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Best Cruise Line Drink Packages and Bars: Complete Comparison Guide
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Why Consider a Cruise Drink Package?
Enjoying unlimited beverages is a key part of the cruise experience for many travelers
Cruise drink packages offer convenience and potential savings for passengers who enjoy multiple beverages throughout the day. Rather than worrying about individual drink costs adding up, packages provide a predictable daily rate. They typically cover alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled water, fresh juices, and sodas that aren’t included in the standard cruise fare.
Potential Benefits
- Budget predictability with fixed daily cost
- Convenience of not signing for each drink
- Freedom to try different beverages without price concerns
- Often includes premium coffees, bottled water, and fresh juices
- No need to carry cash at ship bars
Potential Drawbacks
- Must drink enough to “break even” on package cost
- Some lines require all adults in cabin to purchase
- Limitations on premium brands or expensive wines
- Daily drink limits on some cruise lines
- Not valid at all venues or private islands
Cruise Line Drink Package Comparison
Let’s examine what each major cruise line offers in their beverage packages, including costs, what’s included, key restrictions, and important tips to know before purchasing.
| Cruise Line | Package Name | Daily Cost | Drink Price Limit | Daily Drink Limit | All Adults Required? |
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | $56-$105 + 18% gratuity | $14 | None | Yes |
| Carnival | CHEERS! | $82.54-$88.44 (includes gratuity) | $20 | 15 alcoholic drinks | Yes |
| Princess | Premier Beverage Package | $84.99 | $20 | 15 alcoholic drinks | No |
| Celebrity | Premium Drink Package | $104.99 + 20% gratuity | $17 | None | No |
| Norwegian (NCL) | More at Sea Beverage Package | $30-$89 + tax | None | None | Yes |
| MSC | Premium Extra Package | $81-$104 | $16 | None | Yes |
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Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean’s innovative Bionic Bar features robot bartenders
Deluxe Beverage Package
What’s Included:
- Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, cocktails
- Soda, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails
- Energy drinks, specialty coffees and teas
- Premium bottled water
- 40% discount on bottled wines under $100
- 20% discount on bottled wines over $100
What to Know:
- Price varies by ship and itinerary ($56-$105/day)
- 18% gratuity added to package price
- $14 maximum drink value
- All adults in same cabin must purchase
- Valid on Royal Caribbean’s private islands
- Not valid for minibar, room service, Starbucks
“Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is ideal for those who enjoy at least 5-6 alcoholic drinks daily, plus specialty coffees and bottled water. The package becomes even more valuable on longer cruises with multiple sea days.”
Traveler-Favorite Bar: Bionic Bar
Royal Caribbean’s Bionic Bar stands out as a passenger favorite for its novelty and entertainment value. Robotic bartenders mix precision cocktails programmed via tablets, creating a futuristic drinking experience unique to Royal Caribbean. The mesmerizing mechanical movements and consistent drink quality make this a must-visit venue on ships featuring this innovative bar.
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Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages
Carnival’s popular Alchemy Bar offers craft cocktails in an apothecary-themed setting
CHEERS! Beverage Program
What’s Included:
- Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks
- Specialty cocktails up to $20 per serving
- Sodas, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails
- Energy drinks, specialty coffees and teas
- Most bottled water
- 25% discount on bottled wine purchases
What to Know:
- $82.54/day pre-cruise, $88.44/day onboard
- Gratuities included in price
- 15 alcoholic drinks maximum per 24 hours
- All adults in same cabin must purchase
- Not available on 2-day cruises
- Not valid at Carnival’s private islands
Texas & New York Sailings: Due to state laws, CHEERS! packages can only be activated on the second day of cruises departing from Texas and New York ports.
Traveler-Favorite Bar: Alchemy Bar
Carnival’s Alchemy Bar consistently ranks as a passenger favorite for its unique “prescription” cocktails crafted by bartenders in lab coats. This pharmacy-themed bar specializes in custom-crafted cocktails with fresh ingredients and theatrical preparation. The interactive experience of discussing your flavor preferences with the “mixologists” makes this a standout drinking venue across Carnival’s fleet.
Essential Cruise Accessories
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Princess Cruises Drink Packages
Princess Cruises’ Crooners Bar is known for its extensive martini menu
Premier Beverage Package
What’s Included:
- Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, cocktails
- Fountain sodas and juice bar offerings
- Non-alcoholic cocktails and energy drinks
- Smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees
- Bottled water
- 25% discount on bottled wine purchases
What to Know:
- $84.99 per day ($90/day for Princess Premier)
- $20 maximum drink value
- 15 alcoholic drinks maximum per day
- Individual purchase allowed (all adults in cabin don’t need to buy)
- Princess Premier package includes Wi-Fi and specialty dining
- Australia cruises priced in AUD
Traveler-Favorite Bar: Crooners
Princess Cruises’ Crooners Bar is beloved by passengers for its extensive martini menu and sophisticated atmosphere. This classic cocktail bar offers over 40 different martini variations and often features live piano music in the evenings. The combination of expert bartenders, premium spirits, and elegant ambiance makes Crooners a popular gathering spot for pre-dinner drinks.
Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
Celebrity’s iconic Martini Bar features a frost-topped counter and flair bartending
Premium Drink Package
What’s Included:
- Craft beers and premium spirits
- Cocktails and wines by the glass
- Coca-Cola products and juices
- Non-alcoholic cocktails and energy drinks
- Specialty coffees, teas, and premium water
- 20% discount on wine bottle purchases
What to Know:
- $104.99 per day plus 20% gratuity
- $17 maximum drink value
- No daily drink limit
- Individual purchase allowed
- Included for guests staying in The Retreat
- Not valid for minibar or room service
Value Tip: Celebrity often includes the Classic Beverage Package in their “All Included” fare, which can be upgraded to the Premium package for an additional fee.
Traveler-Favorite Bar: Martini Bar
Celebrity’s Martini Bar consistently ranks as the fleet’s most popular drinking venue for its theatrical flair bartending and unique frost-topped bar. Bartenders entertain guests with synchronized cocktail-making performances, often preparing and pouring multiple martinis simultaneously. The central location and vibrant atmosphere make this a social hub on Celebrity ships.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages
Norwegian’s District Brew House offers an extensive selection of craft beers
More at Sea Beverage Package
What’s Included:
- Cocktails and spirits (no price limit)
- Wine by the glass and draft/bottled beer
- Soft drinks
- $15 discount on Connoisseur Collection drinks
- Unlimited beverages at Great Stirrup Cay
What to Know:
- $30/day with More at Sea package (7 nights or less)
- $89/day when purchased separately
- No price limit on standard drinks
- No daily drink limit
- All adults in same cabin must purchase
- Not valid for minibar, bottled water, or super-premium brands
“Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion often includes the beverage package as a ‘free’ perk, though you’ll still pay gratuities of around $20 per person, per day. This represents significant savings compared to purchasing the package separately.”
Traveler-Favorite Bar: District Brew House
Norwegian’s District Brew House (found on select ships) is a craft beer lover’s paradise with up to 50 different bottled and 24 draft beers. This industrial-style pub features beer flights, comfortable seating, and sometimes live music or sports on TV. The extensive selection of craft and international beers makes this a standout venue for beer enthusiasts.
MSC Cruises Drink Packages
MSC’s elegant Champagne Bar offers premium sparkling wines in a sophisticated setting
Premium Extra Package
What’s Included:
- Draft, craft and bottled beer
- Wine and Champagne by the glass
- Premium-brand spirits and liqueurs
- Frozen and classic cocktails
- Sodas, juices, energy drinks
- Specialty coffees, teas, bottled water
- 25% discount on wine bottle purchases
What to Know:
- $81-$100/day (varies by booking time and cruise length)
- No additional service charges
- $16 maximum drink value
- All people in cabin or traveling group must purchase a package
- Valid on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
- Not available on cruises shorter than 3 nights
Traveler-Favorite Bar: Champagne Bar
MSC’s Champagne Bar is frequently cited as a passenger favorite for its elegant atmosphere and extensive selection of sparkling wines. This sophisticated venue offers various champagnes and proseccos by the glass in a glamorous setting, often with live music in the evenings. The upscale ambiance and attentive service make this a popular spot for special occasions and pre-dinner drinks.
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Is a Drink Package Worth It? Calculate Your Break-Even Point
Calculating your typical daily consumption helps determine if a package offers value
To determine if a beverage package makes financial sense for your cruise, estimate your typical daily consumption and compare it to the package cost. Here’s a simple formula to calculate your break-even point:
Alcoholic Drinks
Average cost: $12-15
Daily consumption: ___ drinks
Subtotal: $___
Specialty Coffees
Average cost: $4-5
Daily consumption: ___ coffees
Subtotal: $___
Bottled Water & Sodas
Average cost: $2-4
Daily consumption: ___ drinks
Subtotal: $___
“As a general rule, most cruise drink packages become economical if you’ll consume at least 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day, plus a few specialty coffees and bottled waters. Sea days typically lead to higher consumption than port days.”
Pro Tip: Consider your itinerary when deciding on a drink package. Cruises with multiple sea days often provide more opportunities to use your package compared to port-intensive itineraries where you’ll be off the ship during the day.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packages
Non-alcoholic packages are perfect for families and non-drinkers
All major cruise lines offer non-alcoholic beverage packages that include sodas, premium coffees, fresh juices, and bottled water. These are excellent options for non-drinkers, families with children, or those who prefer to purchase alcoholic drinks à la carte.
| Cruise Line | Package Name | Adult Price | Child Price | What’s Included |
| Royal Caribbean | Refreshment Package | $29-$38/day | N/A | Premium coffees, teas, fresh juices, sodas, non-alcoholic cocktails, bottled water |
| Carnival | Bottomless Bubbles | $9.50/day + 18% gratuity | $6.95/day + 18% gratuity | Fountain sodas and juices |
| Princess | Coffee & Soda Package | $21.95/day | $12.95/day | Specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fruit juices |
| Celebrity | Non-Alcoholic Package | $30/day | $22/day | Premium coffees, teas, fresh juices, smoothies, bottled water, sodas |
| Norwegian | Soda Program | $9.95/day | $7.95/day | Fountain sodas with souvenir cup |
| MSC | Easy Package | $46-$60/day | $23-$30/day | Selected non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, bottled water, coffee |
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Smart Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package
Bringing an insulated tumbler helps keep drinks cold longer in the sun
Pre-Purchase Online
Most cruise lines offer discounts of 10-20% when you purchase drink packages before your cruise rather than onboard. Check the cruise line’s website or your online booking portal for pre-cruise savings.
Bring Insulated Tumblers
Pack insulated tumblers to keep drinks cold longer in the sun and reduce plastic waste. Many bartenders will fill your tumbler instead of using disposable cups, and some will even give you a larger pour.
Watch for Sales
Cruise lines occasionally offer drink package sales or promotions, especially during wave season (January-March). Some lines also offer discounted packages on the first day of the cruise.
Check Package Inclusions
Review exactly what’s included in your package. Some packages include specialty coffees, premium bottled water, and fresh-squeezed juices that can add significant value beyond alcoholic drinks.
Consider Your Itinerary
Port-intensive cruises mean less time onboard to use your package. Cruises with more sea days typically provide better value for drink packages since you’ll spend more time on the ship.
Look for Bundled Packages
Some cruise lines offer bundled packages that include drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining at a discount compared to purchasing each separately.
Look for menu indicators showing which drinks are included in your package
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Final Thoughts: Is a Cruise Drink Package Right for You?
The right beverage package can enhance your cruise experience
Cruise drink packages can provide excellent value and convenience for the right traveler. They eliminate the surprise of a large bar bill at the end of your cruise and allow you to fully enjoy your vacation without constantly monitoring drink costs. However, they’re not the best choice for everyone.
Drink Packages Are Ideal For:
- Those who enjoy 5+ alcoholic drinks daily
- Coffee enthusiasts who want specialty coffees
- Cruisers who prefer bottled water
- Travelers who value convenience
- Cruises with multiple sea days
- Those who enjoy trying different cocktails
Consider À La Carte If:
- You drink only occasionally
- You’ll spend most days in port
- You prefer bringing allowed beverages onboard
- You’re traveling with non-drinkers
- You primarily drink high-end spirits
- You’re on a short 2-3 day cruise
Remember that vacation should be enjoyable without financial stress. If calculating drink costs will detract from your relaxation, a package might be worth it for peace of mind alone. Conversely, don’t feel pressured to “get your money’s worth” by drinking more than you normally would.
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