Which Cruise Lines Have All Inclusive Drinks for Ultimate Relaxation

Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line lead the pack with comprehensive all-inclusive drink packages that cover cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options for ultimate relaxation at sea. Virgin Voyages takes it a step further by including premium drinks in their base fare, offering exceptional value and convenience for adult-focused voyages. These cruise lines eliminate the stress of bar tabs, letting you sip freely while enjoying world-class entertainment and destinations.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrity Cruises: Premium drinks included in all-inclusive packages for effortless relaxation.
• Royal Caribbean: Select sailings offer all-inclusive drinks with top-tier beverage options.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Complimentary drinks on select ships, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
• Virgin Voyages: All-inclusive drinks feature curated cocktails and premium pours by default.
• MSC Cruises: Drink packages customizable for all-inclusive convenience on most itineraries.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Affordable all-inclusive options with daily drink limits for stress-free enjoyment.

The All-Inclusive Drink Advantage: Cruising Without Limits

Imagine lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon, and not once having to worry about the bill. This dreamy scenario is not just reserved for luxury travelers—it’s a reality on many cruise lines that offer all-inclusive drinks. Gone are the days when a refreshing mojito or a chilled glass of wine came with a side of sticker shock. Today’s cruise industry has evolved to prioritize guest relaxation and convenience, with several major brands embracing all-inclusive beverage packages that let you sip, savor, and celebrate without limits.

Whether you’re a casual beer drinker, a cocktail enthusiast, or a connoisseur of fine wines, the appeal of all-inclusive drinks is undeniable. Not only does it simplify your vacation budget, but it also enhances the overall experience by removing the stress of tracking every pour. From budget-friendly options to ultra-luxury experiences, there’s a cruise line out there that caters to your taste buds—and your wallet. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore which cruise lines offer all-inclusive drinks, what’s included, and how to choose the right one for your next getaway. Get ready to raise a glass to ultimate relaxation.

What Does “All-Inclusive Drinks” Really Mean?

Before diving into specific cruise lines, it’s essential to understand what “all-inclusive drinks” truly entails. While the term sounds simple, its scope can vary significantly between companies, ships, and itineraries. Knowing the nuances will help you avoid surprises and maximize value.

Defining the Term: Inclusions and Exclusions

All-inclusive drinks on cruises typically refer to a package or policy that covers a wide range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages during your voyage. However, the specifics matter:

• Non-alcoholic drinks: Usually includes bottled water, soda, coffee, tea, juice, and sometimes premium bottled water or energy drinks.
• Alcoholic drinks: Often includes beer, wine by the glass (house brands), spirits, cocktails, and sometimes premium labels.
• Premium exclusions: Bottled wine, champagne, top-shelf liquors, specialty cocktails, and drinks at certain venues (e.g., wine bars, lounges) may not be included unless you pay extra.
• Service charges: Some lines include gratuities in the all-inclusive package, while others add automatic service fees or require tipping.

For example, a line might advertise “all-inclusive drinks” but only cover house wines under $10 per glass. If you prefer a $15 glass of Cabernet, you’ll pay the difference. Always read the fine print!

Types of All-Inclusive Beverage Packages

Cruise lines offer different models of all-inclusivity:

• Truly all-inclusive: Everything is covered—no extra fees for premium drinks. This is rare and usually found on ultra-luxury lines.
• Premium drink packages: A paid add-on that covers most drinks, with a daily or per-cruise fee. Often includes a cap (e.g., drinks up to $15).
• Inclusive in base fare: The cruise price already includes most drinks, with minimal exclusions (e.g., specialty coffee or bottled water).
• Selective inclusion: Only certain drinks are free (e.g., wine at dinner, soft drinks at lunch).

Tip: If you plan to drink more than 5–6 drinks per day, a premium package often pays for itself. Calculate your expected consumption to decide if the investment is worth it.

Why All-Inclusive Drinks Enhance Your Cruise Experience

Beyond the financial benefit, all-inclusive drinks elevate your vacation in several ways:

• Stress-free relaxation: No need to track every drink or worry about surprise bills.
• Encourages exploration: Try new cocktails or wines without hesitation.
• Social freedom: Toast to special moments without checking your wallet.
• Better budgeting: Know your total cost upfront, especially on longer cruises.

As cruise expert Sarah Johnson notes, “All-inclusive drinks remove the transactional layer of vacation. You’re not just buying a drink—you’re buying peace of mind.”

Top Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Drinks (Luxury & Premium)

For travelers seeking a seamless, worry-free experience, luxury and premium cruise lines lead the pack with truly all-inclusive or highly comprehensive beverage packages. These brands prioritize service, quality, and guest satisfaction, making them ideal for those who value convenience and sophistication.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Gold Standard of Inclusivity

Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. On every voyage, guests enjoy:

• Unlimited premium drinks, including top-shelf liquor, fine wines, champagne, and specialty cocktails.
• No daily limits or price caps—everything is covered.
• Complimentary minibar restocked daily (beer, wine, spirits, soda).
• Free drinks at all bars, lounges, and specialty restaurants.

With a fleet of smaller, intimate ships (max 750 guests), Regent offers a personalized experience where the staff knows your drink preferences. For example, on a recent 10-night Mediterranean cruise, passengers reported trying over 20 different cocktails—all included.

Pro Tip: Regent also includes shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, making it one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive experiences in cruising.

Oceania Cruises: Gourmet Drinks, Gourmet Cruising

Oceania Cruises combines culinary excellence with all-inclusive drinks. Their “O-Life Choice” program includes:

• Unlimited premium drinks up to $15 per glass (covers most wines and cocktails).
• Free wine pairings at dinner in specialty restaurants (e.g., Red Ginger, Toscana).
• Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits at lunch and dinner.
• Optional upgrade to “Premium Beverage Package” for higher-end labels (e.g., Dom Pérignon).

Oceania’s focus on destination immersion means you can enjoy local specialties—like a Sicilian Nero d’Avola or a French Sancerre—without extra cost. Their mid-size ships (1,200 guests) balance intimacy with amenities.

Crystal Cruises: Reimagined All-Inclusive Luxury

After a major relaunch in 2023, Crystal Cruises now offers one of the most generous all-inclusive policies:

• Unlimited drinks, including premium wines, spirits, and cocktails (no price cap).
• Complimentary minibar with local and international brands.
• Free drinks at all venues, including the exclusive Crystal Cove lounge.
• Optional “Crystal Collection” wines (available for a fee).

With spacious suites and a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, Crystal caters to discerning travelers. Their “Crystal Clear” policy ensures transparency—no hidden fees.

Silversea: Intimate, All-Inclusive Elegance

Silversea offers a boutique luxury experience with:

• All drinks included—no limits on premium brands.
• Free minibar (beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks).
• Complimentary wine at dinner (choice of 3–4 options).
• Optional sommelier-led tastings (included).

Silversea’s small ships (500–600 guests) visit remote ports, and their all-inclusive model ensures you can relax fully, even on expedition cruises.

Comparison Table: Luxury All-Inclusive Cruise Lines

Cruise Line	Drink Inclusions	Exclusions	Ship Size	Starting Price (7 Nights)
Regent Seven Seas	Everything unlimited	None (truly all-inclusive)	350–750	$5,000+
Oceania Cruises	Up to $15/glass; free at dinner	Wines >$15; premium spirits	600–1,200	$3,000+
Crystal Cruises	Everything unlimited	“Crystal Collection” wines	700–900	$4,500+
Silversea	Everything unlimited	None (truly all-inclusive)	500–600	$4,000+

Mainstream Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Drink Packages

While luxury lines offer the most comprehensive all-inclusivity, mainstream brands have caught up with competitive drink packages that deliver excellent value. These lines cater to a broader audience, offering flexibility and affordability without sacrificing quality.

Celebrity Cruises: Premium Drinks with a View

Celebrity Cruises offers the “Classic Beverage Package” (included in some promotions or for a fee):

• Unlimited drinks up to $15 per glass (covers most cocktails, wines, spirits).
• Includes soda, juice, bottled water, and specialty coffee.
• Optional “Premium” and “Premium Plus” upgrades for higher-end labels.
• Free drinks at select venues (e.g., Rooftop Garden, Eden).

Celebrity’s “Always Included” pricing model (on select sailings) bundles the Classic Package, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into the base fare—no extra cost. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise might include $300 worth of drinks at no additional charge.

Tip: Check Celebrity’s website for “Free Drinks” promotions—they frequently offer the Classic Package free with balcony or suite bookings.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The Freestyle Choice

NCL is known for flexibility, and their “Premium Beverage Package” delivers:

• Unlimited drinks up to $15 per glass (covers cocktails, wines, spirits).
• Includes soda, juice, and bottled water.
• Optional “Premium Plus” upgrade for premium brands (e.g., Grey Goose, Patron).
• Available as a daily ($60–$75) or per-cruise purchase.

NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion often includes the Premium Package free with suite or balcony bookings. Their large ships (4,000+ guests) offer diverse bars, from poolside lounges to speakeasy-style venues.

Pro Tip: Buy the package on the first day—it’s cheaper than daily rates. NCL also offers a “Soda Package” for non-alcoholic drinkers.

Royal Caribbean: High-Energy, High-Value

Royal Caribbean offers the “Deluxe Beverage Package”:

• Unlimited drinks up to $15 per glass (covers most cocktails, wines, spirits).
• Includes soda, juice, bottled water, and specialty coffee.
• Optional “Premium” upgrade for higher-end labels.
• Available as a daily ($70–$85) or per-cruise purchase.

Royal Caribbean’s “Beverage Package” is often included in “Buy One, Get One Free” or “Kids Sail Free” deals. Their mega-ships (6,000+ guests) feature unique venues like the Bionic Bar (robot bartenders) and Central Park (open-air garden).

Tip: Royal Caribbean offers a “Non-Alcoholic Package” for families or non-drinkers, covering mocktails, smoothies, and premium coffee.

MSC Cruises: European Flair, All-Inclusive Options

MSC Cruises offers the “Easy Drink Package” (included in some promotions):

• Unlimited drinks up to $10 per glass (covers house wines, beer, cocktails).
• Includes soda, juice, and bottled water.
• Optional “Premium” upgrade for higher-end labels.
• Free drinks at select European ports (e.g., Italy, Spain).

MSC’s “All-In” pricing model (on select sailings) bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Their ships blend Mediterranean elegance with family-friendly amenities.

River Cruises: Intimate All-Inclusive Experiences

River cruises offer a different kind of all-inclusivity—smaller ships, personalized service, and immersive itineraries. Most river lines include drinks as standard, making them ideal for travelers who value culture and relaxation over high-energy entertainment.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: All-Inclusive Elegance

Uniworld offers truly all-inclusive drinks:

• Unlimited premium drinks—no price caps.
• Free minibar restocked daily.
• Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits at all meals.
• Free drinks at all onboard venues (e.g., lounge, library).

Uniworld’s “Boutique” ships (max 120 guests) focus on luxury and service. On a recent Danube cruise, passengers enjoyed free champagne toasts, local wine tastings, and craft cocktails—all included.

AmaWaterways: Active, All-Inclusive Cruising

AmaWaterways combines wellness with inclusivity:

• Unlimited drinks up to $12 per glass (covers most cocktails, wines, spirits).
• Free wine, beer, and spirits at lunch and dinner.
• Complimentary minibar (beer, wine, soda).
• Free drinks at select shore excursions (e.g., wine tastings in Bordeaux).

AmaWaterways’ focus on active itineraries (biking, hiking) means you can enjoy a refreshing drink after a day of adventure—no extra cost.

Emerald Cruises: Value-Priced All-Inclusivity

Emerald Cruises offers a budget-friendly all-inclusive model:

• Unlimited drinks up to $10 per glass (covers house wines, beer, cocktails).
• Free wine, beer, and spirits at dinner.
• Complimentary minibar (beer, soda).
• Free drinks at select onboard events.

Emerald’s modern ships (180 guests) blend European design with affordability. Their “EmeraldEXPERIENCE” program includes free shore excursions and Wi-Fi.

How to Choose the Right All-Inclusive Cruise for You

With so many options, selecting the perfect all-inclusive cruise can feel overwhelming. Use these practical tips to make an informed decision.

Assess Your Drinking Habits

Ask yourself:

• How many drinks do you typically consume per day?
• Do you prefer cocktails, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks?
• Are you interested in premium brands (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Macallan)?

For example, if you drink 4–5 cocktails daily, a $70/day package on Royal Caribbean pays for itself. But if you only drink wine at dinner, a luxury line’s all-inclusive model is better.

Compare Total Value, Not Just Drink Inclusions

Look beyond drinks:

• Does the package include gratuities, Wi-Fi, or shore excursions?
• Are there exclusions (e.g., bottled water, specialty coffee)?
• What’s the ship’s atmosphere? (Luxury vs. family-friendly vs. adventure)

Regent Seven Seas includes everything—drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi—making it a better value than a cheaper line with limited inclusions.

Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

Check:

• Travel forums (e.g., Cruise Critic, Reddit).
• Recent passenger reviews on TripAdvisor.
• Cruise line social media for updates on promotions.

For example, a 2023 review of Celebrity’s Classic Package noted, “The bartenders remembered my favorite cocktail after day one—worth every penny.”

Book Early and Look for Promotions

Many lines offer:

• Free drink packages with balcony/suite bookings.
• “Buy One, Get One Free” deals.
• Discounts for early or last-minute bookings.

Pro Tip: Use a travel agent—they often have access to exclusive deals and can bundle packages for maximum savings.

Conclusion: Raise a Glass to Stress-Free Cruising

Choosing a cruise line with all-inclusive drinks is more than a budget decision—it’s a commitment to relaxation, exploration, and pure enjoyment. Whether you’re sipping a mojito on a luxury ocean liner, enjoying free wine with dinner on a European river cruise, or toasting to sunset on a mainstream mega-ship, the freedom to drink without limits transforms your vacation into a truly carefree experience.

From the unmatched inclusivity of Regent Seven Seas and Silversea to the value-packed packages of Celebrity and NCL, there’s an option for every traveler and every palate. Remember to assess your needs, compare total value, and book strategically to unlock the best deals. As you plan your next cruise, ask yourself: What could be more relaxing than a perfectly chilled glass of your favorite drink—delivered with a smile, no bill in sight?

So pack your bags, leave your wallet worries behind, and prepare to sail into the sunset with a drink in hand. The sea is calling, and it’s all-inclusive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines have all inclusive drinks packages?

Several major cruise lines offer all-inclusive drinks packages, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Carnival Cruise Line. These packages typically cover cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages for a flat daily rate.

Are there any luxury cruise lines with truly all inclusive drinks?

Yes, luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea include premium drinks in their base fares. Unlike mainstream lines, these brands offer high-end spirits, champagne, and specialty wines without extra charges.

Do budget cruise lines offer all inclusive drinks options?

While budget lines like Carnival and MSC Cruises don’t include drinks in base fares, they offer affordable all-inclusive drinks packages. These can be cost-effective if you plan to consume multiple alcoholic beverages daily.

Can I customize my all inclusive drinks package on a cruise?

Most cruise lines allow you to tailor your all-inclusive drinks package to your preferences, such as adding premium wines or specialty coffees. Check your line’s policy—some, like Princess Cruises, offer tiered options for different budgets.

Which cruise lines have all inclusive drinks for kids and teens?

Cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offer discounted or free all-inclusive drinks packages for kids and teens. These typically include mocktails, soda, smoothies, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Are gratuities included with all inclusive drinks packages?

Most cruise lines add an automatic gratuity (15–20%) to your all-inclusive drinks package, but policies vary. For example, Royal Caribbean includes gratuities, while Carnival lets you adjust them at the end of the cruise.