This is the big question: is it worth paying for drinks included in your cruise's accommodation and meal package, or should you buy one of the vouchers that cruise lines often sell? To help clarify things and ensure you choose the best option for your next cruise, I suggest you keep reading this article.
What does the cruise reservation include, in terms of drinks?
Generally speaking, each cruise line, especially the luxury ones, may include more drinks, but at a minimum, the trip you've booked includes meals and the beverages that accompany them. These beverages are basic: we're talking about water (still or sparkling), soft drinks, juices, coffee, or tea.
Depending on the cruise line's culture, this same package might include what we would call draft beer, or standard bottles of non-premium or non-craft beers, for example, and wines. Similarly, these aren't wines that are on the wine list; while good, they aren't top-shelf reserves or well-known brands. These are what we call premium beverages, which can also include wines.
When is it better to buy my drink pack?
When you make your reservation, they'll offer you the option to purchase a drinks package, and they'll likely already be offering a discount . What you need to consider is whether you'll actually drink it all or not. It's similar to an open bar; some people find it worthwhile, while others don't. In any case, you'll have the opportunity to reserve your drinks package before boarding.
Once you're on board, you'll also be able to do it , although the price will increase. Airlines usually say that advance reservations allow them to stock up on what you'll consume, and the rest is a risk they take. In short, you'll likely have to pay up to 20% more , generally, for the same beverage package.
Pullmantur Packages and All Inclusive
For example, Pullmantur's All Inclusive package doesn't include some wines, whiskey, rum, or certain gins , so if you like to enjoy a good whiskey, you'll have to add it to your account.
To be fair, I have to tell you that Pullmantur offers a Refresh Pack where you can enjoy unlimited canned soft drinks for just €6 , and the Total Pack, which for €14 lets you choose any brands from a wide selection of beverages. Keep in mind that these drink packages, and the Pullmantur All Inclusive package, are personal and non-transferable. This means you can't share drinks with other passengers, so the cardholder can't order more than one drink at a time or within what's considered a reasonable amount of time to consume it.
MSC drink packages
With MSC Cruises, you need to purchase a package if you want unlimited drinks. This package is for both adults and children; for children, it includes unlimited soft drinks, mineral water, fruit juices, hot drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails, slushies, milkshakes, and ice cream.
To put it simply, what you consume in the restaurant is included in the fare, the rest will have to be from a drinks package.
Other examples of shipping companies offering beverage packages
Since 2016, Norwegian Cruises has offered all its cruise passengers unlimited drinks such as beer, wine and spirits, at no extra cost.
Costa Cruises offers a wide variety of beverage packages, all with appealing names like Giovani, Piu Gusto, Pranzo&Cena, Bridiamo, and more. Some packages are for adults only, while others are family-friendly. Package prices range from around €25 per day , with a minimum of €12 and a maximum of €40 per day. The best way to explore all the options is to choose the one that best suits your needs.
And if you want more information not only about drinks, but also about what other services are included in your ticket, I recommend this article.