The Oceania beverage packages offer non-alcoholic options, including sodas, fresh juices, bottled water, and specialty coffees, free of charge in the standard cruise fare. Alcoholic beverage pricing depends on the package. The House Select package, often included in Oceania’s standard fare promotion, gives you unlimited wine, champagne, and beer during lunch and dinner hours. The full Prestige Select package, allowing you to drink top-shelf cocktails, spirits, and wines all day and night at any bar/lounge, is as easy as selecting that option instead. Upgrading an included beverage package costs about thirty to forty dollars per person per day. Otherwise, the complete stand-alone Prestige package costs about sixty to eighty dollars per person per day.

What are the Two Main Oceania Beverage Packages?

Oceania Cruises provides two main options for alcoholic drink packages to help make your cruise as simple and worry-free as possible. Both will allow you to order to your heart’s content without stressing about every individual order. Since basic drinks like sodas, water and specialty coffees are always free for every guest, the main packages focus largely on wine, beer, and spirits.

• House Select package option: Unlimited beer, champagne, and wine by the glass during lunch and dinner hours.
• Prestige Select package option: Unlimited beer, wine, and spirits wherever and whenever on the ship during bar hours.

Are Wine and Spirits Expensive If Purchased Separately?

Purchasing wine and spirits individually while aboard a cruise ship can be a bit pricey, though whether it’s worth it depends on your consumption. Per-glass prices on generic wines and cocktails tend to run about ten to fifteen dollars each, and top-shelf spirits or good wine can be more. The cruise line will also automatically tack an eighteen to twenty percent service charge on top of the price of every order. If you plan to only enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner or a basic cocktail by the pool, paying separately will still cost you less than a daily package. If you tend to enjoy multiple glasses throughout the day, however, each individual charge quickly starts adding up to one hefty final bill.

What Beverages Are Already Included Without a Package?

In Oceania beverage packages, an extra package purchase isn’t necessary to gain access to a phenomenal variety of beverages to enjoy during your cruise. A shockingly vast array of nonalcoholic options is included in the price of your basic cruise ticket. At every restaurant, buffet, and bar, you’re welcome to indulge in these drinks, all day or night, without paying another cent.

• Soft drinks and canned sodas are available without limit: Coca-Cola products, ginger ale, and tonic water are yours throughout your sailing.
• Bottled water and juices: Still or sparkling Vero water and fresh fruit juices are yours for the asking, any time.
• Basic tap water and iced tea: Classic iced tea, lemonade, and regular tap water are always available everywhere.

Can Beverage Packages Be Added Before the Cruise?

Of course, drinking packages can be added prior to sailing, and this is one of the best decisions you can make. The big cruise lines all allow you to conveniently pre-purchase your specific drinking package of choice on their website or app ahead of time. Not only does this save you the hassle of waiting in long customer service lines on embarkation day, but it also saves you actual money. Exclusive discounts and pre-sailing sales from most cruise lines enable online prices for these packages to be much lower than what you would pay if you waited to get on board to purchase. Pre-purchases help you avoid paying increases, plan your vacation budget, and get everyone on vacation mode before you sail.

What are the Tips to Decide If a Beverage Package Is Worth It?

Whether a cruise beverage package is a good value all comes down to your personal drinking habits and your sailing itinerary. Doing a quick back-of-the-napkin calculation of how many drinks you typically consume in one day on vacation should reveal if you’ll win or lose financially. Be sure to factor in port days and how many long hours you will spend off the ship, unable to use your package.

• Calculate your average daily consumption: Count exactly how many coffees, sodas and cocktails you will realistically consume each day.
• Factor in port time: Spending full days off the ship exploring shore destinations will limit time to reap the benefits of your package.
• Read the fine print: Know the cruise line requirements and fine print rules (some lines require both/all adults in a stateroom to purchase).
• Do the math: Add up single drink prices versus the beverage package cost to make sure you’re truly saving money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining if an Oceania Cruises drink package is worth purchasing truly depends on your personal travel habits. With sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water already included at no extra charge for all guests, there’s no need to pay more for drinks if you don’t consume alcohol. But if you revel in fine wine with meals or cocktails by the pool, upgrading or adding a package will keep your vacation budget both manageable and predictable! Just take stock of your daily drinking preferences, see if one is already included in your fare promotion, and select whatever package gives you complete peace of mind.

Also Read: How Cruise Drink Packages Work: A Simple Guide

FAQ

Q.1 Are Drinks Included on Oceania Cruises?

Ans: It depends on your cruise fare and package. Some fares include selected beverages or drink package promotions, while other drinks must be purchased separately during the cruise.

Q.2 Can You Buy an Oceania Cruises Drink Package After You’ve Boarded?

Ans: Yes. In many cases, you can purchase a beverage package after boarding, although availability may vary by sailing, and some packages must be purchased before the cruise’s cut-off date.

Q.3 Can Two Guests Share One Beverage Package?

Ans: No. Beverage packages are generally intended for individual use and are not transferable. You should review the package terms and conditions for specific restrictions and gratuity policies.

Q.4 Can I Use My Package at Every Onboard Restaurant and Bar?

Ans: Yes. Most Oceania Cruises beverage packages are accepted at participating bars, lounges, and restaurants throughout the ship, subject to the package’s terms and conditions.