A breakdown of Cruise drink packages

Comparing Cruise Line Drink Packages: Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, Princess, MSC & Carnival

Cruising is one of the most fun and convenient ways to vacation, but one thing new and seasoned cruisers alike often wonder is: Are drink packages worth it? From soda to specialty coffee to unlimited cocktails, most cruise lines offer beverage packages designed to save you money—if you drink enough to make it worthwhile. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the major cruise lines when it comes to drink packages, pricing, and value. I also included the alcohol policy for each cruise line so you can know who allows you to bring wine/champagne onboard. No cruise line allows you to bring alcohol onboard for consumption (with exception of wine/champagne as detailed below). You are not allowed to bring rum, vodka, tequila, etc. onboard to consume. If you purchase alcohol at a port stop and bring it onboard, the cruise line will hold the bottles for you until debarkation.

What’s Included in a Cruise Drink Package?

Drink packages vary by cruise line but typically fall into a few categories:

1. Alcoholic Beverage Packages: Cover beer, wine, cocktails, and sometimes premium liquors.

2. Non-Alcoholic Packages: Include soda, specialty coffee, mocktails, and bottled water.

3. Combination Packages: Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Each package is priced per person, per day, and often includes gratuities. The specifics vary, so always check what’s covered before purchasing.

Benefits of a Drink Package

1. Convenience: With a drink package, you won’t need to worry about tracking your onboard spending or calculating tips for every drink order. You can enjoy your vacation stress-free.

2. Cost Savings for Frequent Drinkers: If you plan to enjoy multiple cocktails by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, and perhaps a nightcap, a drink package could save you money compared to paying per drink.

3. Variety: Drink packages often include a wide selection, letting you try different beverages without worrying about individual costs.

4. All-Inclusive Feel: For many cruisers, a drink package adds to the carefree vibe of a cruise, knowing everything is already paid for.

   
   

1. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, so it does things a bit differently. Unlike most other cruise lines, Disney does not offer an unlimited alcoholic beverage package. However, soda, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic drinks at meals are included in your fare—something that sets Disney apart. Alcoholic drinks are available à la carte, with prices for beer around $6–$8, cocktails around $10–$14, and wine by the glass starting at $9. They also offer a wine package that gives you a selection of bottles for dinner at a slight discount. Disney allows guests 21 years and older to bring a maximum of 2 bottles of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard or 6 beers (12 oz or smaller) in their carry-on luggage on the first day of embarkation.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is well-known for its “Free at Sea” offer, which often includes the Unlimited Open Bar Package as a perk. If purchased separately, the Premium Beverage Package is about $109 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity). It covers cocktails, beer, wine by the glass up to $15, and unlimited soft drinks. There’s also a Premium Plus package that covers higher-end brands and bottles of wine, priced around $138 per day plus gratuity. I also recommend my clients to price their voyages with the Free at Sea offer. Norwegian allows guests 21 years and older to bring a bottles of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard in their carry-on luggage on the first day of embarkation, however, they do charge a $15 corkage fee for each bottle brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room or stateroom.

3. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass (up to $14), non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water, specialty coffee, and fresh juices. Prices vary by sailing but typically range from $65–$105 per person, per day. There’s also a non-alcoholic Refreshment Package ($29–$38 per day) for mocktails, sodas, and specialty coffees, and a Classic Soda Package for about $13–$15 daily. Royal Caribbean allows guests 21 years and older to bring a bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard in their carry-on luggage on the first day of embarkation.

4. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises, known for its more upscale vibe, includes drinks in some fare classes, like “Always Included” which bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Otherwise, guests can purchase drink packages ranging from the Classic Package ($89 per day) covering drinks up to $10, to the Premium Package ($109 per day) covering drinks up to $17. Non-alcoholic packages are around $30–$35 per day. Royal Caribbean allows guests 21 years and older to bring a bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard, with a maximum of two bottles per stateroom, in their carry-on luggage on the first day of embarkation.

5. Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages does not offer a traditional drink package. Instead, they use a unique “Bar Tab” system. Guests can prepay a Bar Tab in $300 increments and Virgin adds a bonus ($50 for every $300). Drinks are reasonably priced—most cocktails are around $9–$13. Basic sodas, specialty coffees, teas, and still water are included in your fare, which is rare in the cruise industry. Virgin Voyages allows guests 21 years and older to bring 2 bottles of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard, per cabin, in their carry-on luggage on the first day of embarkation.

6. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ most popular option is the Plus Beverage Package, which costs around $64.99 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity). It includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass up to $15, soft drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. They also offer the Premier Beverage Package for around $84.99 daily, covering drinks up to $20 each and a few premium extras. Princess allows guests 21 years and older to bring a bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard in their carry-on luggage on the first day of embarkation.

7. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers several tiers of drink packages. The Easy Package ($49 per day) includes select cocktails, house wine, draft beer, soft drinks, and coffee. The Easy Plus ($64 per day) includes a wider range of cocktails, all beers, and wines by the glass up to $10. The Premium Extra ($88 per day) offers top-shelf spirits and cocktails up to $16. MSC also offers non-alcoholic packages for adults and kids. MSC Cruises does not allow passengers to bring any alcoholic beverages onboard, including wine or champagne.

8. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s Cheers! package is one of the most popular at sea. It costs about $59.95 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity) if purchased before sailing, and includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass up to $20, non-alcoholic specialty coffees, energy drinks, and bottled water. Carnival also offers a Bottomless Bubbles package for unlimited sodas and juices for around $9.50 per adult per day. Carnival allows guests 21 years and older to bring a bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard in their carry-on luggage on the first day of embarkation.

Is a Drink Package Worth It?

The value depends on your habits. If you enjoy multiple cocktails, wine at dinner, and a specialty coffee every morning, most packages pay for themselves. However, if you’re a light drinker or mostly drink soda, you might save by paying as you go.

Tips for Saving:

• Check for promotions. Many cruise lines bundle drink packages as part of booking perks.

• Do the math: How many drinks will you really consume daily?

• Remember the fine print: Packages usually require all adults in a cabin to purchase the same package.

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A cruise is about relaxing your way—so whether you toast with a cocktail, cappuccino, or soda, knowing your options will help you budget smartly and enjoy your vacation to the fullest!