Your Definitive Guide to Drinks Packages at Sea: What Really Floats Your Boat

• The "All-In" Advantage: Learn how prepaying for your drinks can lead to a worry-free, "wallet-free" experience on board.

• Line-by-Line Breakdown: From Azamara's inclusive approach to Cunard's wine collections, we detail what each major line offers.

• Something for Everyone: We look at non-alcoholic, children’s, and specialty hot drink options for those who prefer to skip the spirits.

The variety of drinks packages available at sea is more diverse than ever. Whether you are looking for an all-inclusive alcohol experience or a simple soda package for the kids, there is a tailored option to suit your holiday style.

Pre-purchasing a package often means bottomless bubbles, specialty coffees, or a tempting discount on fine wines, allowing you to leave your credit card in the stateroom safe and enjoy a truly stress-free voyage.

Here is your definitive guide to the drinks packages offered by the world’s leading cruise lines.

Azamara

Azamara keeps it simple and sophisticated. Your cruise fare already includes select standard spirits, international beers, and a changing daily selection of two red and two white wines by the glass. If you want to enhance your choice, they offer:

• Premium Package: Includes a wider selection of bottled beers (plus Heineken on draught) and select spirits.

• Ultimate Package: Upgrades to a vast variety of wines by the glass, specialty espressos, and bottled water.

• Wine Lover & Connoisseur Packages: Perfect for oenophiles, these packages offer access to between 50 and 80 different bottles of wine from the ship's cellar.

Carnival

Carnival is all about the "Fun Ships," and their drinks programmes reflect that high-energy atmosphere.

• CHEERS! Beverage Programme: A comprehensive package covering all spirits (including cocktails), wine, and beer by the glass, plus sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water. Note: Only one drink is served at a time, usually with a short "wait time" between orders.

• CHEERS! Zero Proof: Perfect for those who want the premium experience without the alcohol. This package includes unlimited specialty coffees, non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails), energy drinks, bottled water, and sodas. It’s the "pro" way to stay refreshed from the Serenity Deck to the nightclub.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers some of the most refined packages at sea, often bundled into their "All Included" fare options.

• Classic Drinks Package: Covers an array of beers, spirits, and cocktails up to a certain price point, plus sodas and bottled water.

• Premium Drinks Package: Upgrades the selection to premium brands and includes a 20% discount on bottles of wine.

• Stateroom Bar Setup: For those who prefer to mix their own drinks, you can pre-order a bar setup with your favourite spirits and mixers delivered directly to your cabin.

Costa Cruises

Costa provides a range of options tiered by age and preference, perfect for their Mediterranean-style voyages:

• My Drinks: Includes coffees, soft drinks, beers, and a great selection of wines and liqueurs at any time.

• My Drinks Plus: Specifically for cocktail lovers, including a wider selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, plus premium labels and minibar access.

• Giovani (Youth): A non-alcoholic version for ages 4–17, including smoothies, juices, and hot chocolates.

Cunard

Cunard’s "A World of Drinks" brings a touch of class to your refreshment choices, available across the entire fleet.

• Beers, Wines & Spirits: Includes Cunard’s own craft beers, an array of spirits, and wines by the glass, plus a discount on bottles of wine.

• Premium Soft Drinks: Unlimited refreshments including freshly squeezed juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, and specialty hot drinks.

• Wine Collections: Choose from the "Captain's" or "Commodore's" collections to create your own tailor-made selection of 6 or 12 bottles.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney is unique in that it does not offer traditional "unlimited" alcoholic packages. However, soft drinks during meals and at the 24-hour beverage stations are included in your fare. Alcohol is charged per drink at the various themed lounges, though wine and beer "packages" (for a set number of bottles) are often available.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

More than half of Fred. Olsen guests opt for the All Inclusive Drinks Upgrade, providing great value for UK-based departures.

• Standard All Inclusive: Covers selected soft drinks, house spirits, ciders, and beers by the glass.

• Premium Savings: Guests on the all-inclusive upgrade receive a 50% discount on premium brands, cocktails, and bottled water.

Holland America Line

• Elite Beverage Package: The "cover everything" option, including premium spirits, cocktails, and all non-alcoholic choices.

• Signature Beverage Package: The classic choice for standard spirits, wines, and beers.

• Quench Package: A non-alcoholic alternative for specialty coffees, juices, and mocktails.

Marella Cruises

Marella is famous for its All Inclusive as standard approach on the majority of its fleet.

• Included as Standard: Draught beer, cider, house wine, and a selection of spirits and cocktails are all part of your fare.

• Premium Upgrade: A small supplement allows you to gain extras like premium gins, vodkas, and all drinks from The Coffee Port.

MSC Cruises

MSC offers several distinct drinks package tiers to ensure you only pay for what you actually drink.

• Easy & Easy Plus: These cover house selections and a solid range of standard cocktails.

• Premium Extra: The top-tier package, including all drinks by the glass up to a high price point, including champagne and premium spirits.

• Alcohol-Free & Minor’s Packages: Specifically designed for those who want sodas, fruit juices, and even soft-serve ice cream.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL’s "Free at Sea" promotion is one of the most popular ways to secure a beverage package.

• Unlimited Open Bar: The standard choice for spirits, cocktails, and wines.

• Premium Plus: For those who want the very best, including Veuve Clicquot, top-shelf whiskies, and unlimited Starbucks coffee.

P&O Cruises

P&O offers straightforward packages, which must be purchased for the duration of the cruise.

• Ultimate Drinks Package: Includes almost everything behind the bar, from Costa Coffee to cocktails and craft beers.

• Non-Alcoholic & Children’s Packages: Focus on unlimited sodas, juices, and specialty coffees.

• Hot Drinks Package: Perfect for the British cruiser, offering unlimited Costa coffee and Teapigs teas.

Princess Cruises

Princess has streamlined their offering into two main tiers often included in their "Plus" and "Premier" fare bundles.

• Plus Beverage Package: Covers a vast selection of spirits, wines by the glass, and all specialty coffees.

• Premier Beverage Package: Upgrades to premium spirits and high-end, hand-crafted cocktails.

• Classic Soda & Coffee: For those who want the refreshments without the alcohol.

Royal Caribbean

• Deluxe Beverage Package: The all-encompassing option for cocktails, spirits, beer, and premium coffee.

• Refreshment Package: Includes non-alcoholic cocktails, fresh-squeezed juices, and a Coca-Cola souvenir cup.

• Classic Soda: Unlimited fountain soda refills throughout the entire voyage.

Choosing the right package depends entirely on your personal habits. If you enjoy a specialty coffee in the morning and a few cocktails by the pool, an all-inclusive package often pays for itself very quickly.

Are you ready to toast to your next adventure? Our specialist cruise consultants will help you find the perfect drinks package, ensuring every moment of your holiday is as refreshing as the sea breeze.