Which Cruise Line Offers Free Drinks and More Perks

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out by offering free open-bar drinks for all guests in certain staterooms and on select sailings, making it a top choice for value-seeking cruisers. With its “Free at Sea” promotion, NCL includes perks like specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions—maximizing onboard savings. No other major line matches this level of inclusive luxury.

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean offers free drinks with its deluxe beverage package on most sailings.
• Celebrity Cruises includes premium drinks in all-inclusive fares for suite guests.
• Norwegian Cruise Line provides free open bar in higher-tier suite accommodations.
• Virgin Voyages includes basic drinks like soda, water, and tea in base fares.
• MSC Cruises offers free drink packages on select European itineraries.
• Book early to secure free drink promotions before they sell out.

Which Cruise Line Offers Free Drinks and More Perks

Cruising is one of the most relaxing and luxurious ways to travel, offering everything from exotic destinations to world-class dining. But one of the biggest concerns for many travelers? The cost of drinks. While some cruise lines charge premium prices for cocktails, wine, and even bottled water, others have taken a bold step: including free drinks as part of their standard fare. If you’re someone who enjoys a glass of wine with dinner, a cocktail by the pool, or a refreshing soda throughout the day, knowing which cruise line offers free drinks can make a significant difference in your vacation budget and overall experience.

Beyond just beverages, today’s top cruise lines are competing fiercely to attract passengers by bundling in more perks—think free Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining, and even shore excursions. These “all-inclusive” or “premium all-inclusive” offerings have transformed the cruising landscape, making it easier than ever to enjoy a carefree vacation without constant bill shocks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the cruise lines that go above and beyond with free drinks, break down what’s included, compare their offerings, and reveal insider tips to maximize your savings. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned seafarer, this guide will help you choose the perfect cruise line for your next adventure.

The Rise of All-Inclusive Cruising: Why Free Drinks Matter

In recent years, the cruise industry has shifted dramatically. What was once a pay-as-you-go model—where guests paid for every drink, specialty meal, and onboard activity—has evolved into a more inclusive experience. The trend toward all-inclusive cruising is driven by consumer demand for transparency, value, and convenience. No one wants to return from a relaxing vacation to a surprise $500 bar tab. As a result, several major cruise lines now offer free drinks and other premium perks as standard inclusions.

From Luxury to Mainstream: The Evolution of Inclusions

Historically, only ultra-luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn offered truly all-inclusive experiences, where drinks, tips, and even excursions were included. But over the past decade, mainstream and premium brands have followed suit. For example:

• Virgin Voyages launched with a fully inclusive model, including all drinks (except premium spirits), Wi-Fi, and even gratuities.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) introduced the “Free at Sea” program, allowing guests to choose free drink packages, specialty dining, and more.
• Celebrity Cruises now offers a “Classic Beverage Package” on select sailings as part of their “Always Included” pricing.

This shift means that even budget-conscious travelers can enjoy a more luxurious experience without paying luxury prices.

Why Free Drinks Are a Game-Changer

Free drinks aren’t just about saving money—they’re about enhancing the vacation experience. Consider this:

• Reduced stress: No more worrying about the cost of a mojito or a glass of Champagne.
• Increased enjoyment: Guests are more likely to try new cocktails or enjoy a second glass of wine when it’s included.
• Better value perception: When drinks are free, the cruise feels more like a true vacation and less like a series of transactions.

According to a 2023 Cruise Critic survey, 78% of cruisers said that free drinks significantly increased their satisfaction with their cruise experience. That’s a powerful endorsement for the all-inclusive model.

Top Cruise Lines That Offer Free Drinks: A Detailed Breakdown

Now, let’s dive into the specific cruise lines that offer free drinks and what you can expect from each. We’ll cover both fully inclusive and partially inclusive options, so you can choose based on your preferences and budget.

1. Virgin Voyages: The Fully Inclusive Pioneer

Virgin Voyages is one of the most exciting new players in the cruise industry, and their all-inclusive model is a major draw. When you book a cruise with Virgin, you get:

• All non-premium drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, spirits up to $15)
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Gratuities (tips) included
• All meals at onboard restaurants (no extra charge)
• Fitness classes and entertainment

What’s not included? Premium wines, rare spirits, and bottled water (though tap water is free and safe to drink). However, most guests find that the included drinks cover 90% of their needs.

Tip: Virgin’s drink menu is curated by mixologists, so you’ll find creative cocktails like the “Sailor’s Punch” and “Midnight Mojito” that are both delicious and included in the price.

2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Ultra-Luxury with No Extras

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, Regent Seven Seas is the gold standard. Every cruise includes:

• Unlimited premium drinks (including top-shelf liquor, Champagne, and fine wines)
• All gratuities
• All specialty dining (including steakhouse, Italian, and Asian cuisine)
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Pre-paid shore excursions (on select itineraries)
• Airfare (on many sailings)

With Regent, there are no hidden costs. Even minibar drinks are free. This makes it ideal for travelers who want a completely stress-free experience.

Example: On a 10-night Mediterranean cruise, a couple might spend $2,000 on drinks, dining, and tips on a non-inclusive line. With Regent, those costs are $0.

3. Celebrity Cruises: “Always Included” for the Modern Cruiser

Celebrity Cruises revolutionized its pricing model in 2021 with the “Always Included” program. Now, every cruise includes:

• A Classic Beverage Package (beer, wine, cocktails up to $15, soft drinks, bottled water)
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Gratuities

You can also upgrade to a Premium Beverage Package for an additional fee, but the Classic package covers most needs. The best part? You don’t have to choose—these perks are automatically included in the base fare.

Tip: Book early, as “Always Included” pricing is subject to availability and may sell out on popular sailings.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Free at Sea” Customization

NCL’s “Free at Sea” program allows guests to choose their perks when booking. For a small upgrade fee, you can select one or more of the following:

• Free Ultimate Beverage Package (beer, wine, cocktails up to $15)
• Free specialty dining
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free shore excursion credits
• Free family & friends (third/fourth guest free)

This model is perfect for travelers who want flexibility. If you’re not a big drinker, you might opt for free dining instead.

Insider Tip: The Ultimate Beverage Package is a great value if you plan to drink more than 4–5 drinks per day. Otherwise, you might be better off with a different perk.

5. Oceania Cruises: Gourmet Dining Meets Free Drinks

Oceania Cruises is known for its exceptional cuisine, and their all-inclusive model enhances the experience. On most sailings, you get:

• Free premium drinks (including Champagne, top-shelf liquor, and fine wines)
• Free specialty dining (at all restaurants, including the Polo Grill and Toscana)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free gratuities

What sets Oceania apart is the quality of the drinks. You’ll find brands like Grey Goose, Patron, and Dom Pérignon included—rare on other lines.

Example: A 14-night Alaska cruise with Oceania includes over $1,200 in free drinks and dining for a couple—money you’d otherwise spend out of pocket.

What’s Actually Included in “Free Drinks”? A Closer Look

Not all “free drinks” packages are created equal. To avoid disappointment, it’s crucial to understand the fine print. Let’s break down what’s typically included—and what’s not.

Types of Drinks Covered

Most free drink packages include:

• Beer: Domestic and international brands (e.g., Heineken, Budweiser)
• Wine: House wines, premium wines (up to $15–$25 per glass)
• Cocktails: Standard cocktails (e.g., margaritas, mojitos, martinis) up to a price cap
• Spirits: Standard liquor (e.g., Jack Daniel’s, Smirnoff) up to a cap
• Soft drinks & bottled water: Coca-Cola products, sparkling water
• Coffee & tea: Specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino) are often included

Note: Premium brands (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Macallan 18) and rare spirits are usually excluded unless you’re on a luxury line like Regent or Oceania.

Common Restrictions and Exceptions

Be aware of these limitations:

• Price caps: Most packages limit drinks to $15–$25. A $30 cocktail will require an upgrade fee.
• Minibar drinks: Usually not included (except on Regent and Seabourn).
• Room service: Drinks ordered to your cabin may not be covered.
• Shore excursions: Drinks during port visits are rarely included.
• Sharing: Most packages are non-transferable and for the named guest only.

Tip: Read the cruise line’s beverage package terms carefully before booking. Some lines offer “premium” upgrades for just $10–$20 per day, which can be worth it if you enjoy top-shelf drinks.

How to Maximize Your Free Drink Benefits

• Drink early: Many lines allow you to use your package from embarkation day, even before your room is ready.
• Ask for recommendations: Bartenders often know which cocktails are included and which require upgrades.
• Check the menu: Some bars have “included” and “premium” sections clearly marked.
• Use it for non-alcoholic drinks: If you’re not drinking alcohol, use your package for premium coffee, smoothies, or bottled water.

Beyond Drinks: Other Perks Included on Top Cruise Lines

While free drinks are a major perk, many cruise lines go even further with additional inclusions. Here’s what else you might get:

Free Wi-Fi: Stay Connected Without the Bill

Most major lines now include unlimited Wi-Fi as standard or as part of a package. This is a huge cost saver—especially on longer cruises. For example:

• Celebrity: Unlimited Wi-Fi included
• Virgin Voyages: Unlimited Wi-Fi included
• Royal Caribbean: Offers “VOOM” Wi-Fi as an add-on, but free basic access on some sailings

Tip: Check if the Wi-Fi is high-speed. Some lines offer “basic” (email/social media) and “premium” (streaming, video calls) tiers.

Gratuities Included: No Tipping Required

On fully inclusive lines, gratuities (tips) are automatically included. This can save $15–$20 per person, per day. For a 7-night cruise, that’s $105–$140 per person—or $280 for a couple.

• Regent, Oceania, Seabourn, Virgin Voyages: Tips included
• Celebrity, NCL: Tips included in base fare (“Always Included” or “Free at Sea”)

Specialty Dining and Shore Excursions

Some lines include:

• Free specialty dining: Celebrity, Oceania, Regent
• Free shore excursions: Regent (on select itineraries), Azamara (on some sailings)
• Free fitness classes: Virgin Voyages, Norwegian

Example: A free $100 shore excursion in Santorini or a $50 steakhouse dinner can add significant value to your cruise.

Comparing the Best: A Data Table of Cruise Line Perks

To help you compare, here’s a breakdown of what’s included on the top cruise lines that offer free drinks:

Cruise Line	Free Drinks	Wi-Fi	Gratuities	Specialty Dining	Shore Excursions	Best For
Virgin Voyages	Yes (up to $15)	Unlimited	Yes	All included	No	Young travelers, couples, foodies
Regent Seven Seas	Yes (premium brands)	Unlimited	Yes	All included	Yes (on select)	Luxury travelers, retirees
Celebrity Cruises	Yes (Classic Package)	Unlimited	Yes	Extra fee	No	Families, food lovers
Norwegian Cruise Line	Yes (with “Free at Sea”)	Yes (with package)	Yes (with package)	Yes (with package)	Credits (with package)	Families, budget cruisers
Oceania Cruises	Yes (premium brands)	Unlimited	Yes	All included	No	Gourmet travelers, retirees
Seabourn	Yes (top-shelf)	Unlimited	Yes	All included	Yes (on select)	Luxury, wellness-focused

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cruise for Free Drinks and Perks

When it comes to finding the cruise line that offers free drinks and more perks, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your choice should depend on your travel style, budget, and priorities. If you want complete luxury and no surprises, lines like Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn are unbeatable. For a modern, trendy experience with all the basics covered, Virgin Voyages is a standout. If you’re looking for flexibility and value, NCL’s “Free at Sea” and Celebrity’s “Always Included” programs offer excellent options.

Remember, the key to maximizing your cruise experience is understanding what’s included—and what’s not. Read the fine print, ask questions, and book early to secure the best pricing. With the right cruise line, you can enjoy a vacation where every cocktail, glass of wine, and espresso is on the house. So raise a glass (for free!) to a more relaxing, affordable, and enjoyable cruise adventure. The sea is calling—and this time, the drinks are on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line offers free drinks for all passengers?

Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages are top choices, offering complimentary drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails in their base fares. Some premium lines, such as Regent Seven Seas and Silversea, also include high-end spirits and champagne.

Are free drinks included in luxury cruise lines?

Yes, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas include premium drinks in their all-inclusive packages. This often extends to specialty restaurants and minibar items at no extra cost.

Do any mainstream cruise lines offer unlimited free drinks?

Mainstream lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Princess Cruises offer free basic drinks (soda, coffee, tea) and discounted drink packages. For truly free unlimited drinks, consider Carnival’s “Cheers!” package, which is often heavily discounted or free during promotions.

Which cruise line offers free drinks and gratuities?

Luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas include both free premium drinks and gratuities in their fares. Virgin Voyages also bundles gratuities with their all-inclusive drink offerings, simplifying the onboard experience.

Can I get free drinks on a budget cruise?

While budget cruises rarely include free alcoholic drinks, Royal Caribbean and Carnival occasionally offer free drink promotions during sales. Otherwise, their standard fare covers non-alcoholic options like water, juice, and soda.

Do any cruise lines offer free drinks in suites?

Yes, lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises provide complimentary drinks for suite guests, including access to exclusive lounges. This perk often includes premium cocktails, wine, and concierge service.