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Several major cruise lines now include free drinks in their base fares, offering significant value for vacationers. Luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Oceania Cruises provide unlimited premium beverages—including cocktails, wine, and champagne—across all staterooms, while mainstream lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages feature generous drink packages or open bar concepts with select sailings or suite bookings. Always check the fine print, as inclusions vary by destination, cabin category, and promotion.
Key Takeaways
- All-inclusive luxury lines: Regent, Silversea, and Seabourn include premium drinks in fares.
- Mainstream perks: Carnival and Princess offer drink packages—not fully free but cost-effective.
- Free beer and wine: Norwegian Cruise Line includes basic alcohol with select dining packages.
- Specialty dining unlocks drinks: Royal Caribbean offers free drinks during specialty dining reservations.
- Loyalty rewards: Join cruise line programs for complimentary drink vouchers and upgrades.
- Expedition cruises: Lindblad and Hurtigruten include beer and wine with onboard meals.
📑 Table of Contents
- What Cruise Lines Offer Free Drinks? A Complete Guide to Boozy Perks
- 1. Luxury Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Open Bars
- 2. Premium Cruise Lines with Complimentary Drink Packages
- 3. River Cruises: Where Free Drinks Flow Like the Current
- 4. Mainstream Cruise Lines with Free Drink Promotions
- 5. How to Maximize Your Free Drink Benefits
- 6. Comparison Table: Free Drink Offerings by Cruise Line
What Cruise Lines Offer Free Drinks? A Complete Guide to Boozy Perks
Cruising is one of the most popular vacation choices for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a touch of luxury—all wrapped into one convenient floating resort. From sun-soaked decks and gourmet dining to Broadway-style shows and exotic destinations, cruises offer an all-inclusive experience that appeals to families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. But for many passengers, one of the most enticing aspects of a cruise isn’t just the destination—it’s the free drinks. Whether you’re sipping a piña colada by the pool, enjoying a craft cocktail at sunset, or toasting with champagne during a special occasion, the ability to enjoy unlimited beverages without reaching for your wallet can elevate your vacation to new heights.
Yet, not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to complimentary beverages. While some offer open bars with premium spirits and wines, others provide only basic non-alcoholic drinks or limited drink packages. The key to unlocking the best boozy perks lies in knowing which cruise lines truly go the extra mile—and how to maximize your free drink benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the major cruise lines that offer free drinks, break down the nuances of their beverage policies, and provide practical tips to help you make the most of your onboard bar experience. From luxury liners to river cruises, we’ll uncover the hidden gems and insider strategies that turn a standard cruise into a truly intoxicating (in the best way) escape.
1. Luxury Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Open Bars
When it comes to free drinks, luxury cruise lines are leading the pack. These high-end operators pride themselves on offering an all-inclusive experience where nearly everything—including premium alcohol—is covered in the base fare. For travelers seeking a seamless, worry-free vacation, these lines are the gold standard.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is often hailed as the pinnacle of all-inclusive luxury cruising. Their “Free & Unlimited” beverage program includes:
- Premium spirits, cocktails, and liqueurs (including top-shelf brands like Grey Goose, Johnny Walker Blue, and Patron)
- Fine wines by the glass (including vintage selections and sommelier-curated pairings)
- Champagne and sparkling wines (Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, and more)
- Specialty coffees, juices, and soft drinks
- Complimentary minibar in every suite, restocked daily
What sets Regent apart is not just the quality but the no-limit policy. There are no daily caps or drink limits—order as many cocktails as you like, and the staff will remember your preferences. On a 10-day Mediterranean cruise, for example, a passenger could enjoy a $180 bottle of Dom Pérignon with dinner and a $15 espresso martini at the bar—all included.
Seabourn Cruise Line: Intimate Luxury with Open Bars
Seabourn’s fleet of intimate ships (carrying just 450–600 guests) emphasizes personalized service and all-inclusive amenities. Their beverage program includes:
- Unlimited premium spirits and cocktails
- Fine wines by the glass and bottle (including rare vintages)
- Champagne service at embarkation and special events
- Complimentary in-suite bar with premium brands
- 24-hour room service with no additional charges
Seabourn also offers “Seabourn Conversations”—interactive events with guest speakers, where complimentary cocktails and wine are served. A standout feature is their “Seabourn Ovation” ship, which includes a free caviar service at the pool bar—a rare perk even among luxury lines.
Silversea Cruises: Expedition Meets Elegance
Silversea blends expedition cruising with five-star luxury. Their all-inclusive model covers:
- Premium spirits, cocktails, and wines (including vintage Bordeaux and Napa Valley labels)
- Champagne and sparkling wines (Moët & Chandon, Laurent-Perrier)
- Complimentary minibar with premium brands
- Free drinks during shore excursions and private events
On Arctic or Antarctic voyages, Silversea even offers free hot toddies and mulled wine during Zodiac landings—ensuring warmth and hospitality in extreme environments.
Pro Tip: On these luxury lines, tip is also included. No need to carry cash—just enjoy your free drinks with peace of mind.
2. Premium Cruise Lines with Complimentary Drink Packages
Not everyone wants to splurge on a luxury cruise, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on free drinks. Several premium cruise lines offer complimentary drink packages as part of special promotions or loyalty programs, making high-quality beverages accessible to a wider audience.
Celebrity Cruises: The “Always Included” Revolution
Celebrity Cruises made waves in 2021 with its “Always Included” pricing model. Now, every fare includes:
- The Classic Drink Package (valued at $69–$89 per day)
- Wi-Fi (unlimited)
- Gratuities
The Classic Drink Package covers:
- Beer, wine by the glass (up to $15 per glass), and cocktails (up to $15)
- Premium spirits (Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, etc.)
- Specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water
- Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juice, energy drinks)
For example, a $12 craft cocktail or a $14 glass of Napa Cabernet is covered. If you prefer top-shelf options, Celebrity offers a Premium Upgrade (for an additional fee) that includes Dom Pérignon, Macallan 18, and more. On a 7-day Caribbean cruise, this package can save a couple over $1,200 compared to à la carte pricing.
Oceania Cruises: Gourmet Dining Meets Complimentary Drinks
Oceania Cruises is known for its gourmet cuisine, and their beverage program complements this perfectly. All fares include:
- Unlimited beer, wine, and spirits (including premium brands)
- Fine wines by the glass and bottle (up to $100 per bottle)
- Champagne and sparkling wines (Krug, Bollinger)
- Complimentary minibar with soft drinks, beer, and wine
What’s unique is Oceania’s “Wine & Food Pairing” events, where sommeliers guide guests through curated tastings—all included. On a 14-day Baltic cruise, a passenger could enjoy a $90 bottle of Burgundy with a five-course dinner at no extra cost.
Holland America Line: Loyalty Pays Off
While Holland America doesn’t include drinks in the base fare, their Mariner Society loyalty program offers significant perks:
- Free drinks for members with 100+ cruise days (including premium cocktails and wines)
- Complimentary drink packages on select sailings for mid-tier members (50+ days)
- Free wine with dinner for all Mariner members
For example, a Mariner Society member on a 12-day Alaska cruise could receive a free Premium Drink Package (valued at $89/day), covering top-shelf spirits and wines. This makes loyalty a powerful tool for securing free drinks.
Pro Tip: Book during “Wave Season” (January–March) when many premium lines offer free drink package upgrades as a promotion.
3. River Cruises: Where Free Drinks Flow Like the Current
River cruises are a hidden gem for free drinks. Unlike ocean liners, river ships operate in smaller, more intimate settings with a focus on destination immersion. As a result, nearly all major river cruise lines offer all-inclusive beverage programs as standard.
AmaWaterways: All-Inclusive from the First Toast
AmaWaterways sets the benchmark for river cruising luxury. Their “AmaWaterways Experience” includes:
- Unlimited beer, wine, and spirits (including premium brands)
- Champagne and sparkling wines
- Complimentary minibar restocked daily
- Free drinks during excursions and onboard events
On a 7-day Rhine River cruise, passengers enjoy free drinks at every port, including free wine tastings in German vineyards and free cocktails at onboard cooking classes. AmaWaterways also offers a “Wine Cruise” itinerary where sommeliers host daily tastings—all included.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: All-Inclusive Excellence
Scenic’s river ships feature all-inclusive open bars with:
- Premium spirits, cocktails, and wines (including vintage selections)
- Champagne and sparkling wines (Dom Pérignon, Ruinart)
- Complimentary minibar with premium brands
- Free drinks during private excursions and onboard enrichment programs
Scenic’s “Scenic Enrich” program includes unique experiences like free truffle dinners in France and free cognac tastings in Cognac, France—all with unlimited drinks.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Elegance on the Water
Uniworld’s ships are floating boutique hotels, and their beverage program reflects this:
- Unlimited beer, wine, and spirits (including top-shelf brands)
- Champagne service at embarkation and special events
- Complimentary minibar with premium brands
- Free drinks during shore excursions and onboard events
Uniworld’s “Taste of the Region” events feature free local beverages—like free Belgian beer tastings in Bruges or free Italian aperitifs in Venice.
Pro Tip:shore excursions, so plan your itinerary around destinations with strong local drink cultures (e.g., Germany, France, Italy).
4. Mainstream Cruise Lines with Free Drink Promotions
Mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) don’t include free drinks in the base fare, but they frequently offer complimentary drink packages through promotions, loyalty programs, or special booking deals.
Royal Caribbean: “Buy One, Get One Free” Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean’s “BOGO” (Buy One, Get One Free) drink package promotion is legendary. During Wave Season or special sales, passengers who purchase the deluxe drink package (~$89/day) get a second package free for a companion.
- The Deluxe Package includes:
- Premium spirits, cocktails, and wines (up to $15 per drink)
- Specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- On a 7-day cruise, this can save a couple over $1,200.
Royal Caribbean also offers free drinks on select sailings for loyalty members (Crown & Anchor Society) with 300+ points.
Carnival Cruise Line: “Free Drinks” During Sales
Carnival’s “Free Drinks” promotions are common during:
- Wave Season (January–March)
- Holiday sales (e.g., Black Friday, Cyber Monday)
- Last-minute deals
The free package is usually the Cheers! Beverage Program (~$59.95/day), which includes:
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits (up to $20 per drink)
- Specialty coffees and smoothies
- Non-alcoholic beverages
On a 4-day Bahamas cruise, this can save a family of four over $800.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Free at Sea” Deals
NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion offers up to five free perks, including:
- Free Unlimited Open Bar (Premium Beverage Package, ~$89/day)
- Free specialty dining
- Free shore excursions
The open bar covers premium cocktails, wines, and spirits. On a 10-day cruise, this perk alone can save over $1,700 per person.
Pro Tip: Set up price alerts on cruise booking sites (e.g., Cruise Critic, VacationsToGo) to catch free drink promotions the moment they drop.
5. How to Maximize Your Free Drink Benefits
Knowing which cruise lines offer free drinks is just the first step. To truly maximize your boozy perks, you need a strategic approach.
Book During Wave Season (January–March)
Wave Season is the best time to score free drink packages. Cruise lines offer:
- BOGO drink packages (Royal Caribbean, Carnival)
- Free open bar upgrades (NCL, Celebrity)
- Complimentary minibar restocking (luxury lines)
For example, a 7-day cruise booked in February could include a free $600 drink package—saving hundreds.
Leverage Loyalty Programs
Cruise line loyalty programs (e.g., Carnival’s VIFP Club, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor) offer:
- Free drinks after reaching tier status (e.g., 50+ cruise days)
- Complimentary drink packages on select sailings
- Free wine with dinner
On Holland America, a Mariner Society member with 100+ days gets free drinks for life.
Choose the Right Cabin Category
Higher-tier cabins often include:
- Free minibar restocking
- Exclusive bar access (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Suite Lounge)
- Personalized drink service
On Celebrity’s Retreat Sundeck, suite guests enjoy a private bar with free premium drinks.
Attend Onboard Events
Many cruise lines offer free drinks at special events:
- Welcome aboard parties
- Art auctions
- Celebrity chef demonstrations
- Wine tastings
On a Princess cruise, the “Chocolate Journeys” event includes free chocolate martinis.
6. Comparison Table: Free Drink Offerings by Cruise Line
| Cruise Line | Free Drinks Included? | What’s Covered | Special Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regent Seven Seas | Yes (All-Inclusive) | Premium spirits, fine wines, champagne, minibar | No drink limits, caviar service | Luxury seekers |
| Seabourn | Yes (All-Inclusive) | Top-shelf spirits, vintage wines, champagne | Free drinks at excursions, 24/7 room service | Intimate luxury |
| Celebrity | Yes (With “Always Included”) | Classic Drink Package (up to $15 per drink) | Free Wi-Fi, gratuities | Premium value |
| AmaWaterways | Yes (All-Inclusive) | Unlimited beer, wine, spirits, minibar | Free drinks during excursions | River cruise lovers |
| Royal Caribbean | No (But frequent BOGO deals) | Deluxe Package (up to $15 per drink) | Free drinks for loyalty members | Families, thrill-seekers |
| NCL | No (But “Free at Sea” deals) | Premium Beverage Package (up to $20 per drink) | Free specialty dining, excursions | Flexible cruisers |
Whether you’re a luxury traveler, a budget-conscious cruiser, or a river cruise enthusiast, there’s a cruise line that offers free drinks to match your style. From open bars on Regent Seven Seas to BOGO deals on Royal Caribbean, the boozy perks are out there—you just need to know where to look. By booking strategically, leveraging loyalty programs, and choosing the right itinerary, you can turn your next cruise into a truly intoxicating (and wallet-friendly) experience. So raise a glass—your free cocktail awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise lines offer free drinks as part of their packages?
Several premium and luxury cruise lines include free drinks in their base fare, such as Royal Caribbean (with its Deluxe Beverage Package add-on), Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line (select sailings). Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea also offer unlimited complimentary beverages, including premium spirits and wine.
Do any mainstream cruise lines offer free alcoholic drinks?
While most mainstream lines charge extra, Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” promotion often includes a complimentary open bar on select sailings. Carnival and Princess Cruises occasionally offer drink packages as part of limited-time deals but rarely include free unlimited drinks by default.
What cruise lines offer free drinks for all passengers automatically?
Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea provide free drinks—including cocktails, champagne, and wine—without requiring upgrades. These “all-inclusive” policies apply to every guest, making them ideal for travelers seeking hassle-free boozy perks.
Are there cruise lines with free non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes! Most major cruise lines, including Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, offer complimentary non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, coffee, and tea. Some, like Virgin Voyages, even include specialty drinks like mocktails in their base fare.
Can I get free drinks on a budget cruise line?
Budget-friendly lines like MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises rarely include free alcoholic drinks, but they often run promotions with discounted drink packages. Keep an eye out for seasonal offers or loyalty program perks to save on beverages.
Do cruise lines offer free drinks to suite guests?
Many lines, including Princess Cruises (Elite tier) and Celebrity Cruises (Concierge Class), provide complimentary drinks to suite or high-tier loyalty members. These perks may include access to exclusive lounges with free premium beverages.