Which Cruise Lines Include Alcohol in Their Packages

Most major cruise lines now include alcohol in their base fares or offer inclusive packages, making it easier than ever to enjoy drinks without surprise bills. Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line provide beverage packages that cover beer, wine, cocktails, and even premium spirits, while luxury brands such as Regent Seven Seas and Silversea offer truly all-inclusive experiences with top-shelf drinks at no extra cost. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a cocktail connoisseur, there’s a cruise line with the perfect pour for your vacation.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrity Cruises: Offers premium drink packages with wine, cocktails, and beer.
• Virgin Voyages: Includes basic alcohol like beer, wine, and cocktails in base fare.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Provides affordable drink packages but excludes premium liquors.
• Royal Caribbean: Features tiered packages, from soda to top-shelf spirits.
• Holland America: Focuses on wine/beer packages; cocktails often cost extra.
• MSC Cruises: Affordable all-inclusive options but limited premium brands.

Which Cruise Lines Include Alcohol in Their Packages

Imagine this: you’re lounging on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, the sun setting over the ocean, a refreshing cocktail in hand—no extra charge. For many travelers, the idea of a cruise vacation is synonymous with indulgence, relaxation, and all-inclusive perks. But when it comes to alcohol, the waters can be murky. While some cruise lines offer generous drink packages that include wine, beer, and spirits, others charge a la carte prices for every cocktail, leaving vacationers surprised by the final bill. The big question every cruiser asks: Which cruise lines include alcohol in their packages?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Cruise lines have evolved their beverage policies to cater to different demographics, from budget-conscious families to luxury-seeking couples. Some brands have embraced the “all-inclusive” trend, bundling alcohol into their base fare, while others offer optional drink packages for an additional fee. Understanding the nuances of each line’s alcohol policy is essential for maximizing your vacation value and avoiding sticker shock. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a cocktail connoisseur, knowing where your favorite drinks are included—or how to get them affordably—can make or break your cruise experience.

Why Alcohol Policies Vary Across Cruise Lines

Target Audience and Brand Positioning

The inclusion of alcohol in cruise packages is deeply tied to a cruise line’s brand identity and target market. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea pride themselves on offering a “no-worries” experience, where every detail—including premium drinks—is included. These brands cater to affluent travelers who expect high-end amenities without nickel-and-diming. On the other end of the spectrum, mainstream lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean target families and budget travelers, where drink packages are optional to keep base fares competitive.

For example, a family of four might prioritize lower upfront costs and opt for a cruise with affordable base pricing, knowing they can purchase a drink package later. In contrast, a couple celebrating an anniversary might prefer a line where Champagne and top-shelf cocktails are already part of the deal. This segmentation explains why policies differ so drastically. Even within the same brand, policies can vary by ship or itinerary—luxury lines may exclude alcohol on shorter cruises or specialty dining experiences.

Operational and Regulatory Factors

Beyond branding, operational realities influence alcohol policies. Cruise lines must comply with international maritime laws, local regulations at ports, and health and safety guidelines. For instance, some destinations prohibit the sale of alcohol on certain days (e.g., religious observances), which can affect onboard availability. Additionally, the logistics of stocking and serving alcohol across global routes impact costs. Lines operating in Europe, where drinking cultures are more relaxed, may be more inclined to include alcohol, while lines in regions with stricter alcohol policies (e.g., parts of the Middle East) may limit offerings.

Another factor is supply chain management. Premium spirits, imported wines, and craft beers require specialized storage and sourcing, which drives up costs. Lines that include alcohol must balance quality with profitability. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) includes basic drinks like beer and wine in some promotions but reserves premium brands (e.g., Grey Goose, Dom Pérignon) for higher-tier packages. This tiered approach allows them to cater to diverse budgets while maintaining margins.

Luxury Cruise Lines: All-Inclusive Alcohol (Yes, Really!)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas is a standout for travelers seeking a truly all-inclusive experience. Their “Free Unlimited Beverages” policy includes:

• Premium wines, spirits, and cocktails
• Beer and non-alcoholic drinks
• Champagne and sparkling wine (e.g., Moët & Chandon)
• Mini-bar stocked with alcohol and soft drinks

Even specialty dining venues like Prime 7 (steakhouse) and Chartreuse (French cuisine) don’t charge extra for drinks. Onboard sommeliers curate wine pairings, and guests can order any drink from the menu without hesitation. For a 7-night Caribbean cruise, this could save thousands compared to à la carte pricing.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea’s “All-Inclusive Luxury” model mirrors Regent’s generosity. Their policy covers:

• Top-shelf spirits (e.g., Johnnie Walker Blue, Beluga vodka)
• Premium wines from regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley
• Champagne (Veuve Clicquot, Laurent-Perrier)
• 24/7 butler service with complimentary drink requests

Unique perks include hosted cocktail parties in ports and wine tastings led by certified sommeliers. Silversea also includes gratuities, so there’s no need to tip bartenders. A 10-day Mediterranean voyage with Silversea could include over 50 premium drinks per guest—all at no extra cost.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania strikes a balance between luxury and value. While not 100% all-inclusive, their “Signature Beverage Package” (included on select sailings) offers:

• Wine, beer, and spirits up to $15 per drink
• Non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., specialty coffees, smoothies)
• Discounted upgrades for premium brands

Guests can also purchase a Premium Beverage Package ($89/day) for unlimited top-shelf options. Oceania’s focus on culinary excellence means wine pairings at specialty restaurants like Jacques (French) are often included in the base fare.

Mainstream Cruise Lines: Optional Drink Packages (But Are They Worth It?)

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers the “Deluxe Beverage Package” ($70–$100/day), covering:

• Unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)
• Premium coffee and bottled water
• 50% off bottles of wine

Pro tip: Royal Caribbean often runs promotions where the package is free for kids under 21, making it ideal for families. However, the package excludes premium brands like Macallan whiskey or Dom Pérignon. To maximize value, calculate your daily drink intake: if you plan to have 5+ drinks per day, the package pays for itself.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s “Cheers! Beverage Program” ($59.95/day) includes:

• Unlimited cocktails, beer, and wine (up to $20 per drink)
• Specialty coffees, smoothies, and energy drinks
• 15% off bottles of wine

Carnival’s policy is unique because it allows sharing: if you and a partner purchase the package, you can order drinks for each other. But beware: the package doesn’t cover gratuities (18% added automatically) or drinks in specialty venues like the Alchemy Bar. Carnival also offers a Bottomless Bubbles package ($8.95/day) for soda lovers.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL’s “Premium Plus Beverage Package” ($99/day) is their most comprehensive option, covering:

• Unlimited drinks up to $15 (spirits, wine, beer)
• Premium coffee, bottled water, and energy drinks
• 50% off bottles of wine

NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion sometimes includes the package for free with certain itineraries. However, the package excludes premium brands and gratuities (18% added). NCL also offers a Specialty Dining Package that can be bundled with drinks for added savings.

River and Expedition Cruises: Hidden Alcohol Perks

Viking River Cruises

Viking’s “All-Inclusive River Cruises” include:

• Wine, beer, and spirits with lunch and dinner
• Non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, soft drinks)
• Complimentary happy hours in select ports

Unlike ocean cruises, Viking’s smaller ships focus on cultural immersion, so drinks are served during included excursions (e.g., a wine-tasting tour in Bordeaux). The policy extends to onboard bars, where guests can order any drink without charge. For a 14-day Danube River cruise, this could save $1,000+ in alcohol costs.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten’s “All-Inclusive Arctic & Antarctic Cruises” cover:

• Beer, wine, and spirits during meals
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary cocktails at daily briefings

On expedition cruises, alcohol is limited to encourage safety during landings (e.g., kayaking in Antarctica). However, Hurtigruten’s onboard bars still offer free drinks, and sommeliers host wine-pairing dinners. The line also includes gratuities, so no extra tipping is required.

How to Save Money on Alcohol (Even Without a Package)

Strategic Package Purchasing

Don’t buy a drink package blindly. Use these tactics:

• Calculate your daily intake: If you’ll have 3–4 drinks/day, compare the package cost to à la carte prices (e.g., $15 cocktail x 4 = $60/day).
• Book early: Lines like Royal Caribbean offer pre-cruise discounts (e.g., $70/day vs. $85 onboard).
• Check for promotions: “Buy One, Get One Free” deals on packages are common during off-peak seasons.

Free Alcohol Opportunities

Even lines without inclusive packages offer free drinks:

• Welcome events: Most cruises have a welcome cocktail party (e.g., Carnival’s “Fun Farewell” party).
• Specialty dining: Some restaurants include wine pairings (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s 150 Central Park).
• Port days: Lines like Princess Cruises offer free drinks during onboard activities (e.g., trivia contests).

Alternative Beverage Options

Skip the package and try:

• Happy hours: Many bars offer 2-for-1 deals (e.g., Carnival’s “Sail Away” specials).
• Non-alcoholic alternatives: Premium mocktails and craft sodas are often included in packages or free.
• BYO (where allowed): Lines like Disney Cruise Line let you bring one bottle of wine per guest to dinner (corkage fee may apply).

Data: Cruise Line Alcohol Policies at a Glance

Cruise Line	Alcohol Included?	Drink Package Name	Price (Per Day)	Key Inclusions	Gratuities?
Regent Seven Seas	Yes (all-inclusive)	N/A	Free	Premium spirits, wine, Champagne	No
Silversea	Yes (all-inclusive)	N/A	Free	Top-shelf spirits, wine, Champagne	No
Royal Caribbean	No (optional)	Deluxe Beverage Package	$70–$100	Cocktails, wine, beer (up to $15)	Yes (18%)
Carnival	No (optional)	Cheers! Program	$59.95	Cocktails, wine, beer (up to $20)	Yes (18%)
Norwegian Cruise Line	No (optional)	Premium Plus Package	$99	Cocktails, wine, beer (up to $15)	Yes (18%)
Viking River	Yes (with meals)	N/A	Free	Wine, beer, spirits at meals	No

When planning your next cruise, the question of which cruise lines include alcohol isn’t just about cost—it’s about experience. Luxury lines like Regent and Silversea redefine all-inclusive with premium drinks at no extra charge, while mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer flexible packages for budget-conscious travelers. River and expedition cruises add unique perks, from wine-tasting tours to free cocktails during landings. By understanding each line’s policy and using smart strategies (e.g., calculating drink intake, leveraging promotions), you can sip freely without sinking your budget. Ultimately, the best cruise for alcohol depends on your preferences: whether you crave the indulgence of a luxury line or the flexibility of a customizable package, there’s a perfect voyage waiting—glass in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines include alcohol in their base fare?

Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises include alcohol (beer, wine, cocktails) in their base fare or as part of an all-inclusive package. Other lines like Princess and Holland America offer it via optional drink packages.

Do any mainstream cruise lines include unlimited alcohol?

Mainstream lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Carnival don’t include unlimited alcohol in standard fares but offer paid drink packages. Exceptions include Virgin Voyages, which includes most drinks in its “Always Included” pricing model.

Which luxury cruise lines include alcohol in their packages?

Luxury lines such as Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania Cruises include premium alcohol (top-shelf liquor, fine wines) in their all-inclusive packages. These brands emphasize high-end service and minimal extra costs for guests.

Are there family-friendly cruise lines that include alcohol?

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t include alcohol in its base fare but offers drink packages. For all-inclusive options, consider Royal Caribbean’s luxury sister brand, Celebrity Cruises, which caters to families with included drinks for adults.

What’s the best value cruise line if I want included alcohol?

Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises offer the best value, as their “Always Included” or “Classic Beverage” packages cover most drinks without upselling. Regent Seven Seas is ideal for luxury travelers wanting premium alcohol included.

Do any budget cruise lines include alcohol?

Budget lines like Carnival and Costa don’t include alcohol in base fares but often run promotions with free drink packages. Look for deals during seasonal sales or loyalty program perks to offset costs.