Picture this: You’re lounging by the pool on your MSC cruise, soaking up the sun. You reach for a refreshing drink, but a thought crosses your mind – how much do drinks cost on MSC Cruises? It’s a common concern! This guide will break down the beverage prices on board MSC ships, explain drink packages, and offer tips for budgeting your on-board spending. You’ll discover everything you need to know to enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank.
Understanding Beverage Prices on MSC Cruises
Understanding beverage prices is crucial for budgeting your cruise. MSC Cruises offers a range of drinks, from basic sodas and coffees to premium cocktails and wines. Prices vary depending on the specific drink, the bar or restaurant where it’s purchased, and whether you have a drink package. Knowing the general cost of individual drinks allows you to estimate your potential on-board expenses and decide whether a drink package is a worthwhile investment.
Typical Drink Prices
Here’s a general overview of what you can expect to pay for drinks on an MSC cruise. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate slightly based on the specific itinerary and ship.
- Soft Drinks and Juices: Expect to pay around $3-5 per can or glass.
These are your everyday beverages like Coca-Cola, Sprite, orange juice, and apple juice. The price usually covers the cost of the drink itself, as well as the service provided by the bartender or server. They are readily available throughout the ship.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees generally cost between $4-7.
If you’re a coffee lover, you might want to budget for these. These prices are comparable to what you’d find in a land-based coffee shop. Prices reflect the higher quality ingredients and skilled barista work involved.
- Beers: Domestic beers usually range from $6-8, while imported beers can cost $7-9.
Beer prices can vary quite a bit depending on the brand and origin. Ordering local beers might be slightly cheaper. Check the beer menu at the various bars on the ship to see what’s on offer.
- Wines: Wine by the glass typically ranges from $8-15, depending on the type and quality.
Wine prices will vary significantly based on quality and rarity. You can also purchase bottles of wine, which might be more cost-effective if you plan to drink wine frequently. Look for the wine packages for even better deals.
- Cocktails: Cocktails are generally priced between $9-14.
Cocktails are a popular choice on cruises, and the prices reflect this. They can include classics like Margaritas and Mojitos to signature MSC cocktails. The cost depends on the ingredients and the complexity of the drink.
For example, a study in 2023 by Cruise Critic indicated the average price of a cocktail across major cruise lines was $12, aligning closely with MSC’s pricing.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors can impact the price of your drinks on board an MSC cruise.
- Location: Drinks purchased at specialty bars or restaurants might be more expensive than those from the main bars.
Some specialty venues, like champagne bars or martini bars, might charge a premium for their drinks. This is often due to the higher quality ingredients or unique ambiance.
- Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for happy hour deals or other promotions that can reduce drink prices.
MSC Cruises often runs special promotions on drinks, especially during certain hours of the day or on specific days of the cruise. Check the daily program for announcements of these promotions.
- Taxes and Gratuities: Prices are often subject to additional taxes and automatic gratuities.
Be aware that the price you see on the menu may not be the final price you pay. Taxes and gratuities can add a significant amount to your bill. Typically, a gratuity of 15-18% is automatically added to each drink purchase.
Real-life example: On a recent MSC cruise in the Mediterranean, a passenger reported paying $11 for a gin and tonic at the main pool bar, including gratuity. However, at the Champagne Bar, a similar cocktail cost $15, including gratuity. This illustrates how location and drink type can influence the final price.
MSC Cruises Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
MSC Cruises offers various drink packages that can potentially save you money, depending on your drinking habits. Evaluating these packages and determining whether they align with your needs is key to making an informed decision. If you plan to consume several alcoholic beverages per day, a drink package could be a worthwhile investment.
Types of Drink Packages
MSC Cruises offers several drink packages to cater to different preferences and budgets.
- Easy Package: This is the most basic package and includes a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, typically priced up to a certain limit (e.g., $6-8 per drink).
The Easy Package is a good option for casual drinkers who want to enjoy a few cocktails or beers without worrying about the price. It covers a range of popular drinks, but it doesn’t include premium brands or specialty cocktails.
- Easy Plus Package: Offers a wider selection of drinks, including premium brands and cocktails, with a higher price limit (e.g., $10-12 per drink).
The Easy Plus Package is suitable for those who prefer higher-end drinks and want more variety. It offers a good balance between price and selection, making it a popular choice among cruisers.
- Premium Package: This is the most comprehensive package and includes virtually all drinks on board, with very few exceptions.
The Premium Package is the best option for those who want to indulge in a wide range of drinks without any restrictions. It covers almost everything, including top-shelf liquors, premium wines, and specialty cocktails. It’s the most expensive option, but it can be a good value for heavy drinkers.
- Alcohol-Free Package: This package includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, such as sodas, juices, mocktails, and specialty coffees.
The Alcohol-Free Package is perfect for those who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a variety of beverages on board. It’s a cost-effective way to stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your cruise.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
To determine if a drink package is worth it, you need to calculate the break-even point – the number of drinks you need to consume daily for the package to pay for itself.
- Find the Daily Cost: Divide the total cost of the package by the number of days of your cruise.
This will give you the average daily cost of the drink package. For example, if a package costs $400 for a 7-day cruise, the daily cost is approximately $57.
- Determine the Average Drink Price: Estimate the average price of the drinks you would normally consume.
Consider the types of drinks you usually order and their prices. For example, if you typically drink cocktails that cost $12 each, that’s your average drink price.
- Calculate the Number of Drinks: Divide the daily cost of the package by the average drink price.
This will give you the number of drinks you need to consume each day to break even. In our example, $57 divided by $12 equals approximately 4.75 drinks. This means you would need to drink about 5 cocktails each day for the package to be worth it.
A 2022 analysis by The Points Guy showed that cruisers typically underestimate their on-board spending by 20%, often due to beverage costs. Carefully tracking your drinking habits can help you make a more accurate assessment of whether a drink package is right for you.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Package
Before you commit to a drink package, consider these factors.
- Your Drinking Habits: Be honest with yourself about how much you typically drink on vacation.
Some people drink more on vacation than they do at home, while others drink less. Consider your usual drinking habits and adjust accordingly.
- Cruise Itinerary: On port-intensive itineraries, you might spend more time off the ship, reducing your on-board consumption.
If you have many port days planned, you might not spend as much time on the ship drinking. In this case, a drink package might not be the best value.
- Sharing Restrictions: Most drink packages are non-transferable and cannot be shared with other passengers.
MSC Cruises does not allow sharing of drink packages. Each adult in the cabin must purchase the same package, which can be a significant expense for families or groups.
Scenario: John and Mary are going on a 7-day MSC cruise. John typically drinks 4-5 cocktails per day, while Mary prefers wine and orders about 3 glasses per day. After calculating their potential expenses, they decide that purchasing the Easy Plus package is the most economical option, as it covers their preferred drinks and helps them avoid surprise bills.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even without a drink package, there are several ways to save money on beverages during your MSC cruise. Strategic planning and being mindful of your spending can help you enjoy your cruise without exceeding your budget. Taking advantage of happy hour promotions or bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages can contribute to significant savings.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverages)
Check MSC’s policy on bringing your own beverages on board. Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or other drinks.
- Wine: MSC Cruises typically allows passengers to bring one bottle of wine per cabin.
This can be a significant saving, especially if you enjoy wine with dinner. Check the specific policy for your cruise, as rules can vary.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks: You can often bring your own sodas, juices, and water on board.
This is a great way to save money, especially if you have children or prefer certain brands. Purchase these beverages before boarding to avoid higher prices on the ship.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Many bars on MSC ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drink prices.
- Time: Happy hour is usually held during off-peak times, such as late afternoon or early evening.
Check the daily program to find out the exact times and locations of happy hour on your ship. This is a great way to enjoy your favorite drinks at a lower price.
- Location: Different bars might offer happy hour at different times, so explore your options.
Some bars might offer happy hour every day, while others might only have it on certain days. Keep an eye out for promotions and special deals at different venues.
Statistics show that passengers who take advantage of happy hour can save up to 30% on their drink bills. Planning your drinks around these promotions can result in substantial savings over the course of your cruise.
Stay Hydrated with Free Options
MSC Cruises provides complimentary water, coffee, and tea at various locations on the ship.
- Water: Water is available at the buffet and in the dining rooms.
Staying hydrated is important, especially in warm climates. Take advantage of the free water options to avoid purchasing bottled water.
- Coffee and Tea: Complimentary coffee and tea are usually available at the buffet and in the dining rooms during meal times.
While specialty coffees cost extra, you can enjoy free coffee and tea as part of your meals. This is a great way to save money on your daily caffeine fix.
Myth: Many people assume that all drinks on a cruise require an extra charge. This is false. Basic beverages like water, coffee, and tea are typically offered without additional cost.
Consider Purchasing Wine Bottles
Buying a bottle of wine instead of individual glasses can often be more cost-effective, especially if you plan to drink wine regularly.
- Price per Glass: Compare the price of a bottle to the price of individual glasses to see if it’s a better deal.
Often, the cost of a bottle is less than the equivalent of four or five glasses. If you plan to drink that much, buying a bottle is the more economical option.
- Corkage Fee: If you don’t finish the bottle, you can ask the staff to cork it and save it for another time.
Many cruise lines allow you to bring unfinished bottles of wine to the dining room on subsequent nights. Check the policy for your cruise, as some may charge a small corkage fee.
Case Study: A family of four on an MSC cruise found that purchasing two bottles of wine per evening, rather than individual glasses, saved them over $100 on their beverage bill over the course of a week.
Common Myths About Drink Costs on Cruises
There are many misconceptions about how much drinks actually cost on a cruise ship. Separating fact from fiction is vital for effectively budgeting and planning your trip. By debunking these myths, you can avoid overspending and enjoy your cruise to the fullest.
Myth: All Drinks are Included in the Cruise Fare
This is a common misconception. While some basic beverages are included, most alcoholic and specialty drinks cost extra.
- Included Drinks: Typically, the cruise fare includes water, coffee, tea, and some juices during meal times.
These beverages are usually available at the buffet and in the main dining rooms. They are offered as a complimentary service to enhance your dining experience.
- Excluded Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water are typically not included in the cruise fare.
These drinks are considered extras and are subject to additional charges. Knowing this distinction is crucial for budgeting your on-board spending.
According to a 2024 survey by Travel + Leisure, over 60% of first-time cruisers are unaware that alcoholic beverages are not included in the base fare.
Myth: Drink Packages are Always the Best Deal
Drink packages can be a good value for some, but not for everyone. It depends on your drinking habits and preferences.
- Heavy Drinkers: If you consume several alcoholic beverages per day, a drink package is likely a good investment.
For heavy drinkers, the cost of a drink package will usually be less than the cost of purchasing individual drinks throughout the cruise.
- Light Drinkers: If you only have one or two drinks per day, a drink package might not be worth the cost.
Light drinkers might be better off paying for individual drinks as they go. This allows them to avoid the upfront cost of a package and only pay for what they consume.
Myth: You Can Sneak Drinks Onboard
Attempting to sneak drinks onboard is risky and can result in penalties.
- Security: Cruise lines have strict security measures to prevent passengers from bringing prohibited items onboard.
These measures can include bag searches, X-ray scanners, and other security checks. Attempting to smuggle drinks on board could result in confiscation of the drinks and potential penalties.
- Penalties: If you are caught, your drinks may be confiscated, and you could face additional charges or even be disembarked.
Cruise lines have the right to enforce their policies, and violating these policies can have serious consequences. It’s always best to adhere to the cruise line’s rules and regulations.
Insert a comparison chart here showing the costs of different drink packages versus individual drinks, to illustrate the break-even point.
FAQ
What alcoholic beverages are included in the Easy Package?
The Easy Package typically includes a selection of house wines (by the glass), draught beer, selected cocktails, non-alcoholic cocktails, soft drinks, juices (by the glass), bottled mineral water, and classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, etc.). The price of each beverage must be within the package limit (typically $6-8). It is essential to check the cruise line’s latest terms and conditions as specifics can change.
Can I upgrade my drink package once I’m on board?
In many cases, yes, you can upgrade your drink package once you’re on board, subject to availability. You would generally need to visit the guest services desk to arrange this. Be aware that the upgrade cost will be based on the remaining days of your cruise and the difference in price between the packages. Check with MSC for the latest policy as policies may vary.
Are there any discounts for drink packages if booked in advance?
Yes, MSC Cruises often offers discounts on drink packages when booked online before your cruise. Booking in advance can save you money compared to purchasing a package once you’re on board. Check the MSC Cruises website or contact your travel agent for current promotions and offers on pre-booked drink packages.
Is there a limit to how many drinks I can order with a drink package?
Generally, there is no daily limit to the number of drinks you can order with most MSC drink packages. However, the packages are intended for personal consumption, so excessive ordering might raise concerns. MSC’s terms and conditions will offer specific information about what constitutes misuse. It is critical to consume alcohol responsibly.
What happens if I don’t use all the value of my drink package?
Unfortunately, any unused value from your drink package is non-refundable. The package is a fixed price for the duration of your cruise, regardless of how many drinks you consume. Therefore, carefully consider your drinking habits and itinerary before purchasing a drink package to ensure it is a worthwhile investment.
Do all adults in a cabin have to purchase the same drink package?
MSC Cruises often requires that if one adult in a cabin purchases a drink package, all other adults in the same cabin must also purchase the same or a higher-level package. This policy aims to prevent package sharing. There might be exceptions, such as for passengers who are medically unable to consume alcohol; documentation is usually required in these cases.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on MSC Cruises is essential for planning a budget-friendly and enjoyable vacation. By knowing the typical prices of individual drinks, evaluating drink package options, and taking advantage of money-saving tips, you can make informed decisions about your on-board spending. Remember to factor in your drinking habits, cruise itinerary, and any potential promotions before making your choices. Cheers to a fantastic cruise!