What Cruise Line Has the Best Drinks Package? A Complete Guide

For many people planning a cruise, one question comes up time and time again: should you buy a drinks package?

With so many cruise lines offering different options – and some now including drinks as part of the fare – it can be difficult to know which offers the best value.

If you’ve ever wondered how cruise drinks packages work, which cruise line includes a drinks package or which cruise line has the best drinks package, this guide explains everything you need to know before you book.

How Do Cruise Drinks Packages Work?

A cruise drinks package allows you to pay a fixed daily price for a selection of beverages throughout your holiday, rather than paying for each drink individually.

Most mainstream cruise lines offer drinks packages that can be added before you sail or once you’re on board. Depending on the cruise line and package you choose, drinks may include:

• Tea and coffee
• Soft drinks
• Bottled water
• Fresh juices
• Mocktails
• Beer and cider
• Wine by the glass
• Spirits
• Cocktails
• Premium coffees

Some cruise lines also include extras such as gratuities and discounts on bottled wine or speciality coffees in their drinks packages.

The exact inclusions, daily limits and price caps vary, so it’s always worth checking what’s included before you travel.

What Cruise Line Includes a Drinks Package?

Not every cruise line charges separately for drinks.

Luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea and Explora Journeys include a wide selection of premium beverages as part of the cruise fare. This means guests can enjoy wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and speciality coffees without purchasing an additional package.

Mainstream cruise lines are increasingly introducing all-inclusive fare options.

P&O Cruises now offers an all-inclusive fare, which combines its Classic Drinks Package with Wi-Fi, allowing guests to enjoy a more inclusive holiday from the moment they step on board.

Similarly, Cunard has introduced an all-inclusive fare that includes a drinks package alongside hotel and dining service charges. It’s designed to make budgeting easier while allowing guests to enjoy a wide selection of beverages throughout their voyage.

Other cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean, continue to offer optional drinks packages or fare bundles that include beverages alongside benefits such as Wi-Fi, gratuities or speciality dining.

Which Cruise Line Has the Best Drinks Package?

There’s no universal answer because every traveller values something different.

If you’re looking for a truly all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is widely regarded as an industry leader, with premium beverages included throughout your voyage.

Ultimately, the best cruise line drinks package depends on:

• How much you typically drink.
• Whether you drink alcohol or prefer soft drinks.
• If you value extras such as Wi-Fi or gratuities.
• Whether you prefer premium brands.
• Your overall holiday budget.

Are Cruise Drinks Packages Worth It?

For many guests, they are.

A drinks package can make it much easier to budget for your holiday, as you’ll know most of your drinks have already been paid for before you board.

They’re particularly good value if you regularly enjoy speciality coffees in the morning, soft drinks during the day, cocktails around the pool and wine or beer with lunch and dinner.

However, if you only drink occasionally, paying for drinks individually may work out cheaper.

The key is to think realistically about your holiday habits rather than simply choosing the biggest package available.

Comparing the Best Cruise Line Drinks Packages

When comparing drinks packages, it’s important to look beyond the headline price.

Consider:

• What drinks are included.
• Whether premium brands are covered.
• If gratuities are included.
• Whether Wi-Fi or other benefits are bundled into the fare.
• Any daily price limits on individual drinks.

Luxury cruise lines often provide the simplest experience by including drinks within the cruise fare, while mainstream cruise lines offer greater flexibility through optional packages and all-inclusive fare upgrades.

Cruise Line Drinks Package Guides

Every cruise line has its own approach to drinks packages, so it’s worth reading the individual guides before you book.

You can find detailed information on:

• Princess Cruises Drinks Packages
• P&O Cruises Drinks Packages
• Cunard Drinks Packages
• Fred. Olsen Drinks Packages
• Ambassador Cruise Line Drinks Packages
• Royal Caribbean Drinks Packages
• Norwegian Cruise Line Drinks Packages
• MSC Cruises Drinks Packages

Each guide explains what’s included, how much packages cost and whether they’re worth buying.

Which Drinks Package Is Right for You?

The best drinks package isn’t always the most expensive one.

If you enjoy premium wines, cocktails and speciality coffees throughout the day, a comprehensive package can offer excellent value. If you drink only occasionally, paying as you go may be the better option.

Likewise, if you’re considering a luxury cruise, you may find that choosing a cruise line that includes drinks provides greater value than adding a package separately.

By understanding how cruise drinks packages work and comparing what’s included across different cruise lines, you can choose the option that best suits your holiday and your budget.

Book with Bolsover Cruise Club

Whether you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive cruise or a family holiday with the option to add a drinks package, Bolsover Cruise Club offers sailings with the world’s leading cruise lines.

From P&O Cruises and Cunard to Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean, we can help you find the perfect cruise – and the drinks package that’s right for you.