What Cruise Lines Have Alcohol Packages for Your Next Vacation

Planning a cruise can be one of the most exciting parts of your vacation, especially when it comes to indulging in your favorite drinks. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or just someone who enjoys a cold beer with a view, cruise lines have stepped up their game by offering a variety of alcohol packages designed to enhance your onboard experience. From all-inclusive beverage plans to premium wine tastings, these packages can save you money and elevate your trip—if you choose the right one. But with so many options across different cruise lines, how do you know which package suits your needs? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about alcohol packages on cruises, helping you make an informed decision before you set sail.

The cruise industry has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with beverage programs becoming a key differentiator among competitors. What started as simple drink cards has transformed into sophisticated, customizable packages that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re sailing with a luxury line, a mainstream brand, or a budget-friendly option, chances are there’s an alcohol package tailored to your preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top cruise lines that offer alcohol packages, compare their pricing and inclusions, highlight hidden perks, and provide insider tips to help you maximize value. By the end, you’ll be equipped to pick the perfect plan for your next ocean adventure.

Mainstream Cruise Lines with Alcohol Packages

Carnival Cruise Line: Cheers! Beverage Program

Carnival is known for its fun, casual atmosphere and budget-friendly offerings, and its Cheers! Beverage Program is no exception. This popular alcohol package allows guests to enjoy unlimited drinks for a flat daily rate. As of 2024, the price is approximately $60.95 per person, per day (including gratuities), though it can vary slightly depending on the sailing and cabin type. The package includes:

Unlimited alcoholic beverages up to $20 per drink (including cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and spirits)
Non-alcoholic options like soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and energy drinks
15% discount on bottles of wine priced $20 or more
Access to select premium cocktails and spirits (with some exceptions for ultra-premium brands)

Pro Tip: The Cheers! package is most cost-effective if you plan to consume more than 5-6 drinks per day. Carnival also offers a non-alcoholic version called “Soda Package” for $9.95/day, ideal for families or non-drinkers.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP)

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Beverage Package is one of the most comprehensive on the mainstream market. Priced around $89–$99 per person, per day (including gratuities), it covers:

Unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass (up to $15), beer, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)
Premium bottled water, soda, and specialty coffees
15% off wine bottles $35+
Access to select premium brands (e.g., Grey Goose, Patron, Johnnie Walker Black)

Royal Caribbean also offers a Deluxe Beverage Package (~$60/day) with fewer premium inclusions, and a Classic Soda Package for $12.99/day. The UBP is ideal for guests who enjoy variety and want to sample high-end cocktails. Note: The package is mandatory for all adults in the same cabin if one purchases it—unless the other opts for the non-alcoholic plan.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Ultimate Beverage Package

NCL’s Ultimate Beverage Package is a staple of their “Free at Sea” promotion. At roughly $99 per person, per day (including gratuities), it includes:

Unlimited drinks up to $15 per beverage (cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, spirits)
Non-alcoholic beverages, including premium bottled water and specialty coffee
15% off wine bottles $35+
Access to select premium brands (e.g., Ketel One, Bombay Sapphire, Macallan 12)

What sets NCL apart is the flexibility of its alcohol packages. Guests can often bundle the UBP with other perks (e.g., shore excursions, dining credits) as part of promotional deals. However, like Royal Caribbean, if one adult in a cabin buys the package, all others must also purchase a beverage plan (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

MSC Cruises: Easy & Easy Plus Packages

MSC offers two tiers: Easy (~$49/day) and Easy Plus (~$79/day). The Easy Plus is the true alcohol package, covering:

Unlimited drinks up to $12 per beverage (cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, spirits)
Non-alcoholic options (soda, juice, bottled water, coffee)
15% off wine bottles $30+
Access to select premium brands (e.g., Absolut, Tanqueray, Jack Daniel’s)

The Easy package excludes premium spirits and higher-priced cocktails. MSC also offers a Premium Plus package (~$99/day) with even broader inclusions. A unique feature: MSC allows guests to share packages with others in the cabin, making it more flexible for couples or families with mixed drinking preferences.

Luxury and Premium Cruise Lines with Alcohol Packages

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Truly All-Inclusive

Regent is a leader in the luxury segment, and their all-inclusive model eliminates the need for separate alcohol packages. Every fare includes:

Unlimited premium wines, spirits, and cocktails
Bottled water, soda, and specialty coffee
No drink limits or price caps
Access to top-shelf brands (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Hennessy XO, Macallan 18)
Complimentary in-room mini-bar (refreshed daily)

Guests also enjoy free specialty dining, gratuities, and shore excursions. While there’s no “package” to purchase, the value is immense—especially for heavy drinkers. For example, a 7-day cruise with unlimited top-tier drinks could save thousands compared to à la carte pricing on other lines.

Oceania Cruises: Premium Beverage Package

Oceania offers an optional Premium Beverage Package (~$75–$85/day) for guests who want enhanced options. It includes:

Unlimited drinks up to $15 per beverage (cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, spirits)
Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juice, bottled water, coffee)
15% off wine bottles $35+
Access to premium brands (e.g., Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, Glenlivet 12)

Oceania’s base fare includes select house wines, beer, and spirits, so the package is ideal for those who want more variety or higher-end options. The line also offers Wine Lovers Packages (priced per cruise), featuring curated wine tastings and pairings with gourmet meals.

Seabourn: All-Inclusive Luxury

Like Regent, Seabourn includes premium beverages in every fare. Guests receive:

Unlimited premium cocktails, wines, and spirits
No price caps or drink limits
Access to top brands (e.g., Moët & Chandon, Beluga Vodka, Glenfiddich 18)
Complimentary in-suite bar setup (refreshed daily)
Free specialty dining and gratuities

Seabourn’s focus is on personalized service—bartenders remember your favorite drink, and sommeliers curate wine pairings for dinners. For travelers seeking a seamless, high-end experience, Seabourn’s all-inclusive model is hard to beat.

Crystal Cruises: Crystal Clear Beverage Program

After its relaunch, Crystal Cruises introduced the Crystal Clear Beverage Program, which includes:

Unlimited premium drinks (no price caps)
Top-shelf brands (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Macallan 18, Patron Añejo)
Complimentary mini-bar (refreshed daily)
Free specialty dining and gratuities

Crystal targets a sophisticated audience, and their alcohol packages (though not sold separately) reflect that. Guests also enjoy 24/7 butler service and curated cocktail hours with mixologists.

River Cruise Lines with Alcohol Packages

Avalon Waterways: All-Inclusive River Cruises

Avalon’s European river cruises include unlimited premium beverages with every fare. Highlights:

Free wine, beer, and spirits at lunch and dinner
Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks
Access to regional specialties (e.g., German beer, French wine, Italian limoncello)
Free shore excursions and gratuities

Unlike ocean lines, Avalon doesn’t offer separate packages—everything is included. This model is perfect for cultural travelers who want to savor local drinks without worrying about bills.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury

Uniworld’s fares include:

Unlimited premium cocktails, wines, and spirits
No drink limits or price caps
Free specialty dining and gratuities
Complimentary mini-bar (refreshed daily)

Uniworld emphasizes boutique experiences, with themed cruises (e.g., “Champagne & Cheese”) that include curated tastings. Their alcohol packages (included) are tailored to regional flavors, making them ideal for food and drink enthusiasts.

Scenic & Emerald Cruises: All-Inclusive with Flexibility

Both Scenic and Emerald include unlimited premium drinks in their fares. Scenic’s “Scenic FreeChoice” lets guests customize experiences, including:

Free wine and beer with lunch/dinner
Premium spirits and cocktails at bars
Complimentary mini-bar (refreshed daily)
Optional wine-tasting excursions (additional cost)

Emerald’s “Emerald Plus” program offers similar inclusions, with added perks like free laundry and Wi-Fi. River cruise lines prioritize convenience, so separate packages are rare—but the all-inclusive model delivers exceptional value.

Budget-Friendly Cruise Lines with Alcohol Packages

Holland America Line: Quench Beverage Package

Holland America’s Quench Package (~$49–$59/day) is a budget-friendly option. It includes:

Unlimited drinks up to $10 per beverage (cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, spirits)
Non-alcoholic options (soda, juice, bottled water, coffee)
15% off wine bottles $30+
Access to select premium brands (e.g., Smirnoff, Beefeater, Jack Daniel’s)

While not as extensive as luxury packages, Quench is ideal for moderate drinkers. Holland America also offers a Soda Package ($9.95/day) and occasional promotions (e.g., “Buy One, Get One 50% Off”).

Celebrity Cruises: Classic and Premium Packages

Celebrity offers two tiers: Classic (~$60/day) and Premium (~$85/day). The Premium package includes:

Unlimited drinks up to $15 per beverage
Access to premium brands (e.g., Grey Goose, Patron, Macallan 12)
15% off wine bottles $35+
Non-alcoholic beverages

Celebrity’s “Classic” package has a $10 drink cap, making it best for light drinkers. Both packages require all adults in a cabin to purchase a beverage plan.

Princess Cruises: Premier Beverage Package

Princess’s Premier Package (~$69–$79/day) covers:

Unlimited drinks up to $15 per beverage
Non-alcoholic options (soda, juice, bottled water, coffee)
15% off wine bottles $35+
Access to select premium brands

Princess also offers a Soda & More Package ($12.99/day) and a Wine & More Package (~$59/day) for wine lovers. Their “MedallionNet” app lets guests order drinks to their location, adding convenience.

How to Choose the Right Alcohol Package for Your Cruise

Calculate Your Daily Consumption

Before buying any alcohol package, estimate how many drinks you’ll have daily. For example:

Light drinker (1–2 drinks/day): À la carte or soda package
Moderate drinker (3–5 drinks/day): Mid-tier package (e.g., Carnival Cheers!, Holland America Quench)
Heavy drinker (6+ drinks/day): Premium or all-inclusive (e.g., Royal Caribbean UBP, Regent)

Tip: Factor in port days—drinks ashore are extra unless your package includes them.

Compare Price Caps and Inclusions

Not all packages are created equal. Check:

Drink price limits (e.g., $10 vs. $15 vs. unlimited)
Premium brand access (e.g., Macallan 12 vs. Jack Daniel’s)
Non-alcoholic inclusions (e.g., specialty coffee, bottled water)
Wine bottle discounts

For example, Carnival’s $20 drink cap includes pricier cocktails than NCL’s $15 cap.

Understand Cabin and Group Rules

Many lines require all adults in a cabin to purchase a package if one does. Exceptions:

MSC: Allows package sharing
Royal Caribbean: Non-alcoholic package available
Luxury lines: All-inclusive (no separate purchase)

Pro Tip: Book early—some lines offer discounts for pre-cruise purchases.

Look for Promotions and Bundles

Many cruise lines bundle alcohol packages with other perks:

NCL’s “Free at Sea”: UBP + shore excursions + dining credits
Celebrity’s “Always Included”: Classic package + gratuities + Wi-Fi
MSC’s “Easy Plus”: Often discounted with early booking

Consider Port Days and Special Events

Some packages exclude drinks ashore or at special events (e.g., wine tastings). Check:

Does the package cover drinks on private islands?
Are there extra fees for premium lounges?
Can you use the package during embarkation day?

Data Table: Alcohol Package Comparison (2024)

Cruise Line	Package Name	Daily Price (USD)	Drink Cap	Premium Brands Included?	Non-Alcoholic Inclusions	Wine Discount
Carnival	Cheers!	$60.95	$20	Select	Soda, water, coffee	15% on $20+ bottles
Royal Caribbean	Ultimate Beverage	$89–$99	$15	Yes (e.g., Grey Goose)	Soda, water, coffee	15% on $35+ bottles
NCL	Ultimate Beverage	$99	$15	Yes (e.g., Macallan 12)	Soda, water, coffee	15% on $35+ bottles
MSC	Easy Plus	$79	$12	Yes (e.g., Absolut)	Soda, juice, water, coffee	15% on $30+ bottles
Regent	All-Inclusive	Included	Unlimited	Yes (e.g., Dom Pérignon)	Full range	Included
Oceania	Premium Beverage	$75–$85	$15	Yes (e.g., Glenlivet 12)	Soda, juice, water, coffee	15% on $35+ bottles
Holland America	Quench	$49–$59	$10	Select	Soda, juice, water, coffee	15% on $30+ bottles

Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Cruise Alcohol Experience

Choosing the right alcohol package can make or break your cruise experience—both financially and socially. Whether you’re sipping a mojito by the pool, toasting at a sunset bar, or exploring regional wines on a river cruise, the right plan ensures you enjoy every moment without surprise bills. For budget-conscious travelers, Carnival’s Cheers! or Holland America’s Quench offer solid value. If you crave variety and premium brands, Royal Caribbean or NCL’s Ultimate packages deliver. And for those seeking a seamless, luxury experience, Regent, Seabourn, or Crystal’s all-inclusive models are unbeatable.

Remember, the best package isn’t always the most expensive. It’s the one that aligns with your drinking habits, travel style, and budget. Use our comparison table, crunch the numbers, and watch for promotions. With the right alcohol package, your next cruise will be as refreshing as that first sip of your favorite cocktail—cheers to that! 🍸

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines have alcohol packages for all-inclusive vacations?

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises offer alcohol packages as part of their all-inclusive options. These packages typically cover beer, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits, varying by brand and sailing.

Are alcohol packages worth it on cruise lines?

Alcohol packages can be cost-effective if you plan to drink multiple drinks daily, as they offer unlimited or daily drink allowances at a flat rate. Check the fine print—some exclude premium brands or charge gratuities.

Do budget cruise lines have alcohol packages?

Yes, budget-friendly lines like Carnival and MSC Cruises offer affordable drink packages, often with lower daily caps on alcohol purchases. These are ideal for casual drinkers who want flexibility without overspending.

Can I share an alcohol package with someone else on a cruise?

Most cruise lines prohibit sharing alcohol packages—each guest must purchase their own. However, some lines allow couples or families to buy packages together if they’re in the same cabin.

Which cruise lines have alcohol packages that include specialty drinks?

Celebrity Cruises and Holland America include premium cocktails, craft beers, and top-shelf liquor in their higher-tier packages. Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Package also covers specialty coffees and non-alcoholic options.

Are there any restrictions on alcohol packages for cruise lines?

Yes, most cruise lines limit packages to 15 drinks per day, prohibit sharing, and exclude minibar items or room service. Always review the terms before booking to avoid surprises.

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Key Takeaways

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