Which Cruise Lines Offer Drink Packages for Your Next Vacation

Most major cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess—offer drink packages to help travelers save on beverages during their voyage. These packages typically cover cocktails, wine, beer, soda, and specialty coffee, with options ranging from basic to premium, so you can choose based on your drinking preferences and itinerary.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Cruise Line: Offers affordable, inclusive packages for all drink types, including soda and alcohol.
• Royal Caribbean: Premium packages cover top-shelf liquors, wines, and specialty cocktails with daily limits.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Flexible options include pay-as-you-go or unlimited packages for budget-conscious travelers.
• Princess Cruises: Beverage packages exclude gratuities but include mocktails and premium coffees.
• MSC Cruises: All-inclusive deals often bundle drinks with Wi-Fi and dining for added value.

Which Cruise Lines Offer Drink Packages for Your Next Vacation

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most significant considerations for many travelers is the cost of beverages onboard. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or someone who simply enjoys a cold beer by the pool, drink packages can dramatically affect your overall cruise experience—and your wallet. With so many cruise lines offering various beverage packages, it can be overwhelming to determine which one best fits your needs. From all-inclusive premium packages to budget-friendly options, understanding what each cruise line provides is essential to making an informed decision.

Drink packages are designed to simplify your vacation by offering unlimited or limited access to a range of beverages, including alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water, and even premium cocktails. While some cruise lines include certain drinks in their base fare, others offer tiered packages that cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re cruising with a family, celebrating a milestone, or enjoying a romantic getaway, knowing which cruise lines offer drink packages—and what they include—can help you maximize your enjoyment and minimize unexpected expenses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top cruise lines that offer drink packages, compare their inclusions and exclusions, and provide practical tips to help you choose the right option for your next voyage.

Major Cruise Lines with Comprehensive Drink Packages

Several leading cruise lines have established themselves as industry leaders in beverage offerings, thanks to their extensive and flexible drink packages. These packages are often marketed as a way to enhance the vacation experience while providing cost savings for frequent drinkers. Below are the major players and what sets them apart.

Carnival Cruise Line: Bottomless Bubbles and Cheers! Program

Carnival Cruise Line offers two primary drink packages: Bottomless Bubbles and the Cheers! Beverage Program. The Bottomless Bubbles package is ideal for families and non-alcohol drinkers, providing unlimited fountain soda, juice, and milk for a flat daily rate—typically $8.50 per person per day (with discounts for children). This is a cost-effective option if you or your family members consume a lot of soft drinks or juices.

The Cheers! program, priced at around $59.95 per person per day (as of 2024), is Carnival’s all-inclusive alcoholic beverage package. It includes:

• Beer (up to $15 per drink)
• Wine by the glass (up to $15)
• Cocktails and spirits (up to $15)
• Specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda
• Non-alcoholic beverages

Tip: If you plan to drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, Cheers! becomes a cost-effective choice. However, note that premium bottles of wine or drinks over $15 require a price difference payment.

Royal Caribbean International: Deluxe Beverage Package

Royal Caribbean is known for its high-quality onboard experiences, and its Deluxe Beverage Package (DBP) is no exception. Priced around $63–$79 per person per day (depending on the ship and sailing), this package is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. It includes:

• All cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer (up to $15 per drink)
• Premium spirits and liqueurs
• Specialty coffees and bottled water
• Fountain soda and juice
• Up to 20 drinks per day (with a 15-minute wait between drinks)

Royal Caribbean also offers a Refreshment Package (~$39/day) for non-alcohol drinkers, covering premium coffee, bottled water, soda, and mocktails. A unique feature is the My Time Dining + Beverage Package combo, which offers slight savings when purchased together.

Practical Example: On a 7-night cruise, a DBP could save you $200+ if you typically spend $40–$50 per day on drinks. However, if you only drink occasionally, the cost may not justify the purchase.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Ultimate Beverage Package

NCL’s Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP), priced at approximately $65–$85 per person per day, is highly popular among cruisers seeking a premium experience. It includes:

• Unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)
• Specialty coffees, bottled water, and soda
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Access to premium bars and lounges

One standout feature is the Free at Sea program, which allows guests to purchase a UBP as part of a promotional bundle that may also include specialty dining, shore excursion credits, or Wi-Fi. This can significantly reduce the effective cost of the drink package.

Tip: The UBP is not valid at The Haven or onboard private islands like Great Stirrup Cay, where a separate premium menu applies.

Budget-Friendly and Family-Oriented Drink Packages

Not all cruisers are looking for high-end cocktails or premium spirits. For families, budget travelers, and those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, several cruise lines offer affordable and practical drink packages that still deliver value.

MSC Cruises: Easy and Easy Plus Packages

MSC Cruises offers tiered drink packages under its Easy and Easy Plus programs, designed to cater to different budgets and preferences. Both packages are available as part of MSC’s “All-In” promotions, making them more accessible.

• Easy Package (~$39–$49/day): Includes unlimited soft drinks, juices, bottled water, and select house wines and beers. Ideal for families or non-alcohol drinkers.
• Easy Plus Package (~$59–$79/day): Adds premium cocktails, spirits, and a wider selection of wines and beers (up to $12 per drink).

Both packages include access to specialty coffee and tea. MSC also offers a Minors Package (~$15/day) for children, covering soft drinks, juice, and milk—great for families with kids.

Example: On a 10-night Mediterranean cruise, the Easy Plus package could save a family of four over $1,000 compared to purchasing drinks à la carte, especially if they enjoy wine with dinner and cocktails at the pool.

Princess Cruises: Premier Beverage Package

Princess Cruises offers the Premier Beverage Package, priced around $60–$80 per person per day. While not the cheapest, it includes:

• All cocktails, wine, and beer (up to $15 per drink)
• Premium spirits and liqueurs
• Specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda
• Non-alcoholic beverages

What makes Princess stand out is its “MedallionClass” technology, which allows for seamless drink ordering via a wearable device. This enhances the convenience of using your drink package, especially in crowded areas.

For budget-conscious travelers, Princess also offers a Refreshment Package (~$35/day), covering soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee—ideal for those who don’t drink alcohol but want to avoid paying $3 for a bottled water.

Disney Cruise Line: Kids-Focused and Adult-Oriented Options

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer a traditional all-inclusive drink package for adults, but it provides non-alcoholic beverage packages that are perfect for families. The Soft Drink Package (~$25–$35 per person per cruise) includes unlimited fountain soda, juice, milk, and bottled water. Children under 10 can get a free package with adult purchase.

For adults, Disney offers a Beer & Wine Package (~$39/day), which includes house wine, draft beer, and select cocktails. While not as extensive as other lines, it’s a solid option for moderate drinkers. Premium drinks require additional payment.

Tip: Disney’s rotational dining includes wine and beer pairings, which can reduce the need for a full drink package. Consider your dining habits before purchasing.

Premium and Luxury Cruise Lines with Exclusive Beverage Inclusions

For travelers seeking a more refined experience, luxury cruise lines often include premium beverages in their base fare or offer high-end packages with exceptional perks. These lines cater to discerning guests who value quality over quantity.

Celebrity Cruises: Classic and Premium Beverage Packages

Celebrity Cruises offers two main drink packages: Classic (~$65–$85/day) and Premium (~$85–$110/day). The Classic package includes:

• All cocktails, wine, and beer (up to $15 per drink)
• Premium coffee, bottled water, and soda
• Non-alcoholic beverages

The Premium package adds:

• Drinks up to $25 (e.g., premium wines, top-shelf spirits)
• Access to exclusive bars like the Martini Bar and Rooftop Terrace
• Specialty cocktails and imported beers

Celebrity also offers a Zero-Proof Package (~$39/day) for non-drinkers, covering mocktails, specialty coffee, and bottled water. A unique perk: if you book a suite, you may receive a complimentary Premium Beverage Package as part of the “Suite Perks” program.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury

Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes a different approach: beverages are included in the base fare. This means unlimited premium spirits, fine wines, champagne, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are available at no extra cost. You can order a Dom Pérignon or a $50 cocktail without worrying about the bill.

This all-inclusive model extends to specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and gratuities—making Regent one of the most comprehensive luxury experiences in cruising. While the upfront cost is higher, the value is unmatched for frequent drinkers.

Example: On a 14-night Alaska cruise, a guest could save over $1,000 in drinks alone compared to an à la carte cruise line.

Oceania Cruises: Premium Beverage Package and Inclusions

Oceania Cruises includes soft drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffee in the base fare. For alcohol, they offer the Premium Beverage Package (~$85–$100/day), which includes:

• All cocktails, wine, and beer (up to $15 per drink)
• Premium spirits and liqueurs
• Access to the Grand Bar and Martinis lounge

Oceania also includes a complimentary bottle of wine per stateroom on most sailings, and guests can enjoy wine pairings at no extra cost in specialty dining venues.

Specialty and Niche Cruise Lines with Unique Drink Offerings

Beyond the mainstream lines, several niche cruise operators offer unique drink packages tailored to specific interests, such as river cruising, expedition voyages, or themed sailings.

Viking Cruises: Complimentary Drinks with Every Cruise

Viking Cruises, known for its river and ocean voyages, includes complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner in the base fare. Additionally, guests enjoy:

• Free specialty coffee and tea all day
• Complimentary bottled water in staterooms
• No extra charge for cocktails during happy hours

While Viking doesn’t offer a traditional “unlimited” package, the included drinks cover most guests’ needs. For those wanting more, premium cocktails are available at a reasonable à la carte price.

Silversea Cruises: All-Inclusive with a Focus on Quality

Silversea Cruises includes premium beverages in all staterooms and public areas, including:

• Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits
• Specialty cocktails and imported beers
• Non-alcoholic drinks and bottled water

Guests can enjoy a glass of Dom Pérignon at the pool or a Negroni in the bar—no extra charge. This all-inclusive model is ideal for luxury travelers who appreciate quality and convenience.

Holland America Line: Signature Beverage Package

Holland America’s Signature Beverage Package (~$65–$85/day) includes:

• All cocktails, wine, and beer (up to $15 per drink)
• Specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda
• Non-alcoholic beverages

What sets Holland America apart is its “Dine My Way” program, which allows flexible dining times and often includes complimentary wine pairings. The line also offers a “Drink of the Day” promotion, where a select cocktail is available at a reduced price—great for trying new drinks without committing to a package.

How to Choose the Right Drink Package: Tips and Considerations

Selecting the best drink package for your cruise requires careful evaluation of your drinking habits, budget, and cruise line policies. Here are key factors to consider:

Calculate Your Daily Consumption

Track how many drinks you typically consume per day. For example:

• 1–2 drinks/day: À la carte may be cheaper.
• 3–5 drinks/day: A mid-tier package likely offers savings.
• 6+ drinks/day: A premium or unlimited package is almost always cost-effective.

Tip: Factor in specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda—these can add up quickly without a package.

Check for Package Restrictions

Most packages have limitations, such as:

• Drinks over a certain price (e.g., $15) require a difference payment.
• Not valid at private islands or specialty bars.
• Per-drink limits (e.g., 20 drinks/day).
• Must be purchased for all guests in a stateroom (on some lines).

Always read the fine print before purchasing.

Look for Promotions and Bundles

Many cruise lines offer discounts or free packages during sales. For example:

• Royal Caribbean: Buy one, get one 50% off on beverage packages.
• NCL: Free at Sea promotions include drink packages.
• Celebrity: Complimentary package with suite bookings.

Booking early or during special events can save you hundreds.

Consider Non-Alcoholic Needs

If you don’t drink alcohol, a soft drink or refreshment package may be more practical. Lines like MSC, Disney, and Princess offer excellent non-alcoholic options.

Cruise Line	Package Name	Daily Price (USD)	Alcohol Included	Non-Alcohol Included	Notes
Carnival	Cheers!	$59.95	Yes (up to $15)	Yes	Bottomless Bubbles for soda/juice
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage	$63–$79	Yes (up to $15)	Yes	20 drinks/day limit
NCL	Ultimate Beverage	$65–$85	Yes (up to $15)	Yes	Free at Sea discounts
MSC	Easy Plus	$59–$79	Yes (up to $12)	Yes	Kids package available
Regent	All-Inclusive	Included	Yes (premium)	Yes	No extra charge for top-shelf drinks
Viking	Complimentary	Included	Yes (with meals)	Yes	Free specialty coffee & water

Final Thoughts: Maximizing Value with the Right Drink Package

Choosing the right drink package can transform your cruise experience from enjoyable to exceptional. Whether you’re sipping a mojito on a Carnival deck, enjoying a glass of Bordeaux with dinner on Regent, or relishing a complimentary espresso on Viking, the right beverage plan ensures you never have to worry about the bill. The key is to match your personal habits with the offerings of each cruise line.

For budget travelers, packages like Carnival’s Cheers! or MSC’s Easy Plus provide excellent value. Families will appreciate Disney’s soft drink deals and MSC’s minors package. Luxury seekers should consider all-inclusive lines like Regent or Silversea, where premium drinks are simply part of the experience. And for those who enjoy variety, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer flexible, high-quality options.

Remember: drink packages are not one-size-fits-all. Use the tips in this guide to calculate your potential savings, check for restrictions, and look for promotions. With the right package, you can focus on what truly matters—relaxing, exploring, and creating unforgettable memories on the high seas. Bon voyage and cheers to your next cruise adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines offer drink packages for all passengers?

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, and Celebrity offer drink packages for all adult passengers. These packages typically include soda, cocktails, wine, beer, and premium beverages, but availability and pricing vary by line.

Do budget cruise lines offer drink packages?

Yes, budget-friendly cruise lines like Carnival, MSC, and Costa Cruises offer drink packages. While their inclusions may differ slightly, they provide cost-effective options for unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, and soft drinks, during your cruise.

Which cruise lines offer drink packages that include specialty coffee?

Most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess, include specialty coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos in their premium drink packages. Some even offer separate coffee-focused packages for frequent caffeine lovers.

Are drink packages available on luxury cruise lines?

Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, and Silversea often include high-end drink packages with their fares. These packages typically cover premium cocktails, champagne, and fine wines, making them a great value for luxury travelers.

Can I purchase a drink package after booking my cruise?

Yes, most cruise lines let you buy a drink package after booking, either online or onboard. However, booking early online often secures lower pre-cruise rates and ensures availability before packages sell out.

Which cruise lines offer drink packages for kids or non-alcoholic options?

Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian offer non-alcoholic drink packages for kids and adults. These include unlimited sodas, mocktails, juices, and smoothies, making them ideal for families or non-drinkers.