How Much Is the Drink Package on MSC Cruise Lines Revealed

Understanding MSC Cruise Lines’ Drink Package Options

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “How much is the drink package on MSC Cruise Lines?” For many travelers, beverages are a central part of the onboard experience—whether it’s sipping a cocktail by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, or indulging in a premium espresso after a day of excursions. MSC Cruises, one of the fastest-growing cruise lines in the world, offers a range of drink packages designed to cater to diverse tastes, budgets, and consumption habits. But with multiple tiers, inclusions, and pricing structures, choosing the right package can feel overwhelming.

Visual guide about how much is the drink package on msc cruise lines

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MSC Cruises operates in over 100 countries and sails to more than 200 destinations, making it a top choice for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers. The brand’s Mediterranean roots shine through in its emphasis on quality food and drink, and its beverage packages reflect this philosophy. From budget-conscious options to all-inclusive luxury, MSC provides flexibility that allows guests to tailor their experience. However, understanding the true cost and value of these packages requires a deeper dive into their features, restrictions, and real-world usage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about MSC’s drink packages—including current pricing, what’s included, how to maximize value, and whether they’re worth the investment for your next cruise.

Types of Drink Packages Offered by MSC

MSC Cruises offers several drink packages, each designed to meet different guest needs. As of 2024, the primary options are:

Easy Package: Ideal for casual drinkers who enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, and select cocktails.
Premium Package: A mid-tier option with expanded cocktail, wine, and spirit selections.
Premium Plus Package: The top-tier offering with access to premium liquors, champagne, and specialty drinks.
Alcohol-Free Package: For non-drinkers or families, featuring unlimited soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and specialty coffees.

Additionally, MSC offers short cruise packages (for sailings under 6 days) and long cruise packages (for 7+ days), with pricing adjusted accordingly. Some ships may also offer specialty packages such as wine-focused or cocktail-centric add-ons, especially on themed cruises or during promotional events.

Key Inclusions and Exclusions by Package Tier

Each package includes a defined set of beverages, and understanding these details is crucial for making an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included:

Easy Package:
- Domestic and imported beers
- House wines by the glass (red, white, rosé, sparkling)
- Soft drinks, bottled water, juices, and coffee
- Select cocktails (e.g., rum and coke, gin and tonic, margarita)
- Up to €8 (~$8.70 USD) per drink
Premium Package:
- Everything in the Easy Package
- Premium cocktails (e.g., mojitos, cosmopolitans, old fashioneds)
- Premium wines by the glass (e.g., Chardonnay, Merlot, Prosecco)
- Spirits up to €12 (~$13 USD) per drink
- Specialty coffees and espresso-based drinks
Premium Plus Package:
- Everything in Premium
- Luxury spirits (e.g., Johnnie Walker Blue, Grey Goose, Patrón)
- Champagne by the glass (e.g., Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon)
- Spirits up to €20 (~$21.80 USD) per drink
- Signature cocktails and premium mixers
- Unlimited bottled water and specialty drinks
Alcohol-Free Package:
- Unlimited soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and smoothies
- Specialty coffees, hot chocolate, and tea
- Bottled water (still and sparkling)
- Up to €8 (~$8.70 USD) per non-alcoholic item

Important Note: All packages have a per-drink value cap. If a drink exceeds the package’s limit (e.g., a €25 bottle of Dom Pérignon), you’ll pay the difference. Also, package holders cannot share drinks—each guest must have their own package to receive complimentary beverages.

Current Pricing and Value Analysis (2024)

Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: How much is the drink package on MSC Cruise Lines? Pricing varies based on cruise duration, departure region, and booking method. Below is a breakdown of average per-person, per-day costs for standard packages in 2024, based on data from MSC’s official website, travel agents, and third-party aggregators.

Per-Day Pricing by Package and Cruise Length

Package	Short Cruise (3-5 days)	Standard Cruise (6-8 days)	Long Cruise (9+ days)
Easy Package	€45–€55 ($49–$60)	€40–€50 ($44–$55)	€35–€45 ($38–$49)
Premium Package	€65–€75 ($71–$82)	€60–€70 ($66–$77)	€55–€65 ($60–$71)
Premium Plus Package	€85–€95 ($93–$104)	€80–€90 ($88–$99)	€75–€85 ($82–$93)
Alcohol-Free Package	€25–€30 ($27–$33)	€20–€25 ($22–$27)	€15–€20 ($16–$22)

Note: Prices are in USD (approximate) based on an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.09 USD. Actual costs may vary by departure port, season, and promotional offers.

Total Package Cost Example: 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise

Let’s say you’re booking a 7-day cruise from Barcelona with two adults. Here’s how the total cost breaks down:

Easy Package: €45 × 7 days × 2 guests = €630 (~$687)
Premium Package: €65 × 7 days × 2 guests = €910 (~$992)
Premium Plus Package: €85 × 7 days × 2 guests = €1,190 (~$1,297)
Alcohol-Free Package: €22 × 7 days × 2 guests = €308 (~$336)

As you can see, the Premium Plus package can easily exceed $1,200 for two people. While this may seem steep, it’s essential to compare it to the retail cost of individual drinks to determine true value.

Value Breakdown: When Does a Package Save You Money?

To assess value, consider average drink prices onboard:

Domestic beer: €7–€9 (~$7.60–$9.80)
House wine (glass): €8–€10 (~$8.70–$10.90)
Premium cocktail: €12–€15 (~$13–$16.40)
Champagne (glass): €18–€25 (~$20–$27)
Specialty coffee: €4–€6 (~$4.40–$6.50)

Using the Easy Package as an example: If you consume three drinks per day (e.g., beer, wine, soft drink), your daily retail cost would be roughly €24 (~$26). At €45/day, you’d need to drink at least 4–5 drinks daily to break even. For the Premium Package, you’d need 6–7 drinks daily to justify the cost.

Tip: If you’re a moderate drinker (2–3 drinks/day), the Easy or Alcohol-Free package may offer better value. Heavy drinkers or wine enthusiasts may benefit from Premium or Premium Plus.

How to Maximize Your Drink Package Value

Getting the most out of your MSC drink package isn’t just about drinking more—it’s about strategic usage and avoiding common pitfalls. Here are proven tips to stretch your package further.

Use Your Package Across All Onboard Venues

MSC drink packages are valid in all bars, lounges, restaurants, and specialty venues (except for private events or shore excursions). This includes:

Poolside bars
Main dining rooms and buffets
Luxury lounges (e.g., The Yacht Club)
Specialty restaurants (e.g., Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi)
Even the onboard coffee shop

Pro Tip: Order a specialty coffee in the morning, a cocktail at lunch, and a glass of wine at dinner—all covered under your package. This maximizes daily value.

Avoid the “Per-Drink Cap” Trap

Remember: Each package has a maximum drink value (€8, €12, or €20). If you order a drink that exceeds this, you’ll pay the difference. For example:

A €25 glass of Dom Pérignon on a Premium Plus package (€20 cap) = €5 extra.
A €15 premium cocktail on an Easy package (€8 cap) = €7 extra.

Solution: Check drink menus for prices before ordering. Many bars list prices on digital menus or ask staff for a price list. Alternatively, stick to drinks within your package’s limit.

While you can’t share drinks, you can share the package’s benefits across your travel group:

If two adults have the Premium Package, they can each order a drink at the same time.
Children (under 18) can have the Alcohol-Free package, which includes mocktails and smoothies.
Families can mix packages—e.g., one adult with Premium, another with Alcohol-Free.

Caution: MSC’s system tracks packages by guest. Attempting to “pool” drinks (e.g., one person ordering two drinks) may result in charges or package cancellation.

Book Early for Discounts and Promotions

MSC frequently offers early-bird discounts and buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals on drink packages. For example:

“Book by [date] and save 20% on Premium Plus.”
“Purchase a package for one guest, get 50% off the second.”
“Free Easy Package with balcony stateroom bookings.”

Tip: Book directly through MSC or a trusted travel agent to access these promotions. Third-party sites may not include them.

Regional and Seasonal Pricing Variations

One of the most overlooked aspects of MSC drink packages is how pricing fluctuates by region and season. A 7-day cruise in the Mediterranean may cost significantly less than the same itinerary in the Caribbean or Alaska.

Europe vs. North America: Price Differences

MSC’s pricing strategy reflects regional market conditions:

Europe (Mediterranean, Northern Europe): Lower prices due to higher competition and local demand. Easy Package: €40–€45/day.
North America (Caribbean, Alaska, Canada): Higher prices due to U.S. market expectations. Easy Package: €50–€55/day.
Asia (Japan, Singapore): Mid-range pricing, but Premium Plus is popular. Premium Package: €65–€70/day.

Example: A 7-day Caribbean cruise from Miami might cost €385 (~$420) for an Easy Package, while the same package on a Barcelona-to-Rome cruise costs €280 (~$305).

Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons

Demand drives pricing. Here’s how seasons affect costs:

Peak (Summer, Holidays): Highest prices. Premium Plus may cost €90+/day in July.
Shoulder (Spring/Fall): Moderate pricing. Easy Package: €40–€45/day.
Off-Peak (Winter, except holidays): Best deals. MSC often offers “free package” promotions.

Pro Tip: Book a winter cruise (e.g., January–February) for the best value. You might even get a complimentary Easy Package as a booking incentive.

Alternatives and Add-Ons: When a Package Isn’t Worth It

Despite the allure of all-inclusive drinks, a package isn’t always the best choice. Here are scenarios where alternatives may save you money.

Pay-As-You-Go: For Light Drinkers

If you plan to drink 2–3 drinks per day, paying individually may be cheaper. For example:

2 beers + 1 wine = €24 (~$26) daily
7-day total: €168 (~$183) per person
Easy Package: €280 (~$305) per person

Result: You save €112 (~$122) by paying out-of-pocket.

Specialty Packages and Add-Ons

MSC offers à la carte add-ons for guests who want flexibility:

Wine Package: 6 bottles of premium wine for €150 (~$164). Ideal for wine lovers.
Cocktail of the Day: €9 (~$9.80) per drink. Great for trying new mixes.
Champagne Upgrade: Add champagne access to any package for €15/day.

Tip: Combine a lower-tier package (e.g., Easy) with a wine or cocktail add-on for a customized experience at a lower cost than Premium Plus.

Shore Excursion Drinks

Remember: Drink packages do not cover beverages on shore. If your itinerary includes wine tastings, beach clubs, or guided tours, budget extra for drinks. However, some excursions include complimentary drinks—check the details before booking.

Real-World Examples: Guest Experiences and Reviews

To provide a balanced view, let’s examine real guest experiences with MSC drink packages. These insights come from cruise forums, review sites, and travel blogs.

Case Study 1: The Wine Enthusiast (7-Day Mediterranean)

Guest: Maria, 42, from Italy
Package: Premium Package (€65/day)
Consumption: 2 glasses of wine at dinner, 1 cocktail at lunch, 1 specialty coffee daily
Daily Retail Cost: €38 (~$41.50)
Package Cost: €455 (~$496)
Verdict: “I saved about €150, but I wish I’d upgraded to Premium Plus for the champagne. Still, the Premium Package was worth it for the wine quality.”

Case Study 2: The Budget-Conscious Couple (5-Day Caribbean)

Guests: John and Sarah, 35, from Florida
Package: Easy Package (€50/day)
Consumption: 1 beer, 1 soft drink, 1 cocktail per day
Daily Retail Cost: €22 (~$24)
Package Cost: €500 (~$545) for two
Verdict: “We only broke even on day 4. Next time, we’ll pay per drink and save over $300.”

Case Study 3: The Luxury Traveler (9-Day Alaska)

Guest: David, 58, from California
Package: Premium Plus Package (€80/day)
Consumption: 2 premium cocktails, 1 glass of champagne, 1 specialty drink daily
Daily Retail Cost: €55 (~$60)
Package Cost: €1,440 (~$1,570) for two
Verdict: “I spent €200 more than retail, but the experience was priceless. The champagne and top-shelf spirits made the trip unforgettable.”

Common Guest Complaints and Praises

Praise: “The Premium Package’s cocktail quality is excellent—bartenders know their craft.”
Complaint: “The Easy Package doesn’t include any cocktails over €8. I ended up paying extra for a mojito.”
Praise: “The Alcohol-Free Package is perfect for families. My kids loved the mocktails.”
Complaint: “No package covers bottled water in the spa or gym.”

Final Verdict: Is the MSC Drink Package Worth It?

So, how much is the drink package on MSC Cruise Lines? The answer isn’t a simple number—it depends on your drinking habits, cruise itinerary, and budget. After analyzing pricing, inclusions, guest experiences, and value strategies, here’s our final assessment:

Worth It If:
- You’re a moderate to heavy drinker (4+ drinks/day)
- You enjoy premium cocktails, wine, or champagne
- You’re on a 7+ day cruise (longer duration = lower per-day cost)
- You book during off-peak seasons or use promotions
Not Worth It If:
- You’re a light drinker (1–2 drinks/day)
- You prefer paying per drink for flexibility
- You’re on a short cruise (3–4 days) with high per-day rates
- You don’t drink alcohol (opt for the Alcohol-Free Package instead)

Pro Tip: Use MSC’s online drink package calculator (available on their website) to estimate your consumption and compare costs. Enter your itinerary, drink preferences, and number of guests to see personalized recommendations.

In the end, MSC’s drink packages offer flexibility, quality, and convenience—but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re raising a glass to the sunset in Santorini or toasting a birthday in Nassau, choose the package that aligns with your vacation goals. With the insights in this guide, you’re now equipped to make a smart, value-driven decision. Bon voyage and cheers to a well-hydrated cruise!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the drink package on MSC Cruise Lines?

The cost of the drink package on MSC Cruise Lines varies by itinerary and length of cruise, but prices typically start around $30 per person, per day. Premium options like the “Premium Extra” package can go up to $70+ per day, depending on the inclusions.

What’s included in MSC’s drink package?

MSC’s drink packages cover a range of beverages, including cocktails, wines by the glass, beers, soft drinks, and bottled water. The higher-tier packages also include premium spirits, specialty coffees, and minibar items in select staterooms.

Is the MSC drink package worth it for my cruise?

The drink package on MSC Cruise Lines can be worth it if you plan to consume several alcoholic or premium drinks daily. However, casual drinkers might save more by purchasing beverages individually or using the “Pay As You Go” option.

Are there any discounts or promotions for the MSC drink package?

Yes, MSC often offers early-booking discounts or “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deals on drink packages. Check their official website or consult your travel agent for current promotions before booking.

Can I share my MSC drink package with others in my stateroom?

No, drink packages are sold per person and must be purchased for each adult in the stateroom to receive benefits. Sharing is not allowed, and MSC enforces this policy with onboard verification.

Does the MSC drink package cover specialty dining venues?

Most standard drink packages include drinks at specialty restaurants, but some premium or imported items may incur an additional charge. Always confirm with your waiter or MSC’s terms before ordering.

Key Takeaways

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