Choosing the right drinks package can make your cruise holiday more relaxed, enjoyable and great value. Whether you enjoy a refreshing cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner or a mix of soft drinks and coffees throughout the day, the right package helps keep everything simple. Because every cruise line offers something slightly different, comparing them side by side is the easiest way to see which one suits your holiday style.
Cruise Line Drinks Package Comparison Table
| Cruise Line | Package Levels | Alcohol Included | Soft Drinks Included | Speciality Coffee | Premium Spirits | Included with Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambassador Cruise Line | 3 levels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Premium) | No |
| Azamara | Standard, Premium, Ultimate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Ultimate) | Yes (standard drinks) |
| Celebrity Cruises | Classic, Premium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Premium) | Yes with All Included (Classic) |
| Cunard | Beverage Collection, Coffee, Soft Drinks | Yes (Beverage Collection) | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Holland America Line | Signature, Elite | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Elite) | Ye,s with Free at Sea |
| MSC Cruises | Easy, Easy Plus, Premium Extra, Non Alcoholic | Yes (most packages) | Yes | Yes | Yes (Premium Extra) | Sometimes included |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Unlimited Open Bar, Premium Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Premium Plus) | Yes with Free at Sea |
| P&O Cruises | Classic, Refresh, Alcohol Free | Yes (Classic) | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Princess Cruises | Plus, Premier | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Premier) | Added as a bundle |
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe, Refreshment, Soda | Yes (Deluxe) | Yes | Yes | Yes (Deluxe) | Star Class includes premium drinks |
| Virgin Voyages | Bar Tab | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Bar Tab) | Yes (essential drinks) |
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador offers three drink packages, each with clear inclusions. This makes it easy to choose the right fit for your holiday.
Soft Drinks and Coffee Package
This option includes unlimited soft drinks, juices, teas and coffees. It is ideal for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages or simply enjoy hot drinks throughout the day.
Classic Drinks Package
In addition to the drinks above, this package includes house wines, draft and bottled beers and standard spirits used in everyday cocktails. It also covers mocktails and a variety of hot beverages.
Premium Drinks Package
This tier offers premium spirits, higher quality cocktails, sparkling wines and Champagne. Because it provides the broadest range, it suits guests who enjoy a wider selection.
Azamara
Azamara offers a naturally all-inclusive approach. Standard drinks are already included for every guest, so you can enjoy wines, beers, spirits and coffees without buying a package.
However, you can upgrade for even more choice:
Premium Package
Adds enhanced spirits, a larger wine list and additional cocktails.
Ultimate Package
This is the most comprehensive option, featuring top-tier spirits and a wider range of premium wines.
Suite guests receive further beverage benefits included in their fare.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity is known for modern bars, quality mixology and a strong drinks programme. When you book the All-Included fare, you receive the Classic Drinks Package.
Classic Drinks Package
Includes beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and speciality coffees. It provides a balanced range for many guests.
Premium Drinks Package
For a broader selection, this upgrade includes premium spirits, Champagne, upgraded wines and craft cocktails. You’ll also enjoy more speciality coffee choices.
Guests staying in The Retreat receive this Premium package as part of their experience.
Cunard
Cunard offers elegant lounges and a timeless drinks offering. Although drinks are not included as standard, you can customise your holiday with several packages.
Beverage Collection
Includes wines, beers, spirits, cocktails and speciality coffees up to a set menu price. This is the most flexible option.
Soft Drinks Package
Unlimited soft drinks throughout your sailing.
Premium Coffee Package
For guests who enjoy café-style drinks, this package includes speciality coffees and teas.
These packages suit travellers who appreciate traditional service and classic drinks.
Holland America Line
Holland America blends premium comfort with a relaxed onboard atmosphere. Many guests choose the Have It All fare, which includes drinks.
Signature Beverage Package
Covers spirits, beers, wines, cocktails, speciality coffees and soft drinks up to a set value. It’s well-suited to most guests and is included in Have It All.
Elite Beverage Package
This option includes top-shelf spirits and higher-end wines for guests who prefer an expanded selection.
MSC Cruises
MSC offers a wide choice of packages, giving you the flexibility to tailor your drinks experience.
Easy Package
Includes house wines, draft beer, classic cocktails, mixed drinks, soft drinks and hot beverages.
Easy Plus Package
Adds frozen cocktails, margaritas, additional wines and higher-quality spirits.
Premium Extra Package
Covers almost all drinks onboard, including premium cocktails, Champagne, bottled water and high-end spirits.
Non-Alcoholic Package
Includes mocktails, smoothies, coffees, teas, juices and soft drinks — perfect for families or guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s drinks packages form part of its well-known Free at Sea upgrade.
Unlimited Open Bar
This package includes spirits, wines, cocktails, beers and soft drinks up to a set menu price.
Premium Plus
For more choice, this upgrade includes nearly all drinks onboard, including Champagne, top-shelf spirits and bottled water.
P&O Cruises
P&O provides simple, easy-to-understand packages.
Classic Drinks Package
Covers cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, coffees and soft drinks up to a set value.
Refresh Package
Includes soft drinks, juices and hot drinks.
Alcohol-Free Package
Features mocktails, juices, smoothies and speciality coffees.
Princess Cruises
Princess offers bundles that include drinks and other useful extras.
Princess Plus
Covers cocktails, wines, beers, speciality coffees, smoothies and soft drinks. It also includes Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Princess Premier
Adds premium spirits, high-end wines and additional onboard perks.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers flexible drink package options.
Deluxe Beverage Package
Includes cocktails, wines, beers, speciality coffees, bottled water and soft drinks.
Refreshment Package
Covers mocktails, fresh juices, speciality coffees and teas.
Classic Soda Package
Unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle.
Star Class suites provide enhanced drinks as part of the fare.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin includes essential drinks for all sailors, including still and sparkling water, soft drinks, juices, teas and regular coffee.
Virgin does not offer traditional drink packages. Instead, guests use a Bar Tab, which can be topped up before sailing. Virgin often adds bonus credit as part of promotions.
Bar Tab can be spent on craft cocktails, premium coffees, wines, beers and specialities across all bars.
RockStar suite sailors enjoy even more elevated beverage perks included in their stay.
Virgin is ideal for adults who like flexibility and high-quality drinks without set package rules.
Which Drinks Package Suits Your Holiday Style
If you enjoy a couple of drinks throughout the day
A classic or mid-tier package usually offers great value.
If you prefer premium wines, cocktails or spirits
Upgrading to a higher-tier package gives you the widest choice.
If you prefer not to drink alcohol
Look for non alcoholic or refresh packages with coffees, juices and mocktails.
If you are travelling as a family
Soft drink or minors’ packages can help keep costs predictable.
If you prefer everything bundled together
Packages like Princess Plus or NCL Free at Sea offer excellent convenience.
Need Help Choosing the Best Drinks Package
If you want personalised guidance, the team at Paramount Cruises can compare every cruise line and help you choose the best option for your holiday. We can also highlight current offers and make sure everything is clear before you sail.
Contact us today and let us match the ideal drinks package to your next cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Drinks Packages
Is a drinks package worth it on a cruise?
A drinks package is worth it if you usually enjoy several drinks per day, including cocktails, wine, soft drinks or speciality coffees. When purchased in advance, a package can work out cheaper than paying per drink. Guests who only have the occasional drink may find that paying as you go offers better value.
Do both guests in a cabin have to buy a drinks package?
On most cruise lines, yes. All adults sharing a cabin must purchase the same alcoholic drinks package to prevent sharing. Some cruise lines make exceptions for guests who do not drink alcohol and allow them to buy a soft drinks package instead.
What is included in a typical cruise drinks package
Most cruise drink packages include cocktails, wines, beers, spirits up to a menu value, soft drinks, juices, speciality coffees and teas. Premium packages usually add top-shelf spirits, Champagne, premium wines and a wider cocktail selection.
Which cruise line has the best drinks package?
It depends on what you enjoy.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer excellent cocktail variety and premium upgrades.
MSC Cruises provides strong value with several package levels.
Norwegian Cruise Line includes drinks with Free at Sea.
Virgin Voyages uses a flexible Bar Tab system suited to adults-only cruising.
The best choice is the one that matches your holiday style.
Are drinks included on all cruise lines?
No. Some cruise lines include selected drinks as standard, such as Virgin Voyages, Azamara and Celebrity Cruises with All-Included. Others sell drinks packages separately, including Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess and Royal Caribbean. Most lines include water, tea and standard coffee for free.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?
Policies vary. Most cruise lines allow each adult to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onboard. Spirits and beer are usually not allowed. Alcohol bought ashore is often held by the ship and returned at the end of the cruise.
What happens if a drink costs more than my package limit?
If a drink exceeds your package limit, you only pay the difference between the drink price and the allowance. Some premium packages have no price cap and include almost all drinks onboard.
Are gratuities included in drinks packages?
On many cruise lines, a service charge is included when you buy the drinks package. This means gratuities are covered when you order drinks onboard. Some cruise lines include gratuities automatically within the package price.
Do drinks packages work on private islands?
Yes. Most cruise lines allow you to use your drinks package on their private islands, including Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, MSC’s Ocean Cay and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay. However, it’s always worth checking your itinerary.
Can I buy a drinks package for only part of my cruise?
Generally, no. Drinks packages must be purchased for the full duration of the cruise and cannot be bought for selected days only.
Are there non-alcoholic drinks packages?
Yes. Every major cruise line offers a non-alcoholic package with soft drinks, juices, bottled water, speciality coffees, teas, mocktails and smoothies. These packages are ideal for families or guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.
