When you plan a cruise, choosing what you’ll drink can be one of the most confusing aspects of your vacation. Nearly every major line these days offers prepaid drink packages that allow cruisers to enjoy all the soda, coffee, juice, sparkling water, beer, wine, and spirits they want for one flat fee. Rather than paying individually for every pina colada you suck down by the pool or every soda you have with dinner, you can achieve total peace of mind with a package.
What is a drink package on a cruise ship?
A drink package on a cruise ship is basically a flat-rate plan that allows you to pay upfront for your beverages instead of paying for each drink individually. In buying one, you pay a fixed price per day and are entitled to unlimited or significant daily amounts of a wide range of drinks available on board. Depending on the package you choose, this could include soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty coffees, bottled water, and a range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails. It operates on an all-inclusive basis, with your cruise card scanned when you request a drink, and is a very convenient way to plan your holiday spend in advance without being stung by a hefty bill at the end of your trip.
How much do alcoholic drink packages cost on cruise ships?
Drink package prices on cruise ships can differ a lot. The big cruise lines like Carnival and Holland America usually offer drink packages that cover every kind of drink, costing about $60 to $90 a day per person. At other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, you’ll have to pay more than $100 a day per person for their best drink package.
- Standard package daily rates: Basic alcohol plans usually cost between sixty and eighty dollars per person per day.
- Premium package daily rates: Top-shelf packages with expensive liquor can cost ninety dollars or more per day.
- Extra gratuity charges added: Cruise lines usually add an eighteen to twenty percent service fee to the final package price.
- Discounts for early booking: Buying your package online before sailing can save you up to twenty percent overall.
Are drink packages on cruise ships really unlimited?
Unlimited drink packages are not truly Unlimited. It depends on which cruise line you’re sailing with and what you’re ordering. For most non-alcoholic beverages sodas, juices, coffees, etc. There might as well be no limit. Most cruise lines let you go to town as much as you want.
With alcoholic drinks, though, virtually all of the popular lines have daily limits on what you can order, often limiting you to, say, fifteen alcoholic drinks in a 24-hour period. There are also often limits on how expensive any one glass can be, meaning you might have to pay extra for really expensive spirits. So while you do usually get to go to town on the drinks morning till night, it always pays to read the fine print.
Can you buy drinks on a cruise without a drink package?
You can definitely purchase drinks without having to buy a drink package. Each time you order a soda, coffee, beer or cocktail from the bar or restaurant, the staff will just charge the cost of that particular drink to your cruise room. Basic beverages like tap water, iced tea, regular coffee and lemonade are actually free of charge, included in your ticket. Paying per drink is a great choice if you only plan to have one or two beverages a day. This way, you only pay for what you actually consume instead of spending a big chunk of money on a daily package.
A line-by-line guide to cruise drink packages
Here is a detailed breakdown of drink package options available on the largest lines. Please note that all pricing is per person, per day and was accurate at the time of publication but can change at any time. Where a line offers multiple options, the most comprehensive package details are featured, while other packages are also listed for those considering them.
Royal Caribbean drink package
- Package name: Deluxe Beverage Package
- Cost per day: $56 to $105 per day plus an 18% gratuity charge. Prices change depending on your ship and travel route.
- Available on: All Royal Caribbean ships
- Included drinks: beer; wine by the glass; spirits; cocktails; liqueurs; mixed drinks; sodas; zero-proof cocktails; energy drinks; specialty coffees and teas; and bottled premium water. Plus 40% off wine bottles under $100.
Read More: Is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It In 2026? Prices, Options & Tips
Carnival Cruise Line drink package
- Package name: Cheers! Beverage Program
- Cost per day: $82.54 when bought before your trip; $88.44 when bought on board tips are already included.
- Available on: All Carnival ships, except sailings in Europe or Australia.
- This package covers: beer, wines served by the glass, cocktails, mixed drinks, sodas, juices, non-alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. Plus receive a 25% discount on full bottles of wine.
Read More: Carnival Drink Package Explained: Prices, Limits, What Included & Is It Worth It?
Holland America drink package
- Package name: Elite Beverage Package
- Cost per day: $65.95 per day plus an 18% service charge.
- Available on: All Holland America ships.
- Included: beers; wines by the glass; spirits and cocktails; sodas, juices, non-alcoholic drinks and energy drinks; specialty coffees and teas; and bottled water.
Read More: Holland America Line Drink Package: Cost, Options & Guide
MSC Cruises drink package
- Package name: Premium Extra Package
- Cost per day: $67 to $95 per day, depending on your trip length and whether you book early no extra service charge added.
- Available on: All MSC ships worldwide.
- Here’s what you get: Beers draft and bottled, wines and champagne by the glass, premium spirits, frozen cocktails, sodas, fruit juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, hot chocolate, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water – plus 25% off bottled wine and champagne.
Read More: What Are MSC Drink Packages? Prices, Limits & Best Options
Norwegian Cruise Line drink package
- Package name: Free at Sea Beverage Package
- Cost per day: $28.50 per day this covers mandatory tips for the package included with most bookings.
- Available on: All Norwegian ships.
- Here’s what’s included: a great array of cocktails, wines by the glass, sodas, and draft or bottle beers plus, you’ll get $15 off all ultra-premium drinks and 20% off bottles of wine.
Read More: What Is the Norwegian Drink Package and Is It Worth It in 2026?
Oceania Cruises drink package
- Package name: Prestige Select Beverage Package
- Daily rate: $79.95 daily, with a 50% savings available when you add the wine and beer option at time of booking.
- Available on: All Oceania ships.
- What’s included: Unlimited pours of champagne, wine by the glass, beer, spirits and cocktails at any bar or through room service. All guests always enjoy the complimentary selection of soft drinks, Vero water and specialty coffees.
Read More: Oceania Cruises Drink Package: Guide & Benefits
Princess Cruises drink package
- Package name: Premier Beverage Package
- Cost per day: $84.99 per day plus an 18% service charge, making it $100.30 total.
- Available on: All Princess ships.
- Here’s what you’ll get: beer, wine by the glass, all cocktails, all fountain soda, fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, energy drinks, specialty coffees and teas, bottled water And a 25% discount on bottles of wine
Read More: Princess Cruises Drink Package – Prices, Benefits & What Included
Viking drink package
- Package name: Silver Spirits Beverage Package
- Cost per day: $27 per day tips are already included.
- Available on: All Viking ocean, river, and expedition ships except Egypt routes.
- Included: All beers, wines by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails $18 and under, plus discounts on wine bottles. Soft drinks, house wine, and beer at lunch and dinner are already free for all guests. And you’ll enjoy a 15% discount on wine bottles.
Read More: Viking Cruises Drink Package 2026: Prices & Details
Conclusion
Deciding whether to buy a cruise drink package depends completely on your personal drinking habits and vacation budget. When you tend to want several specialty coffees, sodas, and cocktails throughout the day, a package will save you a substantial amount of money while giving you total peace of mind. On the other hand, if you’re only having the odd tipple, paying per drink is the best option. Taking a moment to do some basic math before your holiday will enable you to make the right call and enjoy a stress-free cruise.
FAQ
Q.1 Is It Smart to Buy a Cruise Drink Package?
Ans: If you plan to enjoy multiple drinks each day, a cruise drink package can often save you money compared to purchasing drinks individually.
Q.2 Can I Let Someone Else Use My Cruise Drink Package?
Ans: No. Cruise drink packages are generally non-transferable and may only be used by the passenger who purchased the package.
Q.3 Do Kids Need a Drink Package on a Cruise?
Ans: Not always. Many cruise lines offer separate non-alcoholic drink packages for children, while others allow you to purchase drinks individually as needed.
Q.4 Can I Use My Drink Package at All Bars?
Ans: Yes. On most cruises, drink packages are accepted at participating bars, lounges, restaurants, and poolside venues, subject to the cruise line’s terms and conditions.
