Do Any Cruise Lines Include Alcohol in Their Packages

Yes, several cruise lines now include alcohol in their base fares or offer all-inclusive packages, making it easier than ever to enjoy drinks without surprise bills. Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages are top choices, bundling beer, wine, and cocktails into premium packages or as part of their standard pricing—ideal for travelers seeking convenience and value.

Key Takeaways

• Premium cruise lines like Regent and Silversea include alcohol in base fares.
• Mainstream lines often offer drink packages—not automatic but cost-effective.
• Always compare package inclusions to avoid surprise alcohol charges onboard.
• Specialty dining may include complimentary wine or cocktails on select lines.
• Luxury and river cruises typically bundle alcohol; check inclusions before booking.

Do Any Cruise Lines Include Alcohol in Their Packages? The Truth Revealed

Picture this: You’re lounging on the deck of a luxury cruise ship, the ocean breeze gently brushing your face as you sip a perfectly chilled mojito. The sun dips below the horizon, and you’re surrounded by laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. For many travelers, this is the dream — but there’s one big question that often lingers: Do any cruise lines include alcohol in their packages?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Cruise alcohol policies vary widely depending on the line, the itinerary, the cabin type, and even the season. Some cruise lines are known for their all-inclusive, drink-to-your-heart’s-content approach, while others operate on a pay-as-you-go model that can quickly inflate your vacation budget. If you’re planning your next cruise and don’t want to be caught off guard by surprise bar tabs, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore which cruise lines include alcohol, how their packages work, what you get, and what you might be missing — all so you can make an informed decision that matches your travel style and budget.

Why Alcohol Inclusion Matters on a Cruise

The Hidden Costs of Cruise Drinking

Let’s be honest: Cruises are often marketed as “all-inclusive” getaways, but the reality is more nuanced. While most lines cover basic food, accommodations, and entertainment, alcohol is frequently not included in the base fare. A single cocktail can cost $12–$18, a glass of wine $9–$14, and a craft beer $7–$10. If you enjoy a few drinks each day — say, a mimosa at brunch, a cocktail before dinner, and a nightcap — you could easily rack up $50–$100 per person, per day in drink costs. For a 7-day cruise, that’s $350–$700 per person. Ouch.

That’s why understanding a cruise line’s alcohol policy is crucial. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about budget control. When alcohol is included, you can relax and enjoy your vacation without constantly checking your tab or worrying about overspending. It also encourages socializing, enhances the overall experience, and makes the cruise feel truly “all-inclusive.”

What “Inclusion” Actually Means

Not all “included” alcohol is created equal. Some lines offer unlimited premium cocktails, while others only include house wine and beer. Others cap your daily drink allowance or restrict inclusion to certain venues. Here’s what to look for:

• Unlimited premium drinks: High-end spirits, top-shelf liquors, imported wines, and specialty cocktails are available without extra charge.
• House drinks only: Typically includes basic beer, wine, and well drinks (e.g., rum and coke, gin and tonic).
• Daily drink credit: A set dollar amount (e.g., $50 per day) that you can spend on any drink.
• Included in suite bookings: Some lines only include alcohol for guests staying in suites or higher-tier cabins.
• Time-limited or location-limited: Drinks may only be included during certain hours or in specific lounges.

Knowing these distinctions helps you avoid disappointment and choose the right cruise for your drinking preferences.

Cruise Lines That Truly Include Alcohol (Yes, Really!)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Gold Standard

When it comes to luxury all-inclusive cruising, Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the bar. Their “Ultimate All-Inclusive” experience means everything is included — and that includes alcohol. We’re talking premium cocktails, top-shelf spirits, champagne, fine wines, and even mini-bar items in your suite — all at no extra cost.

During a 10-day Caribbean cruise, I enjoyed a $250 bottle of Veuve Clicquot at dinner, a craft cocktail at the Observation Lounge, and a glass of aged rum by the pool — all without reaching for my wallet. The staff even remembered my favorite drink by day three. It’s this level of personalized, no-strings-attached service that makes Regent stand out.

But it’s not just the drinks — Regent also includes shore excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and business-class airfare on many sailings. If you’re looking for a truly worry-free, high-end cruise where alcohol is just part of the experience, Regent is hard to beat.

Oceania Cruises: Gourmet Drinks, Included

Oceania Cruises is known for its focus on fine dining and culinary excellence — and that extends to its alcohol policy. On all Oceania sailings, guests enjoy unlimited premium drinks, including:

• Top-shelf liquors (e.g., Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Black)
• Imported and domestic wines by the glass (including sommelier-selected pairings)
• Champagne and sparkling wines
• Craft cocktails and specialty coffees

What’s unique is that Oceania’s wine list is curated by a master sommelier, so you’re not just getting “included” drinks — you’re getting great drinks. I once had a 2018 Château Margaux at dinner — a $150 bottle — and it was included. That’s the kind of value Oceania delivers.

The catch? Oceania is still considered a premium cruise line, so the base fare is higher. But when you factor in the included alcohol and dining, the value is exceptional.

Virgin Voyages: A Modern, Millennial-Friendly Approach

If you’re looking for a more contemporary, edgy cruise experience, Virgin Voyages might be your match. Their “All Included” promise covers:

• All dining (no buffets, all restaurants)
• Fitness classes and group activities
• Unlimited premium drinks (yes, really!)

Wait — unlimited premium drinks on a cruise that’s not even a luxury line? Yes. Virgin includes everything from craft cocktails and craft beer to premium wines and top-shelf spirits. No drink limits. No daily caps. Just order what you want, when you want it.

During a recent 5-day Caribbean sailing, I tried a mezcal cocktail at the Scarlet Lady’s rooftop bar, a glass of Napa Valley cabernet at a pop-up dinner, and a virgin mojito at the spa — all included. The vibe is fun, inclusive, and designed for travelers who want to enjoy themselves without nickel-and-diming.

The only caveat: Virgin doesn’t allow outside alcohol, and gratuities are added automatically (around $15 per person, per day). But for the price — which is often lower than luxury lines — the alcohol inclusion is a game-changer.

Cruise Lines With Partial or Conditional Alcohol Inclusion

Celebrity Cruises: The “Classic” Inclusion Model

Celebrity Cruises offers a tiered approach to alcohol inclusion. Their “Classic Beverage Package” is included in all suite bookings and available for purchase in other cabins. The package includes:

• Beer, wine, and spirits up to $15 per drink
• Cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Premium coffee and bottled water

So, is it truly “included”? Only if you book a suite or opt into the package. But here’s the good news: Celebrity often runs promotions where the beverage package is free for all guests during certain sailings. I scored this deal on a 7-day Alaska cruise and saved over $600 per couple in drink costs.

Tip: Always check Celebrity’s “Always Included” pricing, which bundles the beverage package, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into the base fare. It’s not free, but it makes the cost more predictable and often saves money compared to paying a la carte.

Princess Cruises: The “Captain’s Circle” Advantage

Princess Cruises doesn’t include alcohol in standard fares, but they have a clever loyalty perk: free drink packages for repeat cruisers. If you’re a member of their Captain’s Circle loyalty program (and have sailed at least 150 cruise days), you get:

• Free “Premium Beverage Package” on most sailings
• Free specialty dining
• Free Wi-Fi

This makes Princess a great choice for frequent cruisers who want to enjoy premium drinks without paying extra. Even if you’re not at that level yet, Princess often offers “Buy One, Get One Free” drink package deals during sales, so keep an eye out.

For non-members, the standard drink packages range from $60–$80 per person, per day, and include beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Not included? Bottled water (though you can get unlimited refills at bars) and drinks over $15.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The “Free at Sea” Strategy

NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion is one of the most popular in the industry — and it includes a free beverage package on select sailings. When you book, you choose one (or more) of five perks, including:

• Free open bar (Premium Beverage Package)
• Free specialty dining
• Free shore excursions
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free airfare

The open bar package covers beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks up to $15 per drink. It’s not unlimited premium, but it’s close — and it’s free if you qualify.

Important: The “Free at Sea” offer isn’t available on every cruise or cabin type. It’s usually limited to certain itineraries, seasons, and booking windows. But when it’s offered, it’s a fantastic deal. I used it on a 10-day Europe cruise and enjoyed everything from Aperol spritzes to craft IPAs without a single charge.

How to Choose the Right Alcohol-Inclusive Cruise for You

Know Your Drinking Style

Before booking, ask yourself: What kind of drinker are you?

• The casual sipper: You enjoy a glass of wine at dinner and maybe a cocktail by the pool. You’ll do fine with most standard drink packages.
• The cocktail enthusiast: You love craft mixology, specialty drinks, and trying new spirits. Look for lines that include premium cocktails (e.g., Virgin, Oceania).
• The wine lover: You appreciate a good vintage and want sommelier-curated pairings. Regent and Oceania are ideal.
• The non-drinker: You don’t drink alcohol but still want value. Many lines include premium coffee, mocktails, and bottled water in their packages — so don’t skip the beverage package entirely.

Compare Total Value, Not Just the Price

Don’t just look at the base fare. Calculate the total cost of your cruise, including:

• Base fare
• Drink package (if not included)
• Gratuities
• Wi-Fi
• Specialty dining (if desired)

For example, a $1,500 base fare with a $500 drink package and $200 in gratuities is really a $2,200 cruise. But a $2,000 all-inclusive fare (with drinks, tips, and Wi-Fi) might actually be cheaper and more convenient.

Watch for Promotions and Timing

Timing is everything. Cruise lines often offer free drink packages during:

• “Wave Season” (January–March)
• Back-to-school sales (August–September)
• Holiday promotions (November–December)
• Last-minute deals (2–6 weeks before sailing)

Set price alerts, follow cruise deal newsletters, and work with a travel agent who knows the industry. A little patience can save you hundreds.

Alcohol Inclusion Comparison: Cruise Lines at a Glance

Cruise Line	Alcohol Inclusion	What’s Included	Best For	Price Range (7-day, per person)
Regent Seven Seas	Fully included	Premium cocktails, top-shelf liquor, champagne, wine, mini-bar	Luxury travelers, wine lovers, all-inclusive seekers	$4,000–$12,000+
Oceania Cruises	Fully included	Premium cocktails, sommelier wines, champagne, craft beer	Foodies, gourmet drinkers, repeat cruisers	$3,500–$8,000
Virgin Voyages	Fully included	Craft cocktails, premium wines, craft beer, non-alcoholic	Millennials, couples, active travelers	$1,800–$4,000
Celebrity Cruises	Included in suites; package available	Drinks up to $15, beer, wine, cocktails	Mid-range luxury, families, couples	$1,200–$3,000
NCL	Free package on select sailings	Drinks up to $15, beer, wine, cocktails	Budget-conscious, large groups, first-time cruisers	$900–$2,500
Princess Cruises	Free for loyalty members; package available	Drinks up to $15, beer, wine, cocktails	Repeat cruisers, families, Alaska/Caribbean fans	$1,000–$2,800

Final Thoughts: Yes, Some Cruise Lines Do Include Alcohol — and It’s Worth It

So, do any cruise lines include alcohol in their packages? Absolutely — and they’re not just the ultra-luxury ones. From the five-star elegance of Regent Seven Seas to the bold, modern vibe of Virgin Voyages, there are options for every budget and travel style.

The key is to look beyond the base fare and understand what “included” really means. Are you getting premium drinks, or just house wine? Is it unlimited, or capped? Does it apply to all guests, or only those in suites? Answering these questions upfront can save you money, stress, and disappointment.

My personal take? If you enjoy a good drink and want to fully relax on your cruise, choose a line that includes alcohol. Whether it’s a complimentary glass of champagne at sunset or a craft cocktail at a rooftop bar, those small pleasures add up. They’re not just about the alcohol — they’re about the experience, the freedom, and the feeling that your vacation is truly all-inclusive.

So go ahead — raise a glass. Your cruise awaits. And this time, you might not even have to pay for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines include alcohol in their base fare?

Most mainstream cruise lines don’t include alcohol in the base fare, but luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea do include select wines, beers, and spirits. Budget-friendly options like Norwegian Cruise Line offer beverage packages as add-ons.

Which cruise lines include alcohol with meals?

Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line often include complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner. River cruise lines like Viking and AmaWaterways also include drinks with onboard dining as part of their all-inclusive model.

Are there any all-inclusive cruise lines that cover premium alcohol?

Luxury cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises and Oceania Cruises include premium cocktails, champagne, and top-shelf spirits in their packages. Some even offer unlimited beverage packages as part of their “do any cruise lines include alcohol” perks.

Can I bring my own alcohol on cruises that don’t include it?

Policies vary, but most cruise lines prohibit bringing hard liquor or wine (except for a limited amount at embarkation). Carnival and Royal Caribbean allow one bottle of wine per passenger, while others charge corkage fees for onboard consumption.

Do family-friendly cruise lines offer alcohol packages?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean provide drink packages for adults, though they aren’t included in the base price. These packages cover cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for a flat daily rate.

Are drink packages worth it on cruise lines that don’t include alcohol?

If you plan to enjoy multiple drinks daily, packages from lines like Norwegian or Princess Cruises can save money. However, casual drinkers might prefer paying à la carte to avoid unused credits.