So with Royal Caribbean announcing some changes to their drinks packages this week I thought I would take a closer look at the value aspect. Drinks packages are mainly offered by the American cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity
Cruises, NCL and Carnival. But you can also purchase them on Oceania Cruises, MSC and Costa. Most of the cruise lines will offer a soda/soft drinks package even if they don’t have an alcohol package such as P&O Cruises and Cunard.

When I cruise my partner doesn’t drink alcohol so for him we purchase a soda package and this has seemed to be good value for money when the charge is around $7 a day and to purchase a glass of coke on its own is about $3-4.

So each cruise line offers different packages with different inclusions so you always need to check fully which one you are signing up for: Some examples are as follows:

Ultimate Beverage Package
Enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass during your entire cruise.

Beverage packages must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom, additional stateroom, adjoining stateroom or travel with.

Individuals under the age of 21 will be required to purchase the Soda Program

$49.00/day

Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package
Enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, and wines by the glass during your entire cruise.

Beverage packages must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom, additional stateroom, adjoining stateroom or travel with.

Individuals under the age of 21 will be required to purchase the soda program (see Terms and

$44.00/day

    With Allegrissimo, you’re free to savour every moment, 24 hours a day, with your favourite beverage. So you can sip a fruit smootie by the pool after your morning swim, enjoy a glass of beer with your lunch, indulge in a classic cocktail before dinner, accompany your meal with some delicious wine and round off a day in the main onboard restaurants, self-service buffet and all bars (not valid in à la carte restaurants).

ALLEGRISSIMO ADULT at £20 (per day) Unlimited wine by the glass (choice of 2 whites, 1 rosè, 2 reds, 2 sparkling wines – 1 dry and 1 sweet), draught beer, soft drinks, mineral water and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails from the bar, as well as take-away ice-cream in a cone or cup.

ALLEGRISSIMO CHILD at £10.50 (per day)  Unlimited soft drinks, mineral water, fruit juices, hot drinks, virgin cocktails, smoothies and milkshakes, as well as take-away ice-cream in a cone or cup.

* This offer is available on selected departures (Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe and Antilles). The package can be booked up to 3 days before departure. It is valid for ebery day of the cruise and cannot be purchases on a daily basis. The package must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, or just travelling together and wishing to eat at the same table, including minors, who must book the Child version of the package. The package is not obligatory for Infants (0-3 years). Drinks from the mini-bar and water provided in your cabin are not included. Other excluded items are detailed in the onboard Bar List. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except the day of disembarkation. The prices are indicative and subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Please remember to book your drinks package at least a month before you travel as our drinks packages are not bookable within 21 days of departure. Children are defined as young people under the age of 18.

The All Inclusive Premium package gives you complete freedom to enjoy a vast range of drinks and refreshmentswhenever and whereever you like. Everything is included, from the pre-dinner gin and tonic in your cabin to unlimited wine and draft beer during meals and your favourite 12-year old malt wisky after dinner in any bar. The package covers unlimited beverages all day in the main restaurants, self-service buffet and bars onboard, as well as drinks from your minibar and mineral water in your cabin. What could be more refreshing?

ALLEGRISSIMO PREMIUM ADULT at £38 (per day) Unlimited wine (from the “by the glass” menu), draught and bottled beer, soft drinks, mineral water and all drinks  from the bar (including champagne cocktails, single malt wiskies, superior brandies and other premium spirits), drinks from your minibar (except on MSC Melody) and mineral water in your cabin, as well as all items from the ‘Gelateria’ menu, Chocolate Bar and Pastry Shop and food from the Room Service menu..

ALLEGRISSIMO PREMIUM CHILD at £19 (per day) Unlimited soft drinks from the bar (including energizers, fruit juices, mineral water, hot drinks, virgin cocktails, smoothies and milkshakes), non alcoholic drinks and snacks from your minibar (except on MSC Melody) and mineral water in your cabin, as well as all items from the ‘Gelateria’ menu, Choccolate Bar and pastry Shop and food from the Room Service menu.