How Much Is the Alcohol Package With MSC Cruise Lines Revealed

Imagine this: you’re lounging on the deck of a luxurious MSC cruise, the sun warming your skin, a refreshing cocktail in hand, and the gentle rhythm of the ocean beneath you. You’ve been looking forward to this vacation for months, and now it’s finally here. But then, reality hits — you start calculating the cost of drinks. One mojito here, a bottle of wine at dinner, a beer by the pool… and suddenly, your budget starts to feel the pressure. That’s where alcohol packages come in, and if you’re sailing with MSC Cruise Lines, you’ve probably asked yourself: how much is the alcohol package with MSC Cruise Lines?

The good news? MSC has several drink packages designed to fit different budgets and drinking habits. But here’s the catch — they’re not one-size-fits-all. Some are great value, others might leave you scratching your head. I’ve been on three MSC cruises, and I’ve tried nearly every drink option available, from the basic soda package to the all-inclusive premium plan. In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about MSC’s alcohol packages — the prices, what’s included, the fine print, and whether they’re worth it. Whether you’re a casual sipper, a wine lover, or a cocktail enthusiast, this guide will help you decide if buying a drink package is the right move for your next cruise.

Understanding MSC’s Alcohol Package Options

MSC Cruises offers a tiered system of drink packages, each catering to different preferences and spending levels. The key is knowing which one fits your vacation style. Let’s walk through the main options and what you get for your money.

Visual guide about how much is the alcohol package with msc cruise lines

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The Four Core Drink Packages

MSC currently offers four primary beverage packages. These are available for purchase before your cruise (pre-booking often comes with a discount) or onboard, though prices are usually higher once you’re on the ship.

Easy Package: Includes beer, wine by the glass (under $10), soft drinks, and bottled water.
Easy Plus Package: Adds cocktails (under $13), spirits, and a broader wine selection (up to $13 per glass).
Premium Extra Package: The most comprehensive option, including premium cocktails, high-end spirits, wines by the glass (up to $16), and specialty drinks.
Premium Extra Plus Package: The top-tier plan, covering all drinks up to $22 per glass, including premium champagne, top-shelf liquors, and specialty coffees.

Each package also includes non-alcoholic options like juices, sodas, and bottled water — a nice touch if you’re traveling with kids or non-drinkers. But here’s the thing: not all drinks are created equal. A $9 glass of house wine is covered under the Easy package, but a $14 craft cocktail? That’s only included in Easy Plus or higher. And don’t get me started on the $25 bottle of Dom Pérignon — that’s a separate purchase, even on the Premium Extra Plus plan.

What’s Not Included (The Fine Print)

Let’s be real — every package has limitations. Here’s what you won’t get, regardless of which plan you choose:

Bottled wines (unless under $10 and part of the Easy package)
Drinks at specialty restaurants (like Butcher’s Cut or Kaito Sushi Bar — though some packages allow a discount)
Room service drinks (unless part of a special promotion)
Mini-bar items (these are always extra)
Drinks over the price cap (e.g., a $23 martini isn’t covered on Premium Extra Plus)

One thing I learned the hard way: even on the Premium Extra Plus package, ordering a drink at the onboard casino or during a private event might incur extra charges. Always ask the bartender or server if a drink is covered — it could save you a surprise bill.

How Much Does Each MSC Alcohol Package Cost?

Now for the big question: how much is the alcohol package with MSC Cruise Lines? Prices vary depending on the cruise length, itinerary, and when you book. But here’s a realistic breakdown based on my recent 7-night Mediterranean cruise.

Pre-Booking vs. Onboard Pricing

Booking your package online before your cruise is almost always cheaper. For example, on a 7-night sailing:

Easy Package: $39.99/day (pre-book), $49.99/day (onboard)
Easy Plus: $54.99/day (pre-book), $64.99/day (onboard)
Premium Extra: $69.99/day (pre-book), $79.99/day (onboard)
Premium Extra Plus: $84.99/day (pre-book), $94.99/day (onboard)

That’s a $10 daily savings per person just by booking early. For a 7-night cruise, that’s $70 saved — enough for a nice dinner or two extra bottles of wine.

Family and Couple Considerations

Here’s something important: MSC requires all adults in a cabin to purchase a drink package if one person does. So if you’re traveling with a non-drinker or someone who only has the occasional beer, they still need to buy the same package. This can add up quickly — for a 7-night cruise, two adults buying Premium Extra Plus pre-book would pay:

$84.99 x 7 = $594.93 per person
Total: $1,189.86

That’s a lot for someone who might only have a few drinks. One workaround? Some guests opt for the Easy package (lower cost) and supplement with occasional purchases. Or, if you’re on a shorter cruise (3-4 nights), the cost-per-drink might still make sense.

Kids and Non-Alcoholic Options

MSC offers a Kids Drink Package for $14.99/day (pre-book), covering juices, sodas, and mocktails. But if you’re only buying for kids, it’s often cheaper to just pay per drink — especially if they don’t drink much. My 10-year-old had maybe two sodas a day, so $15/day would’ve been overkill. Instead, we paid $2.50 per drink and saved over $100.

Is the Alcohol Package Worth It? A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Let’s get real — is the package actually worth it? It depends on how much you drink, your preferences, and your budget. I’ll break it down with real examples.

Scenario 1: The Moderate Drinker

You enjoy a glass of wine at dinner, a cocktail by the pool, and maybe a beer or two. Let’s say:

1 glass of wine ($12) = $12
1 cocktail ($14) = $14
1 beer ($7) = $7
Total per day: $33

Over 7 days: $231. The Easy Plus package (pre-book) costs $384.93. You’d need to drink about 11 extra drinks over the week to break even. That’s doable — but only if you’re consistent. Skip a few days, and it’s not worth it.

Scenario 2: The Cocktail Enthusiast

You love craft cocktails, premium spirits, and trying new mixology. Daily intake:

2 premium cocktails ($16 each) = $32
1 glass of premium wine ($15) = $15
1 beer ($7) = $7
Total per day: $54

Over 7 days: $378. The Premium Extra package is $489.93 — still a stretch. But if you add a few more drinks (or a specialty coffee or two), you’re in the green. And if you pre-book, the savings help.

Scenario 3: The Wine Lover

You prefer wine — a glass at lunch, one at dinner, maybe a bottle shared with friends. Daily:

1 glass of mid-tier wine ($13) = $13
1 glass of premium wine ($16) = $16
1 bottle of wine ($40, split 4 ways) = $10
Total per day: $39

Over 7 days: $273. The Easy Plus package ($384.93) is still pricey, but if you drink a few extra glasses, it balances out. The Premium Extra ($489.93) only makes sense if you’re regularly ordering $16+ wines and cocktails.

Hidden Perks: Convenience and Peace of Mind

Beyond cost, there’s a psychological benefit: no guilt. When you have a package, you don’t hesitate to order that second cocktail or try a new wine. It’s liberating. On my last cruise, I ordered a $14 espresso martini just because I could — no second-guessing. That’s hard to put a price on.

MSC’s Special Offers and Discounts

MSC often runs promotions that can significantly reduce the cost of drink packages. Here’s how to save.

Pre-Booking Discounts

As mentioned, booking online before your cruise saves $10/day. But MSC sometimes offers:

Buy One, Get One Free: Occasionally, they run a “BOGO” deal on packages — perfect for couples.
Free Package Upgrades: I once got a free upgrade from Easy Plus to Premium Extra because I booked early.
Loyalty Discounts: If you’re an MSC Voyagers Club member (even at the basic level), you get 10% off drink packages.

Check the MSC website or ask your travel agent about current offers. I saved $140 on my last cruise just by booking during a “BOGO” week.

Onboard Credits and Bundled Deals

Sometimes, MSC bundles drink packages with other perks:

$100 onboard credit with Premium Extra Plus purchase
Free specialty dining when you buy Easy Plus
Discounts on spa treatments

These deals aren’t always advertised, so ask your cruise consultant. I once got $150 in onboard credit and a free couples massage — that more than offset the package cost.

Last-Minute and Onboard Purchases

If you forget to pre-book, don’t panic. MSC often offers “first-day” discounts for onboard purchases. But these are usually smaller (e.g., $5 off/day) and only available for the first 24-48 hours of the cruise. Still, better than nothing.

Tips for Maximizing Your Alcohol Package Value

Getting the most out of your package isn’t just about drinking more — it’s about smart drinking. Here are my top tips.

Know the Price Caps

Every package has a maximum price per drink. For example:

Easy: $10 max
Easy Plus: $13 max
Premium Extra: $16 max
Premium Extra Plus: $22 max

Stick to drinks under these limits. If you want something pricier, pay the difference. A $25 mojito? You’ll pay $3 out of pocket (if your cap is $22).

Use It for Non-Alcoholic Drinks Too

Don’t overlook the value of sodas, juices, and bottled water. On a 7-day cruise, you might drink:

2 sodas/day ($2.50 each) = $35
1 bottled water/day ($3) = $21
1 juice at breakfast ($4) = $28
Total: $84

That’s almost a third of the Easy package cost — and it’s included in all packages. If you’re not a heavy drinker, this alone can make the package worthwhile.

Ask About “Package-Only” Specials

Some bars offer exclusive drinks for package holders. On the MSC Meraviglia, the “Ocean Bar” had a $14 “Sunset Spritz” that wasn’t available to non-package guests. It was delicious — and fully covered.

MSC allows you to share a bottle of wine at dinner if it’s under the price cap (e.g., $40 or less). But only one glass is covered per person. So if you’re splitting a $35 bottle, you each get one glass — the rest is out of pocket. Still, better than paying full price for the whole bottle.

Don’t Overbuy

It’s easy to get excited and buy the top-tier package “just in case.” But if you’re not a heavy drinker, you’ll waste money. Start with Easy Plus or Premium Extra, and upgrade later if needed (onboard upgrades are allowed, but not downgrades).

Data Table: MSC Alcohol Package Comparison (7-Night Cruise, Pre-Booked)

Package	Daily Cost (Pre-Book)	Total (7 Nights)	Max Drink Price	Best For
Easy	$39.99	$279.93	$10	Beer, wine, soda lovers
Easy Plus	$54.99	$384.93	$13	Moderate drinkers, cocktails
Premium Extra	$69.99	$489.93	$16	Cocktail enthusiasts, wine lovers
Premium Extra Plus	$84.99	$594.93	$22	Premium drinkers, special occasions

Note: Prices based on a 7-night Mediterranean cruise (2024 data). Subject to change.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, how much is the alcohol package with MSC Cruise Lines? The answer depends on you. If you’re a light drinker or traveling with non-drinkers, a package might not pay off. But if you enjoy a few cocktails, a glass of wine with dinner, and the freedom to try new things without worrying about the bill, it can be a fantastic value.

For me, the Easy Plus package has been the sweet spot — it covers my usual drinks (beer, wine, a couple of cocktails) and saves me about $100 over a week compared to paying per drink. But I’ve also splurged on Premium Extra for special occasions (like a 10th-anniversary cruise), and it felt totally worth it.

The key is planning: estimate your drinking habits, check for discounts, and don’t overbuy. And remember — MSC’s packages are about more than just cost savings. They’re about enjoying your vacation without the stress of tallying every drink. So raise a glass (included, of course), relax, and let the waves carry your worries away. Cheers! 🍹

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the alcohol package with MSC Cruise Lines?

The cost of the alcohol package with MSC Cruise Lines varies by sailing duration and destination, typically ranging from $40 to $65 per person per day. Premium options like the “Premium Extra” package may cost more but include top-shelf liquors and cocktails.

What’s included in MSC’s alcohol package?

MSC’s alcohol package covers a wide selection of drinks, including beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages like soda and specialty coffee. The exact inclusions depend on the package tier (e.g., “Easy” vs. “Premium Extra”).

Does MSC offer an unlimited alcohol package?

Yes, MSC Cruise Lines provides unlimited drink packages, such as the “Premium Extra” option, which allows guests to enjoy unlimited drinks up to a certain price limit per drink. This package is ideal for frequent drinkers looking for convenience and value.

Can I customize my MSC alcohol package?

MSC offers tiered packages (e.g., “Easy,” “Premium,” and “Premium Extra”), so you can choose one based on your drinking preferences and budget. However, individual drink additions or customizations aren’t available within a package.

Is the alcohol package worth it on an MSC cruise?

The value depends on your drinking habits; if you plan to consume multiple drinks daily, the package can save money compared to paying per drink. Check MSC’s pricing and your expected usage to determine if it’s cost-effective.

Are there restrictions on MSC’s alcohol packages?

Yes, MSC’s packages limit drinks to a maximum price per beverage (varies by package) and exclude bottle service, room service, and mini-bar items. Packages are also non-transferable and must be purchased for the entire cruise.

Key Takeaways

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