Which Cruise Line Has Drinks Included Find Out Here

Several top cruise lines now include drinks in their base fares, with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line leading the pack through their all-inclusive beverage packages and premium perks. If you’re wondering which cruise line has drinks included, look for promotions like Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package or Norwegian’s Free Open Bar offer—both deliver significant savings on cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Always check current deals, as inclusions vary by sailing and booking tier.

Key Takeaways

• All-inclusive luxury: Regent Seven Seas and Silversea include premium drinks in fares.
• Mainstream value: Norwegian Cruise Line offers free basic drinks with select packages.
• Budget-friendly choice: Carnival includes non-alcoholic drinks; alcohol costs extra.
• Family perks: Disney Cruise Line includes soda and juice at meals.
• Premium upgrade: Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Package covers top-shelf drinks.
• Small-ship simplicity: Viking Ocean Cruises includes beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Which Cruise Line Has Drinks Included? Find Out Here

When it comes to planning a cruise vacation, one of the most common questions travelers have is: which cruise line has drinks included? After all, the idea of sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, or toasting to sunset views without worrying about the bill is undeniably appealing. While many cruise lines promote all-inclusive packages, the reality is that beverage inclusions vary significantly across brands, itineraries, and cabin types. For first-time cruisers or even seasoned travelers, deciphering the fine print can feel overwhelming.

The cruise industry has evolved dramatically in recent years, with lines introducing more flexible and transparent pricing models. Some now offer genuinely all-inclusive experiences where drinks—from soda and bottled water to premium cocktails and champagne—are covered in your base fare. Others provide tiered beverage packages, allowing guests to choose based on their preferences and budget. Understanding which cruise line has drinks included can save you hundreds of dollars and enhance your vacation experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the top cruise lines with inclusive drinks, compare their offerings, highlight key differences, and provide practical tips to help you choose the best option for your next voyage.

1. Truly All-Inclusive: Cruise Lines Where Drinks Are Fully Covered

If you’re searching for a hassle-free vacation where you can order any drink without a second thought, these cruise lines stand out for their truly all-inclusive beverage policies. Unlike most mainstream cruise companies that charge extra for alcohol, soda, and even bottled water, the following lines include a wide range of drinks in their base fare—making them ideal for travelers who value convenience and predictability.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Gold Standard in All-Inclusivity

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is widely regarded as the leader in all-inclusive luxury cruising. From the moment you step onboard, nearly everything—including premium drinks—is included. This means:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs from top-shelf brands
• Wine and champagne by the glass at all bars and restaurants
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
• Mini-bar refreshments restocked daily
• Even gratuities and shore excursions are included

Regent doesn’t just include drinks—they elevate the experience with sommeliers, mixologists, and curated wine tastings. For example, on a 14-night Mediterranean voyage, guests can enjoy a different vintage each night without paying a dime extra. The only exceptions are rare vintages, private cellar selections, or bottles from the reserve wine list, which may carry a surcharge but are clearly labeled.

Tip: Regent’s all-inclusive model makes it ideal for luxury travelers who want a seamless experience. If you’re comparing which cruise line has drinks included without hidden fees, Regent is hard to beat.

Silversea Cruises: Intimate Ships, Inclusive Libations

Silversea Cruises offers a similar all-inclusive experience on a smaller scale. With ships carrying 250–600 guests, Silversea emphasizes personalized service and refined luxury. Their beverage policy includes:

• Premium spirits, cocktails, and liqueurs
• House wines and champagne by the glass
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas
• Mini-bar stocked with your preferences (replenished daily)

Silversea also offers complimentary wine pairings with multi-course dinners in specialty restaurants like Le Champagne and Seishin. On a 10-day Arctic expedition, for instance, guests can enjoy a glass of Dom Pérignon with their caviar course—no upcharge. The line even includes gratuities and a selection of shore excursions.

Why it stands out: Silversea’s smaller ships create an intimate atmosphere, and their all-inclusive drinks policy means you can focus on relaxation, not receipts.

Oceania Cruises: Gourmet Dining Meets Inclusive Drinks

While Oceania Cruises is best known for its exceptional culinary offerings, they also include a generous beverage package in their fares. Key inclusions:

• Unlimited premium cocktails and spirits
• Wine and champagne by the glass at all onboard venues
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
• Mini-bar refreshments (non-alcoholic only)

Oceania’s wine program is particularly impressive, with over 200 labels available across their fleet. On a 7-night Caribbean sailing, guests can sample a different varietal each night—from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a bold Cabernet Sauvignon—without additional cost. The line also hosts wine-paired dinners in venues like Jacques and Red Ginger.

Bonus: Oceania includes one complimentary specialty restaurant dinner per guest on most sailings, and drinks are included there too.

2. Premium All-Inclusive: High-End Lines with Generous Drink Packages

Not every luxury cruise line offers fully inclusive drinks from the get-go, but several provide premium all-inclusive packages as a standard or optional upgrade. These lines strike a balance between high-end service and transparent pricing, often including drinks in their base fare or offering them as a complimentary add-on.

Seabourn Cruise Line: Luxury Redefined with Included Drinks

Seabourn, part of Carnival Corporation’s luxury portfolio, includes a robust beverage program in all fares. Guests receive:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs
• Wine and champagne by the glass (including premium brands)
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
• Mini-bar stocked with your preferences (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Complimentary wine pairings with dinner

What sets Seabourn apart is their Seabourn Conversations program, where onboard experts host wine tastings, cocktail workshops, and sommelier-led dinners—all included. On a 12-night South Pacific voyage, for example, guests can enjoy a curated tasting of New Zealand wines with a local vintner, followed by a five-course dinner with paired drinks.

Tip: Seabourn’s all-inclusive drinks policy applies to all guests, regardless of cabin category. Even on their ultra-luxury Seabourn Venture expedition ships, beverages are included.

Crystal Cruises: Reimagined Luxury with Inclusive Beverages

After a major relaunch in 2023, Crystal Cruises now offers a fully inclusive experience across its fleet, including:

• Unlimited premium cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs
• Wine and champagne by the glass (over 300 labels available)
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas
• Mini-bar refreshments (replenished daily)
• Gratuities and select shore excursions

Crystal’s wine program is curated by Master Sommelier Virginia Philip, featuring rare vintages and boutique labels. On a 14-night Alaska cruise, guests can enjoy a glass of Opus One with their halibut course—no extra charge. The line also includes a Crystal Society welcome drink and daily cocktail hour.

Why it matters: Crystal’s all-inclusive model eliminates the stress of budgeting for drinks, making it a top choice for travelers who want a seamless luxury experience.

Explora Journeys: The New Kid on the Block

Explora Journeys, launched in 2023 by the MSC Group, offers a modern take on all-inclusive cruising. Their “Journeys Included” fare covers:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs
• Wine and champagne by the glass (including premium brands)
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
• Mini-bar stocked with non-alcoholic drinks
• Gratuities and select shore experiences

Explora’s ships feature 10+ dining venues, all with included drinks. On a 7-night Mediterranean sailing, guests can enjoy a different cocktail each evening at the Horizon Bar—from a classic Martini to a bespoke creation—without opening their wallet.

Pro tip: Explora’s all-inclusive drinks policy applies to all guests, even on their most affordable fares.

3. Mainstream Lines with Optional Drink Packages (And When to Buy)

While luxury lines dominate the all-inclusive space, mainstream cruise companies like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess offer optional drink packages. Understanding these packages—and when they’re worth the investment—can save you money and stress.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The Ultimate Beverage Package

NCL’s Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP) is one of the most popular in the industry. For a flat daily rate (typically $99–$129 per person, per day), guests get:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs (up to $15 per drink)
• Wine and beer (up to $15 per glass/bottle)
• Specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water
• 20% discount on drinks over $15

When to buy: The UBP pays off if you plan to drink 5–6 alcoholic beverages per day. For example, on a 7-night Caribbean cruise, if you spend $12 on drinks daily, the package saves you $84 per person. NCL often offers pre-cruise discounts (e.g., “Buy 3 days, get 4 free”), so book early.

Watch out: The UBP doesn’t include gratuities (18% added automatically), and it’s not valid in specialty restaurants or on private islands.

Royal Caribbean: Deluxe Beverage Package

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package (DBP) covers:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs (up to $15 per drink)
• Wine and beer (up to $15 per glass/bottle)
• Specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water
• 20% discount on premium drinks

The DBP costs $89–$119 per person, per day. It’s a good value for heavy drinkers, especially on longer sailings. For instance, on a 14-night transatlantic cruise, the package could save you $200+ per person.

Pro tip: Royal Caribbean often includes a free DBP as a booking perk (e.g., “Kids Sail Free + Free Drinks”). Check for promotions before purchasing.

Carnival Cruise Line: Cheers! Beverage Program

Carnival’s Cheers! Beverage Program includes:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs (up to $20 per drink)
• Wine and beer (up to $20 per glass/bottle)
• Specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water
• 20% discount on drinks over $20

At $59.95–$89.95 per person, per day, Cheers! is one of the most affordable packages. It’s ideal for budget-conscious cruisers who want to drink freely. On a 5-night Bahamas cruise, the program breaks even at just 4–5 drinks per day.

Note: Carnival adds a 15% gratuity to the package price. Also, it’s not valid on private islands like Half Moon Cay.

4. Budget-Friendly Options: Inclusions You Might Not Expect

While most budget cruise lines charge extra for drinks, a few include select beverages—or offer clever ways to save. Here’s how to stretch your dollar without sacrificing enjoyment.

MSC Cruises: Free Drinks at Dinner (Yes, Really)

MSC Cruises includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks with dinner in the main dining room. This is a rare perk on a budget line. For example, on a 7-night Caribbean cruise, you can enjoy a glass of house wine with every dinner—no package needed.

Bonus: MSC offers a Premium Extra Beverage Package ($65–$85 per day) for those who want cocktails and premium wines. But if you’re a wine or beer drinker, the dinner inclusion alone can save $100+ per person.

Celebrity Cruises: Included Drinks in Suites

On Celebrity Cruises, guests in Concierge Class, AquaClass, and Suites receive a complimentary Classic Beverage Package (up to $9 per drink). This includes:

• Cocktails, beer, and wine (up to $9)
• Specialty coffees and bottled water

For suite guests, this perk can save $500+ on a 10-night cruise. Even better: Celebrity often includes a free upgrade to the Premium Beverage Package (up to $15 per drink) as a booking incentive.

Tip: Book a suite or higher category to unlock free drinks—and enjoy perks like priority boarding and exclusive lounges.

Princess Cruises: Drink Discounts and Happy Hours

While Princess doesn’t include drinks in base fares, they offer:

• Drink of the Day (50% off at select bars)
• Happy Hours (e.g., 2-for-1 cocktails from 4–6 PM)
• Captain’s Circle discounts (10–25% off drinks for repeat cruisers)

On a 7-night Alaska cruise, combining these deals can save $150+ per person. Princess also offers a Premium Beverage Package ($70–$90 per day) for those who want unlimited drinks.

5. Comparing the Top Options: A Data-Driven Look

To help you decide which cruise line has drinks included—and which package is right for you—we’ve compiled a comparison of key metrics. This table highlights average daily costs, inclusions, and value for different traveler types.

Cruise Line	Drink Inclusion in Base Fare?	Alcohol Included?	Bottled Water Included?	Specialty Coffee Included?	Optional Package Cost (Daily)	Best For
Regent Seven Seas	Yes (all-inclusive)	Yes (premium brands)	Yes	Yes	N/A	Luxury travelers, wine lovers
Silversea	Yes (all-inclusive)	Yes (house wines)	Yes	Yes	N/A	Intimate, high-end experiences
Oceania	Yes (all-inclusive)	Yes (premium cocktails)	Yes	Yes	N/A	Gourmet dining, cultural cruises
Seabourn	Yes (all-inclusive)	Yes (premium brands)	Yes	Yes	N/A	Expedition and luxury voyages
NCL	No	Yes (with UBP)	Yes (with UBP)	Yes (with UBP)	$99–$129	Heavy drinkers, families
MSC Cruises	Partial (dinner only)	Yes (at dinner)	Yes (at dinner)	Yes (at dinner)	$65–$85	Budget wine/beer drinkers
Celebrity (Suites)	Yes (Classic Package)	Yes (up to $9)	Yes	Yes	N/A (included)	Suites guests, repeat cruisers

Note: All-inclusive lines like Regent and Silversea offer the best value for travelers who drink 4+ alcoholic beverages daily. For moderate drinkers, MSC’s dinner inclusion or Celebrity’s suite perks may be more cost-effective.

6. Smart Tips to Maximize Your Drink Inclusions

No matter which cruise line you choose, these strategies will help you get the most out of drink inclusions—or save money if they’re not included.

Book Early for Promotions

Mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL often offer free drink packages as booking incentives. For example, Royal Caribbean’s “Buy One, Get One 50% Off + Free Drinks” deal can save $1,000+ for two guests. Set price alerts and book during major sales (e.g., Black Friday, Wave Season).

Compare Package Value

Calculate your daily drink budget before buying a package. If you plan to drink 3 cocktails ($12 each) and 2 glasses of wine ($10 each), you’ll spend $56 daily. A $70 package saves you $14. But if you only drink 2 cocktails, you’ll lose money. Use cruise line calculators or ask your travel agent.

Take Advantage of Free Perks

Even on lines without all-inclusive drinks, look for freebies:

• Welcome drinks (e.g., Carnival’s “First Drink Free”)
• Happy hours (e.g., Princess’s 2-for-1 cocktails)
• Specialty dining events (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s “Sailaway Party”)

On a 7-night cruise, these perks can save $100+ per person.

Consider the Cabin Category

On lines like Celebrity and Princess, higher cabin categories include free drinks. A suite upgrade might cost $500 extra—but if it includes a $600 beverage package, you break even. Ask about “free drinks” as a perk when booking.

Bring Your Own (When Allowed)

Most cruise lines let you bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person (18+). Some, like Carnival, allow two bottles of wine per cabin. This is a great way to enjoy your favorite vintage without paying markups. Note: You’ll pay a corkage fee ($15–$25) if you drink it in a restaurant.

Ultimately, the answer to “which cruise line has drinks included” depends on your preferences, budget, and drinking habits. Whether you choose a truly all-inclusive luxury line like Regent or opt for a value-packed package on NCL, understanding your options empowers you to cruise smarter. With the right planning, you can raise a glass—without raising your expenses. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line has drinks included in the base fare?

Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Regent Seven Seas include select drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails in their base fare. Premium options may require an upgrade or extra cost.

Do any mainstream cruise lines include unlimited drinks?

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian offer “unlimited” drink packages, but they’re usually add-ons. A few promotions occasionally include them for free during sales.

Which cruise line has drinks included without extra charges?

Luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas include premium drinks at no extra cost. This sets them apart from most mainstream options.

Are soft drinks and coffee included on major cruise lines?

Most lines, including Disney and Princess, include non-alcoholic drinks like soda, coffee, and tea in the fare. Check policies, as some exclude specialty beverages.

Does Royal Caribbean have drinks included in their packages?

Royal Caribbean doesn’t include drinks in the base fare but offers the Deluxe Beverage Package for unlimited alcohol. Water, juice, and soda are complimentary at meals.

Which budget-friendly cruise line has drinks included?

Holland America and Costa Cruises occasionally include drinks in promotions, but standard fares rarely cover alcohol. Their packages are often cheaper than competitors’.