The rise of sober cruises: Top cruise lines offering mocktails and alcohol-free journeys

Cruises are often perceived as floating parties, and rightly so. From the moment you board, cheerful servers circulate with trays filled with rum punches and flutes of Champagne to kick off your holiday. This festive atmosphere typically persists throughout the trip.

Nonetheless, many travelers choose not to drink for a variety of reasons. They may be in recovery, pregnant, on medication that can't mix with alcohol, or simply embracing a healthier lifestyle. The sober-curious trend is gaining momentum, prompting cruise lines to adapt accordingly.

Sober cruises are frequently arranged by specialized vendors and are available on popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Princess Cruises. These journeys provide an array of activities and entertainment comparable to traditional cruises, but without the presence of alcohol.

You don’t have to opt for a designated alcohol-free cruise to enjoy nonalcoholic options. Many cruise lines are embracing the mocktail trend, offering passengers a wider selection of nonalcoholic beverages, from dedicated zero-proof menus to special drinks featured on the standard beverage list.

Whether you seek a completely alcohol-free voyage or wish to explore more zero-proof cocktails during your cruise, we’ve got you covered. Here’s all you need to know about sober cruises and the cruise lines that provide the best alcohol-free drink options.

Cruise lines offering the finest nonalcoholic cocktails

Are you planning a sober cruise or simply looking to enjoy some alcohol-free cocktails? Several cruise lines excel in providing delightful zero-proof beverages for nondrinkers. While some offer a distinct mocktail menu, others feature a variety of nonalcoholic options on their regular bar lists.

Carnival Cruise Line

Enjoying your time on a Fun Ship doesn't require alcohol, thanks to Carnival's collaboration with Lyre's, the leading brand of nonalcoholic spirits.

Guests can choose spirit-free versions of seven classic cocktails at the line's Alchemy Bar, which is featured on 19 ships within Carnival's fleet of 27. Signature drinks include the refreshing Martini Seduction, crafted with Lyre's White Cane, red passion fruit nectar, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a hint of orange. The Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini combines Lyre's Agave Blanco, handcrafted chipotle pineapple syrup, pineapple juice, and mint leaves. Additional options like the Restorative Basil Drop, The Remedy, The Perfect Storm, Hearts of Fire, and Cucumber Sunrise are also available. Each nonalcoholic cocktail at Alchemy Bar is priced at $10.

Carnival's main dining rooms also offer Lyre's alcohol-free prosecco.

Mocktails and zero-proof frozen beverages are included in the line's Cheers drink package. Purchase your package online before your cruise to secure a discounted rate.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises features nonalcoholic choices within its standard cocktail menus. Zero-proof options include Sparkling Mint Lemonade (made with fresh lemon juice, mint, agave nectar, and soda water) and Watermelon Tropic (a mix of watermelon syrup, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice). Guests can also request O'Doul's nonalcoholic beer while onboard.

Moreover, the line offers a nonalcoholic drink package for zero-proof beverages. This package includes water and sodas, which are not provided as a separate option like with some other cruise lines.

Every Celebrity drink package encompasses mocktails, premium coffees, and teas. The nonalcoholic drink package also features Vitamin Water, Red Bull, and premium waters such as Evian and San Pellegrino, in addition to fresh juices and smoothies from The Spa Cafe. If you consume few, if any, alcoholic drinks but need your daily morning latte, this package is ideal for you. Plus, you can treat yourself to smoothies and virgin frozen drinks.

Holland America

Guests aboard Holland America cruises can enjoy a variety of nonalcoholic beverages and mocktails available at the ship's bars and dining spots. Although there are no separate zero-proof menus, mocktails are featured on the Lido, Seaview, and Cabana bar menus. Options include the Ginger Mango Splash (crafted with mango puree and ginger), the Melon Mint No'jito (featuring fresh mint, melon, and Sprite), as well as an array of virgin frozen drinks (like pineapple, piña colada, and banana).

The price for alcohol-free drinks, including frozen options, is set at $7.50. If the menu doesn’t have what you’re craving, bartenders are happy to whip up a custom mocktail just for you, according to the cruise line.

Holland America offers two nonalcoholic beverage packages: the Quench Package and the Coca-Cola package. The Quench Package includes mocktails along with unlimited premium coffees (like espresso and cappuccino), juices, Coca-Cola products, Red Bull, and bottled water. Conversely, the Coca-Cola package provides unlimited fountain sodas but excludes mocktails.

MSC Cruises

If you're reducing your alcohol intake on an MSC Cruises voyage, you’ll find a fantastic selection. The line offers a dedicated premium mocktails menu featuring seven inventive zero-proof beverages. Among these are the Fair Lady, which combines honey, apricot marmalade, lemongrass syrup, fresh lemon juice, and egg white; the Cucumber Mojito, made with fresh lime juice, mint leaves, brown sugar, club soda, and slices of cucumber and lime; and the Paloma Fizz, a refreshing mix of fresh grapefruit and lemon juices, rose syrup, tonic water, and rosemary.

MSC's alcohol-free drink package encompasses nonalcoholic cocktails, fresh fruit and protein smoothies, energy drinks, sodas, flavored and bottled mineral waters, as well as a variety of hot drinks. The line’s Easy Package features both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. Opt for this package if not everyone in your cruise party drinks; MSC requires that everyone in a cabin purchases the drink package if one person does. This package covers cocktails, spirits, beer, fountain drinks, specialty coffees, and nonalcoholic mixed drinks.

Pricing for beverage packages varies based on your cruise duration, with longer journeys offering a lower price per day. Purchasing the package in advance can save you at least 15% compared to the onboard price. Keep in mind that gratuities are already included in the cost of the drink packages.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian excels in the mocktail department. In 2023, the line received an award for Best Adult Alcohol-Free Program at the Vibe Vista Awards, recognizing exceptional beverage programs in the travel sector.

Both Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva boast the most comprehensive nonalcoholic drink menus. Ships with a Vibe Beach Club also offer nonalcoholic selections. The Vibe Beach Club is a private adults-only sun deck available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Prima, and Norwegian Viva. Among the zero-proof options are the Espresso Notini, crafted with a nonalcoholic amaretto liqueur, and the Smoky Water, made with a nonalcoholic red vermouth.

Additionally, the line offers several mocktails on its regular bar menus.

Mocktails are part of the Unlimited Open Bar drink package. You can enjoy this package for free with the line's Free at Sea promotion (though a 20% gratuity based on the package's list price will still apply).

Oceania Cruises

Guests aboard Oceania Cruises can enjoy a delightful variety of nonalcoholic cocktails available on many standard bar menus, alongside a dedicated mocktail menu at Aquamar Kitchen. Notable options include the Pure Amalfi Spritz, crafted with Lyre's Italian Spritz, nonalcoholic sparkling wine, and club soda; the NO-Groni, featuring a mix of Lyre's Dry London Spirit, Lyre's Italian Orange, and Lyre's Aperitif Rosso; and the Orchard Fizz, which combines Lyre's Amaretto, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, apple juice, tonic water, and rosemary. Mocktails are priced at $12 each.

Cruisers can select from two beverage packages that include nonalcoholic options. The House Select package features premium champagnes, wines, beers, still and sparkling water, premium coffees and teas, freshly squeezed juices, cocktails, and spirits. This package is limited to use during meals or room service and is priced at $39.95 per guest, per day. It is included in the line's SimplyMore program.

You can enhance your House Select package by upgrading to the Prestige Select package, which offers unlimited beverages throughout the ship, for an additional $30 per guest, per day.

Royal Caribbean

Cruisers on Royal Caribbean voyages can enjoy an impressive variety of nonalcoholic beverages. The line introduced its first zero-proof menu to the fleet in 2021 and has since developed a diverse selection of specialty mocktails for each bar's drink list. Highlights include the All Aboard Spritz, featuring lime juice, cranberry juice, desert pear syrup, and club soda; the Blueberry Nojito, made with blueberry puree, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint; and the Tropical Crush, a mix of pineapple juice, mango, and Red Bull Yellow Edition. These zero-proof cocktails are available for $7 each.

Both the Refreshment Package and Deluxe Beverage Package offer mocktails alongside premium coffees and teas, freshly squeezed juices, bottled water, and milkshakes from Johnny Rockets. For the best rates, it's advisable to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package online before your cruise.

Seabourn

In 2024, Seabourn introduced a comprehensive new zero-proof mixology initiative called Zero @ Sea. This program launched an impressive array of innovative alcohol-free takes on beloved cocktails.

The menu includes the Amalfi Spritz, crafted with nonalcoholic rosé wine and Lyre's Italian Orange; a Ginny 'n Tonic featuring Optimist Bright (a botanically infused alcohol-free spirit), grapefruit, and elderflower; and the Ginger Blossom, made with Seedlip Grove 42 (a citrusy nonalcoholic spirit), elderflower, and ginger ale, among other delightful mocktails.

Zero @ Sea cocktails are offered fleetwide in all bars and lounges across the ships. In addition, Seabourn has enhanced its range of nonalcoholic wines, sparkling wines, and beers, providing even more choices for guests who prefer not to consume alcohol. Seabourn's cruise fares include premium wines and spirits, encompassing Zero @ Sea cocktails.

Silversea Cruises

Renowned for its SALT (Sea and Land Taste) culinary initiative, luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises dedicates equal care to what guests drink as to their dining experience. This philosophy is reflected in its inventive mocktail selections.

Titled "Zero Degrees but just as delightful," the line's specialized alcohol-free menu features refreshing signature beverages crafted with nonalcoholic distilled spirits like Seedlip and Martini Vibrante. Notable choices include Latitude, a botanical-rich and smoky drink made with Seedlip Garden 108, Seedlip Grove 42, pink grapefruit, honey, lime, and Amalfi lime tonic, as well as Equatorial, a sparkling citrus mocktail that combines Martini Vibrante with orange and pink citrus tonic.

Every bar menu on the line includes a range of zero-proof cocktails showcased on the final page.

Silversea's all-inclusive approach allows guests to enjoy complimentary beverages, including zero-proof cocktails, throughout the ship without needing to purchase a separate drink package.

Virgin Voyages

It may come as a surprise that an adults-only cruise line, known for allowing guests to order a bottle of Champagne with a quick tap on their phone, offers an impressive selection of mocktails. Many of the 20-plus dining venues on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady feature separate drink menus that showcase handcrafted mocktails. Additionally, you can request spirit-free versions of classic favorites like piña coladas, Bloody Marys, and Moscow Mules throughout the ships.

The line's Test Kitchen boasts an extensive mocktail menu created by mixologist Julia Momosé, a James Beard Award-winning author and the mastermind behind Kumiko, Chicago's renowned Japanese dining bar. Guests can also indulge in nonalcoholic selections during the afternoon high tea in the Sip Lounge.

While the line does not offer traditional drink packages, cruisers have the option to purchase a Bar Tab in advance (this cannot be acquired once onboard) to use for themselves or to treat fellow passengers. The tab can be purchased in increments of $100, $200, or $300, allowing you to enjoy fresh-pressed juices, barista-crafted specialty coffees, and mocktails.

Sober cruises and Friends of Bill W.

If you're in recovery and planning to cruise, keep an eye out for "Friends of Bill W." meetings listed in your cruise line's daily activities newsletter.

Bill W. refers to Bill Wilson, a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The term "Friends of Bill W." signifies AA meetings, offering recovering alcoholics a supportive environment during their cruises, particularly when surrounded by drinkers. Most sailings provide these gatherings onboard.

While traditional cruises may appeal to some, others might prefer to travel with a community of like-minded individuals. If you’re one of them, consider booking your cruise with a travel company that focuses on sober cruising packages. These itineraries extend beyond just onboard Friends of Bill W. meetings and include extra programming like recovery speakers, workshops, and events that promote an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Companies such as Sober Celebrations, Travel Sober, One Day at a Time Cruises, Sober Vacations International, and Hooked are worth exploring. Through these companies, you can find itineraries on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, AmaWaterways, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises to various destinations. Options include Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, with Christmas market river cruises also available.

Conclusion

The trend of alcohol-free vacations has gained traction in recent years. Consequently, cruise lines have enhanced their zero-proof selections by introducing dedicated mocktail menus and incorporating nonalcoholic cocktails into their standard drink offerings.

If you prefer not to have your cruise experience centered around drinking, look for itineraries rich in destinations or those packed with activities. Ships featuring numerous top-deck attractions, culinary classes, trivia games, performances, or workshops offer plenty of alternatives to fill your time. Alternatively, you might consider a sober cruise, allowing you to enjoy alcohol-free fun alongside fellow nondrinkers.