What Cruise Lines Are All Inclusive With Alcohol Revealed

Several major cruise lines now offer truly all-inclusive packages with alcohol, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited drinks without extra charges. Lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Virgin Voyages include beer, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits in their base fares or through transparent add-ons—making them top picks for budget-savvy travelers. Discover which brands deliver the best value and variety for a hassle-free, booze-inclusive voyage.

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean includes alcohol in its premium drink packages for all-inclusive cruising.
• Norwegian Cruise Line offers free open bar with select all-inclusive fare options.
• Celebrity Cruises bundles premium drinks, including alcohol, in its Always Included pricing.
• Virgin Voyages provides free beer, wine, and cocktails with no hidden fees.
• MSC Cruises includes unlimited drinks, including alcohol, in its Easy Plus package.
• Check inclusions carefully: Some lines limit premium liquor or charge extra for top-shelf brands.

What Cruise Lines Are All Inclusive With Alcohol: The Ultimate Guide

Imagine sipping a perfectly crafted margarita on a sun-drenched deck, the ocean breeze in your hair, and not a care in the world—especially about the bill. For many travelers, the dream of an all-inclusive cruise includes not just gourmet meals and luxurious accommodations, but also unlimited alcoholic beverages. The idea of a vacation where every cocktail, beer, and glass of wine is covered can transform a simple getaway into a truly indulgent experience. But which cruise lines offer this level of inclusivity? The answer isn’t as simple as it might seem, and understanding the nuances can make or break your cruise vacation.

The concept of “all-inclusive with alcohol” has evolved dramatically in the cruise industry. While some luxury lines have long offered comprehensive beverage packages, mainstream cruise operators have begun to follow suit—albeit with varying degrees of generosity and restrictions. For budget-conscious travelers, families, and those who enjoy a drink or two (or more) each day, choosing a cruise line that includes alcohol can lead to significant savings. However, it’s crucial to look beyond the marketing buzzwords and understand what “all-inclusive” truly means. Does it cover premium spirits and top-shelf wine? Are there daily drink limits? Can you enjoy drinks in specialty restaurants or off the ship during excursions? This guide will reveal which cruise lines truly offer all-inclusive alcohol, what you can expect, and how to maximize your experience.

Understanding All-Inclusive Alcohol: What It Really Means

Defining “All-Inclusive” in the Cruise Context

When a cruise line advertises “all-inclusive with alcohol,” the term can mean different things depending on the brand, itinerary, and even cabin category. True all-inclusive typically means that unlimited alcoholic beverages—including beer, wine, cocktails, and sometimes premium spirits—are included in your base fare, with no additional charges or daily limits. This contrasts with “beverage package” models, where you pay a flat fee per day for unlimited drinks, but the package must be purchased separately. The key distinction lies in whether alcohol is automatically included or requires an optional add-on.

For example, luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises include premium alcohol in every fare, regardless of cabin type. On the other hand, mainstream lines like Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International may include basic drinks (soft drinks, coffee, tea) in their base price but require passengers to purchase a beverage package for alcohol. Understanding this difference is critical: if you’re seeking a hassle-free, no-surprises vacation, true all-inclusive lines eliminate the need to budget for drinks.

Common Limitations and Exclusions

Even on all-inclusive lines, there are often exceptions and restrictions. Most notably:

• Premium spirits and rare wines: While standard cocktails and house wines are included, top-shelf liquors (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Macallan 25-year) may incur additional charges. Some lines offer “premium upgrades” for an extra fee.
• Specialty dining: Drinks in high-end restaurants (e.g., steakhouse, French bistro) might be excluded unless you purchase a premium package.
• Port excursions: Alcohol consumed during shore excursions (e.g., a wine tasting in Tuscany) is rarely covered by the cruise line’s all-inclusive policy.
• Mini-bar: Some lines include mini-bar items in the all-inclusive deal, but others charge for them.

Additionally, many all-inclusive lines enforce a daily drink limit (often 15 drinks per day) to promote responsible consumption. While this rarely affects casual drinkers, it’s worth noting for those planning to indulge heavily.

Why Choose All-Inclusive Alcohol?

The primary benefit is financial predictability. Without all-inclusive alcohol, a week-long cruise could easily add $500–$1,000 per person in drink costs, especially if you enjoy cocktails, wine with meals, or premium brands. All-inclusive also reduces stress—no need to track tabs or worry about “hidden” charges. For groups or families, this can simplify budgeting and prevent awkward moments when splitting bills. However, if you rarely drink alcohol, you might save money by choosing a non-all-inclusive line and purchasing drinks à la carte.

Luxury Cruise Lines: True All-Inclusive Alcohol

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Gold Standard

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is widely regarded as the gold standard for all-inclusive luxury cruising. Every fare—from the most affordable suite to the grandest penthouses—includes:

• Unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, and wine by the glass
• Top-shelf brands (e.g., Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Blue)
• Complimentary mini-bar (restocked daily)
• No daily drink limits
• Alcohol in specialty restaurants and lounges

Regent’s all-inclusive policy extends beyond drinks. Gratuities, shore excursions (one per port), airfare, and even pre-cruise hotel stays are included. For example, a 10-night Mediterranean voyage might include a $500 excursion to the Vatican, a private wine tasting in Bordeaux, and unlimited drinks at the ship’s champagne bar—all at no extra cost. This level of inclusivity makes Regent ideal for travelers seeking a truly “no-hassle” vacation.

Silversea Cruises: Intimate Luxury with Generous Perks

Silversea Cruises offers a similarly comprehensive all-inclusive experience, with a focus on personalized service and small-ship intimacy. Key features include:

• Unlimited premium beverages (including rare vintages and craft cocktails)
• Complimentary in-suite bar setup (with spirits of your choice)
• No restrictions on drinks in specialty restaurants (e.g., La Dame by Relais & Châteaux)
• Included gratuities and Wi-Fi

Silversea’s “Door-to-Door” fare even covers international airfare, transfers, and pre-cruise hotel nights. A unique perk is the Silversea Experience: complimentary shore excursions in every port, often including drinks (e.g., a private cocktail reception in a historic Venetian palazzo). The line’s smaller ships (max 608 guests) ensure a more intimate, uncrowded experience.

Seabourn Cruise Line: Boutique Elegance

Seabourn Cruise Line combines all-inclusive luxury with a “yacht-like” ambiance. Their all-inclusive alcohol policy covers:

• Unlimited premium spirits, wine, and cocktails
• Complimentary mini-bar (including Champagne)
• No daily limits
• Drinks at the Seabourn Square lounge and Seabourn Conversations events

Seabourn’s standout feature is the Seabourn All-Inclusive Value: included gratuities, Wi-Fi, and a “Sail & Stay” package with pre-cruise hotel nights. The line also offers unique experiences like “Caviar in the Surf” (a beach party with Champagne and caviar) and complimentary cocktail receptions with the captain. With ships carrying just 458–600 guests, Seabourn delivers a refined, uncrowded experience.

Mainstream Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Options

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Free at Sea” Packages

While Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) doesn’t include alcohol in its base fare, its “Free at Sea” promotions often bundle a Premium Plus Beverage Package at no extra cost. This package includes:

• Unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits (e.g., Patron, Bombay Sapphire)
• Drinks up to $15 per glass
• No daily limits

The catch? The package must be booked with a “Free at Sea” deal (e.g., “Free Airfare + Beverage Package”). Without the promotion, the package costs $138/day. NCL also offers specialty dining packages (e.g., unlimited access to steakhouses) and shore excursion credits. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise might include the beverage package, a $50 shore excursion credit, and a free specialty dining experience. While not automatically all-inclusive, savvy travelers can secure a near-all-inclusive experience by timing their booking right.

Celebrity Cruises: “Always Included” Pricing

Celebrity Cruises revolutionized mainstream cruising with its “Always Included” pricing, which bundles:

• Classic Beverage Package (unlimited drinks up to $10 per glass)
• Basic Wi-Fi
• Gratuities

The Classic Package includes beer, wine, cocktails, and non-premium spirits (e.g., Absolut, Jack Daniel’s). Upgrades to the Premium Package ($20/day) cover drinks up to $17 per glass (e.g., Grey Goose, Macallan 12-year). Celebrity also offers “Elevate” and “Indulge” packages, which add unlimited specialty dining, shore excursion credits, or spa treatments. A 10-night Alaska cruise with “Always Included” pricing might cost $2,500 per person—comparable to non-all-inclusive lines once drink packages and gratuities are factored in.

Carnival Cruise Line: “Cheers!” Beverage Program

Carnival Cruise Line offers the “Cheers!” Beverage Program for $59.95/day, covering:

• Unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Drinks up to $20 per glass
• 15% discount on bottles of wine

While not included in the base fare, Carnival frequently offers “Free Cheers!” promotions during sales. The package excludes premium wines and spirits (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Johnnie Walker Blue), but it’s a cost-effective option for casual drinkers. Carnival’s “VIFP Club” (frequent cruiser program) offers discounts on the package, and kids’ versions are available. For a 5-night Bahamas cruise, the “Cheers!” program could save a family of four over $1,000 compared to paying à la carte.

Budget-Friendly All-Inclusive Options

MSC Cruises: “Beverage Packages” with Value

MSC Cruises doesn’t include alcohol in its base fare, but its “Beverage Packages” offer value for budget-conscious travelers. The “Easy” package ($30/day) includes:

• Unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks
• Drinks up to $12 per glass

The “Easy Plus” package ($45/day) upgrades to premium spirits (e.g., Bacardi, Smirnoff) and higher-priced drinks. MSC frequently runs promotions like “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” on packages. For example, a 7-night Mediterranean cruise might offer the “Easy Plus” package for $157.50 (half-price for the second passenger). MSC also includes kids’ activities, Wi-Fi, and gratuities in some promotions, making it a compelling option for families.

Royal Caribbean International: “Deluxe Beverage Package”

Royal Caribbean International offers the “Deluxe Beverage Package” for $89/day, covering:

• Unlimited premium cocktails, wine, and spirits
• Drinks up to $15 per glass
• 18% discount on bottles of wine

While not included in the base fare, Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise Planner” sales often offer the package at 30–50% off. The line’s “Royal Up” program lets you bid for upgrades (e.g., suite accommodations) at discounted rates, which can offset drink costs. For a 7-night Alaska cruise, the package could save a couple $600 compared to à la carte pricing.

Cost-Saving Tips for Budget Travelers

• Book during promotions: Lines like NCL, Carnival, and MSC offer free beverage packages during seasonal sales (e.g., “Free at Sea,” “Cheers! Free”).
• Compare package costs: Calculate total drink costs vs. package price. For example, if you plan to spend $50/day on drinks, a $59 package saves money.
• Share packages: Some lines (e.g., Carnival) allow couples to share a single package.
• Use onboard credits: Many cruise lines offer onboard credit (e.g., $100–$500) that can be applied to beverage packages.

Specialty and River Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Alcohol

AmaWaterways: River Cruising with Premium Inclusions

AmaWaterways offers all-inclusive river cruises with:

• Unlimited wine, beer, and spirits with lunch and dinner
• Premium spirits and cocktails (e.g., Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Red)
• Complimentary mini-bar
• No daily limits

AmaWaterways also includes daily guided excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. A 7-night Rhine River cruise might include a private wine tasting in a German vineyard, a beer tour in Cologne, and unlimited drinks at the ship’s lounge. The line’s “Taste of Bordeaux” itinerary even features a Champagne tasting in Reims.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Luxury on the Water

Uniworld takes all-inclusive river cruising to another level, with:

• Unlimited premium beverages (including rare vintages and craft cocktails)
• Complimentary in-suite bar
• No restrictions on specialty dining
• Included gratuities and Wi-Fi

Uniworld’s “Signature Suite” guests receive a private butler and complimentary laundry. A 10-night “Castles Along the Rhine” cruise might include a private cocktail reception in a medieval castle, a wine pairing dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and unlimited drinks at the ship’s rooftop lounge.

Data Table: Comparing All-Inclusive Alcohol Policies

Cruise Line	Alcohol Included in Base Fare?	Daily Drink Limit	Premium Spirits Included?	Specialty Dining Coverage	Sample Price (7-Night Cruise, per person)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Yes	No	Yes (top-shelf)	Yes	$6,000–$10,000
Silversea Cruises	Yes	No	Yes (rare vintages)	Yes	$5,500–$9,000
Seabourn Cruise Line	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	$4,000–$7,000
NCL (Free at Sea)	No (with promotion)	No	Yes (up to $15/glass)	Yes (with package)	$1,500–$3,000
Celebrity Cruises (Always Included)	Yes (Classic Package)	15 drinks	No (Premium upgrade available)	No (with package)	$2,000–$4,000
AmaWaterways	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	$3,500–$6,000

Conclusion: Choosing the Right All-Inclusive Cruise for You

When it comes to all-inclusive alcohol, the cruise industry offers a spectrum of options—from luxury lines like Regent and Silversea, where every premium drink is included, to mainstream lines like NCL and Celebrity, which bundle packages into promotions. For travelers seeking true all-inclusivity, luxury and river cruise lines provide the most comprehensive coverage, with no hidden costs or restrictions. Mainstream lines, while not automatically all-inclusive, offer value through promotions and bundled packages. Budget-conscious cruisers can still enjoy unlimited drinks by timing their bookings around sales.

The key to maximizing your experience lies in understanding the details. Read the fine print: Are premium spirits included? Is there a daily limit? Do specialty dining or excursions require extra fees? By comparing policies and calculating potential savings, you can choose a cruise that aligns with your preferences and budget. Whether you’re sipping champagne on a private balcony in the Mediterranean or enjoying a craft cocktail in a Caribbean beach bar, an all-inclusive alcohol policy ensures your focus stays on relaxation—not the bill. So, set sail with confidence, knowing your next drink is always included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines are all inclusive with alcohol?

Several premium cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages with alcohol, including **Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Virgin Voyages**. These lines typically bundle beer, wine, cocktails, and premium drinks into their base fare or optional drink packages. Always check the fine print for exclusions or premium liquor upgrades.

Do any mainstream cruise lines include alcohol in their base fare?

Yes, **Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)** and **Virgin Voyages** include select alcohol (beer, wine, and basic cocktails) in their base fare under their “Free at Sea” and “Voyage Lite” promotions. Other lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival require separate drink packages for all-inclusive alcohol access.

Are luxury cruise lines all inclusive with alcohol?

Luxury lines like **Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, and Seabourn** are truly all inclusive with alcohol—premium wines, spirits, and cocktails are included without extra charges. These brands cater to high-end travelers seeking hassle-free, high-quality drink service.

What cruise lines offer unlimited alcohol packages?

**Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America** provide unlimited alcohol packages as add-ons (e.g., Celebrity’s “Classic Drink Package”). While not always included in the base fare, these packages cover most drinks for a flat daily rate, making them cost-effective for heavy drinkers.

Does Carnival Cruise Line include alcohol in their all-inclusive deals?

Carnival doesn’t include alcohol in its base fare but offers the **Cheers! Beverage Program** as an all-inclusive option for beer, wine, cocktails, and soda. It’s an affordable way to enjoy unlimited drinks during your cruise, though premium liquors may incur surcharges.

Which all-inclusive cruise lines with alcohol are best for couples?

**Virgin Voyages** (adults-only) and **Regent Seven Seas** are ideal for couples, with Virgin offering a vibrant bar scene and Regent providing luxury inclusions like champagne and top-shelf liquor. Both prioritize romantic, stress-free experiences with alcohol fully covered.