A guide to cruise line drinks packages

Whether you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, a morning coffee with sea views or the occasional poolside cocktail, drinks packages can be a great way to simplify your cruise experience. But with every cruise line offering something different - from all-inclusive options to multi-tiered upgrades - knowing what’s included (and what’s not) can be a little confusing. 

In this guide, we take a closer look at what each cruise line offers, breaking down the different packages, what they include, and who they might suit best. So, whether you’re cruising with a new cruise line or just want to see if a drinks package is worth it for you, here’s what to expect. 

Ambassador Cruise Line keeps things refreshingly simple with a small range of drinks packages tailored to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re after soft drinks, house spirits or something a little more premium, there’s a package to suit. All options included gratuities, which help keep things stress-free onboard. 

What’s included:

• Experience Package: Unlimited soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and alcohol-free beer.
• Explorer Package: Adds house wine, beer and spirits, plus 50% off premium drinks.
• Expedition Package: Includes everything in Explorer, plus premium brands, speciality coffees and teas.
• Adventurers Package: A soft drinks option for guests aged 3 to 17.

Prices vary depending on cruise duration and whether you book in advance, with savings to be had if you pre-book. 

💡 Top tip:

Packages are charged by the night for longer cruises, but by the cruise for shorter sailings - so check which applies when booking.

Is it worth it?

Yes, especially if you like a couple of drinks each day or want to avoid settling bar bills at the end of your holiday. The pre-paid approach keeps things simple. 

Azamara includes a generous selection of standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in its cruise fare, so you may not need to purchase an additional package at all. For those who prefer top-shelf spirits or more choices, there are upgrades available.

What’s included: 

• Standard (included): House spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks and speciality coffee.
• Premium Package: Adds higher-end wines, top-shelf spirits and cocktails.
• Ultimate Package: Includes everything in Premium, plus Champagne and rare spirits. 

Packages can be purchased in advance or onboard.

💡 Top tip: 

The included selection is quite generous, so check the drinks menu before deciding whether to upgrade.

Is it worth it? 

Only if you have a strong preference for premium brands or specific wines and cocktails. Casual drinkers may find the included options more than enough. 

Celebrity Cruises offers tiered drinks packages designed to suit every kind of cruiser - and if you book a sailing with an ‘All Included’ fare, you may already have the Classic Drinks Package included.

What’s included:

• Classic Package: Beers, spirits, wines by the glass (up to $10), soft drinks and basic cocktails.
• Premium Package: Includes everything in the Classic Package, plus premium wines, top-shelf spirits, fresh juices and bottled water.

Prices vary depending on ship and sailing, but can be bundled into your cruise fare.

💡 Top tip:

Watch for promotions - Celebrity Cruises often runs offers that upgrade you to the Premium Package for free.

Is it worth it?

Yes, particularly if you enjoy a variety of drinks or like trying premium spirits and wines throughout your holiday. 

Cunard takes a traditional approach with separate packages for soft drinks, hot beverages, and alcohol. While it doesn’t offer a fully all-inclusive fare, the drinks packages are a good way to manage your bar bill. 

What’s included:

• Soft Drinks Option: Unlimited fountain sodas and juices.
• Speciality Hot Drinks Option: Includes coffees, teas and hot chocolate.
• Beer, Wine & Spirits Option: Up to 15 drinks per day, each valued at $12 or less. 

Packages must be booked for the full duration of the cruise.

💡 Top tip:

If you prefer a glass of wine with dinner and the odd cocktail, the 15-drink daily allowance is surprisingly generous.

Is it worth it?

Yes, for sociable drinkers who want to enjoy a few drinks without thinking about the cost. 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines keeps it simple with one All Inclusive Drinks Upgrade package, which can be added to your fare either before departure or onboard.

What’s included: 

• House beers, wines by the glass, selected spirits and soft drinks. 
• 50% off premium drinks and cocktails.

The package is more affordable if booked in advance.

💡 Top tip:

This is one of the most competitively priced drink packages at sea - great value for those who enjoy a tipple or two. 

Is it worth it?

Yes, especially for guests who want to keep costs predictable and enjoy casual drinks throughout the day. 

Holland America Line offers a selection of drink packages tailored to different preferences, from soft drinks to premium cocktails. Many guests benefit from these packages as part of the ‘Have It All’ fare.

What’s included:

• Quench Package: Soft drinks, speciality waters, mocktails and juices.
• Signature Package: Includes everything in the Quench Package, plus beer, wine and spirits up to $11. 
• Elite Package: Adds top-shelf spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass up to $15. 

💡 Top tip:

Look out for ‘Have It All’ promotions, which often bundle the Signature Package with your fare.

Is it worth it?

Yes - especially when bundled with promotions, or if you like a good mix of drinks throughout the day. 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s drinks packages are often included as part of their ‘Free at Sea’ offer, but there are upgrade options if you’re looking for more choice or top-shelf spirits. 

What’s included:

• Premium Beverage Package: Unlimited spirits, cocktails, wine and beer up to $15, plus soft drinks and juices.
• Premium Plus Beverage Package: Includes everything in the Premium Beverage Package, plus higher-end brands, bottled water, energy drinks and Starbucks coffee.

Gratuities are charged on top of the package price, even when it’s included in a promotion. 

💡 Top tip:

Factor in the 20% service charge when calculating the cost of a free package.

Is it worth it?

Yes, especially if you enjoy a variety of drinks and want the convenience of all-inclusive. 

Oceania Cruises’ drinks packages cater to both moderate and more enthusiastic drinkers. You can also enjoy wine and beer at lunch and dinner with their ‘simply MORE’ fare. 

What’s included:

• House Select Package: Unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner.
• Prestige Select Package: Adds spirits, cocktails, wine and beer throughout the day.

💡 Top tip:

The House Select option is ideal if you only drink with meals, while Prestige Select offers full-day flexibility.

Is it worth it?

Yes - especially if you’re sailing on a longer itinerary or enjoy sipping something special during the day. 

P&O Cruises offers a flexible selection of drinks packages, with options for soft drinks, classic cocktails and top-shelf spirits. 

What’s included:

• The Refresh Package: Unlimited soft drinks, juices, and hot drinks.
• Classic Drinks Package: Spirits, wine, beer and cocktails up to £6.95. 
• Deluxe Drinks Package: Includes everything in the Classic Drinks package plus premium drinks, up to £10,000. 

All packages must be booked for the entire cruise duration and for every adult in the cabin.

💡 Top tip:

The Classic Drinks Package is often enough for casual drinkers, while the Deluxe Drinks Package is better for those who like premium choices. 

Is it worth it?

Yes, if you prefer the peace of mind of knowing your drinks are covered in advance. 

Princess Cruises offers drinks packages individually or as part of its popular Princess Plus and Princess Premier bundles.

What’s included:

• Plus Beverage Package: Drinks up to $15, including cocktails, wine, beer, speciality coffees and bottled water.
• Premier Beverage Package: Includes drinks up to $20, plus smoothies, energy drinks and premium spirits.

Packages include gratuities and can be bundled with Wi-Fi and dining benefits.

💡 Top tip:

Opting for a Princess Plus fare is often better value than buying a drinks package separately.

Is it worth it?

Yes, especially if you enjoy a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.

Royal Caribbean International offers a choice of drink packages, from soft drinks only to unlimited cocktails and wines. Prices vary depending on the ship and itinerary. 

What’s included:

• Refreshment Package: Unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, mocktails, premium coffee and tea.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: All alcoholic drinks, including spirits, cocktails, beer and wine, plus everything in the Refreshment Package.

Prices fluctuate, so it’s worth checking the Cruise Planner ahead of your sailing.

💡 Top tip:

Book early - the Deluxe Beverage Package often increases in price closer to departure.

Is it worth it? 

Yes, for guests who want variety and convenience without the final bar tab surprise.