The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Drink Packages

On a cruise, the cost of wine, beer, and mixed drinks by the glass can quickly add up, especially cocktails. But for frequent drinkers, a flat-fee drink package can help you save money.

Most popular cruise lines offer all-inclusive drink packages that can cut costs for regular drinkers. However, Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages do not, though they provide other ways to save on drinks.

What’s included in a cruise drink package? How do they function? And, more importantly, how much do they cost? This guide answers all your questions about cruise drink packages.

For detailed information on drink package prices, inclusions, restrictions, and the fine print, make sure to check out the second part of this guide.

What Exactly Is a Cruise Drink Package?

A cruise drink package allows you to enjoy unlimited drinks for a single flat rate, eliminating the need to pay individually for each beverage.

Some cruise lines offer multiple tiers of drink packages. Basic options may only include sodas and bottled water, while premium packages can include cocktails, wine, beer, and specialty coffee drinks. Higher-tier packages may offer even more extensive selections.

Some cruise lines also provide coffee cards, which give you a set number of specialty coffee drinks at a discounted price. Additionally, some offer wine-focused drink packages.

How much do alcoholic drink packages cost on cruise ships?

The cost of cruise drink packages can vary significantly depending on the cruise line. For example, major lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America offer all-inclusive drink packages for around $60 per person per day. In contrast, higher-end lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line can charge up to $138 per person per day for their top-tier options.

Non-alcoholic drink packages, like soda plans, tend to be much cheaper. These typically cost under $10 per person per day. Keep in mind that many cruise lines offer discounts on drink packages if you purchase them online ahead of your sailing, and some also hold occasional sales.

Is it possible to purchase drinks without a drink package on a cruise?

Yes, all major cruise lines allow you to buy drinks individually, without requiring a drink package. You can still enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages a la carte during your cruise.

Is it possible to share a drink package on a cruise ship?

In most cases, the answer is no. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Holland America, and MSC Cruises require that all adults in a cabin purchase a drink package if one adult opts for it. This policy is designed to prevent cabin members from sharing a single package.

However, Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises do not enforce this rule. Even so, it’s important to note that you’re not supposed to use your package to purchase drinks for others.

Are cruise drink packages truly unlimited?

It varies. For example, Carnival places a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day on their drink packages. While this is quite a generous amount, it’s more than most people will likely consume in a day.

Where can you use a cruise drink package?

Cruise drink packages are typically valid at most places where drinks are served on the ship, such as bars, lounges, and restaurants. However, they generally don't cover room service orders or drinks taken from the minibar in your cabin. Be sure to review the terms of your specific cruise line’s drink package before ordering a drink to your room.

Certain cruise lines also allow you to use your drink package at their private islands.

Comprehensive Guide to Cruise Drink Packages

Here’s a detailed overview of the drink packages available on major cruise lines. The prices listed are per person, per day. For lines offering multiple packages, we’ve focused on the most comprehensive option while also mentioning other alternatives for cruisers to consider.

Carnival Cruise Line Drink Package

Package Name: Cheers! Beverage Program

Cost per Day: $64.95 if purchased onboard (excluding an 18% automatic gratuity); $59.95 plus gratuity when purchased prior to sailing.

Available On: All ships, except those sailing in Europe or Australia.

What’s Included: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and most bottled water. The package also offers a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases.

Drink Cost Limitations: The package cannot be used for drinks priced over $20.

Fine Print: More expensive drinks are available at a 25% discount. If one adult in a cabin purchases this package, all adults in the same cabin must also purchase it. There’s a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person.

Celebrity Cruises Drink Package

Package Name: Premium Drink Package

Cost per Day: $109, not including a 20% automatic gratuity. This rate applies to passengers who have booked a cruise-only fare. Passengers staying in the premium Retreat areas aboard Celebrity ships receive the Premium Drink Package at no additional cost.

Available On: All ships except those sailing in the Galapagos, where drinks are included in the fare.

What’s Included: A wide variety of beers, including craft beers, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, Coca-Cola products, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and premium bottled water. The package also provides a 20% discount on wine bottle purchases.

Drink Cost Limitations: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $17.

Other Packages: Celebrity also offers a more basic "classic" drink package, which is included in the fare if you choose the All Included package (rather than the cruise-only fare). When purchased separately, it costs $89 per person per day, plus a 20% automatic gratuity charge.

Fine Print: The package does not cover drinks from in-room minibars, nor does it include drinks ordered via room service.

Holland America Drink Package

Package Name: Elite Beverage Package

Cost per Day: $59.99, excluding an 18% gratuity charge.

Available On: All ships.

What’s Included: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water.

Drink Cost Limitations: Cannot be used for drinks priced above $15.

Other Packages: The Signature Beverage Package, a more affordable option, covers drinks costing up to $11 and is priced at $54.95 per day. Additionally, MSC Cruises offers the Quench Package, which provides unlimited bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, Coke products, and mocktails for $17.95 per day. There is also a Coca-Cola Products package for $8 per day, covering all Coke products on board.

Fine Print: If one adult in a cabin purchases a drink package, all adults in the cabin must also purchase it. The package excludes drinks from minibars or those ordered through room service. It is also not valid on Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay, or for minibar charges.

MSC Cruises Drink Package

Package Name: Premium Extra Package

Cost per Day: $85 for sailings of seven nights or more when booked in advance; $100 if booked onboard. For sailings of six nights or fewer, the price is $88 in advance and $104 onboard.

Available On: All ships.

What’s Included: Drinks by the glass, including draft, craft, and bottled beer; a selection of wine and Champagne by the glass; premium spirits, liqueurs, and cordials; a variety of frozen and classic cocktails; soda; juices; non-alcoholic cocktails; energy drinks; hot chocolate; specialty coffees; teas; and bottled water. The package also includes a 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottle purchases.

Drink Cost Limitations: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $16.

Other Packages: A more affordable Easy Plus package is available, which covers drinks priced up to $10. It costs $61 per day for sailings of seven nights or longer when booked in advance ($72 if booked onboard). For shorter sailings, the Easy Plus package is priced at $64 per day ($76 onboard).

A more basic Easy package is also offered. It includes a limited selection of drinks and isn't valid in specialty restaurants with extra charges. This package costs between $46 and $60 per day, depending on when it’s booked and the length of the sailing.

MSC Cruises does not add service charges to drink package purchases, which sets it apart from most other cruise lines.

Fine Print: If one person in a cabin buys a package, all individuals in the cabin or traveling group must also purchase one (children will be charged for a less expensive, non-alcoholic package). Packages are unavailable on sailings shorter than three nights, except for South America sailings. The package is valid on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package

Package Name: Premium Plus Beverage Package

Cost per Day: $138, not including a 20% gratuity charge.

Available On: All ships, except the Pride of America.

What’s Included: All beverages by the glass, including top-shelf spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine, plus select premium bottles of Champagne and wine. The package also offers unlimited Starbucks coffee, specialty drinks, bottled water, soda, juices, and energy drinks. A 40% discount is also available on other wine bottle purchases.

Limitations on drink cost: None

Other Packages: Norwegian offers a more affordable alcoholic beverage package with fewer options, the Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package, priced at $109 per day. It covers spirits and cocktails priced up to $15. Many guests receive this package as part of Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion (though a 20% gratuity charge still applies). Additionally, the Pride of America, which sails in Hawaii, offers a similar package for $109 per day.

Fine Print: If one guest in a cabin purchases a package, everyone in that cabin, as well as those with the same payment method, must also buy the package. Children receive a less expensive, nonalcoholic package. The packages do not apply to drinks from in-room minibars or those ordered via room service. They are, however, valid on Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

Oceania Cruises Drink Package

Package Name: Prestige Select Beverage Package

Cost per day: $30, including gratuities

Available on: All ships

What it includes: As part of Oceania's "simply MORE" value package, every guest receives the House Select beverage package at no additional cost, which covers Champagne, wine, and beer with lunch and dinner in the ship's restaurants. For an additional $30 per day, guests can upgrade to the Prestige Select package, allowing them to enjoy beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and mixed drinks at any time. The package also covers soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees, which are included in the fare. Plus, it offers a 20% discount on wine-pairing dinners aboard Oceania’s Marina and Riviera.

Limitations related to drink cost: None

Other Packages: The House Select package, which includes Champagne, wine, and beer with lunch and dinner at onboard restaurants, is part of Oceania's "simply MORE" program and comes with every booking.

Fine print: None

Princess Cruises drink package

Package name: Premier Beverage Package

Cost per day: $84.99, excluding an 18% gratuity charge (referred to as 'crew appreciation'). For cruises in Australia, the price is 140 Australian dollars (approximately $89) per day, and no gratuity charge is applied to the Australian package.

Available on: All ships

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda (including canned), juices (including juice bar options), nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. The package also includes a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases.

Limitations related to drink cost: Drinks priced at $20 or less are included. For drinks exceeding $20, passengers must pay the difference. On Australia sailings, the cost threshold is set at 30 Australian dollars.

Other packages: Princess offers a more affordable Plus Beverage package, covering drinks priced up to $15 (20 Australian dollars on Australian sailings). This package costs $64.99 (110 Australian dollars on Australian sailings).

Fine print: There is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks.

Royal Caribbean drink package

Package name: Deluxe Beverage Package

Cost per day: Prices range from $56 to $105, not including an 18% gratuity charge (cost varies depending on the ship and itinerary).

Available on: All Royal Caribbean ships

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and premium bottled water. Additionally, the package offers a 40% discount on wine bottles priced up to $100, and a 20% discount on bottles exceeding that amount.

Limitations related to drink cost: The package cannot be used for drinks priced above $14.

Fine print: If one adult of legal drinking age in a cabin or traveling under the same booking number buys a package, all other adults of legal drinking age in that cabin must also purchase the package. The package does not cover drinks from minibars or room service. It also excludes drinks served in souvenir glassware, specialty beers, and beverages from licensed Starbucks stores on board. Beverage packages can be used at Royal Caribbean's private islands, Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee.

Viking drink package

Package name: Silver Spirits Beverage Package

Cost per day: $25, including gratuities.

Available on: All ships, including river and expedition vessels.

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails up to $18. Beer, house wines by the glass, and soda with lunch and dinner, as well as specialty coffees and teas, are included in the fare on Viking sailings. The package also offers a 15% discount on wine bottles and premium drinks over $15 not covered by the package.

Limitations related to drink cost: The package cannot be used for drinks exceeding $18.

Fine print: None.

Windstar Cruises drink package

Package name: Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package

Cost per day: $65, excluding an 18% gratuity charge. Windstar also offers an All-Inclusive Pricing option on select cruises, which includes unlimited drinks at no additional cost.

Available on: All ships.

What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, and cocktails. Soda, specialty coffees, and other nonalcoholic beverages are already included in the fare for Windstar sailings. The package also offers a 30% discount on bottles of wine up to $100.

Limitations related to drink cost: None.

Other packages: The more affordable Topmast Discoveries Beer and Wine Package is priced at $55 per day, offering a selection of beers and premium wines, though spirits and cocktails are excluded. Additionally, Windstar provides an All-Inclusive Fares add-on package for $89 per day, covering drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.

Fine print: None.