Does Holland America Cruise Line Have Alcohol Packages Explained

Yes, Holland America Cruise Line offers alcohol packages to help guests save on drinks during their voyage, including beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Choose from flexible options like the Elite Beverage Package or the lower-tier Drink of the Day plan, both designed to suit different drinking preferences and budgets—making it easy to enjoy your favorite beverages at sea.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Holland America offers alcohol packages for beer, wine, and cocktails across all sailings.
• Choose from tiered packages based on drink preferences and budget, starting at $55/day.
• Premium spirits and top-shelf brands require the highest-tier package or à la carte purchases.
• Discounts apply for early purchase—book pre-cruise to save up to 20% on packages.
• Non-alcoholic options included in most packages, ideal for non-drinkers or mixed groups.
• Package sharing allowed with other guests in the same stateroom, maximizing value.

Does Holland America Cruise Line Have Alcohol Packages? A Complete Guide

If you’re planning a cruise with Holland America Line, one of the most common questions that arises is, “Does Holland America Cruise Line have alcohol packages?” The answer is a resounding yes—and they’ve designed a range of beverage packages to suit every traveler’s preferences, budget, and drinking habits. Whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast, a craft cocktail lover, or a beer aficionado, Holland America offers flexible, inclusive, and value-driven alcohol packages that can significantly enhance your onboard experience.

Cruise lines have evolved dramatically over the past decade, and beverage programs are now a cornerstone of the guest experience. Holland America, known for its premium mid-sized ships, refined ambiance, and destination-focused itineraries, has responded to growing demand by introducing a modern, transparent, and highly customizable suite of alcohol and beverage packages. These packages are not just about convenience—they’re about savings, consistency, and enjoyment. With rising drink prices on board, pre-purchasing a package can save you 20–40% compared to buying drinks à la carte. But with so many options, it’s essential to understand which one is right for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Holland America’s alcohol packages, from what’s included and how much they cost, to insider tips for maximizing value and avoiding common pitfalls.

Overview of Holland America’s Alcohol and Beverage Packages

Holland America Line offers a tiered system of beverage packages designed to cater to a wide spectrum of guests. These packages are available for purchase pre-cruise or onboard, though early purchase often comes with discounts and added perks. The core alcohol packages fall under the “Beverage Package” umbrella, which includes several levels of access to alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks across the ship. Unlike some cruise lines that offer only one or two options, Holland America provides a more nuanced approach, allowing guests to choose based on consumption level, drink preferences, and budget.

Types of Beverage Packages Available

As of 2024, Holland America offers three primary alcohol-inclusive beverage packages:

• Classic Beverage Package: The most popular option, covering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Premium Beverage Package: An upgraded version with access to premium brands, top-shelf spirits, and specialty cocktails.
• Elite Beverage Package: The highest tier, including luxury spirits, reserve wines, craft cocktails, and exclusive bar experiences.

All three packages include unlimited non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, juices, bottled water, specialty coffee, etc.), but the key differences lie in the quality, brand, and variety of alcoholic offerings. Importantly, each package is priced per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise (minimum 3-day package on cruises of 3+ days).

What’s Included in Each Package?

To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of what each package covers:

• Classic: House wines by the glass, domestic and imported beers, well spirits (e.g., Smirnoff, Bacardi), and standard cocktails (e.g., rum and Coke, gin and tonic).
• Premium: Everything in Classic, plus mid-tier brands (e.g., Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Black), craft beers, and upgraded cocktails (e.g., mojitos, margaritas).
• Elite: Everything in Premium, plus premium spirits (e.g., Patrón, Hennessy), reserve wines (e.g., Silver Oak, Opus One), specialty craft cocktails, and access to exclusive bar experiences like mixology classes or VIP lounge areas.

For example, if you enjoy a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner, the Classic package may suffice. But if you prefer a craft IPA or a top-shelf bourbon Old Fashioned, the Premium or Elite packages offer better value and selection.

Non-Alcoholic Options and Add-Ons

All packages include unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, which is a major perk for non-drinkers or those who want to balance their intake. This includes:

• Bottled water (still and sparkling)
• Sodas (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.)
• Fresh juices (orange, apple, cranberry)
• Specialty coffee drinks (espresso, cappuccino, latte)
• Mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails

Additionally, Holland America offers a “Coffee & Soda Package” for those who don’t drink alcohol but want unlimited access to soft drinks and coffee. This is ideal for families with kids or health-conscious travelers.

Pricing and Value: Are the Packages Worth It?

One of the most critical factors in deciding whether to purchase an alcohol package is cost versus value. Holland America’s pricing is competitive with other premium cruise lines, but the real savings come from understanding your drinking habits and comparing à la carte prices.

Current Package Pricing (2024)

Prices vary slightly depending on the ship, itinerary, and season, but here’s a general range (per person, per day):

• Classic Beverage Package: $55–$65
• Premium Beverage Package: $75–$85
• Elite Beverage Package: $95–$110

For a 7-night cruise, this translates to:

• Classic: $385–$455 per person
• Premium: $525–$595 per person
• Elite: $665–$770 per person

Note: Prices are subject to a 15% gratuity automatically added at purchase.

Break-Even Analysis: When Does It Pay Off?

To determine if a package is worth it, calculate how much you’d spend on drinks without a package. Here’s a real-world example:

• 1 glass of house wine: $10
• 1 domestic beer: $7
• 1 well cocktail: $12
• 1 specialty coffee: $4

If you consume 3 drinks per day (e.g., wine at lunch, beer at dinner, coffee in the morning), that’s $23–$26 per day. Over 7 days: $161–$182. At $55/day, the Classic package costs $385—so you’d need to consume at least 5 drinks per day to break even.

However, if you’re a moderate to heavy drinker—say, 2 cocktails, 1 wine, and 1 beer daily—that’s $40+ per day, or $280+ over 7 days. The Classic package now offers significant savings. The Premium package becomes cost-effective if you regularly order $15+ drinks (e.g., craft cocktails, premium wines).

Hidden Savings and Perks

Beyond drink savings, packages offer added value:

• No surprise bills: All drinks are covered—no need to carry cash or worry about credit card charges.
• Consistency in quality: No risk of “upselling” to more expensive drinks.
• Access to bars and lounges: Packages grant entry to all bars, including specialty venues like the Explorations Café or Mix Lounge.
• Pre-cruise discounts: Booking online before departure can save 10–15%.
• Group discounts: For groups of 8+ in a stateroom, packages may be discounted by 5–10%.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, start with the Classic package. You can always upgrade onboard if needed (though downgrades are not allowed).

How to Purchase and Manage Your Package

Holland America makes it easy to buy and manage your alcohol package, whether you prefer to plan ahead or decide once onboard.

Pre-Cruise Purchase (Recommended)

Buying online before your cruise is the most cost-effective option. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your My Holland America account.
2. Navigate to “Manage Your Cruise” > “Beverage Packages.”
3. Select your preferred package and duration.
4. Complete payment (15% gratuity is added automatically).
5. Your package is activated on Day 1 of the cruise.

Benefits of pre-purchasing:

• 10–15% discount (varies by promotion)
• Guaranteed availability (packages sell out on popular sailings)
• No onboard pressure or upsells

Note: Pre-purchased packages are non-refundable but can be transferred to another guest on the same booking.

Onboard Purchase and Upgrades

If you decide after boarding, you can buy a package at the Guest Services desk or via the Holland America app. However:

• Onboard prices are typically higher (no pre-cruise discount).
• You can upgrade from Classic to Premium or Elite, but not downgrade.
• Upgrades must be done within the first 48 hours of the cruise.

Example: If you buy the Classic package pre-cruise for $55/day but later want premium cocktails, you can upgrade to Premium for the remaining days at the difference rate (e.g., $20/day for the upgrade).

Managing Usage and Tracking Spending

Holland America’s app and onboard kiosks allow you to:

• View your daily drink usage
• See remaining balance (for packages with spending limits, though most are unlimited)
• Check which bars accept your package
• Receive alerts for special events (e.g., happy hours, wine tastings)

Insider Tip: Use the app to scan your wristband at bars—it instantly verifies your package and logs your drink, making the process seamless.

Special Considerations and Exclusions

While Holland America’s packages are comprehensive, there are important exclusions, rules, and nuances to understand before purchasing.

What’s NOT Covered by the Packages?

Despite their breadth, alcohol packages exclude:

• Bottled wine by the bottle: Only by the glass is included. Bottles range from $30–$200+ and are charged separately.
• Mini-bar items: Drinks in your stateroom fridge are not covered.
• Special events and shore excursions: Drinks at private events (e.g., Captain’s Gala, wine pairing dinners) may require additional fees.
• Room service cocktails: While non-alcoholic room service is free, alcoholic drinks are charged à la carte.
• Premium cigars and spirits: High-end cigars, single-malt scotch flights, or rare vintages are often excluded or capped.

Example: A bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne is not covered—even with the Elite package. You’ll pay the full retail price (typically $250+).

Rules and Restrictions

Holland America enforces strict policies to prevent abuse:

• One drink per person, per transaction: You cannot order multiple drinks for friends or “stockpile” drinks.
• Must be 21+ to purchase: Packages are only sold to guests 21 and over (18 in some countries).
• Non-transferable: A package is tied to your name and stateroom—cannot be shared with others, even in the same cabin.
• No carry-off drinks: Open drinks cannot be taken off the bar area (except to your stateroom, with limitations).

Violations can result in package revocation without refund.

Group and Family Considerations

For families or groups:

• Children and non-drinkers can get the Coffee & Soda Package ($15–$20/day).
• If only one person drinks, consider whether a package is worth it—à la carte might be cheaper.
• For couples, if both drink, splitting a higher-tier package can be more efficient (e.g., two Premium packages vs. one Elite).

Tip: If you’re on a 10+ day cruise, consider a mid-cruise “dry day” to reset—this can help you stay within budget and avoid overconsumption.

Tips to Maximize Value and Enjoyment

Getting the most out of your alcohol package requires strategy and awareness. Here are expert-backed tips to ensure you’re not just saving money—but also enhancing your cruise experience.

1. Know the Happy Hours and Specials

Holland America runs daily happy hours (usually 4–6 PM) where select drinks are 50% off—even with a package. Use these to try premium cocktails or wines you might not normally order. For example, a $18 craft cocktail might be $9 during happy hour, letting you sample more variety without “wasting” your package allowance.

2. Attend Wine Tastings and Mixology Classes

Many ships host free or low-cost events where package holders get complimentary tastings. The Elite package often includes VIP access to these events, where you can meet sommeliers or mixologists and learn about pairing drinks with food. On the Eurodam, for instance, the “Wine & Cheese Pairing” event is free for Elite members.

3. Use the Package for Non-Alcoholic Perks

Don’t overlook the non-alcoholic benefits! With unlimited:

• Bottled water (great for excursions)
• Specialty coffee (skip the $6 lattes)
• Fresh juices (perfect for hangover recovery)

You can save $20–$30 per day on non-alcoholic drinks alone—making even the Classic package a win for moderate drinkers.

4. Plan for Port Days

On port days, you might not drink as much onboard. To maximize value:

• Save premium drinks for sea days
• Use the package for pre-dinner drinks before heading ashore
• Order room service non-alcoholic drinks to take on excursions

5. Combine with Other Promotions

Holland America often bundles beverage packages with:

• Onboard credit: Get $100+ OBC when booking a package
• Free specialty dining: Some promotions include a free dinner at Pinnacle Grill
• Discounted spa services: Use OBC from package deals for a massage

Check the “Special Offers” section on the Holland America website before booking.

Data Table: Alcohol Package Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Classic Package	Premium Package	Elite Package
Price (per person/day)	$55–$65	$75–$85	$95–$110
Alcohol Coverage	House wines, domestic beer, well spirits	+ Craft beer, mid-tier spirits, upgraded cocktails	+ Premium spirits, reserve wines, craft cocktails
Non-Alcoholic Drinks	Unlimited (soda, water, coffee, juice)	Unlimited (same as Classic)	Unlimited (same as Classic)
Special Events Access	Standard bars	+ Mix Lounge, Explorations Café	+ VIP lounge, mixology classes, wine tastings
Best For	Light to moderate drinkers, budget-conscious	Regular drinkers, craft cocktail lovers	Connoisseurs, luxury experience seekers
Break-Even Point (7-day cruise)	4–5 drinks/day	5–6 drinks/day	6+ drinks/day

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Cruise

So, does Holland America Cruise Line have alcohol packages? Absolutely—and they’re among the most flexible and value-driven in the industry. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc on the Lido Deck, enjoying a craft IPA in the Crow’s Nest, or toasting with a premium bourbon at sunset, Holland America’s tiered beverage packages ensure you can do so without constant worry about the bill.

The key to success lies in self-awareness and planning. Assess your drinking habits, consider the length of your cruise, and compare package costs to potential à la carte spending. For most guests who consume 4+ drinks per day, the Classic or Premium package offers clear savings. The Elite package is ideal for connoisseurs or those seeking a truly luxurious experience with exclusive access.

Remember to buy early for discounts, use the app to track usage, and take advantage of happy hours and events to stretch your value. And don’t forget the non-alcoholic perks—they’re often overlooked but can make a big difference in comfort and savings.

Ultimately, Holland America’s alcohol packages aren’t just about convenience—they’re about enhancing your cruise experience. With the right package, you can focus on what truly matters: relaxation, exploration, and making memories. So raise a glass, enjoy the journey, and cruise with confidence—your perfect drink is always within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holland America Cruise Line have alcohol packages for purchase?

Yes, Holland America Cruise Line offers several alcohol packages, including the Signature Beverage Package and the Elite Beverage Package, which cover a wide selection of drinks. These can be purchased pre-cruise or onboard.

What types of drinks are included in Holland America’s alcohol packages?

The packages include beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, spirits, soda, and specialty coffees. Premium brands and high-end wines may require an additional fee or are only available in higher-tier packages.

Can I buy a Holland America alcohol package for just part of my cruise?

No, the beverage packages are only available for the full duration of the cruise. However, you can purchase them for specific voyages, and they activate on the first day of your trip.

Are there any restrictions on Holland America’s alcohol packages?

Yes, packages are limited to 15 drinks per day, and you must be 21+ to purchase. Drinks are only valid at bars, lounges, and dining venues—not in-room or for resale.

Does Holland America offer a non-alcoholic beverage package?

Yes, the Soda Package and Refreshment Package (which includes mocktails, bottled water, and premium juices) are available for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options. These are ideal for families or designated drivers.

Can I share my Holland America alcohol package with others in my cabin?

No, beverage packages are non-transferable and can only be used by the named purchaser. Each guest must buy their own package if they want to participate in the program.