Cruise Drink Packages To Quench your thirst

Which cruise lines offer the best value

Let’s talk cruise drink packages—that mysterious world of soda tiers, fine print, and “wait, that espresso wasn’t included?” confusion.

Yes, all cruise lines offer basic drinks like water, iced tea, and coffee in the buffet and dining rooms. But when you’re dreaming of poolside piña coladas, a cold bottled water for your excursion, or your morning triple-shot vanilla latte, you’re going to need a drink package.

Not all drink packages are created equal, so we’re here to break down the big players and help you decide which one gives you the most sip for your buck.

Non-Alcoholic Packages: Coffee, Water & Everything Between

Non-alcoholic packages are great if you don’t drink alcohol—or just want to caffeinate responsibly and stay hydrated without constantly signing drink receipts. Here is a breakdown of the non-alcoholic packages:

• Royal Caribbean: Their “Refreshment Package” includes soda, specialty coffees, bottled water, mocktails, and juices.
• Celebrity Cruises: “Zero Proof” package includes premium coffees, juices, sodas, mocktails, and bottled water.
• NCL: This is limited, as they have no official non-alcohol package. They have bottled water and soda packages sold separately.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Their “Bottomless Bubbles” includes soda and juice only (no coffee or bottled water.)
• Princess Cruises: “Zero Alcohol Package” includes coffee, bottled water, mocktails and soda.
• Holland America: Their “Quench Package” includes soda, juices, speciality coffee, and mocktails.
• MSC Cruises: They have an “Easy Package” (base tier) that includes soda, bottled water, and espresso drinks.
• Cunard: “Soft Drink Package” includes soda, juice, and water; speciality coffee is separate.

Pro Tip: If you’re a bottled water snob or need your morning latte to function, check exactly what’s included—some “non-alcoholic” packages sneak in extras like smoothies or energy drinks, while others are… mostly soda.

Alcohol-Inclusive Packages: Standard vs Premium

Most cruise lines offer two tiers of alcohol-inclusive packages:

• A standard package with a per-drink cap (usually $15–$16)
• A premium package with no cap (or a much higher one), including top-shelf liquor, specialty wines, and high-end cocktails

Here is a breakdown of the alcohol-inclusive packages:

Which Cruise Line Offers the Best Value?

Here’s the honest breakdown, straight from the bar tab:

• Best Overall Premium: Celebrity Cruises Premium Package — unlimited drinks, premium brands, great wine list, no per-drink cap.
• Most Inclusive Basic Tier: Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe — includes bottled water, mocktails, soda, and coffee, with lots of flexibility.
• Most Confusing: NCL — standard package doesn’t cover basics like bottled water unless you upgrade to Premium Plus.
• Least Generous: Carnival Bottomless Bubbles — it’s cheap, but no coffee or bottled water makes it limited.
• Hidden Gem: MSC’s Premium Extra — their highest tier offers great value, especially on European itineraries.
• Stingiest: Cunard — alcohol cap is lower, and they split beverage types into separate packages.

Insider Tips: How to Save Big on Drink Packages

You don’t always have to pay full price. Try these tricks:

1. Look for Promotions. Many cruise lines include drink packages in booking promos (especially Celebrity and Princess). You can also watch for Wave Season (Jan–March), Black Friday, and limited-time sales.

2. Ask Your Travel Agent. Sometimes agents can include drink packages as part of booking incentives or upgrades. You might also score onboard credit that can cover a drink package.

3. Buy Early. Drink packages are often 20-30% cheaper if pre-purchased online vs onboard.

4. Keep Refreshing the App. Flash sales happen, especially after final payment, cruise lines may slash drink prices for your sailing.

Bonus: All-Inclusive Cruise Lines (No Package Needed)

Some luxury cruise lines include unlimited beverages as part of the fare—so you can sip whatever and wherever you want, without ever seeing a bar tab. Here is an overview of some of those cruise lines and their drink policies:

• Regent Seven Seas: Unlimited premium spirits, wine, cocktails, coffee, bottled water
• Silversea: All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included (plus minibar service)
• Seabourn: Full bar included with all fares
• Explora Journeys: Premium wines, spirits, coffee, soft drinks—all included
• Crystal Cruises: All beverages included
• Virgin Voyages: Soda, drip coffee, tea, and still/sparkling water included; no drink package, but pre-paid Bar Tab credit often comes with bonuses
• Windstar Cruises: Not fully all-inclusive, but often includes soft drinks and may offer “all-inclusive” fares with alcohol bundled.

True all-inclusive lines eliminate the stress. You may pay more up front, but your bar bill never follows you home. Check out our post on Premium Cruise lines.

Final Sip: Is a Drink Package Worth It?

If you’re drinking 4+ beverages per day (including bottled water, espresso, wine, etc.), a package can absolutely be worth it. But it’s not just about cost—it’s about convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind.