Which Cruise Lines Offer Free Drink Packages in 2024

Several major cruise lines now include free drink packages in 2024, with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean leading the way through bundled promotions and loyalty perks. These complimentary packages typically cover select cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks, offering significant savings—especially on longer sailings. Always check promotion terms, as availability often depends on booking class, itinerary, and timing.

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean offers free drink packages on select sailings and promotions.
• Celebrity Cruises bundles premium drinks in all-inclusive fares for convenience.
• Norwegian Cruise Line includes free open bar in suite bookings and deals.
• Virgin Voyages provides complimentary basic drinks with no extra-cost packages.
• MSC Cruises features free drink deals during seasonal and loyalty promotions.
• Always compare inclusions and restrictions before booking your cruise.

The Ultimate Guide to Free Drink Packages on Cruise Ships in 2024

Imagine sipping a perfectly mixed mojito by the pool, enjoying a glass of premium wine with dinner, or toasting to the sunset with a craft cocktail—all without reaching for your wallet. For many cruise travelers, the dream of free drink packages is a major factor in choosing the right cruise line. In 2024, several major cruise companies are stepping up their game, offering all-inclusive or complimentary beverage packages as part of their value proposition. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, understanding which cruise lines include free drinks can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on your next vacation.

While most mainstream cruise lines sell drink packages as optional add-ons, a growing number of luxury, premium, and even some mainstream operators now include them as part of their standard pricing. This shift reflects a broader trend toward all-inclusive cruising, where guests enjoy greater convenience and fewer surprise bills. But not all “free” drink packages are created equal. Some include top-shelf liquors and specialty coffees, while others have strict limitations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore which cruise lines offer truly free drink packages in 2024, what’s included, what’s excluded, and how to maximize your value. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a cocktail enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys an occasional beer, this article will help you choose the cruise line that best fits your drinking preferences and budget.

Luxury Cruise Lines with Truly All-Inclusive Free Drink Packages

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Gold Standard

When it comes to free drink packages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the gold standard. Since 2016, Regent has offered a fully all-inclusive experience, meaning that every guest—regardless of suite category—receives a complimentary, unlimited beverage package as part of their cruise fare. This includes:

• Premium wines and champagnes (e.g., Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon)
• Top-shelf spirits and cocktails (e.g., Johnnie Walker Blue, Grey Goose)
• Beer, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees
• Mini-bar stocked daily with complimentary drinks

There are no daily limits, no per-drink caps, and no restrictions on brands. Even private excursions and specialty dining experiences include complimentary drinks. For example, a guest on the Seven Seas Splendor can enjoy a $150 bottle of champagne at dinner without any additional charge. This level of inclusion makes Regent one of the most luxurious and transparent cruise lines in the world.

Seabourn: Elegance and Generosity Combined

Seabourn takes a similar approach, offering an all-inclusive beverage package with every cruise. Their Seabourn Beverage Package includes:

• Premium wines, champagne, and spirits
• Beer and soft drinks
• Specialty coffees and premium bottled water
• Daily mini-bar restocking with guests’ favorite drinks

What sets Seabourn apart is their “no request too small” service philosophy. Guests can request specific brands or even have their favorite cocktail named after them. The line also offers curated wine tastings, cocktail classes, and sommelier-led pairings—all complimentary. For instance, a guest on the Seabourn Ovation might enjoy a private wine tasting with a Master Sommelier in the ship’s Cellar Door, complete with rare vintages, all included in the fare.

Crystal Cruises: Reimagined Luxury with Free Drinks

After its 2022 relaunch under A&K Travel Group, Crystal Cruises has returned with a renewed commitment to all-inclusive luxury. The Crystal All-Inclusive Experience now includes:

• Unlimited premium drinks, including top-shelf liquors and rare wines
• Complimentary mini-bar with personalized preferences
• Free specialty dining (up to 11 venues)
• Beverage service in all bars, lounges, and dining areas

Crystal’s drink package is notable for its lack of restrictions. There are no daily limits, no exclusions for “premium” brands, and no need to pre-purchase. Even the line’s new Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity ships feature butler service that includes drink preferences noted before embarkation. For example, a guest who loves Hendrick’s Gin can have a bottle waiting in their suite on arrival.

Premium Cruise Lines with Complimentary Drink Packages

Oceania Cruises: Gourmet Dining Meets Free Drinks

Oceania Cruises is known for its exceptional cuisine, but in 2024, it’s also gaining recognition for its generous beverage policy. While not fully all-inclusive like Regent or Seabourn, Oceania offers a Free Unlimited Beverage Package as a standard inclusion on most sailings. This includes:

• Premium wines and spirits (e.g., Absolut, Tanqueray, Champagne)
• Beer and soft drinks
• Specialty coffees and premium bottled water
• Complimentary mini-bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks

One of Oceania’s standout features is the O Life Choice program, which allows guests to choose between a free drink package, free shore excursions, or a shipboard credit. However, on most voyages—especially longer ones—the drink package is automatically included. For example, a 14-day Mediterranean cruise on the Oceania Riviera includes unlimited drinks in all restaurants, bars, and lounges. Guests can even enjoy a $120 bottle of Dom Pérignon at dinner without extra cost.

Windstar Cruises: Intimate Ships, Big Inclusions

Windstar Cruises operates small, yacht-like ships that carry fewer than 350 passengers. Their All-Inclusive Package includes:

• Unlimited premium drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer
• Specialty coffees and bottled water
• Complimentary mini-bar with guests’ preferred drinks
• Free shore excursions in select ports

Windstar’s drink package is particularly valuable for active cruisers, as it includes free excursions—meaning you can enjoy a cocktail at a local bar during a free tour without worrying about the bill. For instance, on a Caribbean cruise, a guest might take a free snorkeling trip in St. Lucia, then enjoy a rum punch at a beach bar afterward, all included. The line also hosts “Sail Away” parties with free champagne and cocktails on deck.

Silversea Cruises: Boutique Luxury with Free Drinks

Silversea Cruises offers a fully all-inclusive experience across its fleet. Their All-Inclusive Beverage Package includes:

• Premium wines, champagne, and spirits
• Beer, soda, and specialty coffees
• Complimentary mini-bar with personalized selections
• Free drinks in all dining venues and bars

Silversea’s policy is notable for its transparency: there are no hidden fees or “premium” upcharges. Even the line’s expedition ships, like the Silver Endeavour, include free drinks during Zodiac landings and onboard lectures. A guest on a Galápagos cruise might enjoy a pisco sour after a day of wildlife viewing, all included in the fare.

Mainstream Cruise Lines with Limited Free Drink Inclusions

Celebrity Cruises: Free Drinks with Suite Perks

While Celebrity Cruises doesn’t offer free drink packages to all guests, it provides complimentary beverages to suite-class passengers. The Retreat Sundeck and suite guests receive:

• Unlimited premium drinks (cocktails, wine, beer)
• Complimentary mini-bar with top-shelf spirits
• Free specialty dining reservations
• Personal butler service, including drink preferences

For example, a guest in a Sky Suite on the Celebrity Beyond can order a $15 cocktail from the Retreat Lounge menu at no extra cost. While not available to standard staterooms, this perk makes suite upgrades more appealing. Additionally, Celebrity offers a Free Unlimited Beverage Package as a promotion during select sailings (e.g., 7-night Caribbean cruises in summer 2024), but this is not guaranteed.

Royal Caribbean: Drink Packages with Promotions

Royal Caribbean sells drink packages (e.g., Deluxe Beverage Package for $89–$110/day), but occasionally offers them for free during promotions. In 2024, the line has run limited-time deals where guests receive a free drink package with:

• Suite bookings (e.g., Grand Suite or above)
• Early-bird or last-minute bookings
• Group or family cruise packages

For instance, a family booking a 7-night Alaska cruise on the Ovation of the Seas might receive a free Deluxe Beverage Package for all adults in the group. However, these promotions are not consistent and vary by sailing. Guests should monitor Royal Caribbean’s “Deals” page or work with a travel agent to find current offers.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Free Drinks with “Free at Sea” Promo

NCL is famous for its Free at Sea promotion, which allows guests to choose one (or more, for a fee) of five free perks, including:

• Free Open Bar (Premium Plus Beverage Package)
• Free specialty dining
• Free shore excursions
• Free Wi-Fi

The Premium Plus Beverage Package includes:

• Unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, and soda
• Premium spirits (e.g., Patron, Jack Daniel’s)
• Specialty coffees and bottled water
• Up to 25 drinks per day (excess drinks charged at 50% off)

For example, a couple booking a 10-night Europe cruise on the Norwegian Encore might select the free drink package, saving over $2,000. However, the promotion is not available on all sailings, and guests must book during the promo period (typically 3–6 months before departure).

How to Maximize Your Free Drink Package Value

Know the Inclusions and Exclusions

Not all “free” drink packages are unlimited. For example:

• NCL caps drinks at 25 per day (excess at 50% off)
• Celebrity suite packages may exclude rare vintages or vintage champagnes
• Oceania includes premium drinks but may charge for “super-premium” bottles (e.g., $200+)

Tip: Ask your travel agent or check the cruise line’s website for a detailed list of included brands. For instance, Regent’s website lists over 300 included wines, while NCL’s Premium Plus package includes 1,000+ brands.

Book Early for Promotions

Many free drink packages are tied to early bookings. For example:

• NCL’s Free at Sea promo is often available 3–6 months before sailing
• Royal Caribbean’s free drink promotions are common for last-minute deals (within 60 days of departure)
• Celebrity’s suite perks require booking a suite, which sells out fast

Tip: Set price alerts or work with a cruise specialist who can notify you when promotions launch.

Upgrade for Maximum Value

If you’re a heavy drinker, consider upgrading your stateroom to access free drinks. For example:

• A Celebrity Sky Suite ($1,500/night) includes free drinks, butler service, and priority boarding
• An NCL Haven suite ($1,200/night) includes free Premium Plus Beverage Package

Tip: Calculate the cost of buying a drink package (e.g., $100/day for 7 days = $700) versus the suite upgrade. If the difference is less than the package cost, upgrading may be cheaper.

Data Table: Cruise Lines with Free Drink Packages in 2024

Cruise Line	Package Name	Included Drinks	Daily Limit?	Available To	Notes
Regent Seven Seas	All-Inclusive Beverage	Premium wines, spirits, champagne, beer, soda, coffee	No	All guests	Mini-bar restocked daily
Seabourn	Seabourn Beverage	Top-shelf liquors, rare wines, beer, soda	No	All guests	Personalized mini-bar
Oceania	Free Unlimited Beverage	Premium wines, cocktails, beer, soda	No	All guests	Choice of package or credit
Windstar	All-Inclusive	Cocktails, wine, beer, coffee	No	All guests	Includes free excursions
Silversea	All-Inclusive Beverage	Premium drinks, mini-bar	No	All guests	No upcharges for rare bottles
NCL	Premium Plus (Free at Sea)	Unlimited drinks, premium spirits	25 drinks/day	Guests with promo	Excess drinks at 50% off
Celebrity	Suite Beverage	Cocktails, wine, beer	No	Suite guests	Butler service included
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe (Promo)	Unlimited cocktails, wine, beer	No	Suite/last-minute guests	Promotions vary by sailing

Conclusion: Choose the Right Cruise for Your Drinking Preferences

In 2024, the cruise industry continues to evolve, with more lines offering free drink packages as a standard perk or promotional incentive. Luxury operators like Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea lead the pack with truly all-inclusive experiences, where every drink—from a simple soda to a $200 bottle of champagne—is included. Premium lines like Oceania, Windstar, and Crystal also deliver exceptional value with generous beverage policies. Meanwhile, mainstream lines like NCL, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean offer free drinks through promotions, suite upgrades, or limited-time deals.

The key to maximizing your value lies in understanding the details: what’s included, what’s excluded, and who qualifies. For heavy drinkers or those who enjoy premium brands, luxury all-inclusive lines often provide the best long-term savings. For budget-conscious travelers, NCL’s Free at Sea or Royal Caribbean’s promotions can deliver significant savings if booked strategically. Ultimately, the best cruise line for free drinks depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can raise a glass to a vacation that’s as refreshing as it is affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines offer free drink packages in 2024?

Several major cruise lines include free drink packages as part of their 2024 promotions, including Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. These perks are often bundled with “all-inclusive” fares or seasonal deals, so check promotions carefully.

Are free drink packages available on luxury cruise lines?

Yes, luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea include premium drink packages at no extra cost. These packages typically cover top-shelf liquor, fine wines, and cocktails as part of their all-inclusive pricing model.

Do any cruise lines offer free drink packages for kids?

While most free drink packages are for adults, some lines like Disney Cruise Line include non-alcoholic beverage packages (soda, juice, milkshakes) for children in select promotions. Always confirm age-specific inclusions when booking.

Is there a catch to “free” cruise drink packages?

Free drink packages often have limits—such as a maximum number of drinks per day, exclusions on premium bottles, or gratuity charges. Read the terms to avoid surprises, especially with lines like MSC Cruises or Princess Cruises.

Which cruise lines offer free drink packages on Alaska sailings?

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises frequently include free drink packages on Alaska itineraries as part of 2024 promotions. These deals often bundle drinks with other perks like Wi-Fi or excursions.

Do free drink packages include gratuities?

Most cruise lines add an automatic gratuity (15–20%) to free drink packages, even if the package itself is complimentary. For example, NCL and Royal Caribbean include this fee in final pricing, so check your invoice.