Purchasing a beverage package before you set sail on your cruise will allow you to jump right into your vacation with refreshing drinks. Drink packages can make cruising even more relaxing, allowing travelers to enjoy refreshments without the hassle of paying in the moment. But navigating which package is best for your needs can be complicated; many cruises offer a variety of packages at different prices. Continue reading to learn the different types of beverage packages available at sea!
Premium Alcohol Packages
Several cruise lines offer top-of-the-line premium alcohol packages. These are the most expensive packages, typically including beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and more. These packages are best for travelers who plan to indulge in alcoholic beverages throughout their cruise. Below are some examples of some of the best premium alcohol packages:
MSC Cruises’ Premium Extra Package includes:
- All beverages priced up to $16
- Wide selection of premium, international cocktails as well as fresh fruit and protein cocktails
- Non-alcoholic cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks
- Premium brand spirits, fine wine by the glass, and champagne by the glass
- Wide variety of beers
- Bottled mineral water
- Classic and specialty hot drinks
- 25% discount on bottled wine and champagne
- Beverage gratuity included
Price (if booked before sailing): $71 per person, per day
Princess Cruises’ Premier Beverage Package includes:
- Cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer
- Specialty coffees, fountain sodas, bottled water, fresh juice and healthy smoothies, and mocktails
- Top-shelf premium beverages priced up to $20
- Selection of 75+ spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, 20+ crafted cocktails
- Private Woodford Reserve Bourbon Selection created exclusively for Princess Cruises
- Personalized Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Single Barrel Select
- 25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages)
- 25% discount on large bottles of water and cans of soda
Price: $84.99 per person, per day + 18% service charge
Alcohol Packages
Many cruise lines also offer alcohol packages that include less than their largest packages. If you are a cruiser who wants to enjoy alcoholic beverages without the wide variety and higher price of premium packages, this level of package is best for you. Below are some high quality alcohol packages:
Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers! Package includes:
- All spirits and cocktails, as well as beer and wine by the glass priced up to $20
- Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
- 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20
- 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
- 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes
Price: $59.95 per person, per day
MSC Cruises’ Easy Package includes:
- Classic and international cocktails
- Non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks
- Spirits (whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy – one brand per type)
- House wines (red, white, sparkling, rosè)
- Draft beer Heineken and bottled beer Heineken*
- Soft drinks from the fountain, canned soft drinks, fruit juices by the glass and bottled
- Bottled Mineral Water
- Classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, caffèlatte, hot tea, hot chocolate)
- Beverage gratuities included
Price (if booked before sailing): $39 per person, per day
Soda Packages/Non-Alcoholic Packages
If your cruise is a family affair, you may want a drink package that keeps travelers under 21 refreshed. Many cruises offer non-alcoholic packages for those who don’t drink alcoholic beverages, often including sodas, juices, and mocktails. Below are some of the best non-alcoholic packages:
Royal Caribbean’s Refreshment Package includes:
- Fountain soda and refills at any venue
- Coca-Cola souvenir cup
- Non-alcoholic cocktails/mocktails
- Sparkling water
- Premium coffees and teas, fresh squeezed juices
Price: $29 per person, per day (price may vary based on sailing)
MSC Cruises’ Alcohol-Free Package includes:
- Non-alcoholic cocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails
- Energy drinks and flavored water
- Flavored water
- Soda by glass and bottle
- Wide range of hot drinks
- Soft serve ice cream
- Beverage gratuities included
Price (if booked before sailing): $26 per person, per day (21+ years old); $17 per person, per day (3-20 years old)
Carnival Cruise Line’s Bottomless Bubbles includes:
- Ice-cold refreshments at any time
- All-you-can-drink soda and juice for full length of cruise
Price: $6.95 per child, per day; $9.50 per adult, per day
With so many options and price levels, navigating drink packages can be a difficult task. In breaking down the different types of packages and providing examples of some of the best options, we hope this guide will help you choose the best beverage package for you. Enjoy your cruise and stay refreshed with the drink package that best suits your needs!
By Lily Ogburn
