What Cruise Line Has the Cheapest Drink Package in 2026

Carnival Cruise Line offers the cheapest drink package in 2026, with its “Cheers!” program starting at just $59.95 per day. This all-inclusive option covers cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and specialty coffee—making it the best value for budget-savvy cruisers compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. With no hidden fees and widespread availability across the fleet, Carnival stands out as the top choice for affordable onboard drinks.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Cruise Line offers the cheapest drink package in 2026, starting at $59.95/day.
• Compare daily rates across lines, as discounts and caps can affect overall value.
• Royal Caribbean provides mid-range pricing but includes premium options at higher tiers.
• NCL’s package is affordable but excludes gratuities, adding hidden costs.
• Look for promotions like pre-paid deals or free upgrades to maximize savings.
• Smaller cruise lines like MSC may offer competitive rates with fewer restrictions.

What Cruise Line Has the Cheapest Drink Package in 2026

Planning a cruise in 2026? One of the biggest decisions—especially for travelers who enjoy a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine at dinner, or an ice-cold beer after a shore excursion—is whether to purchase a drink package. Cruise lines have long offered beverage packages to help guests budget for drinks, but the prices, inclusions, and restrictions vary widely. For many cruisers, the burning question isn’t just about quality or variety—it’s about value. Specifically, what cruise line has the cheapest drink package in 2026?

With the cruise industry rebounding post-pandemic and competition fiercer than ever, cruise lines are adjusting their drink package pricing, inclusions, and perks to attract budget-conscious travelers. In 2026, we’re seeing a mix of legacy giants, budget-friendly brands, and luxury lines all vying for your onboard beverage dollars. But not all drink packages are created equal. Some offer unlimited premium cocktails for under $70 per day, while others charge upwards of $100 with strict limitations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the most affordable drink packages across major cruise lines, analyze their real-world value, compare inclusions, and reveal which brands truly offer the best bang for your buck—without sacrificing the fun or flavor of your vacation.

Why Drink Packages Matter: The Cost of Onboard Beverages

On a typical 7-day cruise, a guest who enjoys a few drinks per day—say, a cocktail at lunch, wine with dinner, and a nightcap—could easily spend $400–$600 on beverages alone if paying à la carte. That’s before tips, premium spirits, or specialty coffees. Drink packages were introduced to solve this problem, offering a flat daily rate for unlimited or semi-unlimited access to a wide range of drinks. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

The Hidden Costs of À La Carte Drinking

Without a drink package, every sip adds up. A standard beer might cost $7.99, a glass of house wine $9.99, and a cocktail $14.99. Add in 18% automatic gratuity (common on most cruise lines), and a single cocktail becomes nearly $18. Over a week, even moderate drinkers can rack up hundreds of dollars. For example:

• 3 drinks per day × 7 days = 21 drinks
• Average cost per drink: $12 (after gratuity) = $252
• Plus 2 specialty coffees per day: $6 each = $84
• Total: $336 for a light-to-moderate drinker

This is where drink packages shine—they can save cruisers 30–50% or more, depending on consumption. But only if you pick the right one.

When a Drink Package Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)

Not every traveler benefits from a drink package. Consider these factors before purchasing:

• Drinking habits: If you consume more than 4–5 drinks per day, a package is likely worth it.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Many packages include sodas, juices, and specialty coffees—great for families or non-drinkers.
• Duration of cruise: Longer voyages (10+ days) increase the value of a package.
• Port days: You’ll drink less on port days, so factor that into your math.
• Restrictions: Some packages exclude premium brands, bottles of wine, or specialty bars.

For budget travelers, the goal is to find a package that’s affordable, inclusive, and flexible—not just the cheapest sticker price.

Top Budget-Friendly Cruise Lines with the Cheapest Drink Packages

In 2026, several cruise lines stand out for offering the most affordable drink packages without sacrificing quality or variety. These brands cater to value-seeking travelers while still providing a fun, vibrant onboard experience. Let’s dive into the top contenders.

Carnival Cruise Line: The Clear Winner for Lowest Daily Rate

Carnival’s “Cheers!” Beverage Program is the cheapest unlimited drink package among major cruise lines in 2026, priced at $69.99 per person, per day (as of early 2026 pricing). This package includes:

• Unlimited alcoholic drinks up to $20 per drink
• All non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, juices, bottled water, specialty coffees)
• Beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and spirits
• 15% discount on bottles of wine and premium drinks over $20

With a daily rate under $70, Carnival is unmatched in affordability. For a 7-day cruise, the total cost is $489.93 per person. If you drink 5 cocktails per day at $14 each (plus 18% tip), you’d spend $577.50 à la carte—meaning the package pays for itself in just over 5 days.

Pro tip: Carnival offers early-bird discounts and “free” drink package promotions during sales (e.g., “Free Cheers! with 2-for-1 cruise fares”). These can make the package effectively $0 if you time your booking right.

Royal Caribbean: “Deluxe Beverage Package” at $69–$79

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package starts at $69 per day for sailings in 2026, but can rise to $79 during peak seasons (summer, holidays). It includes:

• Unlimited drinks up to $15 per drink
• All non-alcoholic drinks
• 15% discount on drinks over $15
• Access to premium spirits, craft cocktails, and select wines

While slightly more restrictive than Carnival’s (lower per-drink cap), Royal Caribbean’s package is still a strong value. The line often runs promotions like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” or “Free Drink Package” during sales events. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s bars and lounges are more upscale, offering better mixology and ambiance.

Note: The package is not available on all itineraries (e.g., some short Bahamas cruises), so check your specific sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Premium Plus Beverage Package” at $75–$85

NCL’s Premium Plus Beverage Package is priced at $75–$85 per day in 2026, making it slightly more expensive than Carnival or Royal Caribbean. However, it offers a higher per-drink cap ($18) and includes:

• Unlimited drinks up to $18
• All non-alcoholic drinks
• 15% off premium drinks over $18
• Access to top-shelf liquors, premium wines, and craft cocktails

While not the cheapest, NCL’s package is a better value for heavy drinkers or those who enjoy premium brands. NCL also offers “Free at Sea” promotions, where you can get the drink package (and other perks) included with your fare—effectively reducing the cost to $0 if you book during a sale.

Bonus: NCL’s “Open Bar” concept means no drink limits, unlike some competitors with daily caps (e.g., 15 drinks/day).

MSC Cruises: “Easy Drink Package” at $49–$59

MSC Cruises is a dark horse in the budget drink package race. Their Easy Drink Package starts at just $49 per day (off-peak) and $59 (peak), making it the lowest-priced unlimited package in the industry. It includes:

• Unlimited drinks up to $10 per drink
• All non-alcoholic drinks
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits
• No gratuity (tip included)

The catch? The $10 per-drink cap means you can’t order premium cocktails (e.g., a $14 mojito) or high-end wines. But for casual drinkers, it’s a steal. MSC also offers the Premium Drink Package at $69–$79 for a $15 cap, which is still competitive.

Tip: MSC’s pricing is often lower in Europe (Mediterranean, Northern Europe) than in North America. A 7-day Mediterranean cruise with the Easy Package could cost just $343 total.

Holland America Line: “Quintessential Beverage Package” at $55–$65

Holland America’s Quintessential Beverage Package is priced at $55–$65 per day in 2026, with a $10 per-drink cap. It includes:

• Unlimited drinks up to $10
• All non-alcoholic drinks
• 15% discount on drinks over $10

While the cap is low, the package is ideal for light-to-moderate drinkers who prefer wine, beer, or simple cocktails. Holland America also offers the Signature Beverage Package at $75–$85 with a $15 cap, which is better for premium drinkers.

Note: Holland America’s clientele tends to be older and less drink-focused, so the lower pricing reflects demand. But for retirees or couples who enjoy a glass of wine at dinner, the Quintessential Package is a solid value.

Comparing Drink Packages: What You Get for Your Money

To truly determine which cruise line has the cheapest drink package in 2026, we need to look beyond the daily rate. Value is determined by inclusions, restrictions, and real-world usability. Below is a detailed comparison of the top budget-friendly packages.

Daily Rate vs. Per-Drink Cap: The Hidden Trade-Off

The daily price is important, but the per-drink cap can make or break a package. A low daily rate with a tight cap (e.g., $10) limits your options, while a higher cap (e.g., $20) gives you more freedom. Here’s how the top packages stack up:

• Carnival Cheers!: $69.99/day | $20 cap | Best for premium drinkers
• MSC Easy: $49–$59/day | $10 cap | Best for budget drinkers
• Royal Caribbean Deluxe: $69–$79/day | $15 cap | Balanced option
• NCL Premium Plus: $75–$85/day | $18 cap | Good for top-shelf fans
• Holland America Quintessential: $55–$65/day | $10 cap | Light drinkers only

Example: If you order a $16 craft cocktail, Carnival’s $20 cap covers it, but MSC’s $10 cap does not. You’d pay out of pocket, reducing the package’s value.

Non-Alcoholic Inclusions: A Game-Changer for Families

Many travelers overlook non-alcoholic inclusions, but they can add significant value. All the packages above include:

• Bottled water (a $5–$7 value per bottle)
• Specialty coffees (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos at $4–$6)
• Juices, sodas, and smoothies

For families, this is huge. Parents can enjoy cocktails while kids drink smoothies and juices—all covered. On a 7-day cruise, a family of four could save $200+ on non-alcoholic drinks alone.

Gratuities: Are Tips Included?

Most cruise lines add an 18% automatic gratuity to drink packages, but MSC Cruises includes tips in their Easy and Premium packages. This means no surprise charges at checkout. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL add gratuities post-purchase, increasing the effective cost by $12–$15 per person, per day.

Restrictions and Exclusions: Read the Fine Print

Every package has limits. Common exclusions include:

• Bottles of wine (often require a separate package or à la carte purchase)
• Room service drinks (usually not covered)
• Specialty bars (e.g., wine tastings, premium lounges)
• Mini-bar items

For example, Carnival’s Cheers! package excludes the “RedFrog Pub” craft beers unless under $20. Royal Caribbean excludes “The Bionic Bar” robotic cocktails. Always check the cruise line’s website for a full list of exclusions.

Data Table: 2026 Cruise Drink Package Comparison

Cruise Line	Package Name	Daily Rate (USD)	Per-Drink Cap	Non-Alcoholic Inclusions	Gratuity	Best For
Carnival	Cheers!	$69.99	$20	Yes (soda, juice, coffee, water)	+18% added	Premium cocktail lovers
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage	$69–$79	$15	Yes	+18% added	Balanced drinkers
NCL	Premium Plus	$75–$85	$18	Yes	+18% added	Top-shelf fans
MSC	Easy Drink	$49–$59	$10	Yes	Included	Budget drinkers
Holland America	Quintessential	$55–$65	$10	Yes	+18% added	Light drinkers

Tips to Maximize Value from Your Drink Package

Even the cheapest drink package won’t save you money if you don’t use it wisely. Here are expert tips to get the most out of your purchase.

Time Your Purchase: Early Bird vs. Last-Minute Deals

Cruise lines often offer early-bird discounts (e.g., “Book 90 days in advance, get 20% off drink package”) or last-minute promotions (“Free drink package with balcony cabin”). Set price alerts with cruise deal sites like Cruise Critic or VacationsToGo to catch these.

Share Packages (If Allowed)

Some lines, like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, allow package sharing between adults in the same cabin. This means two people can split one package and alternate drinks. Check the rules—some require all adults to purchase the same package.

Use It for Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Don’t forget: the package covers all non-alcoholic drinks. Use it for:

• Bottled water (save $5–$7 per bottle)
• Specialty coffees (save $4–$6 each)
• Smoothies and juices (save $6–$10)

This is especially valuable for families with kids.

Take Advantage of Discounts on Premium Drinks

Most packages offer 15% off drinks over the cap. Use this for:

• Bottles of wine at dinner
• Premium cocktails in specialty bars
• Champagne toasts

Even with the discount, you’re still saving compared to full price.

Check for “Free” Promotions

Watch for sales like:

• “Free Cheers! with cruise fare” (Carnival)
• “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” (Royal Caribbean)
• “Free at Sea” (NCL)

These can make the package cost $0—the ultimate deal.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Value in 2026

So, what cruise line has the cheapest drink package in 2026? The answer depends on your drinking habits and priorities. For the lowest daily rate, **MSC Cruises’ Easy Drink Package** at $49–$59 is unbeatable. For the best overall value with a high per-drink cap and premium inclusions, **Carnival’s Cheers!** at $69.99 is the clear winner. Royal Caribbean and NCL offer strong middle-ground options, while Holland America suits light drinkers.

The key is to match the package to your consumption. A $50/day package isn’t a deal if you can’t order your favorite cocktail. Similarly, a $80 package may be overkill if you only drink wine at dinner. Always calculate your expected usage, factor in non-alcoholic drinks, and watch for promotions.

In 2026, the cruise industry is more competitive than ever, and that’s great news for consumers. With smart planning, you can enjoy unlimited drinks, premium cocktails, and specialty coffees—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re sipping a mojito on a Carnival deck or a glass of Prosecco on an MSC ship, the cheapest drink package isn’t just about price—it’s about value, freedom, and fun. Choose wisely, drink responsibly, and make every sip count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise line has the cheapest drink package in 2026?

As of 2026, Carnival Cruise Line often offers the most affordable drink packages, with their “Bottomless Bubbles” soda package starting under $10/day and discounted pre-cruise alcohol packages. Always compare final prices after taxes and port fees.

Which cruise lines offer the best value for unlimited drink packages?

Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) frequently provide the cheapest unlimited drink packages, especially when booked in advance. NCL’s “Premium Plus Beverage Package” includes premium cocktails at a competitive rate, while Carnival bundles soda and juice deals.

Do budget cruise lines have cheaper drink packages?

Yes, budget-friendly lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean often have lower-priced drink packages than luxury brands. Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” can be cost-effective when purchased early, with promotions reducing the daily rate.

Are there hidden fees in the cheapest drink packages?

Some cruise lines advertise low base prices but add 15–18% gratuity and port charges. For example, Carnival’s advertised $50/day package may total $59/day after fees—always check the final cost breakdown.

Can I find a cheap cruise drink package without pre-booking?

Pre-booking is key to securing the cheapest rates, as onboard prices are typically 20–30% higher. Carnival and NCL often run pre-cruise discounts for early package purchases, making it the best way to save.

Which cruise lines include free drink packages in their base fare?

While rare, Norwegian Cruise Line occasionally includes “Premium Plus” packages in select sailings, and luxury lines like Regent offer all-inclusive beverages. For mainstream brands, Carnival’s “Free Bubbles” soda promotion is the closest to a free drink package.