Which Cruise Lines Include Drinks in Their Packages

Several major cruise lines now include drinks in their base fares or offer all-inclusive packages, making it easier than ever to enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages without surprise bills at the end of your trip. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line lead the pack with tiered drink packages or fully inclusive options, while luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea include premium drinks from the start—ideal for travelers seeking hassle-free indulgence.

Key Takeaways

• All-inclusive luxury: Regent Seven Seas and Silversea include premium drinks in base fares.
• Mainstream value: Norwegian Cruise Line offers drink packages with freestyle dining options.
• Budget-friendly choice: Carnival includes non-alcoholic drinks in most package deals.
• Premium perks: Celebrity Cruises bundles top-shelf drinks in suite-class bookings.
• European flair: MSC Cruises includes wine and beer at meals for select itineraries.
• Family focus: Royal Caribbean offers kid-friendly drink packages with soda and smoothies.

Which Cruise Lines Include Drinks in Their Packages

Planning a cruise is an exciting journey filled with anticipation, but one of the biggest concerns for travelers is often the cost of drinks. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, or grabbing a coffee in the morning, beverage expenses can add up quickly. Many cruise lines offer drink packages, but the real question is: which cruise lines include drinks in their base fare? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While some lines bundle drinks into their pricing, others offer them as optional add-ons or through promotions. This guide will help you navigate the complex world of cruise beverage inclusions, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your vacation without unexpected bar tabs.

Drink-inclusive cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially as travelers seek more all-inclusive experiences. The appeal is clear: no surprise charges, no budgeting for drinks, and the freedom to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. However, the definition of “included drinks” varies widely between cruise lines, with some offering premium cocktails and others limiting inclusions to basic beverages like soda and tea. Understanding the nuances of each cruise line’s policy is key to choosing the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ll break down the top cruise lines that include drinks, highlight their unique offerings, and provide practical tips to help you get the most value out of your cruise.

1. Luxury Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Beverages

Luxury cruise lines are known for their high-end experiences, and many of them go the extra mile by including a wide range of drinks in their base fares. These lines cater to travelers who prioritize comfort, service, and convenience, making them a top choice for those who want to sip without worrying about the bill.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: True All-Inclusive

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is arguably the gold standard for drink-inclusive cruising. Their “Ultra-Inclusive” policy means that nearly every beverage is covered, from premium wines and cocktails to specialty coffees and bottled water. This includes:

• Premium spirits and liqueurs (e.g., Grey Goose, Johnny Walker Blue)
• Top-shelf wines by the glass or bottle
• Champagne and sparkling wines
• Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juices, specialty coffees)
• Mini-bar refreshments in your suite

Pro Tip: Regent even includes in-room dining beverages, so you can enjoy a bottle of champagne in your suite without extra charges. Their policy is one of the most generous in the industry, making it ideal for luxury travelers who want to indulge freely.

Seabourn: Premium Beverages Included

Seabourn takes a similar approach, offering a “Seabourn All-Inclusive” package that includes:

• Premium wines and spirits
• Champagne and sparkling wines
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Bottled water and soft drinks

What sets Seabourn apart is their personalized service. Bartenders and sommeliers are trained to remember your preferences, and they often host wine tastings and cocktail classes where drinks are included. Seabourn also offers a “Caviar in the Surf” experience, where you can enjoy caviar and champagne on the beach during select itineraries.

Silversea: The Silver Spirit of Inclusivity

Silversea includes premium beverages in all their fares, with a focus on high-quality wines and spirits. Their offerings include:

• Top-tier wines by the glass
• Premium cocktails (e.g., Martinis, Mojitos)
• Champagne and prosecco
• Non-alcoholic options (soda, juices, specialty coffees)

Silversea’s smaller ships create an intimate atmosphere, and their included drinks policy extends to all onboard venues, including the pool bar and specialty restaurants.

2. Mainstream Cruise Lines with Drink Inclusions

While luxury lines dominate the “all-inclusive” space, some mainstream cruise lines have introduced drink-inclusive options to attract budget-conscious travelers. These lines often include basic beverages in their base fare but may charge extra for premium drinks.

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

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a unique “Free at Sea” program that includes a basic beverage package as part of select promotions. Here’s what’s included:

• Unlimited soda, juice, and bottled water
• Coffee and tea (standard and specialty)
• Beer, wine, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)

Note: The “Free at Sea” package has limitations—premium drinks (e.g., premium wines, top-shelf liquors) cost extra. However, NCL frequently runs promotions where the package is included at no additional cost, making it a great deal if you book at the right time.

Celebrity Cruises: “Always Included” Pricing

Celebrity Cruises has revamped its pricing model with the “Always Included” approach, which bundles a basic beverage package into the base fare. This includes:

• Unlimited soda, juice, and bottled water
• Coffee, tea, and mocktails
• Beer, wine, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)

The package is similar to NCL’s, but Celebrity’s focus on culinary excellence means their wine and cocktail lists are often more curated. They also offer premium drink packages (e.g., the “Premium Beverage Package”) for travelers who want to upgrade.

Royal Caribbean: “Deluxe Beverage Package” (Optional)

Royal Caribbean doesn’t include drinks in their base fare, but they offer the “Deluxe Beverage Package” as an add-on. This package includes:

• Unlimited soda, juice, and bottled water
• Beer, wine, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)
• Premium cocktails and coffees

Royal Caribbean frequently offers discounts on this package during promotions, so it’s worth checking for deals before booking. They also include basic coffee, tea, and juice in the fare, which is a nice perk for early risers.

3. River Cruise Lines: All-Inclusive by Design

River cruises are inherently more inclusive than ocean cruises, with most lines offering drinks as part of the base fare. The smaller ship sizes and shorter itineraries make it easier for river cruise lines to include beverages without additional costs.

AmaWaterways: Premium Beverages Included

AmaWaterways includes a wide range of drinks in their fares, including:

• Premium wines and beers at lunch and dinner
• Champagne and sparkling wines
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Bottled water and soft drinks

AmaWaterways also offers a “Wine & Beer” package for select itineraries, where premium drinks are included throughout the day. Their focus on culinary experiences means the wine pairings are often exceptional.

Viking River Cruises: All-Inclusive Simplicity

Viking River Cruises takes a straightforward approach to drink inclusions. Their base fare covers:

• Beer, wine, and spirits (premium options available)
• Champagne and sparkling wines
• Coffee, tea, and soft drinks
• Bottled water

Viking’s “Cultural Enrichment” program includes wine tastings and cocktail hours, where all drinks are included. Their ships also feature a self-serve wine station, allowing you to pour your own glass anytime.

Avalon Waterways: Premium Drinks at Meals

Avalon Waterways includes premium wines and beers at lunch and dinner, along with:

• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Coffee and tea
• Champagne and sparkling wines

Avalon’s “Active & Discovery” cruises often include local drink tastings (e.g., wine, beer, or spirits) as part of the shore excursions, all covered in the fare.

4. Budget-Friendly Cruise Lines with Limited Inclusions

For travelers on a tighter budget, some cruise lines offer limited drink inclusions or optional packages that can save money if used strategically.

Carnival Cruise Line: “Cheers!” Beverage Program

Carnival doesn’t include drinks in their base fare, but their “Cheers!” Beverage Program is one of the most popular add-ons. It includes:

• Unlimited soda, juice, and bottled water
• Beer, wine, and spirits (up to $20 per drink)
• Premium cocktails and coffees

The key to saving money with Carnival is to pre-purchase the package online, as onboard prices are higher. Carnival also includes coffee, tea, and juice in the fare, so you’ll never pay for basic beverages.

MSC Cruises: “Easy Plus” Package

MSC Cruises offers the “Easy Plus” beverage package as an add-on, which includes:

• Unlimited soda, juice, and bottled water
• Beer, wine, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)
• Premium cocktails and coffees

MSC frequently runs promotions where this package is included for free, especially on longer sailings. They also include coffee, tea, and juice in the base fare.

Disney Cruise Line: Family-Friendly Inclusions

Disney Cruise Line includes non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, and bottled water in their fares, along with:

• Coffee and tea
• Milk and hot cocoa

Alcoholic beverages are not included, but they offer a “Soda Package” for families with kids. Disney’s focus on family-friendly experiences means their bars often feature fun mocktails and specialty drinks for children.

5. Specialty and Expedition Cruises with Drink Inclusions

Specialty and expedition cruise lines often include drinks as part of their immersive experiences, catering to adventurers and niche travelers.

Lindblad Expeditions: All-Inclusive Adventure

Lindblad Expeditions includes premium beverages in their fares, including:

• Wine and beer with meals
• Champagne and sparkling wines
• Coffee, tea, and soft drinks
• Premium cocktails at evening gatherings

Lindblad’s focus on expedition cruising means their drink inclusions are designed to enhance the experience, with local beverages often featured during cultural events.

UnCruise Adventures: Small-Ship Inclusivity

UnCruise Adventures includes all beverages in their fares, from:

• Premium wines and spirits
• Champagne and sparkling wines
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Non-alcoholic drinks

UnCruise’s small-ship approach means they can offer a truly all-inclusive experience, with no hidden fees or upsells.

6. How to Get the Best Value for Drink Inclusions

Choosing a cruise with drink inclusions can save you money, but it’s important to understand the details to get the best value. Here are some tips:

1. Read the Fine Print

Not all “included” drinks are created equal. Some lines include only basic beverages, while others cover premium options. Check if there are:

• Price caps per drink (e.g., $15 limit)
• Restrictions on premium brands
• Exclusions for specialty venues (e.g., wine bars)

2. Compare Package Costs

If a cruise line doesn’t include drinks, calculate the cost of a beverage package versus paying à la carte. For example:

• If you plan to drink 5 cocktails per day at $12 each, that’s $60/day.
• A $50/day package might save you money if it covers premium drinks.

3. Look for Promotions

Many cruise lines offer free or discounted drink packages during promotions. Sign up for newsletters or use travel agents who specialize in cruise deals.

4. Consider Your Drinking Habits

If you’re a light drinker, a basic package or à la carte options might be cheaper. Heavy drinkers will benefit more from all-inclusive policies.

5. Factor in the Total Experience

Drink inclusions are just one part of the equation. Consider the quality of the food, service, and overall cruise experience when making your decision.

Drink Inclusion Comparison Table

Cruise Line	Base Fare Inclusions	Optional Packages	Premium Drink Limits
Regent Seven Seas	All premium drinks	None (fully inclusive)	No limits
NCL	Basic drinks (promo)	Free at Sea	$15 per drink
AmaWaterways	Wine, beer, soft drinks	Wine & Beer Package	Premium wines included
Carnival	Coffee, tea, juice	Cheers! Program	$20 per drink
Viking River	All drinks included	None	No limits

Choosing a cruise line with drink inclusions can transform your vacation into a stress-free, indulgent experience. Whether you opt for a luxury line like Regent Seven Seas, a mainstream option like NCL, or a river cruise with Viking, there’s a perfect fit for every traveler. By understanding the details of each policy and planning strategically, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without breaking the bank. So raise a glass to your next adventure—it’s time to set sail!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines include drinks in their base fare?

Most mainstream cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian offer drink packages as add-ons, but a few—like Virgin Voyages and Regent Seven Seas—include premium drinks in their base fare. Luxury lines such as Seabourn and Silversea also typically include beverages like wine, cocktails, and spirits.

Do any all-inclusive cruise lines include drinks?

Yes, luxury and premium all-inclusive cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, and Azamara include drinks in their packages, covering wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. These lines often feature high-end brands and no extra charges for most bar items.

Are drinks included on Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruises?

Neither Carnival nor Royal Caribbean includes drinks in their standard fare, but both offer paid drink packages (e.g., “Cheers!” on Carnival). Specialty coffees, soda, and premium alcohol require additional purchases unless you book a suite with perks.

Which cruise lines include drinks for kids and teens?

Family-friendly lines like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean include complimentary soft drinks, juices, and milk for children at meals and in dining areas. Some also offer free mocktails or specialty drinks for teens at onboard lounges.

Do any budget cruise lines include drinks?

Budget lines like MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises often include basic drinks like water, coffee, and tea at meals, but alcoholic and premium beverages require a package. MSC’s “Beverage Package” can be a cost-effective option for frequent drinkers.

Are gratuities included with cruise lines that offer free drinks?

Even on lines like Virgin Voyages or Regent Seven Seas where drinks are included, gratuities (or “crew appreciation” fees) are usually separate. These are either prepaid or added daily to your account, though some promotions may bundle them.