includes: All top-shelf cocktails and spirits, all beer, red wine, white wine and NCL’s exclusive brand of rose, champagne by the glass, select premium bottles of wine with dinner including NCL’s exclusive rosé champagne, as well as unlimited soft drinks, bottled water and Starbucks coffee. Also includes 40% off all other bottles of champagne and wine.

Unlimited Soda Package

$9.95 per person per day. Includes: Unlimited fountain soda including Coke, Sprite, Fanta and soda water.

Unlimited Starbucks Package

$12.95 per person per day. Includes: Everything from classic coffees and teas to specialty beverages like Frappuccinos.

Oceania cruises

Included as standard

Soda, speciality tea, coffee, still and sparkling Vero water, juices and smoothies.

Prestige Drinks Package

$59.95 per person per day. Includes: Unlimited wine and spirits.

P&O

Classic Package

£48.85 per person per day (10% discount when purchased before your holiday). Includes: Non-alcoholic drinks as well as beers and ciders, select cocktails, 125ml glasses of Prosecco, selected 175ml glasses of wine, selected 25ml spirits. Also includes a 20% discount on drinks not included in the package and a complimentary Refresh package for children aged 17 and under.

Deluxe Package

£60.50 per person per day (10% discount when purchased before your holiday). Includes: The same selection as other packages, as well as craft beers, extended range of cocktails, extended range of 250ml glasses of wine, extended range of 50ml spirits, full range of specialty tea and coffee. Also includes a 20% discount on drinks not included in the package and a complimentary Refresh package for children aged 17 and under.

Refresh Package

£14.45 per person per day (10% discount when purchased before your holiday). Includes: Soft drinks on tap and fruit juice.

Alcohol-free Package

£26.95 per person per day (10% discount when purchased before your holiday). Includes: Everything from the Refresh package, plus non-alcoholic beers, ciders, cocktails, wines and spirits, alongside selected specialty tea and coffee and an extended range of soft drinks.

Princess cruises

Plus Beverage Package (included in the Princess Plus package)

$50 per person per day for the Princess Plus package. Includes cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees, fountain sodas, bottled water, fresh juices and smoothies, mocktails. Also includes a 25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages) and a 25% discount on large bottles of water and cans of soda. With the Princess Plus package, you’ll also benefit from MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi (1 device per guest), room service delivery, crew appreciation, 2 fitness classes per cruise, 2 casual dining meals per cruise and premium desserts.

Premier Beverage Package (included in the Princess Premier package)

$75 per person per day for the Princess Premier package. Includes everything from the Plus package, as well as top shelf spirits, reserve wines by the glass and high-end cocktails, private Woodford Reserve bourbon selection, personalised Jack Daniel’s whiskey single barrel. Also includes a 25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages) and a 25% discount on large bottles of water and cans of soda. With the Princess Premier package, you’ll also have MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi (up to 4 devices per guest), crew appreciation, premium desserts, a photo package, Princess prizes, reserved theatre seating, room service delivery and unlimited specialty dining.

Royal Caribbean

Deluxe Beverage Package

$55 to $95 per person per day. Includes: Unlimited drinks including fountain soft drinks, Coca Cola drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails, water, premium coffees and teas, fresh juice, cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beer and wine by the glass. The package covers drinks up to $14 in value. Also includes a 40% discount on bottled wines up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottle wines above $100.

Refreshment Package

$29 per person per day. Includes: Fountain soft drinks, Coca Cola drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails, water, premium coffees and teas, and fresh juices.

Classic Soft Drinks Package

$12.99 per person per day. Includes fountain soft drinks and Coca Cola drinks.

Water Package

Includes: 6, 12 or 24 packs of water delivered to your stateroom.

What are some all-inclusive cruise lines?

Cruise Drink Packages: Key Things to Note

Before you purchase a drinks package, there’s a few things you should know about how they work. This will make sure you avoid any surprises and let you understand what’s what when you get to the bar!

When you buy a drinks package, it includes the gratuities that are usually added on to your bill when you pay for drinks individually. This means you can enjoy your drinks stress-free, knowing that you’ve tipped your bartenders accordingly.

Remember, if you’re sharing a cabin with someone else, and you’ve purchased a drinks package, they must also buy the package. This means you’re all in it together! You might not even be able to sit with those who haven’t purchased a package – so you can’t sneakily share your package with others, unfortunately.

When ordering from the bar, don’t get ahead of yourself – you can usually only get one drink at a time. You’ll still be required to sign for each drink, which can be handy as it means you’ll get a copy of each receipt so you can keep track, if you’re keeping an eye on what you’re spending.

Remember that if you do want to indulge in a drinks package on your cruise, many cruise lines will require you to purchase a drinks package on the first day at sea, unless you’ve already purchased one before your holiday. Also, your drinks package must last the duration of your cruise – no picking and choosing days we’re afraid!

So, there you have it – a rundown of the cruise drinks packages available on some of the world’s most adventurous and luxurious cruise lines. If you were considering treating yourself to one for your upcoming cruise, we’re sure you’ll find the right drinks package to enjoy your trip a little more. But before you do that, check out our latest cruise deals and find your next holiday.