Which Cruise Line Has Free Alcohol A Complete Guide to Boozy Voyages

Several premium cruise lines now include free alcohol in their base fares, with Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises leading the pack. These all-inclusive offerings allow guests to enjoy a wide selection of wines, beers, and spirits at no extra cost, setting them apart from mainstream competitors. If you’re searching for a truly boozy voyage without surprise bar bills, these lines deliver luxury and value in one unforgettable package.

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean offers free alcohol with its premium drink packages.
• Celebrity Cruises includes high-end drinks in its all-inclusive fares.
• Virgin Voyages provides complimentary basic cocktails for all passengers.
• Norwegian Cruise Line bundles free drinks in select suite bookings.
• MSC Cruises features free wine and beer at dinner for guests.
• Check inclusions before booking to avoid unexpected alcohol costs.

The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Lines with Free Alcohol: Your Ticket to a Boozy Voyage

Imagine sipping a perfectly crafted mojito as the sun dips below the horizon, or toasting to new adventures with a glass of premium champagne—all without worrying about the bill. For many travelers, the allure of cruising isn’t just the destinations but the inclusive experience, and few perks are as coveted as free alcohol. The idea of unlimited cocktails, wine with dinner, or a craft beer on deck without extra charges is enough to make any vacationer giddy. But which cruise lines truly deliver on this promise? And what’s the catch?

This guide dives deep into the world of boozy voyages, separating marketing hype from reality. We’ll explore the cruise lines that offer complimentary alcohol, the nuances of their packages, and how to maximize your onboard libations. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, this comprehensive breakdown will help you choose the perfect cruise for your thirst—and your budget.

1. The All-Inclusive Giants: Cruise Lines with Truly Free Alcohol

For travelers who want to leave their wallets behind, a few cruise lines stand out as the gold standard of inclusive alcohol. These brands have built their reputations on offering premium drinks at no extra cost, making them ideal for those who prioritize indulgence.

Virgin Voyages: The Rebel of Free Drinks

Virgin Voyages, the adult-only cruise line founded by Sir Richard Branson, has redefined all-inclusive cruising. Their Bar Tab model is a game-changer: every passenger receives a $300 “Bar Tab” at booking (or more for higher-tier suites) that can be used for cocktails, wine, beer, and even specialty coffees. While it’s not technically “unlimited,” most travelers find it more than sufficient for a week-long cruise. Pro tip: Virgin’s drinks are curated by top mixologists, so expect creative, Instagram-worthy cocktails like the “Scarlet Lady” (a gin-based twist on a French 75).

• What’s included: Premium cocktails, wine by the glass, craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages.
• Exclusions: Top-shelf spirits, rare wines, and specialty bottles (e.g., Dom Pérignon).
• Best for: Millennials and Gen X travelers who love a lively, design-forward atmosphere.

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

NCL’s Free at Sea program lets passengers choose one (or more, for an upgrade) of five perks, including a premium beverage package. While not automatically free, the package is heavily discounted—often costing less than the value of drinks you’d consume. For example, a 7-day Caribbean cruise might offer the package at $299 per person (vs. the standard $100/day à la carte cost). Insider tip: Book early and opt for the “Ultimate Beverage Package” to access top-shelf liquors and premium wines.

• What’s included: Cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and energy drinks (up to $15 per drink).
• Exclusions: Bottled wines over $15, specialty coffee, and minibar items.
• Best for: Families or couples who want flexibility (e.g., pairing the drink package with free dining or shore excursions).

Oceania Cruises: Luxury Meets Unlimited Libations

Oceania’s Signature Beverage Package is included on all sailings (excluding suite guests, who get even more perks). This isn’t a budget-friendly line, but the value is unmatched: think $1,000+ in drinks per couple on a 10-day cruise. Example: A bottle of Veuve Clicquot at dinner? Complimentary. A $20 craft cocktail? No charge.

• What’s included: Premium cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Exclusions: Rare vintages (e.g., vintage Bordeaux) and specialty bottles (available at a discount).
• Best for: Affluent travelers who value gourmet dining and a refined ambiance.

2. The “Almost Free” Players: Lines with Generous Drink Packages

Not all cruise lines offer truly free alcohol, but many provide highly competitive packages that feel nearly as good. These options often require a one-time fee but can save you hundreds compared to paying à la carte.

Royal Caribbean: The “Deluxe Beverage Package” Powerhouse

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package ($63–$89/day) covers everything from mojitos to martinis, with no per-drink cap. The catch? It’s not included, but the value is undeniable. For a 7-day cruise, that’s $441–$623 per person—still cheaper than buying 10–15 drinks daily. Pro tip: The package includes Starbucks drinks, making it a hit for coffee lovers.

• What’s included: Cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and premium coffee.
• Exclusions: Bottled wines over $15, minibar items, and specialty bars (e.g., molecular mixology).
• Best for: Active cruisers who want to drink while rock-climbing or hitting the FlowRider surf simulator.

Celebrity Cruises: The “Classic” Package with a Twist

Celebrity’s Classic Beverage Package ($55–$75/day) is simpler than Royal’s but still generous. It’s often bundled with other perks (like free Wi-Fi or gratuities) in their “Always Included” pricing model. Example: A 7-day Mediterranean cruise might bundle the package, gratuities, and a $100 onboard credit for $1,800/person.

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• What’s included: Cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and soda (up to $15 per drink).
• Exclusions: Bottled wines over $15, premium coffee, and minibar.
• Best for: Couples or solo travelers who want a mix of relaxation and sophistication.

MSC Cruises: The “Easy Package” for Budget-Conscious Drinkers

MSC’s Easy Package ($39/day) is the most affordable option on this list, covering basic cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. It’s not as premium as Royal or NCL’s offerings, but it’s a solid choice for those who prioritize cost savings. Insider tip: MSC often runs promotions where the package is free with balcony bookings.

• What’s included: House cocktails, beer, wine, and soda (up to $10 per drink).
• Exclusions: Premium liquors, bottled wines, and specialty bars.
• Best for: Families or first-time cruisers who want a no-frills drink option.

3. The Luxury Exceptions: High-End Lines with Complimentary Alcohol

Ultra-luxury cruise lines often include alcohol as part of their all-inclusive ethos, but with a caveat: the price of the cruise itself is significantly higher. These lines cater to travelers who view drinks as part of the overall experience, not an added cost.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The “Unrivaled Space at Sea”

Regent’s all-inclusive policy is legendary: every drink, from a $500 bottle of Dom Pérignon to a $20 espresso, is free. Even private-label wines and top-shelf spirits are included. Example: On a 12-day Alaska cruise, you could enjoy a $200 bottle of Krug champagne with your caviar—no questions asked.

• What’s included: All alcohol, including premium wines, spirits, and champagne.

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• Exclusions: None (seriously).
• Best for: Luxury travelers who want to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage.

Seabourn: The “Champagne Lifestyle”

Seabourn’s complimentary drinks extend to a dedicated sommelier and a curated wine list. The line is famous for its “champagne waterfall” events, where guests are greeted with free-flowing bubbly at embarkation. Pro tip: Seabourn’s suites include a stocked minibar with premium spirits.

• What’s included: Cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and champagne.
• Exclusions: Rare vintages (available at a discount).
• Best for: Couples celebrating a milestone (e.g., anniversaries or retirements).

4. The Budget-Friendly Alternatives: Lines with Limited Free Alcohol

Not every cruise line offers free drinks, but some provide strategic ways to save. These options are ideal for travelers who don’t plan to drink heavily but want occasional libations without sticker shock.

Carnival Cruise Line: The “Bottomless Bubbles” for Non-Drinkers

Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package ($5.95/day) is for soda lovers, but their Happy Hour deals (e.g., $5 margaritas) make it easier to enjoy alcohol without a package. Insider tip: Carnival’s “Cheers!” package ($59.95/day) is available but rarely worth it for casual drinkers.

Princess Cruises: The “Crafted” Cocktail Program

Princess doesn’t offer free alcohol, but their Crafted Cocktail Program lets you sample unique drinks for $8–$12 each. The line also hosts free wine tastings (with small pours) on select sailings.

Disney Cruise Line: The “Family-Friendly” Approach

Disney’s alcohol policy is strict: no free drinks, but they offer “Happy Hour” discounts (e.g., $6 beers) at select bars. Parents can enjoy wine with dinner (at à la carte prices), while kids get free mocktails.

5. Maximizing Your Cruise Line’s Free Alcohol: Tips & Tricks

Even on lines with inclusive drinks, there are ways to stretch your libations further. Here’s how to make the most of your boozy voyage:

Book Early for Promotions

Many cruise lines offer “free drink packages” as a booking incentive. For example, Royal Caribbean often includes the Deluxe Beverage Package with balcony or suite bookings. Pro tip: Check for “Buy One, Get One Free” drink package deals.

Upgrade Strategically

If your line offers tiered packages (e.g., NCL’s “Ultimate” vs. “Premium”), compare the value. A $50 upgrade might unlock top-shelf spirits you’d otherwise pay $20+ per drink for.

Attend Free Events

Lines like Celebrity and Princess host complimentary wine tastings, mixology classes, and happy hours. These are great ways to sample premium drinks without extra cost.

Leverage Loyalty Programs

Frequent cruisers can earn free drink credits through loyalty tiers. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers free drink packages after 80+ cruise points.

6. Data Table: Cruise Line Alcohol Comparison

Cruise Line	Free Alcohol?	Package Name	Daily Cost (If Not Free)	What’s Included
Virgin Voyages	Partial ($300 Bar Tab)	Bar Tab	$300 (one-time)	Cocktails, wine, beer, non-alcoholic
Oceania Cruises	Yes (Signature Package)	Signature Beverage	Free	Cocktails, wine, beer, premium coffee
Regent Seven Seas	Yes (All-Inclusive)	Unrivaled	Free	All drinks, including champagne
Royal Caribbean	No	Deluxe Beverage	$63–$89	Cocktails, wine, beer, soda, coffee
NCL	Partial (Free at Sea)	Premium Beverage	$299 (one-time)	Drinks up to $15, beer, wine
MSC Cruises	No	Easy Package	$39	House cocktails, beer, wine, soda

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Boozy Cruise for You

Whether you’re sipping a $200 bottle of champagne on Regent Seven Seas or toasting with a $300 Virgin Voyages Bar Tab, the cruise line you choose will shape your boozy experience. For truly free alcohol, Oceania, Regent, and Seabourn are unbeatable. If you prefer flexibility, NCL’s “Free at Sea” or Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Package offer excellent value. And for budget-conscious travelers, MSC’s Easy Package or Carnival’s Happy Hour deals can still make your voyage a little more spirited.

The key is aligning your drinking habits with the right line. Love premium wines? Opt for Oceania. Prefer a lively bar scene? Virgin Voyages has your back. No matter your choice, one thing’s certain: with the right cruise, you can raise a glass to a vacation where the drinks are on the house—and the memories are priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line has free alcohol in their standard packages?

Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises include complimentary beer, wine, and spirits in their base fares. These luxury lines allow guests to enjoy unlimited drinks without extra charges, making them top choices for boozy voyages.

Are there any affordable cruise lines with free alcohol?

While most budget-friendly lines charge for drinks, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a Free at Sea promotion that includes an open bar. Keep an eye out for seasonal deals where select sailings include unlimited alcohol as part of the package.

Do all-inclusive cruise lines offer free premium alcohol?

Yes, high-end lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas provide premium wines, top-shelf liquors, and craft cocktails at no extra cost. Their all-inclusive model ensures even luxury pours are covered in your fare.

Which cruise line has free alcohol for suite guests only?

Carnival Cruise Line’s “Free Drinks in the Suite Life” program offers suite passengers unlimited alcoholic beverages. Similarly, MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club suite guests enjoy a 24/7 open bar with premium brands included.

Can I get free alcohol on a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t include free alcohol in standard fares, but they offer drink packages and promotions. Adults can enjoy complimentary wine and beer with dinner in select rotational dining venues.

Is free alcohol available on river cruises?

AmaWaterways and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises include free local wines, beers, and spirits with meals and at onboard events. These river lines emphasize all-inclusive experiences with regionally inspired drinks.