Do All Cruise Lines Offer Open Bar The Truth Revealed

Not all cruise lines offer open bar—while luxury and premium brands like Regent, Silversea, and Celebrity include unlimited drinks in their fares, most mainstream lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian charge extra for alcohol and premium beverages. Open bar is typically a perk reserved for higher-tier packages or suite guests, so understanding each line’s policy is crucial before booking to avoid surprise costs.

Key Takeaways

• Not all cruise lines offer open bar—luxury and premium lines are most likely to include it.
• All-inclusive packages vary widely—always compare inclusions before booking.
• Mainstream cruise lines rarely include open bar—expect à la carte pricing or drink packages.
• Check fine print for restrictions—open bar may exclude premium brands or specialty drinks.
• Buy drink packages early—they’re often cheaper pre-cruise than onboard.
• Luxury lines deliver true open bar—look to brands like Regent, Seabourn, or Silversea.

The Open Bar Dream: Fact or Fiction?

Imagine this: You’re lounging on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, the sun setting over the turquoise sea, and your favorite cocktail appears in your hand without you even needing to reach for your wallet. The idea of an open bar—where drinks flow freely and the tab is covered—is one of the most enticing promises of a cruise vacation. But is this dream a reality across all cruise lines, or is it merely a marketing myth?

For many travelers, the allure of an all-inclusive vacation includes not just accommodations and meals, but also unlimited access to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. While some cruise lines proudly advertise open bars as part of their standard packages, others require guests to pay extra or limit drink availability. Understanding the nuances of cruise line policies can mean the difference between a carefree vacation and a surprise bill at the end of your trip. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of cruise open bars, revealing which lines offer them, which don’t, and how to get the best value for your money—so you can sip smart and sail stress-free.

What Does “Open Bar” Really Mean on a Cruise?

The Definition of Open Bar in the Cruise Industry

Before we explore which cruise lines offer open bars, it’s crucial to define what “open bar” actually means in the cruise context. Unlike a traditional land-based open bar—where a host pays for all drinks during a fixed period—cruise open bars are typically all-inclusive beverage packages that allow guests to enjoy a wide range of drinks at no additional cost during the voyage. However, the scope, duration, and restrictions vary significantly between lines.

Generally, an open bar on a cruise includes:

• Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and spirits (up to a certain price limit)
• Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, coffee, tea, and bottled water
• Access to bars, lounges, poolside bars, and sometimes even specialty bars (e.g., wine bars or martini bars)

Key Differences: Included vs. Add-On vs. Limited Access

Not all “open bar” experiences are created equal. There are three primary models:

• Included Open Bar: The cruise line includes unlimited drinks in the base fare. This is common with luxury and premium lines.
• Add-On Beverage Package: The base fare doesn’t include drinks, but guests can purchase a drink package (e.g., $50–$80 per person per day) for unlimited access.
• Limited or À La Carte: Drinks are purchased individually, with no package option. Some lines may offer free soda or coffee, but alcohol is always charged.

For example, Regent Seven Seas Cruises includes an open bar in its base fare, while Carnival Cruise Line requires guests to buy a “Cheers!” package or pay per drink. Understanding these distinctions helps travelers avoid sticker shock and choose the right cruise based on their drinking habits and budget.

Common Restrictions and Fine Print

Even when a cruise line advertises an open bar, there are often limitations:

• Price caps: Many packages cap drinks at $12–$15; premium bottles or cocktails may incur a surcharge.
• Exclusions: Mini-bar items, specialty coffees, bottled water in cabins, and room service drinks may not be included.
• Time limits: Some bars may close early, or the package may not apply to certain venues (e.g., private lounges).
• Sharing: Most policies prohibit sharing drinks or using one package for multiple people.

Being aware of these restrictions can prevent disappointment. Always read the fine print before booking or purchasing a package.

Which Cruise Lines Offer Truly Included Open Bars?

Luxury Lines: The Gold Standard of All-Inclusive

If you’re seeking a true open bar experience where drinks are included from the moment you board, luxury cruise lines are your best bet. These lines pride themselves on all-inclusive pricing, where the base fare covers not only accommodations, gourmet dining, and excursions but also unlimited premium beverages.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is perhaps the most famous for its all-inclusive model. Their “Free Unlimited Beverage Package” includes:

• Premium cocktails, spirits, and wines (no price cap)
• Champagne and sparkling wine
• Bottled water and specialty coffee
• Mini-bar restocked daily

Similarly, Silversea Cruises includes an open bar with a wide selection of premium drinks, including top-shelf spirits and vintage wines. Guests can enjoy drinks at any bar, restaurant, or even in their suite without signing a check.

Oceania Cruises also offers a generous beverage policy. While the base fare doesn’t include all drinks, their “Free Unlimited Beverage Package” is included on select sailings (especially longer voyages), and it covers premium spirits, wines, and cocktails up to $15 per drink.

Premium and Boutique Lines with Inclusive Perks

Beyond the ultra-luxury segment, several premium and boutique cruise lines include open bars as a standard perk:

• Seabourn Cruise Line: Offers an open bar with premium wines, spirits, and cocktails. Mini-bars are stocked with complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Crystal Cruises: Now part of Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal includes an open bar with a wide selection of premium drinks. Their “All-Inclusive” fare also covers gratuities and select shore excursions.
• Paul Gauguin Cruises: Focused on French Polynesia, this line includes an open bar with premium drinks, champagne, and even wine pairings at dinner.

These lines typically cater to a more affluent clientele and emphasize personalized service, making the open bar a natural extension of their all-inclusive philosophy.

River Cruises: A Different Kind of Inclusion

River cruise lines like Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways also offer open bar-style experiences, though with a twist. On Viking, for example, complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner, and premium spirits, cocktails, and bottled water are available throughout the day at no extra cost. AmaWaterways goes a step further with their “All-Inclusive” package, which includes:

• Unlimited premium drinks (cocktails, wine, beer, spirits)
• Specialty coffee and tea
• Bottled water in cabins and on excursions
• Mini-bar restocked daily

While river cruises are shorter and more focused on cultural immersion, the included drinks enhance the relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

Major Mainstream Cruise Lines: Packages, Not Perks

Carnival Cruise Line: The “Cheers!” Package

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular mainstream lines, known for its fun, energetic vibe. However, drinks are not included in the base fare. Instead, Carnival offers the Cheers! Beverage Package, which costs approximately $59.95 per person per day (as of 2024, with gratuities included).

The Cheers! package includes:

• All alcoholic drinks up to $20 per drink (e.g., cocktails, beer, wine, spirits)
• Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, coffee, and energy drinks
• 15% discount on bottles of wine
• Access to all bars and lounges

Important: The package must be purchased for the entire cruise duration and for all guests in a cabin. If one person buys it, everyone in the room must also purchase it.

Tip: Carnival often runs promotions where the Cheers! package is discounted or free with certain booking conditions (e.g., booking a suite or during a flash sale). Always check for deals before finalizing your cruise.

Royal Caribbean: The “Deluxe Beverage Package”

Royal Caribbean International follows a similar model. Their Deluxe Beverage Package costs around $89 per person per day and includes:

• All drinks up to $15 (cocktails, wine, beer, spirits)
• Soda, juice, bottled water, and specialty coffee
• 15% off bottles of wine and champagne
• Access to all bars, including specialty bars like the Bionic Bar (robot mixologists!)

Royal Caribbean also offers a lower-tier Classic Soda Package for non-alcoholic drinks and a Refreshment Package that includes coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Pro Tip: If you plan to drink more than 5–6 alcoholic drinks per day, the package can pay for itself. Use the cruise line’s drink package calculator (available on their website) to estimate your break-even point.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The “Premium Plus Beverage Package”

Norwegian Cruise Line offers the Premium Plus Beverage Package at about

. It includes:

• All drinks up to $15 (including premium cocktails and spirits)
• Non-alcoholic drinks and bottled water
• 15% off wine bottles
• Mini-bar items (restocked daily)

NCL also has a unique “Free at Sea” promotion, where select bookings include the beverage package, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, and more—effectively offering a de facto open bar experience at no extra cost.

Note: Like Carnival, NCL requires all guests in a cabin to purchase the package if one does.

MSC Cruises: The “All-In” and “Easy” Packages

MSC Cruises offers a tiered beverage model. Their All-In Beverage Package (~$60–$70 per day) includes drinks up to $12, while the Easy Package (~$35 per day) covers beer, wine, soda, and coffee. For a true open bar feel, guests can upgrade to the Premium Package, which includes premium spirits and cocktails.

MSC also runs frequent promotions where the All-In package is included with certain stateroom categories or booking windows.

When Open Bar Isn’t an Option: Pay-As-You-Go and À La Carte

Cruise Lines with Limited or No Beverage Packages

Not all cruise lines offer open bar packages—even as an add-on. Some budget-focused or expedition-focused lines operate on a strict à la carte model:

• Disney Cruise Line: While not a budget line, Disney does not offer unlimited drink packages. Drinks are purchased individually, though soda, juice, coffee, and tea are free at the buffet. Alcohol is charged per drink, with prices ranging from $5 for beer to $15+ for cocktails.
• Holland America Line: Offers a Signature Beverage Package (~$60/day), but it’s not included in the base fare. Without the package, drinks are pay-as-you-go.
• Ponant: The French luxury expedition line includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, but premium drinks and cocktails are charged separately.
• Lindblad Expeditions: Focused on adventure and conservation, Lindblad includes wine and beer at meals but charges for cocktails and spirits.

For these lines, the open bar experience is limited or nonexistent unless you purchase a package—and even then, the selection may be more restricted than on mainstream lines.

Expedition and Niche Cruises: The Trade-Off

Expedition cruises (e.g., to Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Galápagos) prioritize experiences over amenities. The focus is on wildlife, nature, and education, not unlimited cocktails. As a result:

• Drinks are often limited to wine and beer at meals.
• Cocktails and premium spirits are available but charged à la carte.
• Mini-bars may be stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks only.

While this may seem disappointing to some, it aligns with the cruise’s mission: to deliver unforgettable experiences, not endless margaritas. For travelers seeking adventure over indulgence, the trade-off is worth it.

How to Save on Drinks Without a Package

If you’re on a line without an open bar package, or if the package doesn’t make financial sense, here are smart ways to save:

• Bring your own wine: Many lines allow you to bring one or two bottles of wine onboard for dinner (corkage fees may apply).
• Drink during happy hour: Check for daily drink specials or 2-for-1 deals.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Stick to free options like soda, juice, and coffee, and only buy alcohol occasionally.
• Use loyalty perks: Frequent cruisers may receive drink credits or discounts through loyalty programs.
• Book during promotions: Some lines offer free drink packages as part of booking incentives (e.g., “Free Drinks” on select sailings).

Comparing Open Bar Options: A Data-Driven Look

Cruise Line Beverage Policy Comparison Table

Cruise Line	Open Bar Included?	Beverage Package Name	Price (Per Person Per Day)	Drink Limit	Mini-Bar Included?
Regent Seven Seas	Yes	Free Unlimited Beverage	Included in fare	No limit (premium brands)	Yes
Silversea	Yes	All-Inclusive Beverage	Included in fare	No limit (top-shelf)	Yes
Carnival	No	Cheers! Package	$59.95	$20 per drink	No
Royal Caribbean	No	Deluxe Beverage Package	$89	$15 per drink	No
Norwegian Cruise Line	No	Premium Plus Package	$79	$15 per drink	Yes
MSC Cruises	No	All-In Package	$60–$70	$12 per drink	Yes (with upgrade)
Oceania Cruises	Sometimes	Free Unlimited (select sailings)	Included or $60	$15 per drink	Yes
Disney Cruise Line	No	None (pay per drink)	N/A	N/A	No

Note: Prices and policies are subject to change. Always verify with the cruise line before booking.

When Does a Beverage Package Make Sense?

To determine if a package is worth it, calculate your break-even point:

• If the package costs $60/day and you typically spend $10 per drink, you need to drink 6 drinks per day to break even.
• If you drink 3–4 drinks daily, the package may not be cost-effective.
• Consider non-alcoholic drinks: If you consume multiple sodas, coffees, and juices daily, the package adds value.

Also, factor in gratuities (usually 18–20% added to package prices) and sharing rules. If you’re traveling with a non-drinker, the mandatory purchase for all cabin occupants can be a dealbreaker.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Drinking Style

The truth is: not all cruise lines offer open bar—but many provide ways to achieve a similar experience, whether through included packages, add-ons, or promotions. The key is aligning your vacation goals with the right cruise line.

If you crave a truly carefree, all-inclusive vacation where you can sip a martini on the deck without worrying about the bill, luxury lines like Regent, Silversea, and Seabourn are your best bet. For budget-conscious travelers who still want unlimited drinks, mainstream lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL offer valuable packages—especially during promotions. And if you’re more interested in adventure than alcohol, expedition cruises provide unforgettable experiences with modest drink policies.

Ultimately, the “open bar” dream isn’t a myth—it’s a spectrum. By understanding the differences between cruise lines, reading the fine print, and calculating your personal break-even point, you can enjoy a vacation where the drinks flow freely—and your wallet stays happy. So raise a glass (or a complimentary cocktail) to smart cruising, and set sail with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all cruise lines offer open bar as part of their standard packages?

No, not all cruise lines include open bar in their base fare. While luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea offer complimentary drinks, mainstream lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean typically charge extra or offer drink packages.

Which cruise lines have all-inclusive open bar options?

Luxury and premium cruise lines such as Seabourn, Oceania, and Viking Cruises include open bar with premium spirits and wines in their fares. Some mainstream lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, offer “Free at Sea” promotions with drink packages.

Can I buy an open bar package on any cruise line?

Most major cruise lines—including Carnival, Princess, and MSC—offer optional open bar packages, but availability and pricing vary. Always compare the cost per day versus individual drink prices to decide if it’s worth it.

Do all cruise lines offer open bar during embarkation day?

Some lines, like Norwegian and Celebrity, include complimentary welcome drinks or open bar for a limited time on embarkation day. However, this isn’t universal—check your line’s policy before assuming free drinks.

Are there hidden fees with cruise line open bar packages?

Yes, many open bar packages add automatic gratuities (15–20%) and may exclude premium bottles or specialty cocktails. Always read the fine print to avoid surprise charges.

Do all-inclusive cruise lines limit drinks per day?

Some luxury lines with open bar set daily limits (e.g., 15 drinks) or restrict ultra-premium brands. Others, like Regent, offer truly unlimited pours—confirm details before booking.